Assessments are an integral part of learning to know how students are getting on at school and which areas need more support, but there are a variety of types of assessments across various schools and curricula. Let’s look at which are used in Dubai SMS.
The American Curriculum at Dubai SMS
The American school curriculum is often highly regarded, first and foremost because it emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex and globalized world.
American curricula are greatly popular due to their adaptability and recognition worldwide. Many international schools adopt variations of the American curriculum due to its familiarity and alignment with global educational standards. Furthermore, its emphasis on English language proficiency and its integration of technology appeal to parents and students seeking opportunities for academic and professional success in an interconnected world, where English is considered a global language and technology is an ever-growing industry.
Dubai SMS adopts an American-style curriculum, offering a program closely resembling that of schools in the United States and adhering to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This curriculum includes additional elements focusing on the culture and language of Dubai, such as Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Moral Education as outlined by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Lessons are conducted in English, similar to the approach in British and American-curriculum international schools in Dubai.
Student performance is evaluated annually using the traditional A to F grading system, where A denotes excellence and F indicates inadequate performance. Upon completion, students receive a transcript of their academic records following the GPA guidelines, facilitating easy interpretation of their grades on an international scale. This transcript proves invaluable for students seeking further education or career opportunities abroad.
Learn more about the curriculum at Dubai SMS here.
Assessments at Dubai SMS
Assessments are vital in children’s education, serving multiple purposes. They track students’ progress, identifying areas of strength and weakness to inform personalized instruction. Feedback from assessments empowers students to understand their performance and take ownership of their learning journey. By pinpointing learning gaps early on, assessments allow educators to intervene promptly, ensuring students grasp foundational concepts.
Moreover, assessments motivate students by setting clear goals and objectives, boosting their confidence and drive for learning. Additionally, assessments hold schools and educators accountable for student outcomes, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. The multifaceted nature of assessments makes them indispensable tools in shaping the educational experience and facilitating academic success. Here are the assessments students take throughout their time at Dubai SMS:
Kindergarten
- Assessments after each unit of the Creative Curriculum
- KG2 MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Testing
Elementary (Grades 1 – 5)
- Ongoing assessments at the beginning and end of each 6-week curriculum unit
- MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Testing
- GL CAT4 (Grades 3 & 5)
- GL PASS (Grades 3 & 5)
- NGRT (Grade 1 – 5)
- IBT (Grades 3-5)
- LevelSet (KG-G5)
Middle School (Grades 6 – 8)
- Ongoing assessments at the beginning and end of each 6-week curriculum unit including quizzes and projects
- MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Testing
- GL CAT4 (Grades 7)
- GL PASS (Grade 7)
- NGRT (Grades 6-8)
- IBT
- Additional external assessments mandated by national or international authorities (PIRLS- TIMSS)
High School (Grades 9 – 12)
- MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Testing (Grades 9 -10)
- GL CAT 4 (Grade 9)
- NGRT (Grade 9 and 10)
- GL PASS (Grade 9)
- IBT (Grade 9)
- PSAT (Grade 10)
- SAT, EMSAT, IELTS as stated by MOE as graduation requirements and as recommended by universities
- PISA for students 15 years old (National Agenda Parameter)
- PBTS (PISA Based Test for Schools) for Grade 10 students
Facilities at Dubai SMS
While assessments are important to track and measure students’ performance while at school to give them support and encouragement where necessary, schools must have the appropriate facilities to enable students to reach their potential. These facilities must both support students learning in the classroom, and their well-being outside. Here are some of the academic and supplementary facilities provided for students at Dubai SMS.
Academic Facilities
Having modern academic facilities that support children’s learning and provide access to technology is crucial for positive academic outcomes. That’s why at the Dubai SMS, both the girls and boys campuses have state-of-the-art scientific laboratories, computer laboratories, art rooms, libraries, gardens and activity rooms so students can learn interactively and support each other’s growth. When outside of the classroom, they can also enjoy time in the multipurpose halls that encourage student-centered learning and explorations of their own interests.
Moreover, early access to technology encourages curiosity and experimentation, fostering a sense of exploration and creativity. It allows children to engage with interactive learning experiences, educational apps, and multimedia content that can enhance their cognitive development and problem-solving abilities. By gaining early exposure, children develop essential digital literacy skills, such as navigating interfaces, using basic software, and understanding online safety.
Furthermore, exposure to technology from a young age fosters a comfort level with digital tools. This familiarity can alleviate fear or apprehension towards technology, empowering children to embrace it confidently and become more proficient with technology over time. This enables them to develop a deeper understanding of its capabilities and potential applications, laying a foundation for future learning and exploration in fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), where proficiency in technology is increasingly essential.
Health and Wellbeing
Students can experience stress in their lives as much as adults, so it’s imperative schools provide students with comprehensive healthcare on campus to ensure their physical and mental well-being.
Both boys’ and girls’ campuses have modern medical facilities with a school doctor and nurses who provide a yearly health check and vision check as well as tend to any medical emergencies on campus with access to defibrillator, a nebulizer and oxygen apparatus if necessary.
Excellent health and safety measures are put in place across campus as well to ensure that as few accidents as possible take place and all staff are equipped to deal with any incident that may occur.
The school cafeterias also support students’ mental and physical health by providing fresh, healthy food options every day of the school year. You can find out more about the school calendar and hours here.
Sports
Access to sports facilities during school hours and as extracurricular activities is also crucial for the mental and physical health of children, allowing them to stay active, work together as teams and learn the importance of communication, resilience and interaction for healthy minds and success in the wider world.
Attending extracurricular sporting events can also support their academic success due to these useful skills and increase in dopamine from the exercise, allowing students to excel in all aspects of their school lives.
At Dubai School of Modern Skills, girls can train together in basketball and volleyball, while boys can play soccer, volleyball and basketball together from Monday to Thursday each day.
Transportation
Reaching school safely and on time is an essential step for any student, so at Dubai SMS, we provide transportation by school bus on several different routes through the city to help students get to school. Using the reliable Emirates Transport, a school bus company operating since 1981, we know our students are well looked after, with a bus attendant and first aid kit on every bus.
Safety in Dubai’s American Schools
Safety at school is paramount, ensuring the well-being and security of students, staff, and visitors. Onsite security measures, such as security personnel and surveillance systems, play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment. These measures deter potential threats and provide a rapid response to emergencies, minimizing risks and ensuring timely intervention in critical situations.
Additionally, school uniforms contribute to safety by facilitating easy identification of students. Uniforms create a sense of unity and belonging among students while also making it easier for staff and security personnel to ensure any individuals who do not belong on campus cannot enter the facility. Preventing unauthorized access then enhances overall security measures.
Dubai School of Modern Skills
Dubai School of Modern Skills prioritizes the well-being of all of its students and ensures parents have access to crucial information regarding the school to allow them involvement in their children’s education.
You can read more about our parent inquiry procedures here, or to get to know more about the aims and practices of Dubai SMS, you can read our vision and mission here.
