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United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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The curriculum follows the UK National Curriculum for England, enhanced with elements of the ISEB curriculum and designed to prepare pupils for 11+ and Common Entrance examinations. The Early Years Foundation Stage includes specialist lessons in music, French, Arabic, and physical education. In First School, the curriculum covers English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Computing, Music, French, Arabic (A and B), and Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils). In Senior School, pupils study for GCSE examinations, typically nine subjects with Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as core ones; Arabic is compulsory at GCSE for native Arabic-speaking pupils. In the Sixth Form, students pursue A-levels and other pathways with emphasis on independence and university preparation.
Specialist provision in music, art, and drama is part of the curriculum, with EYFS offering music, French, Arabic, and P.E. The curriculum also emphasizes creative and expressive arts in Years 7–9, and the school provides extensive extra-curricular drama and music opportunities. Extra-curricular offerings include drama, music, rugby, netball, debating, coding, design and innovation, and related clubs and workshops. Cognita Enrich ME provides performing arts pathways and professional coaching opportunities.
The curriculum follows the UK National Curriculum for England and places English as a core subject, with French and Arabic taught as modern foreign languages. Arabic and Islamic Studies are included in the curriculum, with Arabic language compulsory at GCSE for native Arabic-speaking pupils. The First School lists English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Computing, Music, French, Arabic, and Islamic Studies among its subjects. The Senior School maintains Arabic and Islamic Studies as integral parts of the curriculum.
A broad range of extra-curricular activities is offered, including drama, music, rugby, netball, coding, design and innovation, and other clubs and competitions, with additional enrichment through specialist-led clubs, workshops, and trips. Outdoor education and international trips (e.g., Alps explorations and community projects in other countries) support experiential learning and personal growth. The school's activities aim to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills beyond the classroom.
Pastoral care centers on wellbeing under the Cognita Be Well Charter and safeguarding to ensure a safe, inclusive environment. The Be Well Charter guides actions to promote healthy choices and regular physical activity, with a focus on emotional and social wellbeing. The Sparkle Foundation partnership enables pupils and families to participate in meaningful giving and volunteering activities.
The House System promotes leadership and collaboration; six Houses are led by Heads of House, with pupils able to serve as House Captains and compete in sports, arts, music, quizzes, and debates. In the Sixth Form, leadership opportunities include leading school clubs and programs, and the curriculum encourages developing independence, initiative, and post-18 pathways, including launching microsatellites.
Be Well is central to wellbeing with six pillars, regular physical activity, and attention to healthy lifestyles; safeguarding measures ensure a safe environment where pupils can thrive physically, socially, emotionally, and academically. The Be Well Charter informs daily practices to support student health and resilience.
