Dubai Heights Academy

Here at Dubai Heights Academy, we are technologically creative. We strive to incorporate a multitude of different types of technology into our learning and believe that balance is key when it comes to traditional learning and technology. We recognise that staff competence and confidence is an essential element to successful technology integration and ‘edutech’ training is central to our evolving digital strategy. Computing is taught as a discrete subject from Year 1 and our partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has enabled our students to explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. We understand that technology is a key element of education and are committed to helping our students become lifelong learners who are innovative and confident users of technology. We have integrated the use of technology into our teaching and learning and this has helped us to improve levels of attainment and engagement across all subject areas and was recognised as a strength of the school in our recent KHDA inspection. Classrooms are equipped with large touchscreen displays which further develop classroom collaboration and interactivity and we have a Chromebook BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme for students from Year 3 upwards, further supporting and leveraging our use of online platforms such as Seesaw and Google Workplace for Education. Our students in FS1 to Year 2 have the option to bring their own tablet in addition to having access to school devices. The combination of resources and innovative teaching methods allows technology to permeate every aspect of education and facilitate dynamic lessons. Teachers engage students with multimedia presentations and collaborative activities. Additionally, students utilise technology to access digital textbooks, educational apps, and online resources, fostering personalised learning experiences tailored to their individual needs and interests. Our unique partnership with MIT In partnership with MIT, we are developing and delivering a bespoke AI project-based curriculum with the secondary students. As part of their timetable, students have lessons at school which are carefully designed by MIT specialists and delivered by our on site MIT consultant. More recently, we have extended our collaboration with MIT to include children in Years 1 and 2 who are receiving the special opportunity to develop their literacy and social-emotional learning through a robot literacy station designed by researchers at MIT’s Media Lab. The learning station consists of the learning companion robot, Jibo, a tablet with learning activities, and a camera to collect information about the study right here at Dubai Heights Academy. Students, together with Jibo and an MIT consultant, participate in exploring storybooks that target their language learning and curiosity skills, emotion regulation activities that enhance social-emotional learning, and creative exploration activity that scaffolds their creativity.

Yes in the case that we have to provide distance learning we use online platforms such as SeeSaw and IreadArabic.

Muslim students from FS2 and above learn about the 5 Pillars of Islam and all that encompasses their faith through learning prayers and incorporating their knowledge into our values. Islamic studies are taught in both Arabic and English. Our goal is to establish a centre of excellence in Arabic language and Islamic Studies and we have a commitment to promote a deeper appreciation of Arabic culture, heritage and traditions.

While Islamic students are taking Islamic studies, our non-Islamic students take on a social learning and innovation classes.

Beyond the classroom, Dubai Heights Academy offers a varied Extra Curricular Activity (ECA) programme to all year groups from Monday-Friday, where students can partake in activities that interest them or challenge them in new ways. Many of the ECAs that we offer are free of charge and these are led by our own staff, while those that come at an additional cost are provided by reputable external providers who are experts at their dedicated activity. Some of the available paid activities include Ballet, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Karate, Gymnastics, Multi Sports Club, Robotics and Golf. Some of our school-led and free activities include Lego Mania, Mindfulness & Yoga, Cool Coders, Debating Club, Drama Club, Youth Theatre, Cooking Club, Bookaholics, Comic Book Club, Fantastic French, Drawing for Fun, Crafts from Drafts, Digital Artists, Construction, Arabic Calligraphy, as well as invitational sports squads. ECA options change each term, giving the students a chance to engage in a variety of different activities and experiences.

Our varied PE and sports programme is tailored to help encourage and motivate participation at all levels and ages; allowing students to find the activity they are passionate about. We have created clear pathways which allow them to push themselves and always strive for improvement by competing in the DASSA inter-school leagues in sports such as athletics, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, netball and swimming.

Yes, we have squads dedicated to each sport who frequently participate in sports fixtures with other schools.

Since opening our doors in 2017, Dubai Heights Academy has always strived to provide the very best facilities to enhance the learning experience for all of our students. Our stunning 292,000 Sq.Ft. campus consists of 3 purpose-built buildings, thoughtfully designed with dedicated learning spaces tailored to support the needs of every phase group. Our EYFS building facilities consist of: - Indoor nature and animal garden -Outdoor playgrounds Our Primary building facilities consist of: - Cinematic auditorium - 2 science laboratories - Food technology lab - Arts and design technology lab - Blackbox drama studio - Computer laboratories - 2 libraries - Canteen - Enrichment Zone consisting of The Wonderworld Snoezelen Room (sensory room), The Fun Junction (soft play, ball pit, climbing wall) and a Lego room - Outdoor terrace with a giant chess board, jenga, Connect 4 and other games - Creative, natural playgrounds - Hydroponics lab New Secondary Building Opening 2025 Our secondary students will experience enhanced sports facilities, bespoke science labs, custom-built art and design technology facilities, offering food technology, ceramics, textiles, robotics and additional dynamic learning spaces; all aimed at fostering innovation, exploration, and critical thinking. Our new Secondary building facilities consist of: - 35 classrooms - Library - 7 science labs - 4 computer suites - 3 art and design labs - Food technology lab - 3 design and technology labs for product design, electronics, textiles, graphics and robotics - 2 drama studios - 2 music rooms with practice suites - Cafeteria

- Temperature regulated indoor EYFS swimming pool - 2 temperature regulated outdoor swimming pools - Full sized football pitch - EYFS sports hall - Primary sports hall - Secondary Sports Hall for basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and football - Rooftop multipurpose court for basketball, netball and tennis

We welcome students of all abilities, including but not limited to students who are English Language Learners (ELL) or have English as an Additional Language (EAL). In the event that English Language Learner interventions is identified, which comes at an additional cost, parents will be notified, so that we can ensure that students receive the necessary assistance to develop their English language skills.

We currently offer Arabic and French as additional languages but we hope to add more in the near future as the school grows.

Yes we are a fully inclusive school with an inclusion team and onsite therapists.

Dubai Heights Academy strives to meet the needs of all children in its care by personalising the learning and providing outstanding care and provision for all students. Inclusion is at the core of our ethos and our mission is to ensure that all children feel valued and achieve their full potential. We have a dedicated staff that is committed to supporting each child on their own unique pathway to progress. Our specialist Inclusion team comprises of highly qualified staff that continuously research and upskill to provide the best support for our pupils of determination. The Inclusion team works collaboratively with all staff and parents to provide individually-tailored support and interventions to ensure that every child makes progress. Our Inclusion team consists of the Head of Inclusion, 4 Inclusion Teachers, the School Counsellor, the MBODE Therapist, the Occupational Therapist, the Speech Pathologist, an Inclusion/EAL Higher Level Teaching Assistant and 2 Inclusion/Wellbeing Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Our state-of-the-art resources and facilities further support inclusive practice throughout the school. Children soothe their senses and benefit from mindful moments in our Snoezelen room, and re-energise in our sensory fun-junction gym.

In class challenges, enrichment ECAs, leadership roles within school, as well as opportunities to attend external events are part of the provision offered for students to enrich their particular gifts and talents. We are part of the Dubai Enrichment League which provides opportunities for our more able, gifted and talented students to attend competitions and workshops with students from schools across Dubai.