The Indian International School (DSO Branch)

The school is permanently affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, and its curriculum is designed to align with both CBSE standards and the UAE National Agenda parameters. The curriculum framework is structured across four clear phases: Kindergarten (KG1-KG2), Primary (Grades 1-5), Middle (Grades 6-8), and Secondary (Grades 9-10, now extending to Grade 11). The school's own description of its approach emphasises a blend of inquiry, experiential learning and play in the early years, transitioning to a more structured, competency-based model in upper grades that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework from India. In Kindergarten, the curriculum centres on three core areas - Literacy, Numeracy and Understanding Our World - supplemented by personal, social and physical development. Notably, the KG approach draws from early years best practice, integrating play-based learning alongside the CBSE framework. Primary and Middle students follow core CBSE subjects: English, Hindi or French as a second language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, alongside co-scholastic subjects including Computer Science, Physical Education, Art, Dance and Music. Swimming is integrated into the timetable. UAE-mandated subjects - Arabic, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies and Moral Education - are embedded throughout. Secondary students (Grades 9-10) follow strict CBSE guidelines. From Grade 9, students may choose Artificial Intelligence or Computer Applications as a skill subject, and select Hindi or French as their second language. Arabic and UAE Social Studies continue to Grade 9, while Moral Education and Islamic Studies extend to Grade 10. The DSIB 2023-24 report confirms that Secondary students achieve Very Good attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science - the three pillars of CBSE academic performance. In contrast, attainment in Arabic as an additional language remains Acceptable in Middle and Secondary, a persistent gap that the school has been formally directed to address. The school uses a range of external benchmark assessments including the International Scholastic Association (ISA) test, the New Group Reading Test (NGRT), the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) and the Arabic Benchmark Test (ABT). These tools give leaders data to track progress against international norms. CBSE Grade 10 board examination results are not published by the school, which limits full transparency, though the school's homepage does celebrate individual subject toppers: the 2025 Grade 10 school topper achieved 97.6%, with multiple students scoring 98% in individual subjects including English, Mathematics, Science and French. University placement data is not formally published, which is a limitation for families planning beyond Grade 10. Students must transfer to complete Grades 11 and 12 at another institution if they require the full CBSE Senior Secondary pathway, though the school now offers Grade 11 as of the 2025-26 fee schedule. The school's inclusion provision covers 128 students of determination. A Learning Centre operates with a team of counsellors and learning support assistants, addressing diagnoses including Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Auditory Processing Disorder. The DSIB report rates inclusion as Good, noting improved identification processes. Gifted and Talented identification is described as emerging, with extracurricular activities as the primary enrichment vehicle. EAL provision is not formally described, which is consistent with a predominantly Indian-nationality student body where English is typically a strong second language.