Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Number of students |
1700 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
80 |
Most common nationality |
Indian and Emirati |
Ratio of local students to international students |
15% local : 85% international |
Native English speaking teachers |
The teaching staff is primarily from the United Kingdom. Teachers from Arab countries teach Arabic, AFL and Islamic Studies. All teachers at DIS are experienced and possess certification in their field of instruction in addition to their university degrees. |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as Secondary Language |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic, French, Spanish |
Max. number of students per class |
27 |
Average number of students per class |
25 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
DIS won the prestigous International Schools Award (ISC) in 2021 for Use of Digital Technology in the classroom. Educational Technology at Deira International School helps to meet the needs of teachers and students in applying methods and mindsets for integrating technologies in lessons. The teachers at Deira International School push student educational technology limits, and inspire them to try new tools in their own learning on daily basis. This gives our students the power of networked collaboration and learning so that they can build a compelling professional e-portfolio that showcases their deep engagement with ideas and technologies. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. The tools vary based on the age of the students. More information can be found on our website. |
External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE, GCSE, BTEC, IB Courses, IB Diploma and IB Certificate |
Results in these examinations |
The students of Deira International School have achieved outstanding IGCSE results in 20321, with 54% of all results were A*/A or equivalent, with 80% at A*-B. The IB2 cohort also graduated with superb results, showing further improvement year on year.
|
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
Learning support offered |
Our vision within the inclusion department is to create an inspiring, inclusive and aspirational learning culture in a supportive and stimulating environment that engages, enhances and promotes achievement. Our aim as teachers is to know every student well, support them according to their individual needs and build quality relationships which enables all of our students to achieve or exceed their potential. Our purpose is to provide a distinctive educational experience and take every student on a journey of self-discovery, helping them to realise the qualities they possess and prepare them for the challenges of the fast-changing modern world. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The School supports students with all types of educational needs including those who are regarded as gifted and talented. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. An Educational Psychologist visits the school on a weekly basis to meet with students and families if necessary. |
Entry evaluation for students |
Entry assessments take place and are used to ensure we understand the needs of all our students. |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
The assessment tests include English and Mathematics according to specified level of entry. |
Waiting list |
Depends on the grade level. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Rolling admissions takes place throughout the academic year. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. Subject to the KHDA rules and regulations. |
School start time |
7:50 am |
School finish time |
K1 and K2: 12:30 pm
|
Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. DIS provides after school care for students waiting for older siblings. |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
DIS offers an extensive after-school activities programme. Extracurricular sports include boys' and girls' football, basketball, rugby, tennis and swimming. A vocal and instrumental programme offers a broad range of musical study. Band, chorus, dance and art programmes are also offered along with other academic and non-academic programmes. |
Sports activities included |
A range of activities including but not limited to: netball, basketball, rugby, football, dancing, tennis, weights (depending on age) swimming, waterpolo etc... |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, the school competes against other schools in the area. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Two outdoor 25m swimming pools, two indoor gymnasiums, three large outdoor astro sports fields including full size football pitch, real grass Rugby grounds and cricket pitch, cricket nets, indoor and outdoor basketball and netball courts and outdoor tennis courts. We are located in beautiful Festival City, on a spacious and well resourced campus. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Deira International School (DIS) is an English curriculum school. Deira International School occupies an expansive campus in Dubai Festival City and provides a rich and comprehensive academic programme complemented with a broad spectrum of athletic offerings and vibrant arts programmes. An Esol Education school, DIS is part of a network of exceptional international schools around the world in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Nicosia and Lebanon. DIS offers students a high-quality education based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales and incorporates the strengths of the students' own cultures. The school's goal is to develop students' basic skills, as well as their capacities for critical thinking and creativity. In addition to cultivating a passion for learning, the school aims to promote the students' all-around development, their character and their sense of civic responsibility. The school's facilities are amongst the best in the Middle East. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, and the school is an IGCSE Cambridge Examination Centre. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the most recognised qualifications around the world. The school is fully authorised to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and is a pilot school for the IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC). The curriculum is designed to ensure an easy transfer to other countries, should the necessity arise. |
Teaching approach of the school |
Teaching and learning is the central activity of DIS school, supported by a curriculum that is the basis of all the school does with the students in the school's care. DIS curriculum maximises the learning for all students, recognising and celebrating diversity and engaging all students in intellectually challenging learning experiences. It provides students with clear guidelines on what they are learning and how they will be assessed. It involves a range of teaching strategies to meet different learning needs and explicit teaching to support students’ learning. It provides opportunities for students to develop and strengthen their required knowledge and skills, thus maximising their capacity to make positive and significant contributions to an evolving global community. The School’s Philosophy and Mission Statement guides the understandings and skills DIS values and wants students to demonstrate. It necessitates that in each class and in every lesson, students will develop a deep understanding of the key concepts in each learning area, in ways that respect differing styles of learning. The curriculum sets out clear requirements, expectations and principles of learning and teaching. DIS expects its curriculum to generate excellence and equity in student learning outcomes, and provide opportunities for students to develop their intellectual tools and strategies, thus enabling them to think for themselves, and to manage their own learning. One of the key ways the school is raising standards at DIS is by observing what is happening within its own classrooms, from these observation the school highlights both good practice and areas for development. Sharing these studies with staff is crucial to the school's self improvement and assist the school on the journey to outstanding. |