Welcome to the Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi 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.

What qualities and characteristics would you say define your school?

GIIS Abu Dhabi has seen exponential growth from its inception. The infrastructure set up by the school is unmatched in entire UAE with the most affordable fee structure.

The 9 GEMS Holistic Education Model (our trademark model) ensures that all aspects of students growth and development are given due weightage in the school programme. Academic as well as co-curricular excellence is encouraged so every child feels respected for his/her strengths.

The school offers technology rich learning environment that is in tune with 21st century learners.

How many nationalities are represented in your school?

Students come from over 10 Nationalities

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Yes - Indian

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1:15

Does your school have a waiting list?

YES

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

Encouraging students to believe that a Healthy Body is essential for a Healthy Mind. This is achieved by students participating in various sports activities with state-of-the-art facilities across indoor and outdoor sports. Professional coaches from reputed sports academies train our students in Football, Basketball, Karate, Cricket, Tennis, Swimming to name a few.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

In addition to ensuring healthy food in the canteen and a variety of sports options for students, the school offers Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation to all students. These relaxation sessions ensure that students are trained to manage their emotions, stress level responses and channelize their positive energy for constructive purposes.

How do you promote healthy eating?

A modern cafeteria caters over 500 students with healthy snacks and refreshments.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students?

YES

If yes, does it serve hot food?

YES

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

A student can have a healthy meal from just 10 dirhams onwards.

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

For KG 1 and 2: 8 am to 12.10 pm
For Grades 1 to 9: 8 am to 2.45 pm

Is there a school uniform?

YES

Please advise on your discipline policy?

From the school store in the campus.

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

Frequent Parent Teacher interactive sessions are conducted in school wherein we connect parents with teachers to share each other’s observations about the growth of the child. We also conduct parent surveys to get the feedback. Teachers also send reports to parents individually once in a term to inform them of their child’s progress.

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Reports and parent/teacher meetings are organized quarterly.

What is your medium of instruction?

English

Is Arabic taught as both a first language and second language in your school?

Yes Arabic is taught as First language (as per the requirement of the ministry) from grade I.

Which other languages are taught?

English, Hindi and French

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

NO

Is Islamic Education/Studies for the Arab Muslim students delivered in Arabic for them?

Not applicable as no Arab nationality student studies with us.

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

YES

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

ACER International Benchmarking Test from Grade 3 and above

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

Independent learning is encouraged in our students at an early stage. We do give homework as required by the subject.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Gifted and talented students are identified at the beginning and an Individual Education Plan is developed for helping them realize their potential. The individual Education Plan shall have elaborate details on extension activities for such students.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

YES

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

Students identified as borderline cases of dyslexia and dyspraxia are provided support by the school SEN teacher. School develops Individual Education Plan for Special Education Needs (SEN) students in consultation with the subject teachers and parents. The SEN teacher and the subject teachers help the students progress through years in scholastic and co scholastic areas as per the plan.

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

School has SEN teacher and a social counsellor. No Psychologist.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

A few parents are members of the school management committee as per CBSE rules and a few are members of Governing Board.

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

Yes, parents are invited to volunteer for school events from time to time. There is a structured parent engagement programme launched every year where parents can be part of a variety of activities organized by school. Some parents are also invited to speak to students as a part of Leadership Lecture Series.

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

Yes, we have a few parents who are members of school managing committee and selected parents are invited to serve as members of school management committee.

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

Yes, every year Parent Orientation Sessions are organized for parents to familiarize them with school programme, policies procedures and offerings at the beginning of the year. The presentation slides are shared digitally with parents for their ready reference.