Curriculum - Primary School

The PS Curriculum at DIS offers a broad and balanced approach to learning based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales, but adapted in some aspects to cater more appropriately for the international context in which the school operates.

The key learning areas for Foundation Stage are Communication, Language and Literacy, Mathematical Development, Knowledge & Understanding of the World, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Creative Development and Physical Development.

The key learning areas for Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3-5) are Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Humanities, (History and Geography), Information and Communication Technology, Art and Design Technology, Physical Education, Music, Arabic or Arabic as a Foreign Language, Islamic Studies (for Muslim students) and French (from Year 5).

Middle School Curriculum

The Middle School provides a curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, exploratory, and culturally sensitive.

By the end of Year 7, we believe students should be able to demonstrate an ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate clearly, and be able to learn and work independently and with others.
Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 (years 6 and 7) Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History/Geography), Arabic/AFL, Islamic/Special Islamic/Project Studies, French, PE, Art/Design Technology, Music, ICT, Life Skills, ‘Beyond the Classroom’ (Outdoor Education).

Secondary Curriculum at DIS

DIS employs a holistic approach to education which promotes the student’s full intellectual, physical, moral and social development. The curriculum is International although based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales and awards the IGCSE certificates.

The curriculum is designed to ensure an easy transfer to other countries, should the necessity arise. The language of instruction at Deira International School is English. Strong Arabic and Islamic Studies programmes are offered in accordance with Ministry of Education requirements. Moreover, special Islamic classes and Arabic as a foreign language (AFL) are required for non-native Arabic speakers.

At Key Stage 3 (years 8 and 9), students follow courses of study in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, Art and Design, Design and Technology, History, Geography, French, Physical Education, Music, Drama, PSHE, (and Islamic Studies for Muslim students).

At Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11), students follow courses of study in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, Arabic/AFL, (and Islamic Studies for Muslim students).

The above are the core subjects which all students take to examination level at the end of year 11. These will be IGCSE examinations. Each student elects other subjects which can either be a continuation of those already studied or completely new areas. Three subjects are chosen from the following: Geography, History, Drama, Music, Business Studies, Economics, Art and Design, Design and Technology, French, Physical Education

Students also follow non-examination courses in Physical Education, PSHE.