Blue413 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Blue413

Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2015 - 12:28
It is a bit misleading.....the children at NAS that sat their exams in June were those that were taking language exams early. The secondary school is only open up to year 10 at the moment so the school's results won't be properly indicative for another year or 2 minimum. BUT it is a good school!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 08:37
The visa will be for 30 days and apparently you can continue to do visa runs indefinitely. I've done it with my 2 children 3 times without any issues at all. We hire a driver to take us and the round trip takes 3 hours. I have always paid in cash for the Omani visa by the way. Let me know if you want the telephone number of the driver we have used, he is friendly and a very safe driver who can speak Arabic as well as English.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 16:57
It's still here many hours later! Although my initial reply did get edited a bit within about 30 seconds of posting! I think there is room in the world for both, EW and Facebook. Xx
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 08:16
Dubai British mum's group is good- loads of stuff for sale.I'm not sure how strict they are about having British credentials though! x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2015 - 22:28
Meanwhile, over on another social media site there is a maid drama involving the wrong coloured lids being put on felt tip pens!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2015 - 21:22
My son is in year 4 and my daughter is year 8 at NAS. From my experience I don't know any children that do not have excellent English skills. My son's teaching in year 4 has been brilliant and is moving at a much faster pace than his previous school in England. I have nothing to complain about. My children started in the third term and did not take an entrance exam. When I queried this I was told that they were accepted on the evidence provided by their previous school reports and the recommendation forms. I believe the school is academically selective, but rates qualities such as politeness highly too.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2015 - 13:30
I agree- there are a lot of very rude people in Dubai, mostly whilst they are driving! But there are also some lovely polite people too. The security guy at my children's school always smiles and says hello. He is at his desk all day and is never grumpy. Also I find almost all shop/cafe/petrol station workers to be really pleasant. I know in England we say 'thank you' about a million times per transaction, but I feel it is meant more genuinely here. If only everyone could learn to use indicators and show some consideration on the roads then I would be happy x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2015 - 12:39
I've done Weightwatchers online before and it's ok, but if I were you I would download MyFitnessPal and use that instead. It's free and helps you know if you are eating a balanced diet or not (I hadn't realised that I eat far too much carbohydrates and not enough protein. Also I rarely eat enough calories). Good luck x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 17:06
I would ask Miracle Gardens which pesticides they use.....and then do some internet research. Some are more nasty than others, and some of them stink!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 17:02
We decided on NAS because...... They had places for both our children It is British curriculum The school isn't huge The facilities are very good (and were finished!) The lady who showed us around was lovely My children are very happy there despite the early starts and long days! Admittedly we only saw 4 other schools- one GEMS one was too big, Kings that wasn't finished, one that could take my son but not my daughter and a very scruffy, cramped one! So not much competition really.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 16:15
Hi If you forced me to say something that was not as positive about NAS then..... I would say that the time spent teaching Geography and History in the secondary school is too little (1lesson for each per week). This won't affect your child for a while yet obviously! And I know that the timetable is limited because 3 hours a week is spent teaching compulsive Arabic so there is little they can do.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 08:32
I agree, go and have a look around the schools. This forum will not give you an unbiased point of view because parents will almost always favour the school that their children go to. For me one of the most important things was the size of the school and the number of classes per yer group. My son is 8 and had spent his time at school up to coming here at a very small village school in England. I didn't want him to feel completely overwhelmed by the number of other kids- some of the schools have 10 classes per year and over 3000 in total! Another consideration is where you plan to live.......and how your child is going to get to school. Ideally you would actually get the school place first and then get accommodation. My children go to Nord Anglia and I would recommend it to anyone. When I was deciding we went to see Kings Al Barsha and the secondary school hadn't been completed and there were rumours that they were having cash flow issues........but as previously said, don't just take my (or anyone else's) word for it! Good luck x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 09:07
The Al Murooj Rotana is nice. They have a couple of outside pools and gyms you can use. There are a few shops really close (Phamacy, supermarket and food places) and it is just over the road from the Dubai Mall. I've no idea of cost though! X
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2015 - 07:31
You don't need a return ticket.......nobody checks. I came with my kids in April without one and it was fine. The visa you get at the desk in the airport lasts for 30 days and then you will need to leave UAE and re-enter. The easiest way to do this is by road into Oman. There are companies that will take you on a minibus for about £50 to do this, otherwise you could go by private taxi for around £150. Good luck x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2015 - 07:25
Are you really not allowed to write in rhyme? I think something went on before my time.... I realise now that no food should be mentioned As I have seen some resulting tension But can anyone tell me if there's really a rule That means that I am not supposed to end this verse with anything that might possibly make a poem! X:sun:
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2015 - 18:45
I bought my son a Minecraft t-shirt in M&Co last year in the UK, so might be worth a look there! Good luck
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 21:56
I've never done it, but I think you could get away with it if you had a mint first and then just offered her one. She would think you were being rude if you didn't offer that way. Next time just do it......what's the worst that can happen!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 19:17
Thank you! That's brilliant x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 18:25
Thanks! Do you know which pharmacy might have it?! X
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 13:10
Hi, I'm hoping someone can help.....I need to get the progesterone only pill and my local pharmacy (Life) doesn't stock it. I have been using Microgynon in the UK and am coming to the end of my last packet. I don't care which brand I have, but would much rather just keep taking progesterone on it's own rather than combined with oestragen. Any ideas? Thanks in advance x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2015 - 17:47
If you want to save money on the hotel why not stay somewhere a little out of London. I come from Hertfordshire and my home town of Hitchin is only 20 minutes by train from Kings Cross....... If I was in London for just one day I would definitely do the London Eye (but only on a clear day!), maybe the London Dungeons, Borough food market if it's on, possibly the Tower of London, or HMS Belfast, or Camden Market, a West End show, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey....... Have a great time and be careful (keep your mobiles and wallets out of sight, and rucksacks in front of you). You will love it......x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2015 - 19:30
Maybe they found some volunteers?.............:biggrin:
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 18:48
Hi, this is a genuine question........do some ladies that do not work have maids? I am not judging just curious. Thanks x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 08:32
Someone should publish a book of the best ones..........
