International School of Choueifat - Khalifa
Executive Summary
The International School of Choueifat - Khalifa has achieved an overall ADEK Irtiqa rating of Very Good for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a significant progression from its previous 'Good' rating. This improvement reflects the school's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and student experiences through the distinctive SABIS curriculum.
Key academic strengths include Outstanding attainment in High Phase Mathematics and Very Good achievement across English medium subjects, particularly in the high phase. Students demonstrate positive attitudes, strong work ethics, and mutually respectful relationships. The school's curriculum is systematically reviewed, offering diverse learning opportunities and preparing students effectively for further studies.
The inspection highlights effective leadership at all levels, fostering a safe and secure learning environment. While significant progress has been made, areas for development include consistently raising attainment in all core subjects, enhancing reading and communication skills, and strengthening middle leaders' knowledge of the UAE inspection framework to support a fully inclusive school environment.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
International School of Choueifat - Khalifa Overall Rating
Very Good
ADEK Performance Standards
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students' achievement is Very Good overall, with notable strengths in English medium subjects, particularly in the high phase. Attainment in Mathematics is Outstanding in the high phase and Very Good across other phases. While internal assessment data often indicates higher attainment, external assessments show varied results, with some areas needing further improvement to align with international standards. Very GoodOutstandingEnglish medium subjectsMathematics
Students' personal development is Very Good in the high phase and Good in other phases, characterized by positive attitudes, respectful behavior, and punctuality. Their understanding of Islamic values, awareness of Emirati and global cultures, and social responsibility are consistently Good. Students assume leadership roles through the Student Life Organization, though proactive involvement in local community projects is an area for growth. Very GoodGoodStudent Life Organization
Teaching quality has progressed to Very Good, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and effective strategies to stimulate learning. Assessment practices are Very Good across all phases, effectively identifying student strengths and gaps to inform support measures. However, greater consistency in lesson planning and differentiation is needed to challenge all learners, especially higher achievers. Very Gooddifferentiation
Curriculum design and implementation are Very Good, offering engaging and diverse learning opportunities that prepare students for further studies. The SABIS curricula are regularly reviewed based on assessment results and regional trends. However, curriculum adaptation is Good, with insufficient differentiation to challenge all learners, including new students and those requiring additional language support. Very GoodSABIS curriculaCurriculum adaptation
Health and safety arrangements are Very Good, with thorough checks and effective systems for supervision and behavior management. However, care and support are rated Acceptable due to the absence of identified students of determination and insufficient challenge for higher achievers, including gifted and talented students, particularly in KG and primary phases. The school's guidance system for further education and careers is Very Effective. Very GoodAcceptablestudents of determinationgifted and talented
The effectiveness of leadership is Very Good, driven by committed leaders at all levels and a distributive leadership model with clear delegations. While middle leaders are aware of improvement needs, their knowledge of the UAE inspection framework and its alignment with SABIS best practices requires strengthening. Self-evaluation and improvement planning are Good, needing enhanced rigor and stakeholder consultation. Very Gooddistributive leadership modelUAE inspection framework
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Strong Academic Progress
Students' attainment and progress in High Phase English medium subjects are a significant strength, with Mathematics achieving Outstanding in the high phase.
Positive Student Ethos
Students exhibit a positive attitude to learning, a strong work ethic, and demonstrate understanding and support for their peers, fostering mutually respectful relationships.
Effective Assessment Systems
Assessment systems across all phases are robust, providing valuable information to students, parents, and teachers for identifying learning gaps and informing support strategies.
Systematic Curriculum Review
The curricula are systematically reviewed based on assessment results, regional needs, and international trends, offering diverse learning opportunities and enrichment activities.
Safe Learning Environment
The school provides a pleasant, safe, and secure learning environment, complemented by an effective guidance system for further education and career decisions.
Committed Leadership
Leaders at all levels are committed to student potential through the SABIS way, establishing clear delegations and standard operating procedures for smooth school operations.
Academic Performance Breakdown
The school has shown significant improvement in English medium subjects and Mathematics, with high phase Mathematics reaching Outstanding attainment. Arabic medium subjects have also seen notable progress in attainment and progress across various phases. However, some discrepancies exist between internal assessment data and observed lesson outcomes, indicating a need for more consistent challenge for higher-attaining students.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, inspired by an enthusiastic director, operates a distributive leadership model with clear delegations and standard operating procedures, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and accountability. Leaders are committed to ensuring every student reaches their potential through the SABIS way, though middle leaders require further development in understanding the UAE inspection framework to better guide teaching teams.
Inspection Findings
Students' Achievement
Students demonstrate Very Good achievement overall, with particular strengths in English medium subjects and Mathematics in the high phase. While internal data often shows outstanding attainment, observed lessons and external assessments indicate a need for more consistent challenge for higher attainers and improved progress in specific Arabic medium subjects.
Personal & Social Development
Students exhibit positive attitudes, respectful behavior, and strong work ethics, contributing to a Good overall personal and social development. They understand Islamic values and are aware of Emirati and world cultures. Students take leadership roles through the SLO, but opportunities for initiating community projects and developing innovation skills in lower phases are limited.
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching for effective learning and assessment are both rated Very Good. Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and employ varied strategies, effectively using assessment data to identify learning gaps. However, there is a need for greater consistency in lesson planning, adaptation of SABIS resources, and a wider range of hands-on activities to cater to diverse learners and challenge higher attainers.
Curriculum Design & Adaptation
Curriculum design and implementation are Very Good, providing engaging and diverse learning opportunities through the SABIS curricula. The curriculum is regularly reviewed, but adaptation is Good, with insufficient differentiation to challenge all learners, including new joiners and those who are gifted and talented, particularly in KG and primary phases.
Protection, Care & Support
Health and safety arrangements are Very Good, ensuring a secure environment with effective supervision. However, care and support are Acceptable due to the absence of identified students of determination and insufficient challenge for higher achievers. The school's guidance system for further education is very effective, but more consistent opportunities for students to take responsibility for their learning are needed.
Areas for Development
- •Raise students’ attainment and progress to a consistently very good or better level in all core subjects and phases by improving attainment in Islamic education and Arabic as a second language, and ensuring very good progress and attainment in English phase 3 and science phase 1.
- •Embed strategies for effective teaching, learning and support for groups, to accelerate students’ progress in lessons to outstanding by ensuring greater consistency in planning lessons, adapting SABIS resources, and using a wider range of resources and activities to cater for diverse learners, especially higher attainers.
- •Improve the effectiveness of senior and middle leaders by strengthening their knowledge of the UAE school inspection framework, promoting a fully inclusive school, updating self-evaluation processes, and enhancing school improvement planning with SMART objectives and stakeholder consultation.