ninap | ExpatWoman.com
 

ninap

ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 20:11
If you renew your visa by crossing the border in Oman it only costs dh 50 and takes about 4 hours total, driving from AD.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 20:26
The jobs in the public schools can be very challenging - you can be placed quite a way out of Abu Dhabi and behaviour , esp in the boys schools, can be poor. I have heard the syllabus is really more suitable to native english speakers, yet is being delivered to local children here. However, salary and accommodation are good - better than in the vast majority of international schools! As for the international schools - salaries and benefits vary enormously, as do the schools themselves. A handful are excellent, others pretty awful so be careful!
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 07:07
Until recently Al Ain English Speaking School was the only choice for most, although a few sent their children to Choueifat. It is a 3-18 school. However last year Aldar opened Al Ain International School - at the moment only to yr 6, but I think they plan to go up to Seniors. Brighton College are planning to open next year - if they open in the same way they did in Abu Dhabi, they will begin with FS1 and go up to yr 9, adding a year group each year thereafter to yr 13. I think all these schools are British Curric, def not US - some may be IB. Most americans used to send their kids to AAESS.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 14:14
Toe by Toe is good, but make sure you keep it to short regular bursts as it isn't very exciting. it was actually developed for adults with literacy problems so is not very child friendly. 5-10 mins 5 days a week is much more effective than one long session.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 15:20
Aldar schools are definitely not for profit - any surplus goes back into the school.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 19:46
Both of my children got home status - one at Russell group [B'ham'> the other at Goldsmiths. Both got home status - neither has ever been to school in the UK, only UAE. Key seemed to be the fact that DH is here on a temp contract - didn't matter that it is renewed every 3 years. Also important was having a home in the UK. All the unis they applied for asked for different evidence, but these two matters - temp contract and home in UK - seemed common to all. Good luck!
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 20:43
For sure the NECC has had non emirati children in the past. Maybe the waiting list of UAE nationals is so long at the moment that there isn't much chance. However, I know of a Canadian family who contacted them in the past month and who have been given a lot of help and advice, despite there being no place for the child. The British Learning Centre has been having some problems with their licence. Not sure what the current state of play is. Al Muna Primary [Brit curric'> has had some children on the spectrum, they may be worth contacting. Also AIS has had some with shadow support provided by the Hamed Centre.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 10:59
Quite right, but I wouldn't want the OP to not contact this centre because they were under the false impression that UAE nationals only were given places. It's vital that she contatcts as many places as possible and has as much info as she can glean. I work in the field of Special Needs so have had many dealings with NECC.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 07:28
Your initial post on this thread gives the wrong impression then bb2: [i'>also this but again locals [b'>only[/b'>[u'>[/u'>[/i'>
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 20:14
Hi, Although the New England Centre gives priority for UAE nationals, they do accept other nationalities, so it's worth contacting them. If they are unable to offer a place, I know they are extremely helpful to families with children on the spectrum. Stars for Special Abilities offers OT and SALT. The Hamad Centre for Special Needs may also be helpful.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 20:13
Al Jazeera, Sports Event channel, also HD. If you search down on this forum there is a thread with other channels, although without english commentary.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 21:46
We ended up phoning Al J in Qatar who did the step by step process for re tuning so that we got the new Sports Event Channel - so now watching game with english commentary.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 20:36
A good friend has used her and was very happy. I have used other doctors there and have also been impressed - it is extremely clean, spacious and appointment times were just 5 or 10 mins late. Doctors excellent. This will be my first choice medical centre from now on.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 20:28
I think if you are getting your tv through e life GOT is blocked - etisalat have blocked it. We get ours through a dish on the roof [OSN'> and have had no problems - assume etisalat has nothing to do with this.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 21:36
The New England Centre for autistic children is open to any one, but they give preference to local [emirati'> children, so the vast majority of children there are local. However there are a couple of non emirati children who have been accepted, so it's worth a shot.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 09:49
