Welcome to the Dubai Heights Academy official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

How many nationalities are represented in your school?

The school population represents the diverse range of nationalities found within Dubai.

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Being an English National Curriculum School the will have a strong British population.

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

For FS1 and FS2, the teacher to student ratio is 1:20. For Year 1 to Year 6, the ratio is 1:24
All classes in FS1 to Year 4 will have a Learning Assistant and in Year 5 and 6 the classes will have a shared assisted as the children are much more independent at this age.

Does your school have a waiting list?

As we are a new school we currently don’t have a waiting list. The school will be five form entry and once a year group reached five classes we will start our waiting lists. We will not exceed five classes per year group.

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

PE and Sports are an integral part of every child's education and development. We provide a wide range of sporting opportunities that cater for children of all abilities to develop new skills and nurture their love for PE. We strive to give all children access to high quality PE provision, with the intention of increasing the amount of young people taking part in regular sporting activity throughout their lives.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

At Dubai Heights Academy we understand that promoting physical and emotional wellbeing is a crucial part of every child's development. We aim to equip all our pupils with the skills and attitudes they need to make informed decisions about their health. These are some of the ways we will encourage our children to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles:
Through our P.E. curriculum the children will experience a range of different sports activities and learn about the effects and benefits of regular exercise. We will also offer an extensive range of sports clubs before and after school. The importance of balanced nutrition and healthy food choices will be explicitly taught through the Science, D.T. and PSHE curriculum. We develop children's knowledge and understanding of the importance of water in their diet by encouraging all children to bring in a water bottle so they can have access to water throughout the day. Water fountains will be provided in the school for additional access to drinking water. We will provide play equipment and areas which promote physical activity at break times. Our PSHE curriculum allows children to explore and understand the different feelings they experience. Through this we are able to teach our pupils techniques for dealing with their emotions in a responsible manner.

How do you promote healthy eating?

At Dubai Heights Academy, we aim to provide children with healthy eating experiences in order to promote their well-being. With an understanding of the different dietary, cultural, religious and health needs of our children we aim to raise awareness in developing a positive approach to food and nutrition. All food provided will be nutritious, avoiding large quantities of salt, sugar, saturated fats, additives, preservatives and colorings and there will be no fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate, biscuits, cakes or sweets available. Hot meals will be provided by the onsite catering staff and there will also be a variety of fresh fruit and salads available. The strict guidelines determining the standards for food will be in accordance with Dubai Municipality. Student meals will include an appropriate intake of foods from the four main food groups.
In our curriculum we will promote healthy food and a healthy body with topics such as cooking, food and farming, the Eatwell Guide, a healthy plate and what should be in a healthy packed lunch. Weekly menu, special dietary requirements & celebrations: The school weekly menu will be displayed in the front entrance for parents and a weekly lunch menu will be sent home on a termly basis for parents and children to discuss meal choices. This information will also be displayed on the school website. We welcome Dubai’s vibrant and diverse range of cultures and nationalities and the contribution they make to the variety of foods eaten here. We will provide children with the valuable opportunity to celebrate and experience such diversity on special occasions when foods other than those detailed above may be offered. On such occasions staff will remind children that this is an occasional rather than an everyday treat and foods will be labeled if they contain ingredients which may cause food intolerances.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students?

The school has a cafeteria for primary and a separate cafeteria for the secondary school once open.

If yes, does it serve hot food?

The cafeteria will serve a range of hot and cold meals.

What would be the amount spent by a student for their lunchtime meal?

Food prices will be in line with other schools.

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

The school timings are as follows
Gates Open: 8.00
Classroom Doors open: 8.10
Registration: 8.30

FS1 Finish time: 13.30
FS2 Finish time: 14.30
Year 1 to Year 6: 15.30

Is there a school uniform?

The school has a full uniform. Please see the website for more information.
The uniform will be sold by Stiches in their showroom in Al Quoz and there will be a pop up shop in the school at the beginning of each term.

What is your medium of instruction?

English will be our medium of instruction.

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

The school will be fully inclusive and will be able to support a range of needs.

Do you have a dedicated prayer room/s for the Muslim students?

The school has prayer rooms for muslim students.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

The school will be fully inclusive and will be able to support a range of needs.

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

The school will be fully inclusive and will be able to support a range of needs.

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

Dubai Heights Academy will be working very closely with Sensation Station and the school will be able to provide additional support that children need. The school has dedicated occupational therapy and speech therapy rooms as well as a multisensory gym and a snoozel room.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

Once the school is fully open we will have a parents group.

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

We will actively encourage parents to be involved in the school. Parents will be invited to help within the school day and will be encouraged to help with school trips and events. We will host a range of events to guide parents through our curriculum and how they can help their children at home.

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

Once the school is open we will be inviting parents to apply and join our governing body.