Dubai Schools - Albarsha
KHDA Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
The overall quality of education provided by Dubai Schools - Albarsha is rated as Acceptable for the 2023-2024 academic year. The school demonstrates positive student attitudes and strong personal development, particularly in the Kindergarten phase.
Attainment and progress are Acceptable in Islamic Education and Arabic across all phases, and also in KG for English, Mathematics, and Science. However, attainment in English, Mathematics, and Science is Weak in the elementary and middle phases, though progress in these subjects is Acceptable. Opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and independent learning skills remain limited.
Students exhibit very positive and responsible attitudes, understanding healthy lifestyles and demonstrating a secure grasp of Islamic values and Emirati culture. The school prioritizes student safety, welfare, and wellbeing, with effective child protection and safeguarding measures in place. Leadership and management are Acceptable, with strong parental engagement and community partnerships noted as a strength.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Dubai Schools - Albarsha Overall Rating
Acceptable
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 demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion, welcoming students of determination and implementing thorough identification systems. While targeted support through intervention programs is provided, in-class support from teachers can be variable, and strategies for gifted and talented students require further systematic development. students of determinationidentification systemsintervention programs
Wellbeing provision and outcomes are rated as Good, driven by strong commitment from senior leaders and the wellbeing committee. Policies and practices are in place for students, staff, and parents, with comprehensive support and monitoring through collaboration with counselors and inclusion staff. Curriculum initiatives are beginning to positively impact students' understanding of wellbeing and online safety. wellbeing committeeonline safety protocolscomprehensive support
Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter are Acceptable. While no students took PIRLS 2021, MAP benchmark tests show weak attainment in English, Mathematics, and Science for elementary students, including Emirati cohorts. Leadership has developed action plans with clear success criteria to address gaps in knowledge and improve reading literacy, which is currently weak for over half of students in Grades 2-6. MAP benchmark testreading literacyEmirati achievement
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Leadership Vision
The Principal and her leadership team demonstrate strong vision, commitment, and determination in guiding the school's development.
Personal Development
Students exhibit strong social and personal development, characterized by positive attitudes towards school and learning.
Cultural Awareness
Students show a deep appreciation for Islamic values and a strong awareness of the heritage and culture of the UAE.
Student Welfare
The school provides excellent care, guidance, and support to ensure students' welfare and overall wellbeing.
Community Engagement
Strong engagement from parents and extensive partnerships with the wider community are key strengths of the school.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Attainment in English, mathematics and science is weak in the elementary and middle phases although progress is acceptable. Students demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning, especially in the KG.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, led by the Principal, demonstrates strong vision and commitment, fostering an environment of trust, respect, collaboration, and inclusion. They engage in systematic and accurate self-evaluation, working closely with parents and the community to understand and address areas for improvement, though improvement plans require more specific success criteria.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Attainment and progress are acceptable in Islamic Education and Arabic across all phases, and in KG for English, Mathematics, and Science. However, attainment in English, Mathematics, and Science is weak in elementary and middle phases, despite acceptable progress. Students' critical thinking and independent learning skills are still developing.
Personal Development
Students consistently demonstrate positive attitudes, responsible behavior, and supportive relationships. They have a secure understanding of healthy lifestyles, Islamic values, and Emirati culture, actively participating in environmental sustainability projects and showing pride in their heritage.
Teaching Quality
Teachers generally possess secure subject knowledge, and lesson plans are well-structured. Assessment arrangements are reliable, but the consistent use of data to personalize learning and set high expectations for all students, particularly for those learning English as an additional language, remains inconsistent. Opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving are limited.
Protection & Care
Student safety, welfare, and wellbeing are high priorities, with routine staff training in child protection and safeguarding. The school effectively manages student behavior and has rigorous procedures for identifying students of determination, providing targeted support, though in-class support and provisions for gifted and talented students are variable.
Areas for Development
- •Improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate progress and attainment by ensuring that leaders and teachers have full knowledge and understanding of the US curriculum standards.
- •Improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate progress and attainment by ensuring that leaders and teachers effectively meet the needs of students who are learning English as an additional language.
- •Improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate progress and attainment by ensuring that all teachers use assessment information to plan and implement lessons that meet student’s individual learning needs.
- •Improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate progress and attainment by ensuring that students develop the ability to become independent learners, critical thinkers and problem solvers.
- •Improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate progress and attainment by ensuring that the quality and consistency of marking, feedback and follow-up by students are improved.
- •Make sure that the school improvement plan is suitably prioritized and includes measurable success criteria which are clearly linked to students’ achievement.
- •Provide sufficient experienced specialist teachers and support staff to match the large number of students and the high levels of need of those who are learning English as an additional language.