Yes. The IB is a framework for learning. The actual taught curriculum content comes from best practice worldwide and is bench-marked against Cambridge International standards. Students transferring from schools with other curricula may find that some areas of science, history, geography and English literature texts are different, however the IB and RWA’s own programmes have been specifically designed to accommodate learning needs for an inherently transient expatriate population.
Year level placements are determined by student age in accordance with UAE education authority regulations and previous school transfer certification. In addition, our own entry assessments will give the admissions team a good indication of which year level would best suit every applicant. Inevitably, this may mean that some students transferring from the Southern Hemisphere may find themselves repeating half a year upon arrival at RWA. This can be discussed in more detail with our admissions team.
The school website contains general information about school events and activities. We also communicate with parents using Parent Portal, bulk SMS (where necessary) and email.
The Parents Association of RWA (PARWA) plays an active role in school life. PARWA has an office in school and a core group meets at least twice a week to plan events, arrange fundraising activities, sell pre-used school uniforms and meet with other parents. In addition, most Early Years classes have reading parents who help with the reading programme and every class in the Primary School has a class representative chosen from amongst the parents.
No. Primary and Secondary classrooms are separate, class timing is slightly different and break and lunch times are not the same. Start and end of day routines and meeting points are also different. Only our supervised optional bus service is shared.
All students have two recess times during the school day. Generally, break is 20 minutes early in the day and provides an opportunity for outdoor play, a bathroom break, a drink and a snack. Lunch is 40 minutes, later in the day and is divided into recreation time and eating time. Students from KG1 to Grade 1 are expected to bring snack and lunch from home in an insulated lunch box, Grade 2 students upwards may bring snack and lunch from home or elect to buy them from a range of healthy options available from the cafeteria.
Starting a new school can be a daunting experience for a child. The best preparation is to reduce the anxiety that is associated with this big move. Visiting the school beforehand, turning the apprehension into curiosity and sharing your excitement at the new opportunities that will come along is the best possible preparation for any child starting a new school. In addition, no-one likes to stand out on their first day, so making sure your child has the right school uniform, you know which days to have PE kit ready and school supplies are all bought well in advance can give children a sense of reassurance.
Every child is different however the IB Learner Profile encourages students to be caring, open minded and risk-taking, among other attributes. Primary School ‘Friendship Ambassadors’, buddy benches, a house system encouraging student involvement in activities and a supportive, welcoming school environment mean that most children settle in to RWA very quickly. For the very rare occasions students have difficulty adjusting, student counsellors and Primary and Secondary Deans of Students are available throughout the day to provide guidance, reassurance and support strategies.