Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
675 |
| Most common nationality |
Emirati |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
83% local : 17% international |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Arabic |
For children who need extra support in English there is the Learning Support Centre (LSC) where they have the opportunity to develop the skills of speaking, reading and writing at a rate that is more appropriate for their understanding. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Dar Al Marefa provides additional support to children with special needs. The purpose of this support is to ensure that learners that are having difficulties with basic literacy are identified and provided with the support that they require to confidently meet the challenges of a bilingual curriculum. |
| Learning support offered |
The PYP Learning Support Centre provides this support through the use of in-class and withdrawal-based programs and in collaboration with parents, class teachers, Learning Support Assistants and outside agencies. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Cooking club, math club, drama, football, taekwondo, silk painting, science club, guitar, ballet, drums, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, puzzles and board games, scouting, accessories designs |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Outdoor playgrounds, multi-purpose indoor gymnasium, outdoor sport fields, swimming pool for preschool |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Dar Al Marefa offers a bilingual education in Arabic and English with a strong emphasis on the respect of local culture and values. The school's highly qualified teaching staff challenges its students to be active learners, while the educational programs and classroom practices involve team-working collaboratively and inquiry-based learning in order to fully engage our students and help them reach their full potential. Dar Al Marefa is an IB Diploma school. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
All students participate in stimulating and challenging curriculum programs in the major areas of study, including Languages, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social and Environmental Studies, Physical Education and Health as well as the Arts. The fundamental concepts that lead the education are holistic learning—representing the notion that all knowledge is interrelated and that the curriculum should cater to the development of the whole person. Cultural awareness and a focus on our Islamic values go hand in hand with intercultural understanding—representing the notion that school communities should encourage and promote international-mindedness by respecting the school's own culture before engaging with, and exploring other cultures. Dar Al Marefa Curriculum is based on encouraging thinking skills, independent researching and learning like searching in the libraries and through the web. Also, scientific experiments are done in laboratories. Educational activities are organized frequently, where students can learn from their own experience and improve their research and communication skills. |