In Kindergarten I and II, emphasis is placed on the development of a positive self-concept, appropriate socialization and learning readiness skills. The foundations are laid for a happy and successful school experience. Fundamental skills are taught in an active, stimulating and accepting environment.

Curriculum for students in Grades 1 through 5 emphasizes basic skills in all subject areas and introduces higher level skills to challenge students and stimulate their interests and thinking. The curriculum fosters the concept that learning will be enjoyable and rewarding throughout students' lives.

In Grades KII – 5, an approach focused on continuous progress is used in the core curricular areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition to the core subjects, students receive instruction in physical education, music, art, Arabic language for native and non-native speakers, Islamic education for Muslims, library science, and instructional technology. Our curriculum is clearly outlined by grade, and infused with an emphasis on the development of Future-focused learning. The instructional program makes a variety of provisions to support individual learning differences and all teachers strive to meet the needs of all students.

Students are provided opportunities to demonstrate their many talents, communication skills, and leadership qualities through curricular and co-curricular activities. Teachers encourage and assist students in becoming active learners, and with integrating their ideas, feelings and experiences into the instructional program. Students are encouraged to accept responsibility for their conduct, thereby enhancing their feelings of self-esteem and self-confidence. 

For insight into the grade level learning in each subject area, click HERE.

English Language Learners (ELL) 

The DAA Elementary School Division is committed to differentiated instruction to attend to the individual needs of all students. In order to inspire excellence in academics for each child, we provide an English Language Learners (ELL) program that uses the sheltered immersion model and WIDA program, as applicable, to support ELL students in the mainstream classroom.                                    

Inclusion (SEND)

In DAA’s continued commitment to the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework, the Inclusion Program (SEND) is available for students who require additional support in all grades. This support is designed to assist students to achieve grade-level standards, as well as challenge and extend students who are achieving above grade level in the mainstream classroom. The Student Support Team provides planned accommodations, modifications, and teacher training and guidance. Further information can be found in the Inclusion Handbook [pending].                                                   

Counseling Services

The Elementary Guidance Program supports the academic, social, and personal development of each student. Counselors support teachers and administration to ensure academic and behavioral success of each student. Counselors work with students individually, in small groups, and at the class level.          

Activities

Examples of activities that have been offered in the past include:

• Arts and Crafts
• Dance class
• Coding
• Drama
• Karate
• World languages
• Mask making
• Student Council
• Yearbook
• Creative writing
• Musical productions

Sessions are generally an hour in length once a week directly after school.  

Athletics

Students from grade 2 onwards also have an opportunity to participate in the following DAA athletics teams: 

• Season 1: Soccer
• Season 2: Track and Field
• Season 3: Basketball

Students from grades 2 to 5 are able to join the following DAA swim squads: 

• Grade 3-5: Junior Swimming Squad 
• Grade 2: Development squad 

The one to one iPad system in the Elementary School provides all students with innovative opportunities to learn, create and present lessons through Common Sense Education on Digital Citizenship, based on a provided scope and sequence. These courses are taught to show students how to use iPads independently and effectively. In addition, all students are engaged in ‘Everyone Can Code’ lessons on a regular basis, taught by their homeroom teachers, so that technology is used as not only as a tool for learning and presentation, but also for creation and application.

We believe in the power of iPad to transform teaching and learning and preparing our students to be Future ready.