Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches

• JESS Arabian Ranches location
• Years offered
• JESS Arabian Ranches curriculum
• KHDA rating
• How to apply?
• Fee structure
• JESS Arabian Ranches transportation
• PTA and contact information

Established in 1975, Jumeirah English Speaking School Al Safa only offers primary education. However, considering the outstanding performance and the constant demand for secondary and higher levels, the school opened another branch.

In 2005, Jumeirah English Speaking School opened in Arabian Ranches, offering primary, secondary and Sixth Form education to the English-speaking community in Dubai. Children aged 3 to 18 years old study the National Curriculum of England.

JESS, Dubai is a co-educational, non-profit school with over 1,400 students belonging to 60 nationalities. Most students are British, taught by a team of 123 teachers (mostly British) and 40 teaching assistants. The teacher to student ratio is 1:12, ensuring individual attention and care.

Currently, Jumeirah English Speaking School’s KHDA rating is outstanding, an upgrade from the previous ‘Very Good’ rating. In fact, the school has been named among the best primary schools in Dubai.

Read the comprehensive Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches review to learn more.

Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches is close to the following family-friendly communities.

• The Sustainable City 
• Mudon 
• Dubai Motor City 
• Dubai Sports City 
• DAMAC Hills

The nearest community is Motor City. The picturesque neighbourhood with cobbled pathways features elegant residential properties. The community is also home to the region’s first fully-integrated motorsports facility – Dubai Autodrome.

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The purpose-built JESS Arabian Ranches campus is spread over nine acres. It has an outstanding range of facilities that fully support the curriculum.

• Music centre with digital recording studios
• Dance and drama studios
• Tennis court
• Lecture theatre
• Auditorium with 500 seats

The school continuously strives to provide enhanced exposure to students. In line with this aim, this branch opened a Sixth Form Centre in 2014 with a common room, a study hall, a kitchen-dining area and a locker room.

There is a 25-metre, 9-lane shaded swimming pool and a 10m x 15m temperature-controlled swimming pool for beginners. You will find an outdoor play area with three netball and tennis courts. The outdoor facilities also include a large grassed sports field where students can play rugby and football.

As for indoor facilities, JESS, Arabian Ranches has a 1,000 sq.m. sports hall. Here, students can play netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, trampolining and gymnastics. Across the hall is a well-equipped and state-of-the-art gymnasium. The Physical Education hall serves as a venue for dance classes.

Jumeirah English Speaking School is located in Arabian Ranches, near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

Jumeirah English Speaking School Dubai is a humble entity that holds onto its core values despite a futuristic vision. These core values help the school takes to ensure education and well-rounded student development. These values include:

• Well-Being
• Aspiration
• Community
• Achievement 
• Independence
• Integrity

Technology is at the heart of Jumeriah English Speaking School. In 2017, JESS Dubai became the Microsoft Showcase School by providing Microsoft office services to students for learning. Most of its staff, as a result, became Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEEs).

The Government of Dubai has developed protocols for schools to follow until the pandemic is over. This is an accumulative effort and approach to keep everyone safe and healthy, including students, teachers, parents, and relevant third parties.

• Sterilise the school building, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities regularly, according to the recommendations of the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management.
• Assess the temperature of everyone who enters the school building daily.
• Maintain physical distance guidelines as the relevant health authorities recommended and reduce the headcount capacity in classrooms.
• From this academic year, 1-metre distancing is recommended. Schools must take appropriate precautions to ensure that students and teachers stay physically distanced where possible.
• Buses may run at full capacity provided they comply with health and safety protocols.
• Schools shall reinstate Physical Education, swimming lessons and sports activities. Changing rooms and sports areas will be sanitised after each group of students.
• The canteen shall reopen and resume live cooking.
• School trips, excursions and holiday camps shall be resumed. 
• After-hours care, extra-curricular activities, performances, assemblies and other events at school or external venues are allowed.
• Students older than six years, staff and visitors to schools must continue to wear face masks.
• Vaccination is not compulsory. Unvaccinated school staff must submit a negative PCR test each week. Students are not obliged to submit negative PCR tests.
• From October 3, 2021, all teaching and learning at Dubai private schools will only be face-to-face. Students who wish to continue with distance learning after the stated date must provide a medical certificate issued by Dubai Health Authority.