Hi, You need to move fast regarding your boys. The british schools I would recommend are: British School Al Khubairat [oldest school, on island'> Al Yasmina [part of Aldar group, off island'> I have heard mixed reviews of these 3 schools, from staff and parents: Brighton College Al Bateen [also Aldar'> British International School of Abu Dhabi Just my opinion!!! I know Aldar schools and BSAK have started taking applications for next academic year, hence the need to move fast. Find their websites [only one I know is www.britishschool.sch.ae '> on google and they will let you know the application process. Regarding your daughter, I understand getting places in Special Needs schools is difficult. Try contacting The Future Centre and New England Children Centre [sorry, have a feeling that isn't the correct name'> and I am sure they can give you more advice. Abu Dhabi Education Council is keen for more inclusion, so it could be that in the not too distant future more opportunities will be open. In the local newspaper a few weeks ago there was an article about an autistic girl at Al Muna [again an Aldar school'>. I think it said she is 10 or 11, so will need secondary school soon - Al Muna feeds into Al Bateen [already mentioned'> so will they be making arrangements for her? Again, maybe worth contacting them. Hopefully someone with more info will post. Good luck. edited by ninap on 06/01/2012 <em>edited by ninap on 06/01/2012</em>
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 08:42
There is also the new Jumeirah Etihad Towers and the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana [which is dry'>.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:38
I had to post something urgently to the UK last week. DHL will deliver next day, but you need to get it to them mid afternoon. It cost an eye watering dh240 [it was just a letter, not heavy'> but I got a text from them when it was delivered. Office is on Airport road, near Babyshop.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 16:59
Al Bateen [primary section'> will go up to year 6 in September.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 13:49
Unfortunately Al Bateen will only go up to Year 9 for the first year, adding a year group thereafter, so this will be no good for your older child.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 06:52
You need to apply asap. School places can be hard to get, esp in the younger years. However, the expat community is very transient and places can pop up when you have llost hope!. Contact: British School Al Khubairat Al Yasmina [both schools are FS1-Yr 12/13'> British International School [think they go up to yr 10'> Pearl Primary Brighton College Al Muna [these schools will only be suitable for your younger children - Brighton is brand new and will only go up to yr 9 next year'> These schools are all UK curriculum. You will probably need to take whatever you can get and unfortunately may have to put your children into different schools. However, you can keep their names on lists and hopefully transfer [although when is another story...'>. Good luck.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 21:36
You can find the 0% fat fromage frais in carrefour [although we haven't had any here in AD for 2 weeks'>. I much prefer it to the yoghurt. I cook my meat in the George Foreman grill.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 20:39
A friend who is a huge F1 fan recommended the west grandstand; it was also the first to sell out. It's a bit of a walk to the concert arena and the oasis, but in terms of best view for the actual race, then this grandstand is best. Make sure you don't choose row A or B - although it's right at the front, you have a barrier thing in the way. We were west grandstand row C and had a great view. Enjoy!
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 11:59
one from primary. a few are going from the aldar schools and bisad too.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 17:34
I feel it was unfair of BC to compare the academic results of BSAK to Brighton College - BC is selective, BSAK is not. I went to the presentation with an open mind - felt that the head is very professional and a really good communicator . However, many of the things he said are already done by good schools [a decent kindness/bullying policy for example'> so the only things new are: mandarin/latin; separate science for gcse. How will subjects like latin and mandarin work with the very transient school population here when there is only one teacher - ie kids coming in with no knowledge of these langs? Also, "hoping" to cap class sizes at 18 is not the same as saying classes will not be over 18. Don't get me wrong - I very much hope BC will succeed - it will make the other schools take notice and may encourage them to make changes - I have already heard, for example, that BSAK are thinking about offering separate science gcse s in the future [only hearsay mind!'>
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 20:50
We were 100% truthful when providing the info the various unis asked for and played comepletely straight. I don't feel we went through any loopholes, we gave the facts, provided the evidence and were given home status. Someone asked earlier whether we have a house in the UK - yes, we do and were able to provide copies of utilities bills [which we pay, along with council tax and NI, although the NI was never asked about'>. Unis can ask for v different things - Brunel asked for passport stamps; Sheffield asked for plane tickets; Leeds wanted hardly any paperwork.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 19:54
