sewingb

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 19:04

My kids went to Pearl; It was excellent, very friendly cosy feel while strong academically. The head teacher runs a tight ship which reflects in the behaviour and results of the pupils

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 15:26

Brighton College is a fantastic school, and only in it's second year of opening. I have really sporty boys (My 10 year old is particularly into Rugby), and they really benefit from the sporting offering at Brighton, as well as the academic and the music and drama. It maybe hard to get both children in, but really worth a go!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:50

They are between the Lebanese bakery and 4th street. They are building merchants adjacent to lighting shops. As for maintenance, I have an overhaul once a year (about October), at the same time I get my outside tables (2 - one 6 seater the other 8 seater) and chairs (14) done. It costs about 2000 AED including transport from Dubai. My tables have been going strong for 6 and 8 years respectively and the decking 3 years.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 12:13

There are a couple of carpentry, builders merchants on 11th street, near Lebanese bakery. We got our decking wood (and carpenter) from there.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 13:53

My car when I sold it had 6 months left!! it had to go through a test. The new owner then registered it in a different Emirate so it went through another test - yep 2 tests in one day!!!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 16:59

Al Bateen will have a primary school however I believe it is only up to year 4 for Sept 2011...so you are right BB2 it will not help for kissymac's twins (who will be entering year 5). Sorry kissymac, it was wishful thinking! Apply apply apply and keep your eye on the prize. Good luck to you, this is a nice place once you get settled. edited by reddirtgrrrl on 05/06/2011 Bateen have now added years 5 and 6

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 15:37

in dubai for eg, the schools that are similar to bsak call their fees sometimes debentures. Except a private debenture is repaid if and when the child leaves so a bit different I suppose. yes but in dubai they have private and company debentures Only one school (JESS) has the debenture sytem. Even schools like DESS (which is the oldest British school in UAE, almost 50 years old), have a simple "affordable", registration fee!!!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 11:42

I thought huntsmen were harmless - large and ugly but harmless, and like eating cockroaches!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 16:12

Just collected mine today. Prescription from SEHA, unfortunately they did not have the correct ones in stock, but Al Noor pharmacy did! <em>edited by sewingb on 02/06/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 12:44

But even if you win it is really difficult to get your prize. My DS won dinner for two last year. He was congratulated on the radio, however no one contacted us to explain how to claim the prize. I text the station for two days, with no response. I then found a phone number on the internet, was passed around radio 2 personel, and eventually was told to go to Dubai to collect the voucher!!! I negotiated and it was delivered to their offices in Abu Dhabi - it would have been easier and cheaper to just buy dinner for 2!!! <em>edited by sewingb on 01/06/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 15:49

SEHA clinics have them

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 14:02

My child is also joining year 7

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 13:46

I spoke to someone yesterday who said that they would never send their kid to Brighton as it is a school that "doesn't exist yet". As a parent who is willing to take a gamble and have a degree of faith, I can't wait for the school to show all the doomsdayers how good it is going to be. I agree - I appreciate that I am an exception to the rule (secondary school child turning down place at BSAK), I also have been in the Emirates 20 years, and have watched the Reptons, the BSAK's and the Aldar schools evolve.... at the end of the day it is what works for you and your child. My DD will so benefit from maximum of 4 small classes per year, and the expansive curriculum. I can't wait!!!!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 11:11

The common Entrance exam (I think) is a standard exam used by a large number of Independant schools in the UK for 13+ entry. Each school states the percentage that a child should attain to be accepted at their school e.g 55% or 60%. It is great because we can measure our children here in Abu Dhabi with the independant school sector in the UK. Like Abudhabired, I too have turned down a BSAK place. It may be a risk - but a risk worth taking!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:33

