Chewit | ExpatWoman.com
 

Chewit

Chewit
298
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Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 13:06
DESC seems to have a fairly inclusive policy. I know of kids from both ends of the academic spectrum who were offered places. They did their intake in waves. People were being still being shown around the school while offers had already gone out to others. It seems strange that someone should have been rejected from the first day of applications. I suspect there is more to that story. Before you think about uprooting your child from school, give DESC a call and have a chat about the admissions proceedure/policy. Ask for some information about the number of places they have available to outside applicants and the number of applicants they have for each place. They wont give you a guarantee, but they can at least give you last years figures. No point in basing such a big decision on rumour.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 11:37
I've been using a strange machine at my gym (It's at the Meadows Town Centre - Bodysmart, I think). You wear a kind of suit that creates a vaccum around the parts where you want to shift weight. You then exercise on either an upright or reclined cycle machine. Apparently, it increases the circulation to thoses areas which then helps to shift the weight. Sorry, not well explained, but it has really worked on my stubborn bits. They do tend to nag me about my diet though!
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 11:25
Just to set your mind at rest, there were not many kids went from Kings' to DESC last year, because not many applied. I guess it is at the wrong end of town for most of them. Plus there was a mistaken belief that places would be offered at JC as had happened in previous years. Only siblings, locals and one arm twister got a place at JC from Kings' in the end. All the other places were taken by GEMS students; the admission test was a formality. Anyway, I think that most of those who applied in time were offered places at DESC. Of course there are other options; EC, DBS etc
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 09:02
Same problem at the Safa Park junction. I never get a clear run at it these days and am starting to take circuitous routes to avoid it.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:15
Oh please don't lump "maid info" in with the other already-covered topics. I LOVE maid threads and really miss them on the main forum. I also used to enjoy the heated school debates. Pure voyeurism, I know, but he entertainment value has definitely dropped. Thing is, if we only log on for info, then the reduced traffic will also reduce the amount of advice on offer to people who really need help.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 11:34
Can I just say that the British curriculum schools actually follow the English curriculum, which is quite different from the Scottish system of education. Some would say that the Scottish system is closer to the IB. It really depends on the age of your kids. If they are at primary school, then I would stick to the English curriculum, but for secondary, it may be best to work out which type of schooling would suit your child. Maybe contact some Scottish universities and colleges to find out about their entry requirements. You could find that the attitude towards the qualifications are different from English unis. Finally, if you are planning on returning to private education in Scotland, there are only a few that do English A levels :)
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 09:19
It sounds as though your phone is downloading packet data, particularly as this is happening overnight. At the start of a new month it will will be particularly bad as most updates are put on the system on a monthly basis. There is an option in settings, on your phone to disable packet data downloads; make sure that you have done this. Also, if you go to any du outlet, they can look up your phone credit usage and tell you where it went. I know that it is a bit of a hassle, but I went to the one inside Virgin in Mercato Mall, and the guy was very helpful. He will probably advise you to purchase some credit for data downloads, but I find that it works just as well to turn off the data option completely. Good luck!
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 11:20
I don't think that it was an animal rights problem, more of a religious issue.
