Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Oooh. Okay, hi. I'm new here and just heard this morning that my husband has been offered a transfer/promotion to Dubai. We're currently living in Australia, although he works offshore. Of course, if it was just me, I'd jump at the chance, but we have two children (9 and 5)to consider. I'd be grateful for any opinions/advice any of you knowledgable people could give me re schooling. I'm leaning towards the Australian school, but I know that is because I'm Australian and may need to break out of my bubble, so to speak. Also, what extra-curricular activities are there for kids and are your kids happy there. Any information would be very welcome. The company would be paying for housing/schooling and medical cover, so cost isn't really an issue (to us anyway!! LOL) Thanks. My head's still spinning. This is so out of the blue.

You'll love it. Search for posts by GABS she is also Aussie and has really informed posts on schooling.

Dear Julie,

I have sent you a p.m and i look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards

Ashley

I don't know about the Australian School - it's in Sharjah no? Depending on where you live, transportation of children could be a factor in your decision. Sharjah <> Dubai is 1-2 hrs each way these days.

For 5 and 9 year old, I don't think it matters much what school they're at as long as they and you are happy (and presumably you want them in some sort of western curriculum). After 13 it becomes more significant - US/UK/Australia system, where will they go after finishing school etc.

Personally I'd look for an IB (International Baccalaureate - it's available in one or two schools in Australia) school then but you've a few years yet before making that decision - can even wait till they're 15/16. The pre-IB programs (IBMYP & IBEYP?) are nice ideas but not essential for going into IB.

More info here and here ...

http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=1609#1609 - school ratings.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=6710 - teaching jobs and link to schools list.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=5793 - JESS and Chouiefat.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=423 - DAA, DC and AIS brief comment.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=8064#8064 - list of schools/websites
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=6187 - Al Salam British School and link to colleges.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=5065 - Chouiefat and general comments.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=7278 - Kings, DIS, Carmel, Chouiefat.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=4247 - no teaching qualification.
http://www.dubaiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=8196 - Applying for School Places (without correct visas).

AIS (two of my kids went to AIS in Singapore and we were happy) is in Sharjah but offers bus services from Dubai.
British Curriculum (DESS, JESS etc) schools are good and the standard of education is on par with Australia BUT don't go for year levels put your kids into classes based on age. We come from the South so, for example, my child was in year three (doing a four term year), we arrived here in July so started school in year four here-remembering the school year starts in September, has three terms and ends in June (Yep, hardly ever at school!! )

Where you live is going to be the main factor in determining a school as travel time is a huge problem in Dubai.
BTW two of my kids were in a private IB school in Australia and are currently at a Brit. Curriculum school. My opinion is you won't find a real private school in Dubai that is on par with a private Australian school. Feel free to pm me.

Hi, I am 15 from Australia and my father just took on a job in dubai.
I am going to emirates international school. It seems like a nice school.

Rose91 wrote:Hi, I am 15 from Australia and my father just took on a job in dubai.
I am going to emirates international school. It seems like a nice school.

Which one? Umm Suqeim (older one) or um Springs/Meadows/Fields/whatever that area is?

I think they're both reasonably good for students. Good mix of nationalities if you like that sort of thing.

oh my gosh I didn't know there were two...All i did was sit the exams...It's the one near Jumeirah road??

I chose it because it's the american system and this fits in better with the australian schooling system if I want to return to Australia or go to America for university. It also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations which would be a good qualification.


julierat I suggest you contact QTAC they were a great help.

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre

http://www.qtac.edu.au/

They pointed us in the right direction with schools I think it would help you aswell.

Rose91 wrote:oh my gosh I didn't know there were two...All i did was sit the exams...It's the one near Jumeirah road??

Probably the one in Umm Suqeim then, assuming you mean Jumeirah Beach Rd.

I chose it because it's the american system and this fits in better with the australian schooling system if I want to return to Australia or go to America for university. It also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations which would be a good qualification.

I'd say somewhere between British and American. IGCSE is similar to British GCSE. Yes, IB is good for university entrance in many countries including US, OZ, UK, Europe. Worthwhile course to do. Pick your Higher Levels carefully - some are much harder than others.

ohh ok, thanks for the advice