The turnout was amazing- frankly, I didn't expect so many parents- goes to show how many are looking around for places for their children. The presentation was good- we didnt stay long enough to meet the staff- thought it would get very crowded. There was a question which I wanted to ask, but didnt quite have the nerve to- was about how they would deal with issues of "colour" or how they would deal with bullying- they did say they had an unkindness policy, so I hope all will be okay- we are Indians and it worries me about what my daughter may may have to deal with.. Oh well- can only cross my fingers. Good Luck to all of us.. I was wondering if mums would want to meet up with their kids to see if the kids could make friends before school started- My daughter is 5 years old now and goes to a montessori here in Ab dabs. She has been accepted for Year 1. Did anyone stay ling enough to ask how many sections/classes per year they would have etc? Brendan Law said there that the school was desigend with 4 x classes per year group and "about" 18 children per class. It was a very professional and well prepared evening. I believe if they deliver only 80% of their vision, it will still be impressive. The combination of the strong curriculum and the small class sizes and numbers wins it for me! <em>edited by sewingb on 27/04/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 16:18

I had a quick look at the site, I am not an expert, but it seems considerably more advanced than the other new builds - e.g. Bateen. I am sure that there will be teething problems, but I think that this will be out weighed by the enthusiasm and commitment to make it a success by the new staff!! Although still undecided, I am warming more to the idea of BC and it's fresh new approach! It is what is needed in the Abu Dhabi school scene!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 13:17

Absolute result!! I had two caesars and it was great. No tears/rips, incontinence issues. You can plan, because you know when the baby will be born. Just need to ensure that everything is at waist height, as you can not bend, so baby baths, pampers, wipes etc must be well located!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 15:39

SJ Aussie I am a bit confused now as the acceptance letter says you are obliged to pay a terms fees if you dont proceed with the offer. I quote directly from the declaration in the acceptance letter 'This acceptance will not be withdrawn or cancelled without a term's fees paid in lieu.' I did clarify this with BC but am going to double check. Is it just me who has this understanding? I have also read this clause, but I think that it is difficult to reclaim monies that haven't been paid! It is a problem with most of the schools. BSAK require 9,000 AED when you accept a place. Not as much as BCAD, but too much to lose and additional to fees! I suppose we just have to be bold and make a deision!!! <em>edited by sewingb on 20/04/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 19:03

Yes - I read (and contributed to the previous thread). i suppose I am still undecided having school places at BSAK and BC and was looking for other opinions, and more specifically who is going to this school I am attracted to BC by the strong curriculum and the small numbers, however of course BSAK is the "tried and tested!"

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 17:14

Presumably the lack of replies means that no one else is taking the plunge with a new school? My DS will get 1:1 teaching!!! What are the general concerns - positives and negatives??

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 12:59

Cedar Clinic Jebel Ali also does them

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 14:33

I beleive Heather Mann will be the head (Yasmina head) and the deputy will be from the Pearl. There is also going to be a new Aldar school in Mushriff. It will be from 3 -18 like Yasmina. It will open in 2011 with FS1 - Year 4. For the first 2 years it will be on the Al Bateen secondary site, while Muxshriff is being refurbished.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 15:31

My major concern with all the secondary schools in Abu Dhabi, with the possible exception of BC, is the limited offerring for GCSE. e.g only BC offers triple science!! this is a basic, and I can't understand why this is the case, considering that all secondaries in Dubai provide this choice, and does limit university and A level options!!! Is that true about secondaries in Dubai? Dubai College offer a choice of double or triple science at GCSE but English College and others only offer double though the students can go on to study any or all 3 sciences at A level regardless. Yes - you are right I was vague:- DC, DESC and JC all offer triple science, but JESS and EC do not (..and I have no idea about Repton!!!). however I am disppointed that currently neither BSAK or Yasmina provide this option.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 16:05

My major concern with all the secondary schools in Abu Dhabi, with the possible exception of BC, is the limited offerring for GCSE. e.g only BC offers triple science!! this is a basic, and I can't understand why this is the case, considering that all secondaries in Dubai provide this choice, and does limit university and A level options!!!

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