The International School of Choueifat
Executive Summary
The International School of Choueifat received an Acceptable overall rating for the 2023-2024 academic year. The inspection found that while students' progress in Islamic Education has improved to acceptable, and English achievement in Primary is good, there has been a decline in English in high school. Mathematics and science progress in high school remains Very Good.
Students demonstrate strong personal responsibility, positive behavior, and respect for their culture, with expanding leadership opportunities. However, lesson planning is uneven due to ineffective assessment use, impacting student achievement. Leadership aligns with SABIS and UAE priorities, but self-evaluation lacks accuracy, and parental involvement is inadequate.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
The International School of Choueifat Overall Rating
Acceptable for 12+ 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's provision and outcomes for students of determination are acceptable, with some improvements made towards statutory requirements. While teachers are generally knowledgeable about learning needs, the development and implementation of individual learning plans (IEPs) are at an early stage, and parental involvement is limited. There is a lack of differentiation and support in lessons for these students. students of determinationindividual learning plans (IEPs)differentiation and support
Wellbeing is a priority, underpinning the school's ethos, climate, and culture, with leaders and teachers modeling healthy practices. Students contribute to the wellbeing climate through the Student Life Organisation and various initiatives. They feel a sense of belonging and report feeling welcomed and supported in a positive environment. WellbeingStudent Life Organisationsense of belonging
The school's overall standards in the National Agenda Parameter are acceptable. While the school achieved a good judgment in PIRLS tests, benchmark test outcomes for all students, including the Emirati cohort, were weak in English, mathematics, and science. Leaders are now striving to establish continuity with these tests and make necessary adaptations. National Agenda ParameterPIRLS testsEmirati cohortbenchmark tests
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
High School Academics
High school students consistently demonstrate strong achievement in mathematics and science, reflecting effective teaching and curriculum in these subjects.
Personal Development
Students exhibit strong personal development, a commendable work ethic, and a deep awareness of Islamic values and Emirati culture.
Leadership Opportunities
The Students’ Life Organisation (SLO) provides valuable leadership opportunities, equipping students for future roles both within and outside the school.
Senior Student Support
Senior students benefit from strong pastoral support and comprehensive career guidance, aiding their transition to higher education and future careers.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' learning skills are Acceptable in KG and Primary, and Good in Middle and High phases.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
Leadership effectively supports the SABIS vision and aligns with Emirati priorities, fostering positive morale among staff. While instructional methods are strong, the self-evaluation system lacks accuracy, and inconsistent follow-through on past recommendations hinders progress. Parental involvement is noted as inadequate, and governance lacks diverse representation.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students demonstrate improved progress in Islamic Education and Arabic, with English achievement good in Primary but declining in High school. Mathematics and science show very good progress in High school. Students exhibit strong personal responsibility, positive behavior, and a deep understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, with developing learning skills.
Personal Development
Students show positive and responsible attitudes, self-reliance, and mutual respect, with senior students taking initiative in school activities. They have a deep appreciation for Islamic values and Emirati customs, participating in diverse cultural celebrations. Students understand their social responsibilities, volunteer eagerly, and are aware of environmental issues.
Teaching Quality
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, especially in High school, but lesson planning is uneven due to inconsistent use of assessment data for individual needs. While positive teacher-student relationships are evident, lessons are often teacher-dominated, limiting opportunities for independent and group learning. There are gaps between internal and external assessment results.
Protection & Care
The school maintains robust safeguarding policies and systems, ensuring student safety from all forms of abuse, including cyberbullying. Facilities are well-maintained, and health and safety procedures have improved. Relationships are built on mutual trust, and effective care and support are provided, though identification and differentiation for students of determination require further development.
Areas for Development
- •Ensure that governors appoint qualified teachers in Islamic Education, Arabic, English and Inclusion, to support the quality of teaching and to improve students’ achievement.
- •Improve teaching for effective learning across the school but particularly in Islamic Education and Arabic.
- •Raise students’ attainment by making more effective use of internal and external assessment information to plan and implement challenging lessons for all groups of students, including students of determination.
- •Improve the leadership skills of all middle leaders to support the school’s self-evaluation, improvement planning and students’ outcomes.