Al Rabeeh School, Abu Dhabi
ADEK Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
Al Rabeeh School has achieved an overall rating of Very Good in its latest ADEK Irtiqa inspection for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a significant improvement from its previous 'Good' rating. The school, following the British curriculum, demonstrates a clear vision and strategic direction from its leadership, which has been highly effective in driving school improvements and fostering a positive learning environment.
Students consistently exhibit strong learning skills, leading to high levels of achievement across all subjects and phases. Notable improvements include progress in Islamic Education, Arabic (first and second language), Social Studies, English, and Mathematics. The school has successfully implemented initiatives like the White Rose Math curriculum and a strong culture of reading, supported by programs such as Read Write Inc. and Accelerated Reader, to enhance academic outcomes.
The inspection highlights well-established internal and external assessment processes, providing accurate data for continuous improvement. Comprehensive and rigorous arrangements for health, safety, and child protection contribute to a secure and supportive learning environment. The continuity of leadership and low staff turnover have been key factors in sustaining improvements across the school's performance.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Rabeeh School Overall Rating
Very Good
ADEK Performance Standards
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students consistently demonstrate strong learning skills, leading to high levels of achievement across all subjects and phases. Significant improvements have been noted in Islamic Education, Arabic, English, and Mathematics, with many phases showing very good or outstanding progress and attainment. Challenges remain in raising attainment in some areas and catering more effectively to newcomer students in Arabic as a second language. Islamic EducationArabicEnglishMathematics
Students' personal development is rated Very Good, reflecting positive attitudes and strong relationships within the school. Their understanding of Islamic values, awareness of Emirati and world cultures, and social responsibility and innovation skills are rated Good. Islamic valuesEmirati culturesocial responsibility
Teaching remains Very Good across all phases, with teachers effectively using their knowledge to create an encouraging learning environment. Assessment practices have improved from Good to Very Good, indicating strong and valid assessment processes that provide useful data for continuous improvement. teachingassessment practices
Curriculum design and implementation are rated Very Good across all phases, providing a structured and comprehensive educational framework. Curriculum adaptation, however, is rated Good, suggesting areas for further enhancement to meet the diverse needs of all students, including higher-attaining, gifted and talented, and EAL learners. curriculum designcurriculum adaptation
The school maintains Very Good standards in health and safety, including robust arrangements for child protection and safeguarding. The care and support provided to students are also Very Good, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment for all. health and safetychild protectioncare and support
Leadership and management demonstrate positive development, with the principal and senior leadership team providing a clear vision and direction. Effectiveness of leadership, self-evaluation, improvement planning, and governance have all improved to Very Good, driven by a clear focus on student achievement and sustained by leadership continuity and low staff turnover. leadershipself-evaluationgovernance
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Effective Leadership
The principal and senior leadership team provide a clear vision and strategic direction, highly effective in driving school improvements.
Strong Student Achievement
Students consistently demonstrate strong learning skills, resulting in high levels of achievement across all subjects and phases.
Positive Learning Environment
Teachers effectively use their knowledge to create an environment that encourages positive attitudes, self-discipline, and sensitivity to others' needs.
Robust Assessment Processes
Both internal and external assessment processes are well-established, offering accurately analyzed data for continuous improvement.
Comprehensive Safeguarding
Arrangements for health, safety, security, and positive behavior are comprehensive and rigorous, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
Sustained Improvement
Continuity of leadership and low staff turnover have contributed to sustained improvement in most subjects and overall school performance.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Overall, students demonstrate strong learning skills and high levels of achievement across all subjects and phases, with significant improvements noted in Arabic medium subjects, English, and Mathematics. The school has successfully focused on improving teaching and learning through professional development.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, led by the principal and SLT, provides a clear vision and strategic direction, effectively driving school improvements. Their focus on enhancing teaching and learning, coupled with leadership continuity and low staff turnover, has resulted in sustained progress across the school. They demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and effective self-evaluation.
Inspection Findings
Students' Achievement
Students consistently achieve above curriculum standards, with significant improvements in progress and attainment across most subjects, particularly in Arabic, English, and Mathematics. Strong learning skills are evident, though some groups like low attainers and gifted/talented students require more targeted support to accelerate progress.
Personal & Social Development
Students exhibit very good personal development, characterized by positive attitudes and strong relationships. Their understanding of Islamic values, Emirati and world cultures, and innovation skills are good, indicating a supportive environment for holistic growth.
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching is very good across all phases, with educators creating effective learning environments. Assessment practices have improved to very good, providing robust and valid data that is well-utilized for informing teaching and continuous improvement.
Curriculum Design & Adaptation
Curriculum design and implementation are very good, offering a comprehensive British curriculum. However, curriculum adaptation is rated good, highlighting the need for further modification to effectively meet the diverse needs of all student groups, including higher-attaining, gifted and talented, and EAL learners.
Protection, Care & Support
The school demonstrates very good provision for health, safety, and child protection, ensuring a secure environment. Care and support for students are also very good, contributing to their overall well-being and positive behavior.
Areas for Development
- •Raise standards of achievement in all subjects to very good or outstanding by extending the school-wide literacy program to emphasize the development of all Arabic language skills, particularly reading comprehension and writing skills in Arabic as a first language (AFL) and speaking in Arabic as a second language (ASL).
- •Ensure that students practice the Holy Qur’an recitation skills and improve their understanding of the prescribed Hadeeth and Surahs across all phases, more consistently.
- •Extend the school-wide focus on active learning and strategies to strengthen students’ inquiry skills, improving their research skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking in all subjects, using a range of sources, including digital technology.