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The SMS Teaching and Learning Policy prioritize student-centered inquiry based learning. In their review of learning at SMS, teachers overwhelmingly shared that learning is active and student focused.
Classroom practices and expectations prioritize student-based collaborative learning, wherein students identify the problem and work together to discover possible solutions. Students are encouraged to make mistakes and learn from them.
Our cross-curricular STrEaM project and our Elementary Robotics project provide students with more opportunities to be creative and engage in problem and inquiry based learning. In “SMS does Shark Tank”, students school-wide illustrated their innovation and critical thinking skills as they designed solutions to social issues, all while developing a profitable business model! Focus on Islamic values/Emirati culture
In keeping with the school’s mission, vision and values, the curriculum of SMS is designed to provide each student the opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential; develop intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually; grow as inquisitive, engaged and motivated learners and celebrate the values of respect, commitment and inclusivity.
Our American curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Art, French, History, Physical Education, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, ISTE for IT, Advanced Placement for AP courses at the upper levels of high school, while other disciplines are aligned with other state standards. The subjects of Arabic, Islamic, Moral Education, and Social Studies adhere to the relevant Ministry of Education (MoE) curricula. For KG, we adopted the creative curriculum. This provides the framework for learning as well as International Standardization for outcomes and breadth of study for the school.
Child-Centered Approach: Focuses on personalized learning, fostering curiosity, and empowering students to take ownership of their education.
American Curriculum (CCSS): Provides a strong academic foundation aligned with international standards while allowing for flexibility.
Creative Curriculum: emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity, fostering independence, a love for learning, and holistic development.
Islamic Values: Integrates Islamic teachings and cultural practices into the curriculum, nurturing spiritual and moral growth.
Emirati Culture: Celebrates UAE's heritage, fostering an appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding.
Arabic Language Development: Provides comprehensive support for Arabic language acquisition, empowering students to become bilingual communicators.
Personalized Learning: Tailors instruction to each child's needs and interests, encouraging self-motivation and ownership of learning.
E.N.G.A.G.E. Extended Day Program: Offers enrichment activities, socialization opportunities, and flexibility for parents.
After School Academic Program (ASAP): Provides targeted support for academic improvement, literacy skills, and grade promotion.
By joining SMS, your child will embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, where their potential is unlocked and celebrated.
As our students continue their learning journey, our American Curriculum (CCSS) grows and develops. Our Classroom teachers deliver English, Maths, Science, Social Studies and PE in English. We continue to develop Arabic Language skills and introduce Islamic, Qaran and Social Studies delivered in Arabic.
There is a balance in the curriculum to meet the needs of the whole child. We encourage our students to take responsibility for their learning journey. They are supported to recognise their learning styles, strengths and areas for development and take an active role in their education. This builds on our KG best practice to develop lifelong learning skills and self-motivation.
Our cross curricular approach includes our STrEaM (Science, Technology, reading, Engineering, art and Mathematics) activity room, field trips, health education and much more. We have strong school values and support our students to make good decisions and healthy choices.
We share our students learning through online portfolios and an open communication platform wherein parents can share and celebrate their child’s progress. By the time they leave elementary they are fully equipped to meet the greater demands of Middle School and beyond with a positive attitude to learning and a real sense of belonging.
Progressing to Middle School, SMS continues to develop in our students responsibility for their own learning. Students are fully supported by subject specific teachers. Students can speak to their individual learning styles, demonstrate awareness of their strengths, areas for improvement sand knowledge of their next steps. Students regularly self and peer assess; they further build upon their skills of collaboration and communication.
Continuing to cultivate a love for learning, curiosity, creativity, and resourcefulness, students in Grades 6 to 8 are exposed to a wide range of subjects, from the sciences and social sciences through to the arts and languages. We actively strive to develop each child’s individual talents, build his/her self-esteem, and encourage his/her leadership skills.
Our dedicated teachers and school leaders continue to communicate regularly with parents; sharing their children’s progress on a regular basis via a variety of online platforms and parent-teacher conferences.
Student learning is supported by local & international trips. Three STrEaM weeks are embedded in the Middle School curriculum, developing in our students an ability & love of learning through enquiry. Respect for each other underpins all our Middle School endeavours – our SMS Behaviour Policy rewards students who exhibit exemplary attitudes & care towards their peers.
As they continue to grow academically and socially, our students’ well-being and personal development is supported by our Pastoral Care Team, who work alongside teachers to ensure our students can flourish in a caring, safe and structured environment. Upon completion of Grade 8, our Middle School students are fully prepared to embark upon their High School journey.
As they progress to High School, the broad, diverse and skills-based curriculum choices provided by SMS, reflect the young, future-focused adults our students have become.
Students select courses from a wide range of electives on offer, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The electives provided are selected to match the diverse interests of our students and to best prepare them for University. As part of the curriculum, students are prepared to sit for the SAT, AP, IELTS and EmSAT examinations.
Students in High School take High School Diploma courses. These courses were developed in response to the diverse needs and career paths of our student body. The High School courses, alongside AP classes, are ideal for students seeking greater specialization and those who are looking for a more flexible program.
We are offering the AP Capstone Program for further alignment with the American High School Program in the amalgamation of grade levels in Elective courses are completed. The AP Capstone Program is a culminating two-year credential program where students develop and apply their skills and knowledge to real world phenomena that they are personally interested in researching. This College Board program emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, research, investigation, analysis, and argumentative writing and presentation skills. Rather than subject-specific or content- based courses, the seminar and research courses utilize an interdisciplinary approach to learning that better prepares students for higher education.
Our Guidance Counselor assists the students in choosing their courses based on their college and career goals, interests, and academic performance. Moreover, the counselor helps students with the application process and with meeting college/university entrance requirements by arranging campus college visits and university fairs; providing school transcripts showing subjects taken and grades earned; and assisting with personal statement/college entrance essays, and with registering for standardized tests.
Numerous school initiatives ensure that SMS students stand out from all other third-level applicants. Such initiatives include the Internship Program and Community Volunteer Program.
As our students graduate, they leave us thoroughly prepared and excited for the world of opportunities which lies ahead. They graduate as independent, life-long learners equipped with the skills necessary to succeed and flourish in a modern, global society.
