Al Durrah International School
Executive Summary
Al Durrah International School maintains an overall effectiveness rating of Good, consistent with its previous inspection. Under the leadership of the recently appointed principal, senior leaders, and governors, the school has achieved significant improvements across various areas.
Notable progress includes improved attainment and progress in Middle School mathematics, social studies, Arabic as a Second Language (ASL), and science in Kindergarten (KG). Learning skills are now Very Good in Elementary, Middle, and High phases, while teaching and curriculum design and implementation have also reached a Very Good standard.
The school demonstrates strong performance in students’ personal development, health and safety, and care and support, all rated as Very Good. Effective leadership, robust self-evaluation, and strong partnerships with parents and governors have contributed to these positive outcomes, supported by very good facilities and resources.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Durrah International School Overall Rating
Good for 2+ consecutive years
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school has thorough systems to accurately identify students with special educational needs (SEN) and provides detailed individual education plans (IEPs). This effective support enables SEN students to make consistent personal and academic progress. However, procedures for identifying and supporting gifted and talented (G&T) students are less thorough. special educational needs (SEN)individual education plans (IEPs)gifted and talented (G&T)
Students consistently demonstrate very good personal and social development, exhibiting positive and responsible attitudes with rare bullying incidents. Relationships between students and staff are mutually respectful, fostering a supportive environment. The school effectively promotes healthy living, and student attendance is outstanding at 98.5%. positive attitudesresponsible attitudeshealthy livingoutstanding attendance
The school uses external assessments like MAP, TIMSS, and AP examinations to benchmark student outcomes, showing very good growth in MAP for Middle and High. While progress is evident, there is a need for more consistent data analysis in lesson planning to improve outcomes for all students and strengthen external benchmarking across all subjects and phases. MAPTIMSSAP examinationsexternal benchmarking
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Curriculum Progression
The school excels in planning its curriculum to ensure clear and consistent progression across all subjects, supporting students' continuous learning journey.
Student Learning Skills
Students demonstrate purposeful learning skills, particularly strong communication and collaboration, which are crucial for achieving common goals and enhancing their educational experience.
Improved Teaching Quality
There is an improved quality of teaching and learning, especially in the High School, directly contributing to successful student achievement across various subjects.
Student Support & Guidance
The school provides very effective guidance and support for students, particularly in the High School, ensuring their well-being and academic success.
Specific Subject Progress
Significant improvements are noted in Middle School mathematics and social studies, alongside enhanced progress and attainment in science for Kindergarten children.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students’ achievement is very good overall.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, comprising the principal, senior leaders, and governors, demonstrates a clear vision for the school and has successfully driven improvements. They possess a secure understanding of the curriculum and international best practices, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and effectively monitored.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students’ achievement is very good overall. The large majority of students make better than expected progress across all phases, particularly in English, Mathematics, and Science. Students demonstrate strong learning skills, especially in communication and collaboration, though opportunities for linking learning across subjects could be enhanced.
Personal Development
Students’ personal and social development and their innovation skills are very good overall. Students exhibit positive attitudes, responsible behavior, and respectful relationships. They have a secure understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, actively participating in community and cultural activities. Innovation skills are developing, particularly in Elementary and Middle phases.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching and assessment is very good overall. Teaching is very good in Elementary, Middle, and High, ensuring students are engaged and make high levels of progress. Teachers use effective strategies to meet diverse learning needs, although more consistent challenge for higher-attaining students and better use of data analysis in planning are areas for further development.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance, and support of students is very good. The school has rigorous safeguarding procedures, ensuring students feel safe and supported. Relationships between staff and students are very good, and comprehensive systems are in place for identifying and supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). However, support for gifted and talented (G&T) students is less thorough.
Areas for Development
- •Improve students’ attainment and progress in Islamic education, Arabic as a First Language (AFL) and Arabic as a second language (ASL) across all phases.
- •Strengthen support for all groups of students to meet their learning needs across all subjects.
- •Provide specific and appropriate levels of challenge and support in lessons to enhance students’ learning.
- •Enhance the use of data analysis in the planning of lessons to improve outcomes for all students.