Schools in Dubai Silicon Oasis: What Parents Should Compare Before Choosing
The decision on which school to choose is one of the most important decisions made by parents for their children. Dubai has plenty of choices, and sometimes it’s hard to make a decision. Parents should not judge the school by the building or its location when it comes to comparing schools in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The curriculum, teaching, facilities and support for pupils and their learning environment are all important.
Here are a few tips to help parents make a good decision.
Compare the Curriculum
The first thing to look at is the curriculum. Parents need to be aware of what their child will be learning and how the school is preparing them for the future.
Vernus International School (VIS) closely adheres to academic standards that are similar to the California State Standards. It also has a learning model that emphasises three areas of importance: learning skills, literacy skills and life skills.
When parents are comparing schools near Silicon Oasis, they must inquire if the curriculum is in line with their child’s learning requirements and future education plans.
Review the Teaching Style
All children learn in different ways. Some students learn through reading, others learn through activities and through practical work.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is used at VIS. This method involves students investigating questions, challenges and real-life issues rather than relying solely on memorisation. The school also leverages technology and interactive classroom activities to enhance learning.
It is therefore important for parents to inquire about the amount of independent thinking and questioning that is encouraged with the students, as well as their ability to solve problems.
Review Learning Beyond Academics
A good school should develop children in other ways than just academic achievement.
In VIS, the emphasis is on the holistic development of children and enrichment activities are provided in farming and gardening, music and arts, sports and wellness, food and cooking, and technology and innovation.
These can be useful ways to help children find out what they are interested in, build confidence and acquire life skills. Parents should look at the extracurricular activities that are offered to their children at schools in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Compare Facilities
Learning can be made more interesting and enjoyable at facilities. Parents should tour the school to determine if there are spaces that provide for both study and activity learning.
VIS offers facilities for STEM, Music, Arts, Innovation and Sports. It has a swimming pool, Innovation Hub, outdoor sports areas, cooking stations, drawing and painting areas, academic facilities and full-time medical staff.
It also provides students with opportunities to explore other fields like robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality and activities based on the Minecraft game, through its iHub.
Examine Language and Student Support
Children come from diverse backgrounds to Dubai schools. Language support may be a very significant consideration for this reason.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students whose first language is not English is offered at VIS. The programme can be used to help with speaking, listening, vocabulary, reading, writing and grammar. The school also incorporates Arabic into learning and adopts the UAE Ministry of Education Arabic Curriculum.
If parents feel their child needs additional support, they should ask what help is available.
Understand Assessment and Progress Tracking
A school’s tracking of student progress should also be shared with parents.
Children take MAP assessments three times a year at VIS. The school also provides for self-monitoring and assessment at the end of units to gain insight into student progress and any additional support required.
A clear assessment system enables parents to know how their child is progressing.
Compare Fees and Admission Process
School fees should always be checked carefully before making a decision. VIS is a fee-paying school that is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and whose school fees are approved by KHDA. The school also makes available information on discounts and scholarships (where applicable) in accordance with the terms and conditions.
Parents are also able to book a school visit prior to making an application. The VIS admission process involves a tour of the school, the registration process, assessment and submission of necessary paperwork.
Conclusion
Getting the right schools near Dubai Silicon Oasis is finding the right place for your child. Parents should make comparisons regarding the curriculum, teaching method, facilities, support for students, activities, assessment and fees before making a decision.
Most of all, do visit the school. It is much easier to make the final decision when you see the classrooms, meet the team and get to know how children learn.
FAQs
When it comes to choosing schools in Dubai Silicon Oasis, what should parents look at?
Parents should consider the curriculum, teaching style, facilities, language support, extracurricular activities, assessment, fees and admission process.
What curriculum does Vernus International School follow?
VIS closely follows academic standards that are closely related to the California State Standards and incorporates Project-Based Learning.
Does VIS offer activities in addition to academics?
Yes. VIS provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, arts, music, gardening, cooking, technology and innovation.
Do parents have the opportunity to visit VIS prior to applying?
Yes. VIS invites families to come to the school to see what it’s like and to meet the school team and provides school tours for parents to visit the school, learn about the curriculum and meet the school team.