Have been through this with my kids who were not born n the UK but have british passports. They got home status at all the unis they applied for. They have never been to school in the UK. Each uni asked for different thngs, but basic seems to be: proof in your contract that you are here temporarily and that it is your intention to return to the UK that if it were not for your husband [or your'> job abroad your kids would have been educated in the uk utility bill from uk address proof of ownership of uk address one uni asked for entry and exit stamps from uae, although couldn't prove that we were in uk as no stamps given there Hope this helps. It is unfair to comment on whether this is unfair or not, imo, it's just the way it is.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 12:00
The souq busybee2 is referring to is the new Central Market. Went there the other day - there is underground parking. The building itself is very nice, lots of wood and coloured glass windows. More and more shops are opening, there are a couple of places selling spices, a good perfume shop selling french perfume [in plain bottles, supposed to be the real stuff and does smell like it!'>, a few jewellery shops. Lovely shisha cafe on the roof, and a few nice places to eat.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 11:53
Only one museum is actually built on Saadiyat at the moment. The current exhibition is Treasures of Mesopotamia, exhibits are from British Museum and Al Ain. There is a lovely restaurant /coffee place there with a nice outside area too. It is well signed on the road out from AD to Yas, don't know about coming in the other direction.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 19:23
Al Ain is about an hour and a half drive and the journey up to the top of Jebel Hafeet is quite long, so if you go to the mosque you are not leaving much time for anything else in AD. You could go to the Heritage Village, Ferrari World/Yas Island. You can go for coffee at the top of the tower in Marina Mall. Falcon Hospital would be too long a trip.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 09:59
I think the one you are after is the AD Sport box - we got ours from C4 at the beginning of the sason for dh999, but I think they are cheaper now. I thought you had to have their box , but reading Waxmuch's post seems this is no longer so. This gives all the Prem games. However, husband also paid around dh 400 for an al jazira card which goes into the OSN box - I think [but am not sure'> that there is another slot for a second card. This gives him Champions League games and some Eng championship. Not sure about FA cup, am fed up with the hundreds of remotes we now seem to have. <em>edited by ninap on 10/04/2011</em>
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 13:51
Highly recommend cruising, though can see may not be for everyone. We go with P and O from Southampton. Check their website, they have some v good summer offers [Summer Starts Here promo'>, inc some to the Baltic region.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 20:22
Our [very comfortable'> ikea sofa has been discontinued, but i got new covers from bemz.com - delivered here too. they do covers for all current and discontinued ikea chairs, sofas etc.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 18:25
I know it's even further away, but a month ago i got mine at sheikh khalifa hospital {SKMC'> in Abu Dhabi[we live in AD'>. You need the prescription with 3 pharmacy stamps to say it isn't available. It was a fairly easy procedure and even better the expiry date is Jan 2012. PM me if you want any more details.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 07:37
Does anyone know if you can buy the oat bran stuff to make the pancakes here?
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 16:32
Absolutely agree. It's a real shame the municipality has allowed them here. I would like to think that people won't go [wherever they are'> then these kinds of circus would cease to exist.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 19:58
She didn't work there either - that was Maureen Chapman.
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 19:46
ninap
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 19:12
[ i thought that Mr S M and Mrs H M G were the ones in charge of sixth form? Yes they are, and they help with the completion of UCAS apps, but they are not responsible for careers advice. They are helpful if aplying for their particular subject field, but if you have a child who simply isn't sure which subject they wish to pursue at degree level, there is no one with responsibility for general careers advice. My daughter was fluctuating between several different degree subjects. I spoke to the form teacher who admitted that there wasn't really anyone to help and to bring it up with head of Seniors.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2011 - 20:58
My dd is currently in 6th form at bsak and have one who has already been through, now at uni in UK. In general I was v happy with the teachers and level of teaching. my only real criticisms - not enough careers/uni subject advice - there isn't a teacher responsible for this. Eldest was fine when doing ucas applications, but younger one really did need advice and there was no one there to give. also feel the range of a levels could be greater, particularly for arty kids. yes, there are plenty of after school activities - sports, cooking, drama, art. some are specifically linked to the a levels being studied.
ninap
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 18:54
the aldar school, al bateen, will also go up to year 9 in sep. The new head is now here and based at Al Muna. School is on track to open on time.
 
 
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