Chewit
298
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 10:07
I was told that due to some dispute over the method of killlling the cows, Bovril was removed from shops in the UAE.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:30
I too become attached to my undies (not literally), but I don't think that a new owner would feel the same way about my baggy grey smalls. Bin every time.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:24
The roads here are very chaotic, but on the up side, the drivers are very forgiving. If you make a stupid mistake or late decision, they don't bat an eyelid because it's completely normal here. I found learning to drive in the UK was really intimidating; people expected you to be perfect from the outset. Finally, keep your left foot AWAY FROM THE PEDALS! :) Some people do still drive manuals here :D True, but not the OP.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:15
The roads here are very chaotic, but on the up side, the drivers are very forgiving. If you make a stupid mistake or late decision, they don't bat an eyelid because it's completely normal here. I found learning to drive in the UK was really intimidating; people expected you to be perfect from the outset. Finally, keep your left foot AWAY FROM THE PEDALS! :)
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 16:34
Our school has an official policy of 30 minutes a night, yet frequently gives what I would call "lazy homework". You know, the open-ended research or design a poster, etc. So, I have a policy of my own, which is to time the kids for 30 minutes, let them stop, then write a note under the unfinished work explaining that they have done their allocated time. I have been doing this for 4 years and not one teacher has had a problem with it. If I feel that the work is truly enriching or that they are enjoying themselves, then they go on for as long as it takes. I feel that it is possible to take control of home learning, at least at the primary stage.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 16:06
My money's on Bruce Forsyth being next So far - Savile, Jim Davidson, Max Clifford, Stuart Hall, Bill Roache, Rolf Harris, Gary Glitter, Freddie Starr. What is wrong with these people???? Please don't rob me of my entire childhood.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 16:05
We had 2 boys done at Safa Vets last year, and they only took the very tip of the ear off; hardly noticable. I did ask if it was enough, and they said that if the ear outline was even slightly different, then that was fine. As an earlier poster said, the shaving around the stomach cut would be the giveaway. It doesn't grow back fully until the scar is healed.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 15:46
It's Rolf Harris that bothers me the most. Do they have anything concrete on him?
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 13:30
Both of my kids had an end of year 6 party at Club Rush and it was really more trendy than dressy. I saw a lot of jeans and pretty tops, but no "prom" style dresses. They mostly just played on the computers and threw popcorn at each other anyway :)
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 13:26
If your DD is only four, then I wouldn't worry too much about the secondary situation. Seven years is a very long time in Dubai, and new schools are popping up all over the place. This has been a really tough year for many people going on to secondary. I have several friends with no school sorted out for September, but once the new schools are up-and-running there shouldn't be a problem.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 11:09
Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but what's the fascination with rain on this site? It's puzzled me for a number of years now!! Judging by your user name, you are definitely not on the same page as the rain watchers :)
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 09:39
I am also struggling to find school shoes for my son that will accommodate his orthotics. He is at that difficult child to adult size (UK 7ish), and has very wide feet. The adult mens shoes all seem to be too narrow and mincy.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 09:36
I think this shows that there is a case for men covering up too; protecting us women from our baser instincts.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 09:37
I think that you would have to be either very lucky or very persistent to keep your child with activities chosen for them at the age of 5. This only tends to work if the parent is the coach/teacher or creates a "culture" around the activity. My kids have tried everything going, and while DS dropped as much as possible, DD just kept collecting activities and refused to give them up. Finally, with both now in their early teens, they have each found a set of activities that they love. The struggle now is to find enough hours in the day to fit in the practice and training.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 16:11
Do they live in your food cupboards? We've been having problems with flying weavelly type things for a while now. They seem to go to the kitchen to die.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 16:07
Depending on the size of the table, Games Workshop sells gaming mats, which are essentially a roll of fake grass. Your best bet for finding that in Dubai would be Park n Shop on Al Wasl Road. It's a bit hit and miss as to whether it is in stock though.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 13:34
Apparently, no new school from now on is allowed to use "college" in their name. I think that they want to reserve the college title for further education establishments. Obviously existing schools (JC, DC etc) will keep their current names.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 09:55
Kings' has not been delayed (yet). However, they have been told that they are not allowed to use the the name "Kings College" so I think it will be "Kings' School" if you need to do a search on it.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 12:10
My son was asked twice at the DM Grand if he was over 16. They even approached him during the film (torch in face and three members of staff) to double check. That was for Skyfall.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 10:09
Existing year 6 Kings' students have already been asked to pay a deposit; they seem to be confident that the secondary school will be up-and-running. The contingency is that they will keep the years 7 and 8 in the current primary school until the facilities are completed, in which case, there may be only a very limited number of places available to external candidates. All gossip and rumour though :)
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 09:23
I would like at least one of my children to manage a cake shop. Having said that, my brother used to be a waiter at a posh restaurant and brought home the most delicious meringues at the end of the evening. That would be fine too.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 12:20
In an ideal world, the schools would send out all of the offers in the same week, parents would have 10 days to confirm the place and put down a hefty deposit. The problem is that some of the people who are lucky enough to work for a company that pays the deposits would still reserve more than one school, then hang on to them until the bitter end.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 11:42
I totally agree. It is a hugely stressful time for families who are trying to make plans for their future. Several people that I know are trying to make a decision on whether they need to to go home or not, but can't decide until they know about the Dubai school places. New jobs, accommodation and schools will have to be found at very short notice. On the other hand, I know people who are holding places at three different schools. Totally selfish.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 08:49
is it still the case that you cannot donate if british due to the foot and mouth those years back? I think that the problem was CJD. I was given plasma in 2000 and can't give blood in the UK. I presume that I can't give blood here either. It's a bit scary to think that I might have something lurking in my system from all those years ago; my brain could dissolve any minute...now...
