Lack of school facilities- when do you give up waiting and change schools?

LP I would start looking for another place now. It's completely unreasonable to make you pay school fees to finance facilities which don't exists. 5 years is way too long to wait for basic facility such as a pool. It's completely unfair as most expats will spend a limited number of years here and you should not finance the facilities for future expats. Who where you'll be in 5 years? You should now start looking for new places and the school are now doing the registration process for next year. Also it's not uncommon in DUbai to change schools as a lot of them have issues.

Hi little Poppet Following on from your comments about music ([b'>[i'>The school *does* have music within its curriculum and that is fabulous and part of the holistic education of the child that we do appreicate about the school. There is a depth of talented teachers in that field, which is why it is dissapointing that there are not the facilities to match- ie ECA Music lessons or the auditorium or availabilty of instruments. My concerns are around facilities not curriculum.[u'>[url=[url='>link[/url'>'>link[/url'>[/u'>)[/i'>[/b'> can I just clarify if ECA music means extra curricular music as in peripatetic lessons? If this is the case then I agree that such provision is indeed important. There is much debate currently about the creative curriculum worldwide and educational research is very clear about the benefits to all, not just children, of learning to play and appreciate music. I am not so convinced that an all singing/dancing auditorium is a pre-requisite for the full development/nutrure of creative skills so long as there is an adequate performance space. Mozart performed for much of his life in small venues and it didn't inhibit the development of his talent... But I do accept that an auditorium can offer performance possibilities that other spaces lack... I think my feeling about instrumental provision is similar to the auditorium issue. There are places here in Dubai that offer instrumental rental. and whilst it would be a happy occurance for schools to organise this for parents, parents committed to their chikd's music education are most likely to look beyond school provision anyway. The education system here is still very much in its infancy compared with other parts of the world. Music education in some parts of the world remains undervalued and undiscovered. It is my hope that Dubai will be different in this sphere and take up the mantle of the creative curriculum and move towards the development of excellence in all the creative arts.... Parental power can be a great force to drive this. What it needs is enough people to sing from the same hymn sheet :-)

I know which school you're referring to and I find it a bit funny because I am sure the OP is one who has been harping on about the school and how great it is (sorry if I'm wrong). We used to be at the school but moved awhile ago when we got into our school of choice. The classrooms and teachers at the school you're referring to are great, but it is so much better as your kids get older to have a proper playground, tennis courts, pool etc. Did you not notice when you looked around that there was one tiny play area outside for the little kids, and just one big patch of uneven grass for the rest? I hate to think what will happen as the school gets bigger. There were that many excuses when we were there about the pool that we left. I should add that my kids are into their sports so we were very keen for proper sports facilities. We plan on staying in Dubai long enough to warrant the upheaval of moving schools so that would definitely be something to consider.

I've been following this post closely as this is where I've put DD down for FS1. When I went for the tour around November time the headteacher actually informed us that the swimming pool would be ready for Sept 2011! As regards the auditorium I don't think that would be anywhere finished in DD's life time at the school as far as I can see its just a big shell. I think S are doing well after only 2 years, R is still not finished after 4. I think most schools are the same, full of ****

I've been following this post closely as this is where I've put DD down for FS1. When I went for the tour around November time the headteacher actually informed us that the swimming pool would be ready for Sept 2011! As regards the auditorium I don't think that would be anywhere finished in DD's life time at the school as far as I can see its just a big shell. Personally I think that as soon as everything is up and running their school fees will shoot up as well. <em>edited by Babyrat on 04/02/2011</em>

Ok - so DS is also very bright, but that can sometimes be very hard to access.... Which is why, despite some niggles we will stick where we are. An example of great teaching I saw in DS class, was building physical activity - star jumps- into there maths lesson- fab for 5 year old boys, and god knows all kids today could do with more exercise. Have you thought about tae Kwon do? DS loves it, it's very structured, physical, but also teaches great discipline. I think DS's instructor s fantastic, let me know if you want his details. As for teacher saying or implying DS is a full on little "sh*t" - the bright ones often are(ESP if not challenged), and discipline in the classroom comes back to her/him. Why don't you look at other schools "window shop", make a list of the things that are really important for you, and see if you can find somewhere that fits the bill and that you like. It doesn't cost anything to look, only if you apply;) Also someone made the comment that they do PE 3 times a week.... Big deal.... Kids need to have physical activity every day, and several times a day, interspersed amongst sedentary activities , to learn well..... <em>edited by Mrs Laughan on 04/02/2011</em>

