Victoria International School of Sharjah

VISS follows an Australian Curriculum framework augmented by International Baccalaureate Diploma Program content. Contemporary Pedagogy and Authentic Learning Experiences provide age-appropriate, personalised learning through explicit teaching, guided learning, and inquiry approaches. Learning Enhancement uses a Response to Intervention model to identify and address specific learning needs, with Individualised Learning Plans for students who require targeted support or challenge. Grade 10 marks the final year of the Australian Curriculum and serves as a preparatory year for the programmes offered in Grades 11 and 12, including the Diploma Program.

VISS runs a vibrant Performing Arts program including Music and Drama across Primary, Middle and Senior School. All students engage in Performing Arts through Grade 8, with elective pathways available from Grade 9. The VISS Music Academy offers individual lessons through the co-curricular program. The Grade 6 Wind Band provides a year-long instrument learning pathway, and a range of ensembles and productions offer on-campus and external performance opportunities.

The curriculum blends Australian frameworks with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. VISS values diversity and hosts cultural events such as National Day, Pink Day, Flag Day and Australia Day, along with Book Character Day and annual music and dance concerts; Diversity is celebrated with VISS International Day.

ECAs promote teamwork, resilience and a healthy lifestyle. Students can participate in athletic programs including football, basketball, swimming, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, gymnastics, roller skating, and more. ECA providers include Pro Sport Academy (Football and Gymnastics), All Stars Academy (Basketball), Evolution Sports Academy (Football), Flying Roses (Rhythmic Gymnastics), Elite Volleyball Academy, Get The Kids Fit, AOS Academy, United Karate Group, and Elite Football Academy.

All students participate in the local and wider community through opportunities such as supporting the Student Representative Council (SRC) and charity fundraising, and working with partner charity organisations like the Big Heart in UAE and The Fred Hollows Foundation from Australia.

Student leadership is embedded across year levels through roles including the Student Representative Council, School Captains and Vice Captains, House Captains, Digital Leaders, Emirati Student Leaders, and Student Culture Committee. Student voice and leadership guide engagement and wellbeing, with surveys to inform practice.

Wellbeing is at the heart of VISS. Social and Emotional Learning is taught explicitly and embedded across timetabled lessons and daily routines, focusing on emotional literacy, problem solving, help-seeking, positive coping, personal strengths, cyber awareness, and bullying prevention. The Wellbeing program runs fortnightly in the Secondary School and includes assemblies run by students; in the Primary School wellbeing is integrated in daily classroom routines with meditation and Circle Time. Camps and Activity Weeks support relationships and independence, and celebrations recognize student progress.