JESS, Arabian Ranches follows the British curriculum and is divided into primary and secondary levels. Years offered include Foundation Stages until the Sixth Form.

Primary Curriculum

The primary school starts with the Foundation Stage based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. JESS EYFS curriculum is designed in a way to allow for children-initiated activities. Teachers act as guides to help children explore their surroundings outside of the academic setting.

The following seven key areas of learning are part of the EYFS curriculum.

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication and Language
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Physical development
• Expressive arts and designs
• Understanding the world

Core subjects at the primary level are listed below.

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Arabic
• Islamic Studies (for Muslim students)

Foundation courses include History, Geography, Design Technology and Art.

Secondary Curriculum

The Secondary School Curriculum prepares students to stand out in the crowd both critically and creatively. This division follows the National Curriculum of England.

Secondary level students at JESS, Arabian Ranches study the following subjects.

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Arabic
• Art and Design
• Business Studies and Economics
• Design and Technology
• Drama and Theatre Arts
• Geography
• History
• ICT and Computer Science
• Islamic Studies
• Modern Languages
• Moral Education
• Music
• Psychology
• Social Studies

Throughout KS3 and KS4, the curriculum is supported by outdoor activities and various projects. GCSE and IGCSE preparations are in full swing in KS4 so that students can excel in their examinations.

Sixth Form

In KS5, JESS follows the internationally-accredited Sixth Form curriculum, including Years 12 and 13. The sixth form incorporates a holistic approach to education.

The sixth form offers two different programs: the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Course Programme. Diploma programme students have to take six subjects; three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Students can choose these subjects from the following groups.

• Studies in Language and Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Individuals and Societies
• Experimental Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts

Besides, students have to complete three cores of the diploma programme. These cores are.

• Extended Essay
• Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
• Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

The Course Program allows students to take up a minimum of 4 and a maximum of six subjects. At least one subject must be part of the Higher Level (HL). Community service is mandatory in this program.

The KS5 syllabus emphasises course work, independent research, future-oriented attitude, teamwork and creative and critical thinking.

As per the new COVID-19 protocols issued by KHDA, schools are discontinuing the distance learning programme from October 3, 2021. Those wishing to continue their education via distance learning have to show a relevant health certificate issued by Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Schools may revert to distance learning if COVID-19 cases are detected in a class or a group in a class.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools based on a six-point scale. The ratings range from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Very Weak.’

The current KHDA rating for JESS school, Arabian Ranches, is ‘Outstanding.’ The table below shows the school’s performance over the last decade.

As per the report, the strengths of the school are.

• Use of advanced digital technologies and innovative approaches to teaching.
• The effort towards producing well-rounded individuals by providing a caring and well-resourced environment to students.
• In the Foundation Stage, children are provided with a stimulating learning ambience that enables them to tweak their curiosity and assist the learning process.
• Facilities and extra-curricular activities are successful in provoking a student’s interest in non-academic fields.
• The school culture is stimulating and interactive. This allows teachers and staff members to share their knowledge and experience with the students all year round.

However, the KHDA has recommended a couple of areas that the school needs to work on while maintaining its current rating.

• Drawing best practices, changing curriculum and assessment methods to boost attainment in Arabic Studies and Islamic Education at all levels.
• Admission policies need revision as per the current practice of the school.

The 10-month long Jumeirah English Speaking School academic calendar has three terms.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a three-week winter break.
• After the winter break, the second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, followed by a two-week spring break.
• The third term starts in the second week of April and ends in the first week of July.

However, parents need to note that these are tentative dates. The exact dates can vary because of national and Islamic holidays (subject to moon sighting).