LP - so many things will come into your decision to change schools or not....one of the big things is how does your DS cope with change? MY DS does not at all well, so although we have niggles with his school this year, we will not move him next year, except if something major happens. However his school at present ticks the majority of boxes. I am pretty sure I know what school you are talking about, and to honest, if my son was there and coped with change well I would move him. My DS is high energy, and at his current school there are many different out door "playspaces" that the kids can run, jump and climb in. It is one of the things that DS school does really really well. It is very easy to dismiss, it as just "play" but children get so much from it - so important for developing the muscle groups, and particularily for boys, for burning of energy so they can sit and concerntrate. There are so many studies that show that for boys to learn well, they need to have that gross motor stuff, and movement, that girls just don't seem to need to the same extent. On another note, when we were looking at schools, the one that I think you are referring too was mentioned . We decided not to apply for 2 reasons. 1/ the lack of facilities, and 2/ because we have a very active boy with a speech delay(mild, due to hearing issues), (we have had him assessed by professional, other that the speech delay, nothing wrong with him, other than being a high spirited boy) we were advised by somebody who knows the school well, that she really wasn't sure how he would get on there, as they seemed to be putting a lot of stuff that should be managed in the classroom back on the parents. We didn't want to end up in that situation. I only mention this b/c of the comments from Arohadxb. It made me wonder if although the school is "nice", that really its not such a great fit? Sorry if I have stepped over the line. <em>edited by Mrs Laughan on 04/02/2011</em>

LP, I'm in Doha not Dubai but recently underwent a similar problem and yes, I changed. Admittedly the original school was very small and had no ECA programs and I thought it would be loving and nurturing and a small community. So on that note, your current option sounds far better than my previous option if that makes sense. However, my DS is very sporty and I was running around every day to do stuff with him (coupled with the fact we live in an apartment as opposed to a villa) so he could stay active. I would have been happy to leave my younger DD at the original school however in terms of drop-off I simply couldn't be in 2 places at once. Anyway I went and really looked at other schools and one clicked with me so I put their names down and hey presto a month later we were in. The kids started 2 weeks ago with swimming lessons, ECA's, french program, etc, all the things *I* want for their education. So I say *I* because yes it was MY decision to move them, despite them being happy in the original environment. I was getting annoyed and upset by various things at the first school, and although they didn't really notice it was not they way I wanted to feel at every pick-up and drop-off. I guess what I'm saying is if it makes you feel this way perhaps it's not working? Yes the children go to school, but as parents, it still impacts our lives. I don't think you need to sacrifice his happiness to change school but you know him best, and in which environment he would thrive. I used to think why would parents change school, isn't it traumatic for the kids and all that, but now I realise it's not necessarily the case. You haven't said what age he is? My kids didn't want to change school but once I showed them around the new they couldn't wait to go. Perhaps you can take him for a visit at any options and gauge his response? Anyway just my recent story for your consideration. Good luck with your decision making.

I think I know what school you are talking about but not sure which one, but they seem to run exactly the same. I am also frustrated about the lack of facilities, lack of pool, lack of trips out, ECA's, but this school is still realtively new and has to have time to grow. I personally would prefer the school to grow slowly and still be a good school rather than it rushes into everything and the education and the fun stuff all gets mixed up and it all becomes a mess. Anyway back to your question, I think you should look at how happy your children are, sometimes it is us parents that are the ones that are unhappy when the child is very happy and is a move really worth unsettling a happy child. I know people feel strongly about ECA's and i know as parents we should not have to pay more but you can always do these classes privately if they do excel then maybe think about a move then. It is a really tricky one and yes the empty promises are wearing thin. But a childs happiness should always come first and I do sometimes think that we get a bit lost in the Dubai world and expect so much yes I know we pay for education here and should expect the best but it is not the most expensive school in Dubai and this must have some bearing on the facilities they offer. The more expensive schools are more established so charge a lot more but then they provide more. You must go with your heart and what makes your children happy.

