Alia School offers an enriched American curriculum with an international perspective for students in preschool (KG1-2) to Grade 8. The curriculum is based on the USA national standards/California Standards and best practice research.

Alia offers education within the American curriculum, in addition to the Arabic, Islamic Studies, Quran/Tajweed and Social Studies curricula that are monitored by the Ministry of Education and supervised by the ADEC. Each department has its own curriculum per grade level, meeting both the California and international standards. The syllabi are reviewed on term basis to ensure that they meet student needs and fulfill the school mission, i.e.:

                                                                                                       Nurturing future leaders

“We need to boost innovation among young people, build nurturing environments in our society, and encourage our schools and universities to equip our youth with skills in research and discovery methodologies.” – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Henceforth, successful curriculum and instructional practices are guided by clear goals and high expectations, incorporating a variety of learning activities to accommodate differences in learning styles.

Our school continuously works on curriculum adaptation and caters for the needs of both the talented/gifted pupils and the ones with special education needs (SEN). As for the former, ALP, i.e. Advanced Learning Plans are structured along with a wide range of extra-curricular activities, clubs (to be selected regarding the students’ preferences and choice) and committees. The latter can expect our support from the SEN teacher based on the individually tailored IEP – Individual Educational Plan.

All the above elements make AIPS a school that provides inclusion – equal chances and learning opportunities for each and every student.

KG

The aim of the Kindergarten program at Alia International Private School is to provide a strong foundation from which students can grow to become active participants in life-long learning. This program can be achieved through meeting the following goals.

By participating in the Kindergarten program, children will:

 Develop basic manual and physical skills, such as: holding the crayons/pencils, cutting using safety scissors, gluing, tracing, developing patterns, coloring, hand-eye coordination, etc.;
 Develop general learning readiness;
 Acquire and develop their Arabic and English;
 Start their adventure with Math and Science as well as IT;
 Appreciate their culture and heritage, and celebrate the national festivals;
 Gain confidence in themselves and their ability to learn;
 Demonstrate curiosity and the ability to focus their attention;
 Acquire a level of communicative competence that is personally satisfying;
 Acquire social skills and abilities which enable them to relate to other children and to adults;
 Remain true to their individual nature, being free to develop their own potentials.

At the Kindergarten level, students will engage in a variety of playful and interactive activities inside and outside the classroom, i.e. inside children will stay in safe and well-equipped homerooms or PE rooms, whereas outside – they will be encouraged to play and exercise in a specially designed outdoor fun spot.

Apart from that, a great load of multi-sensory practice enriches the pupils’ learning experience, bases it on guided discovery, and develops both problem solving and critical thinking.

An overall physical and cognitive engagement are to boost the children’s understanding of both the English and Arabic language, and enhance their ability to communicate effectively. By being exposed to English nursery rhymes and songs and immersed in bilingual instruction, they will have a chance to pick up the proper pronunciation naturally and effortlessly.

Lastly, a variety of resources and teaching aids also facilitates the learning process at our school. Pupils, under the supervision of their class teachers, can use the reading corner/mini library, go and get acquainted with the computers and the computer lab, play using indoor music and PE equipment, create – using the available materials to realize thematic projects, arts and crafts, etc. The latter are regularly displayed in the school corridors and classrooms as we – teachers and educators in AIPS – believe that there is nothing better than raising kids’ motivation through rewards and positive appraisal.

Primary School

The Primary school spans across Grade 1 to Grade 5. Apart from the main subjects, i.e. Arabic, English, Science, Math, and IT, there is also French. At AIPS, the Elementary school provides a safe, challenging, and nurturing learning environment for students.

In practice it means that each student’s potential is highly recognized and nurtured. The curriculum aims at developing a range of learning skills and cognitive learning strategies, be it problem solving, critical thinking, and ability to undertake innovative initiatives. In case of special need students, there are certain curriculum adaptations that are applied, and the pupils can count for a professional SEN teacher’s support and receive education within an individual program.

Generally, at this level, students are expected to take a more active role in their own learning to reach a greater understanding of various concepts. Learners in AIPS strive to become inquirers, risk-takers, and reflective thinkers who continuously brush their English up.

Additionally, students develop their natural curiosity and learn the necessary skills to conduct experiments in Science, use manipulatives and realia during Math classes, and transfer the acquired skills onto their own environment, e.g. they can measure the objects, check the temperature, and so on. It’s a worthwhile learning experience that aims at making them resourceful in the real world. In other words, they explore new concepts, ideas, and issues about the world around them. They are also encouraged to approach unfamiliar situations with courage and open-mindedness.

Furthermore, they learn to show respect towards the needs and feelings of others, and develop not only a strong self-actualization need, but also empathy. After all, they learn to become fully considerate members of community, aware of national and international values, and different cultures.

Moreover, in the Elementary school, throughout the day, students are encouraged to become environmental stewards of their immediate community – at school and within its premises. They work along with the teachers to build up a safe and sound learning environment, and create a friendly atmosphere, which altogether reflects the school’s ethos. During assemblies, the elementary pupils are also taught what are their duties, achievements, but also issues to be concerned about, for instance the ones related to their classroom environment, school itself, home, the UAE, and also the world.

Middle School

The Middle School (Grades 6-8) at AIPS provides meaningful learning experiences for students and a firm academic grounding in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arabic, Islamic Studies, ICT, Tajweed, French, Music, P.E., and the Arts.

In the Middle School, students are trained to become active participants in a program that promotes the students’ full intellectual, physical, moral, and social development. They are encouraged to participate in the school’s life, establish school committees, Student Council, and the like. They are encouraged to go outside with their skills and abilities, raise and donate the money for various organizations, such as the Red Crescent, raise awareness about social and country-related issues.

The learning process is student-centered, additionally promoted by student clubs and extra-curricular activities, enabling students to think for themselves, encouraging initiative, innovation, and full participation. Students learn to make choices, take decisions up and develop their preferable competences – also by means of ALPs (Advanced Learning Plans). They are bound to become fully skilful young people who would be able to take up challenges in the local and highly competitive, international environment.