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 08:29
My advice would be to visit as many of the schools as possible and then get a school place before deciding where to live. The schools vary in size, some are just primary whereas some are from 3-18. You need to decide which curriculum you want your daughter to learn (US, British or other) too. The schools differ in the emphasis they place on languages and their general ethos too. We looked at around 5 schools and they were very different in reality to their websites! So it is really important to visit them in person. Good luck with your move x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 09:24
Blue 413 - if you check the calendar on the 'parent portal' it states Monday is also Half Term... Cheers My password is refusing to work on the parent portal, but I checked with my son's teacher and they are definitely open again on Monday! X
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 20:31
Nord Anglia is also closed Monday too! I just checked the calendar on the website.......it only mentions Thursday and Sunday. Where did your info. come from? I feel like I've missed something!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 20:26
Oh goodness, really?! Thanks for letting me know! X
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 19:03
I can only give you my opinion on Nord Anglia because this where my children go...........I think it's a great school- the staff are helpful and approachable, the PA is very active, the school building is lovely and most of all the children all look happy to be there (obviously not so much at 7.30am on a Sunday though!). See as many schools as you can and hopefully one will stand out. Good luck x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 18:57
This is so sad. Unfortunately I do not have a permanent address yet so can't help. I really hope someone will come to his rescue long term. When I finally do get an address to call home I will be happy to foster, I will be in touch. All the best x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 18:50
Nord Anglia has this Thursday and Sunday as holidays.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 21:20
Hi, can you get a taxi to take you on a visa run? If so, how much would this cost from Downtown? Thanks x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2015 - 08:33
My children have just started at Nord Anglia straight from UK schools, it would be worth seeing if they have spaces. Also I have seen a lot of positive feedback about Safa Community school. Good luck with your move.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 19:37
Sorry I thought that OP was asking for a British school in UK!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 19:34
Surely they will realise this is too much of a tight squeeze! Maybe you could move into a hotel for a break! Good luck, and count to 10.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 19:31
I would have thought around £16000 pro rata at least.Check out job sites for similar admin jobs.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2015 - 10:02
Can anyone recommend a good orthodontist for my 13 year old girl. She has fixed braces on all her teeth and Her last appointment was in the UK. Many thanks x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 19:04
It is a legal requirement to have your child in school in the UK, so if you don't want to go down the private school route the local authority must find you a place in a state school. Most of the children, if not all of them, on waiting lists will already have school places in the UK and so I would think your children would have a greater priority. I do know that class sizes, especially in secondary school are more flexible than a rigid maximum of 30. I imagine I will have the same issue in a couple of years when I return to the UK. My plan is to contact the local education authority, explain the situation and keep my fingers crossed that they can squeeze them in somewhere! Good luck with the move back.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2015 - 11:56
The article says that the police officer was already talking to a group of people when the guy tapped her on the shoulder. If he had not been so rude as to interrupt, and waited until she was free to deal with him then whole situation would probably not have escalated. 6 months seems a bit harsh but being polite and respectful should be the social norm in all cultures, especially to police officers. Only people present at the time actually know how obnoxious the tourist was, luckily cctv will demonstrate this to the court. I expect he won't go around interrupting people in future.
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 08:43
But why do so many people have an issue with her accent? I'm surprised that in a place where you hear so many different English accents all day long that hers is a problem. Personally I don't mind it!
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2015 - 11:53
I have just come from the UK and my son in year 4 has been taught multiplication/division for at least 2 years in an ordinary non-private school....so I think you should be concerned. But I suppose it may depend on whether the child in year 5 is good at maths or not. If he is struggling with addition/subtraction then there may be a reason why they haven't moved on to more complicated maths. My children have just started at Nord Anglia and this week they are holding a couple of meetings to explain their primary calculation policy. They have sent parents a booklet to explain what is expected at each level. I would visit the school and ask them to explain their curriculum to you too. If your child is nearing secondary age then I would think twice about Kings Al Barsha. We went to visit in January and the secondary section of the school was not built and I believe building is still ongoing by the looks of things from the road. Good luck x
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2015 - 08:40
Hi, we have only just arrived in Dubai and my children started as Nord Anglia on Sunday. I have a 13 year old girl (year 8) with spelling issues and an 8 year old boy (year 4) who although he is bright has average levels in the UK. I don't know whether I was just incredibly lucky but the school accepted them both on the basis of the recommendation forms and grades from their schools in England- they didn't actually have to sit any entrance exam. Good luck with your move, I hope it goes smoothly. It is definitely worth looking at Nord Anglia, I am impressed so far and my children seem happy (but tired!).
Blue413
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2015 - 21:29
Hi, I need to get our UK documents (birth and marriage certificates) attested by the UAE authorities. Luckily I managed to get them attested by the UK government before we left, but did not have time to send them off to the UAE embassy in London. Just wondering where I can go to get the same service here? Thanks for any help!
 
 
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