Jumeirah college | ExpatWoman.com
 

Jumeirah college

6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 21:20

Hi (first post so nervously typing!),

have been offered a place for DS1 to start at Jumeirah College (year 8) in April and wondered if there's anyone out there can that can give me a bit of feedback about the school. Lots of people have said 'DC is the only option' but I have, so far, been more impressed dealing with JC than DC. DH is a little concerned after listening to other's comments and is not sure whether me and the kids should stay in the UK to complete their education. I want us to all be together as a family and give it a shot out there and would like to speak to people with experience of JC.

Thanks (very much) in advance

6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 01:34
Thanks very much for your input. It's much appreciated. We've decided to go for it and have accepted the offer of a place and DS1 is due to start in Year 8 in April. I keep saying to myself that people more often regret the things they don't do rather than the things they do do! Now, fingers crossed that DS2 gets a secondary school offer soon!
682
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 19:31
I pulled my son out of Repton last year and put him in JC. We are much happier here. DC as someone mentioned is very selective...they take the cream and get great results...but what credit goes to the school? JC on the other hand takes mixed abilities children and works on them to get them results almost as good as DC. True that DC children stand apart from the crowd. I believe there is pressure on performance...If your child thrives on stress and is an over-achiever...DC may be the place for him. I knew my son was not the DC type so did not really pursue it whole-heartedly. JC lags behind in on-site facilities...know friends who are very happy with DESC.
44
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 22:05
Hi both my DS and DD are in GEMS schools (big age difference so one soon to go to uni and the other still in primary). They have both excelled and love their schools probably because of the great teachers they have. Yes it is a 'for profit' organisation but it has been a great experience in learning for them. Declaring an interest here my DH works for one of these schools and his contract was for 2 years and we were adamant that was it. We are still here 6 years on because my child has done so well and we did not expect him to achieve so much so we thought why mess with what is working. The best school for your children might be gems or another but make sure you and your children have seen the school, like the curriculum and know what is best for your child. Schools are an emotive issue here you need to make the right choice for your family.
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 15:00
Thanks for your reply. True, we've has lots of people with different ideas but it's great to hear from someone whose child has experienced it. We've been looking at schools first then will broach the next difficulty of finding a home! Thanks again.
56
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 07:26
Schools os such an emotive topic here and you will get very varied opinions, I would therefore only listen to opinions of those who have first hand experience of the school in question. DC are the most selective school in Dubai however the results at GCSE / A Level are only comparable with JC, there is no huge gap in overall results. DC has better onsite sports facilities than JC which is a profit making school, as are many others. Our family experience of JC is good, our child did far better than anticipated in GCSE's / A Levels based on prediction when they joined the school at year 10. Hoping my youngest will go there in the not too distant future. The head at JC is good, honest with an open door policy and is liked by the students too. Also factor in where you will be living, DESC is a good way out if you plan to live Jumeirah / marina end of Dubai. Hope that helps.
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 23:24
Thanks very much for your advice. We came over at Christmas (when all the schools were shut unfortunately!) and lots of people had different opinions about schools which made us both a bit nervous I think! No, have not looked into DESC but will have a look into it now. Didn't realise what a minefield schools can be over there! I'm a primary teacher and can't believe how many jobs are around to start in Sept so agree with you on the staff turnover front. Just want kids to be happy, especially since DS1 wants to stay in UK and DS2 can't wait to get out there and join his dad!
4
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 22:22
Have you looked into DESC? It's a great school - ranks up there with JC. AND, it's independent. We looked at DC, JC and DESC for our son. DESC was our first choice hands down. The facilities are excellent. It has a great reputation academically. Low staff turnover, which is unusual for schools in Dubai. Good luck. I hope you and your kids are happy with your choice where ever you end up.
 
 

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