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 15:24
I actually had a pretty bad experience at Mr Madhu's. He gave me a discount at the the time, but one year on, I am having to have the whole lot done again. Worked out very expensive in the long run. I wouldn't go to him for anything more than a simple filling.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 10:58
Yes, it is quite a heavy drug. The dosage needs to be carefully monitored and the blood tests done on a regular basis. I was given 30 mg for three months then it was cut down to 20 then 10. My dermatologist told me that you would find doctors prescribing 60 mg and above to relatively young girls. She said that this was both dangerous and unnecessary. I did get very dehydrated and my lips needed constant moisture. The results were great for the duration of the treatment, but I have noticed that the oil production on my face has increased again. I was told that this would not happen. Is it worth it? Well I guess that depends on how bad your condition is.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 12:06
Lulu's in Al Barsha. Upstairs.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 11:52
Difficult to say. As a parent, you don't get to see the paper. The most you will know is if they have been offered a place at the school or not.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 11:45
Looks like children in war forum in here. Mau10 just asked to re home her cat, she didn’t ask for your advice what to do with the cat! If you feel so sorry for the cat, just propose to adopt it. Full stop. We have so many reasons to re home our cats. Like you wanting to re-home your fluffy white cat because of a new family member?
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 15:18
Surely jc.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 15:17
The only change that I would like to make, would be listing the posts from oldest to newest. That way I wouldn't have to scroll through the whole page to read the original post.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:01
The wheels on my LG fridge crumbled within one month of the warranty ending. It was one year old and we do NOT ride the thing around the kitchen. Whirlpool dishwasher lasted 2 years and Campomatic (I know) fridge lasted 2 years until the handle fell off and the back cracked open and started leaking. The repair men put chewing gum on the crack. It didn't help.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 08:54
Call them now...
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 10:20
Just to play devil's advocate, my maid frequently stores items in my spare room until she can find a home them. She lives in one tiny room with no storage facilities. When a kindly person offers her something, they usually want the thing to be gone immediately, so she has no option but to walk away with it there and then. The network then swings into action, and word goes out that there is a water cooler, an old bike, whatever, available if someone wants it. Finally, a pick-up is arranged. A great recycling system, but it all takes time, so there can be storage issues. I know for a fact that these items are not stolen, as I generally know the donors. On the other hand, a brand new bike..?
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 11:25
I couldn't work out from the article what they were actually going to tax people on. Is it money earned in the UAE or is it on any money sent back to the UK?
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 11:09
I got the same subscription a few years ago but got sick of the delivery guy throwing the paper on the drive for me to pick up (what had not blown away) after I got home from work. I even got one of their delivery boxes but even after endless phone calls the delivery guy never used it. Me too. I never read the paper, so I couldn't face the waste. It was like having a huge amount of junk mail to dispose of every day. I would pay 60 AED for someone NOT to deliver the paper. <em>edited by Chewit on 13/12/2012</em>
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 23:13
Oh dear, I had hoped that there would be some relief for secondary applicants this year. Any reasons given?
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 15:04
I must admit, i felt uncomfortable a lot of the time when we went earlier this year. Lots of men/youths, not many good manners on show.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 11:59
Oh dear, I need 38/39 too. Will try Decathalon, thanks Egg.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 16:50
Thanks HM, I'll check them out. Adjustable are probably a good idea for the kids.
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:38
How about Dragonmart? I need to fill quite a large space and could use some bling. Do they have a decent range?
Chewit
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 11:25
Be careful, I don't think that the vouchers are valid during Eid.
 
 
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