Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha, Dubai
KHDA Inspection Report & Ratings 2019
Last updated
Executive Summary
Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha L.L.C. has achieved an overall rating of Good for the 2023-2024 academic year, reflecting significant improvements in the quality of education provided. The school is recognized for its positive impact on student outcomes, provision for learners, and effective leadership.
Students' achievement is at least good in core subjects across almost all phases, with Very Good attainment and progress in English, mathematics, and science in KG and High, and in Islamic Education in Elementary. Students demonstrate excellent personal development, a strong understanding of Islamic values, and well-developed learning skills, particularly in KG and High.
The school benefits from much Good and Very Good teaching that fosters student engagement and higher-order thinking. The curriculum is well-designed and adapted to meet diverse needs, offering a wide range of elective courses in high school. Wellbeing and safeguarding are high priorities, supported by clear policies and quality care, while effective leadership continues to drive positive school performance.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha L.L.C Overall Rating
Good for 7+ consecutive years
Dubai Focus Areas
These three pillars represent the Dubai education authority's priorities: ensuring inclusive practices, prioritizing student wellbeing, and meeting UAE National Agenda targets.
The school fosters an inclusive ethos, welcoming students of determination with prompt identification and strong collaboration with external agencies. While coaching and counselling positively impact provision, particularly in high school, support in Elementary is affected by limitations in specialist staff and teacher skills. Most students make good progress, with highly effective adaptations for behavioral and emotional needs. inclusion teamstudents of determinationparental support
Wellbeing is a high priority, with leaders demonstrating strong commitment through comprehensive policies and action plans. The school operates an open culture, valuing views from students, staff, and parents, and provides high-quality counselling services. An integrated approach includes dedicated curricula and events, fostering a strong sense of belonging, though stimulating learning environments are not fully embedded across all subjects. high prioritycounselling servicesintegrated approach
The school's overall standards in the National Agenda Parameter are good. While 2021 PIRLS results were close to target, students' progress in external benchmark assessments showed good or better progress in at least half of the grades. School leaders have improved their understanding and analysis of international assessment results, leading to curriculum and teaching adjustments, but reading literacy for some students, especially Emirati, needs further improvement. National Agenda Parameterinternational assessmentsreading literacyEmirati students
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Improved Student Achievement
The school has seen significant improvements in students’ overall academic performance and achievement across various subjects and phases.
Strong KG Start
Children in Kindergarten are making a very good start to their educational journeys, showing strong progress and attainment.
Excellent Personal Development
Students consistently demonstrate excellent personal development, including a strong understanding of Islamic values and positive behavior.
Strong Parent Partnerships
The school maintains strong partnerships with parents and has effective arrangements in place for keeping students safe and supported.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' performance and achievement have significantly improved across the school, with core subjects generally rated good or very good. Learning skills are strong, particularly in KG and High, contributing to overall academic success.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
Leadership is characterized by a strong, shared vision and a secure understanding of quality assessment, curriculum, teaching, and learning. Leaders effectively monitor and evaluate school performance, using data and stakeholder input to drive improvement and successfully address previous recommendations. While positive relationships prevail, the potential of some middle leaders is not yet fully exploited.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students demonstrate at least good achievement in core subjects across almost all phases, with very good performance in English, mathematics, and science in KG and High. Progress is strong, supported by well-developed learning skills, particularly in the early and later years. Students show a deep understanding of Islamic values and a strong work ethic.
Personal Development
Students exhibit an outstanding sense of personal responsibility, confidence, and initiative, underpinned by mutual respect and excellent relationships. They show empathy, make wise choices about health and safety, and maintain excellent attendance. Students demonstrate a strong appreciation for Islamic values and Emirati culture, actively engaging in social responsibility and innovation projects.
Teaching Quality
Teaching is largely good and very good, effectively engaging students through strong subject knowledge, clear objectives, and skillful questioning to promote higher-order thinking. Teachers effectively use assessment data to guide strategies and adapt content, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning, particularly in KG and High. However, consistency and opportunities for innovation could be improved in Elementary and Middle phases.
Protection & Care
Student safety, welfare, and cybersafety are high priorities, supported by well-resourced security measures and efficient transport arrangements. The school promotes healthy lifestyles and wellbeing, with high-quality medical care and a caring ethos. Excellent attendance and punctuality are maintained, and strong academic and career counselling is provided, alongside supportive intervention programs for students of determination.
Areas for Development
- •Raise students’ attainment in Arabic, as an additional language.
- •Improve students' results in external and international assessments.
- •Broaden the representation on the board of governors.
- •Raise the reading scores of students to at least match their chronological ages, particularly Emirati students.
- •Ensure that all teachers provide stimulating learning environments that enable students to flourish and achieve their best.
- •monitor and evaluate the implementation of initiatives to promote students’ wellbeing.
- •Raise the achievement of boys and non-Arab students in Islamic Education.
- •Increase students’ opportunities to practice their free extended writing skills in the middle and high schools.
- •Improve students’ reading and writing skills in the elementary school.
- •Provide more opportunities for students to practice their Arabic language skills in a variety of everyday contexts.
- •Enhance students’ English literacy skills through further analyses of classical literature.
- •Fully embed reading literacy strategies, enabling students to break down mathematical word problems, identify the key information, and understand what questions must be answered.
- •Strengthen the rigor of assessments in Elementary and Middle to reflect more accurately students' scientific knowledge and skills.
- •Increase opportunities for elementary students to engage in practical laboratory work.
- •Encourage elementary and middle school students to be more self-directed and independent learners.
- •Improve the research and innovation skills of students in Elementary and High.
- •Expand opportunities for students to understand global cultures and share common cultural values in art and literature.
- •Provide more opportunities for all students to engage in environmental conservation projects in the school and local community.
- •Improve the consistency of teaching and opportunities for students to be innovative in Elementary and Middle.
- •Ensure that high school subjects, especially mathematics, that are distinct credit-bearing courses are not merged with another subject’s content.
- •Ensure that students with gifts and talents are suitably challenged and supported in lessons.
- •Ensure that all teachers in Elementary have the necessary skills to provide effective support for students of determination in their lessons.