Those seeking admission need to find out whether there are openings for the desired year. Second, parents need to know more about the debenture system, which we will explain later.

If there are openings in the years you are interested in, then the JESS school advises you to submit the online application form. After submission, JESS Dubai will contact you within five working days.

Entry Criteria

Parents can review the eligibility criteria for JESS before proceeding with other formalities.

• Children should be fluent in English to understand the curriculum quickly.
• If your child is not a native English speaker or is multilingual, parents can learn more about English as an additional language policy.
• JESS encourages students of determination to apply.
• The school starts in September and ends in July. Hence progression between year groups happens only in September.

For further details, please visit the entry criteria page.

Debenture:

Since Jumeirah English Speaking School is a non-profit entity, the admissions are secured and supported through the debenture system. The school offers two types of debentures – personal and corporate.

Corporate Debentures

Corporate debentures were introduced as goodwill for organisations that supported the school with the building construction. Corporate debentures assigned to the companies enable their employees to send their kids to JESS Jumeirah and JESS Arabian Ranches. Applicants with corporate debentures are given priority on the waiting list. They can even apply to JESS after the waiting list is closed.

Since corporate debentures have specific conditions to be fulfilled, the school recommends parents arrange to arrange the debenture before the applicant is offered a place at the school. Once the debenture is awarded, it remains with the students until they leave the school. Please note that two or more children cannot be allotted the same debenture.

Since organisations have debentures for employees working at a certain level, please ensure that parents have access to corporate debentures before applying to the school.

If the application is rejected, the school will refund the registration fee. Currently, over 80 companies have corporate debentures at Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches. These debentures amount to AED 50,000 and are refundable.

Personal Debentures

Personal debenture holders are not given priority on the waiting list. After applying, the applicant is placed on the waiting list and offered a place when available.

Parents are strongly advised to purchase personal debentures within one month of the offer being made or before the start of school. Please note that personal debenture remains with the child until they leave the school.

Also, personal debentures amount to AED 20,000 and are refundable.

parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement criteria before enrolment.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: KHDA

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches fee structure for the current year is as follows.

Additional Charges:

• Registration fees: AED 100 (Non-refundable)
• Entrance fees: AED 500 (Non-refundable)

Parents can pay Jumeirah English Speaking School fees through cash, cheque or bank transfer.

JESS school has a canteen facility known as ‘JESS Diner.’ All meals and beverages are made with wholesome, healthy and nutritious ingredients provided by Abela and Co.

The JESS Diner has a cash-less policy; parents can top-up their child’s Diner Card in advance.

JESS, Arabian Ranches provides transportation to students. The bus service serves the two branches of JESS Dubai, the other one being JESS, Jumeirah. Students living in nearby residential areas can opt for the pick and drop facility.

All school buses are well-maintained and equipped with digital technologies that ensure a safe and sound commute. To avail of this service, parents must fill out an online application form that requires the current home address of the child.

For further queries and details, you can always contact Wendy Brownlee, the JESS school bus coordinator, at wbrownlee@jess.sch.ae.

Holiday camps are conducted occasionally, but JESS, Arabian Ranches has outsourced them to external providers. They inform parents about these camps at least 2 weeks in advance.

JESS, Dubai Arabian Ranches, takes children’s development and grooming seriously. It strives to provide all facilities required by the students to turn into productive community members.

At Jumeirah English Speaking School, sports are a significant part of students’ lives and accommodate their passion and interests. The school provides top-notch sports facilities.

JESS, Arabian Ranches campus has two swimming pools for experts, intermediates and beginners. Secondary students who are experts in swimming can use the 25-metre long, shaded and temperature-controlled nine-lane swimming pool. The swimming facility has changing areas and a seating arrangement.

The other 15m x 10m temperature-controlled swimming pool is for beginners. Both pools have lifeguards to assist students.

