Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a holistic wellbeing framework with student welfare at its core. The school provides experienced school counsellors, mentors, medical professionals, and teachers who deliver pastoral support across all phases. Wellbeing education emphasizes mental health awareness and ongoing support for every student. Student Wellbeing Councils empower student leaders to plan wellbeing activities and campaigns, including Mindful October and Wellness Wednesdays. Weekly wellbeing surveys help staff tailor support and monitor students' wellbeing.

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai describes itself as inclusive, welcoming students of determination and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The Inclusion page states SISD provides access to appropriate provisions, resources and curricular options, and that staff build quality relationships to support learning needs. The Inclusion Vision emphasizes educating all students, including those with SEND, in a common learning environment. SISD welcomes a wide variety of learning preferences and adjusts teaching strategies and accommodations to meet diverse needs. The Inclusion policy is published with related guidance to outline provision delivery and parent consultation, and aligns with local policy frameworks such as the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework.

Qualified English, French and German language specialists provide EAL, FAL and GAL support from KG1 to Grade 9 to help learners access the curriculum when language barriers exist. Automatic enrollment for non-native speakers is offered at admission for declared beginners, with ongoing enrollment possible during the year upon referral. In Primary, language support uses pull-out and push-in formats, with English, French and German support across bilingual streams in Grades 1–5 and English support in the IB pathway; in Secondary, EAL programs continue within bilingual IB pathways or as English EAL programs. Language progress is tracked using CERFL descriptors, with progress monitored and updated through passports and six-weekly reports. The Arabic department offers Arabic A and Arabic B support from Grade 1 to Grade 9, including extra support for learners with no prior Arabic knowledge.

Wellbeing is a central priority at SISD, with a focus on mental health awareness, wellbeing education, and ongoing support for all students. A team of experienced school counsellors, mentors, medical professionals, and teachers provides pastoral support across all phases. Student Wellbeing Councils empower student leaders to implement wellbeing programs such as Mindful October and Wellness Wednesdays. Weekly wellbeing surveys enable staff to check in with students and tailor support accordingly. Dubai 30x30 and other whole-school wellbeing initiatives are part of SISD's broader mental wellbeing strategy.

SISD has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy with zero tolerance for child abuse and robust systems for identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns. The policy sets out the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child framework, UAE context, and clear procedures for safeguarding and reporting concerns. Responsibilities for safeguarding include a Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputies), safeguarding training for staff, and a requirement to follow safeguarding policies and to log concerns. CPOMS is used to maintain safeguarding records and coordinate disclosures and reminders. The policy covers safeguarding during trips and for visitors and includes Safer Recruitment procedures and linked safeguarding policies.