Little Poppet, I have read your post about promises of school facilities and in particular this part:[i'>[b'>I am not going to outright name (or shame) the school as my original post was not to whinge and complain but to get a general idea if these things are 'important' or considered 'just nice to have' when choosing to keep your child at a particular school.[/b'>[/i'> Your frustration and concern was echoed in a question I posted on the forum a few weeks ago. The question was, what makes a good school? I was interested to seek the views of all forum members as it seems that here in Dubai there is a good amount of discussion about what ISN'T a good school and, playing devil's advocate I hoped to generate some more positive discussion to balance up the debate a little. I gladly pick up the trail again this morning. Research tells us that it takes a variety of ingredients to make a good school and that there is more than one recipe. Some of the important ingredients are: 1.Buildings and a school environment which promote the highest standards of health and safety. 2.A curriculum which is designed to engage all pupils and promote a love of learning. 3.Lessons that are differentiated and targeted to meet the needs of all pupils. 4.Strong leadership, capable of sharing the school's educational vision with all in the community. 5.Well qualified staff who understand the importance of working with parents and actively do so. 6.Clear lines of communication, including the establishing of procedures such as homework, uniform and attendance . 7.An effective assessment and tracking system well as the regular and detailed reporting of pupil progress. 8.The provision of books, resources and equipment which enable pupils to maximise their potential. The provision of the facilities that your post mentions comes into many aspects of the above ingredients. The question is, do facilities such as swimming pools, canteens, libraries etc matter? My answer this morning is as follows: the activities/skills etc afforded by these facilities matter and so how does the school address them. Swimming is a part of the P.E curriculum and important but, how well is the PE curriculum delivered overall? Are the PE staff able to deliver a broad and challenging curriculum, for example in the field of dance – something that some schools struggle with and that a facility in itself can't provide. The canteen I personally believe is important. The social aspect of eating for me is best catered for (no pun intended!) out of the classroom environment. Having said that I believe this facility does not need to extend to a school catering service but pupils can share a simple dining facility with their own healthy packed-lunches. A school library provides essential opportunities for pupils to develop a love of books and important research skills associated with study. There are some rural schools in Britain which, whilst not having the luxury of an actual school library on site, at least have access to mobile library services and topic boxes delivered termly to support the areas of the curriculum being studied. With this example in mind I would say that books and IT equipment are the required essentials and an actual library is a wonderful facility to enhance the delivery of the curriculum. This list is not exhaustive but by now you will have the sense of this line of thought. Here in Dubai, much is made of the material aspects of education such as facilities and whilst not wishing to negate their importance in a good school, I hope to have raised some of the less tangible features which need consideration when choosing a school. The question of how to respond to failed promises is a whole other issue..... I wish you well in your decision making.

every school will have some problem, it's just about what you can live with. for some people, lack of pool is a deal-breaker but not for others. i would say look around but just remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Is this school in Umm Sequim? With 'sister' schools in Mirdif? If so, then you are certainly not alone with being annoyed at the empty promises. The excuses are wearing thin in this household too.

Because of the waiting lists at all of the 'most wanted' schools, other schools can afford to run like this. They will always have pupils because places are needed. Especially if it is US/UK/IB curriculum. It does make a difference as to who the owner is, some are only in it for the money, and nothing else.

hey chicka, don't mind self. you know what is best for boy...he needs summthin!

Could you get together [with other parents feeling the same way'> for a face to face with the owners and demand some answers/plans/projections so that you can make a more informed decision? Through the PTA perhaps?

I would stay put, if the child is happy and doing well academically al the other stuff you can do after school.

Back on track people!!! Who owns the school is not the issue! It's the fact that these facilities haven't eventuated. @Aroha- gosh don't I know it!! Smart yes- but I refuse to use that as an excuse for his 'high spirited' (being oh so PC and all) behaviour. The ponderings over the lack of facilities has come about when we have had reason to visit other schools recently for various events and have compared the resources available to their students for relatively similar tuition fees. Just made us wonder if we are providing the best opportunites for our child/ren. And I am not just talking bricks and mortar infastructure, but things like ECA Music lessons or similar. Think I have 'lost my happy' tday too... edited by Little Poppet on 01/02/2011 AH, let me do the lack happy . Ok, so master LP may need more than the school can provide...theres no shame in that. YOU chicka, know what to do. just call, hmmm?

anyone gonna say which school is being referred to? Is that school or School"s".

anyone gonna say which school is being referred to?

Having experienced a local owner and an Indian owner I would go for the Indian hands down That sounds sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo wude.

Having experienced a local owner and an Indian owner I would go for the Indian hands down

tkoshy, different nationalities have certain ways of doing things, and that is fact. Agree that different nationalities have different ways of doing things, but when it comes to a business in this region, how the said Indian national runs his company is pretty much on par with other businesses run by other nationals. So tempting this one to comment on! LOL <em>edited by SarkySue62 on 01/02/2011</em>

tkoshy, different nationalities have certain ways of doing things, and that is fact. Agree that different nationalities have different ways of doing things, but when it comes to a business in this region, how the said Indian national runs his company is pretty much on par with other businesses run by other nationals.

tkoshy, different nationalities have certain ways of doing things, and that is fact.

Or maybe the nationality does have some bearing.....it all depends. On what? on the way the owner does business. So, again, how does his nationality have a bearing?

or, you just suck it up and revel in your happy kids doing well in a nuturing environment. ((LP)) yr kid needs something, just dunno if is a new school. he is an incredibly bright kid, so maybe it isnt the right environment? Who knows, but, facilities? that ain t the problem chick.