There is a large grassed area for outdoor facilities where students can play rugby, football, and cricket. There are two football training grounds, a cricket pitch and a play area for secondary students. There is a large court for students to play and practice netball and tennis.

The indoor double sports halls spread over 1,000 sq. m. and are centrally air-conditioned. Students often play badminton, basketball and volleyball. Also, students can practise gymnastics and trampoline. Right opposite is an ultra-modern gymnasium.

Jumeirah English Speaking School primary students can use a well-resourced play area to perform different activities.

JESS school in Arabian Ranches has many extra-curricular activities to ensure the well-rounded grooming of students.

Primary Clubs

Primary clubs at JESS Arabian Ranches are a means to educate young children. Besides allowing kids to pursue their interests, these clubs help develop interpersonal and social skills while boosting self-confidence. Primary clubs mainly involve sports, music and creative arts and are offered to students from Year 2 onward.

Secondary Clubs

With the belief that education goes beyond conventional class learning, JESS school has designed secondary clubs for students in Year 7 onwards. Children can participate in secondary clubs during before-school, lunchtime and after-school periods.

The most common activities to take part in at these clubs include swimming, running and drama. Some unique activities involve Tibetan Bowls, indoor bouldering and Warhammer.

Students participating in instrumental programs are highly encouraged to give music examinations. You can take part in Trinity College and Trinity Rock and Pop examinations held twice a year. Similarly, students with instrumental lessons can take up the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations held twice a year in Dubai.

For a cultural experience, secondary students are taken on numerous international trips each year. So far, students have visited Switzerland, the USA, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.  Besides this, over 40 residential trips are arranged for secondary students each year.

Primary students are offered around 35 trips each year, primarily one-day trips with overnight camps for students from Years 4, 5 and 6.

After-school care is provided at the primary level for students attending FS1 to Year 6 from 2:50 PM to 4:50 PM.

JESS Health Office is a prime example of how much the health and safety of students matter to the school. Highly qualified nurses are present on-site throughout the day to assist teachers and students under any circumstances.

Responsibilities of nurses include:

• Administer first aid and emergency care
• Keep parents, health care professionals and staff in the loop regarding specific health concerns
• Assist the school in yearly medical examination
• Maintain school health records for future reference

Moving to health facilities at the school, one can find all the equipment to treat minor and severe ailments. The health amenities also facilitate staff and students who require rest and monitoring. There is a separate room in both branches where school medical examination is carried out. These rooms can also be used when the patient’s privacy is of utmost importance. Other tools include visual screening aid for vision testing.

In case of a medical emergency, the school can fully handle the situation with the help of five registered school nurses and a part-time doctor. Likewise, external medical emergency support is readily available to the school. Parents are advised to provide their latest and correct contact details so the school can contact them in an emergency.

Apart from a clinic, Pastoral Care and Physical, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE) Program is also provided to students for their physical and mental nourishment. Students are actively involved in activities that enable them to understand their and others’ attitudes, emotion and actions.

JESS Parents Group (JPG) at JESS, Arabian Ranches was initiated in 2006. It is more like an online community for parents to become active and productive school members.

Thus, with the increasing number of parents on board, the school now organises large-scale events that generate funds to buy extra resources for the school, contribute to a charity and plan small school events.

Apart from this group, parents always have access to the JESS Arabian Ranches parent portal. Here, you can log in to view your child’s performance, attendance and upcoming school events.

Last, parents can request class teachers and staff members to join the grade-specific WhatsApp group for instant notification about new happenings at the school.

You can view Jumeriah English Speaking School contact details and social media pages in the following section for further convenience.

• Telephone Number: 971-4-361 9019
• Emails
  • General Enquiries: jess@jess.sch.ae
  • Admission Enquiries: admissions@jess.sch.ae
• JESS Dubai Website
• JESS Dubai Facebook
• JESS Dubai Twitter
• JESS Dubai Instagram
• JESS YouTube
• JESS Flickr

Note that the cover image belongs to Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches.