Ajyal International School Al Falah, Abu Dhabi

Ajyal International School Al Falah is the second school managed by the Bin Omeir Group in Abu Dhabi. The school’s other branch in Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City) follows the British curriculum; it opened two years before the Al Falah campus launch.

Ajyal International School Al Falah campus established in 2016, offers quality education based on the American curriculum in a co-educational setup. It offers classes from Pre-KG to Grade 12 and has over 1,200 students. Majority of students are Emiratis, and 1% of the student population is identified with Special Educational Needs. The teaching faculty has 92 teachers and 38 teaching assistants. The teacher to student ratio is 1:13. The school’s mission is to become a learning-centred educational institution.

Ajyal School Al Falah campus is based on Abu Dhabi’s outskirts, but its proximity to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road makes it easily accessible from other parts of the city. Residential areas near the school include:

• Al Shawamekh
• Al Shamkha
• Masdar City
• Al Reef

Al Reef is one of the most well-known areas for buying and renting villas in Abu Dhabi. The mixed-use development is divided into two main sub-districts: Al Reef Villas and Al Reef Downtown. Those who have to travel to Dubai daily will find Al Reef an ideal area because of its closeness to Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway.

Masdar City is also a mixed-use project designed as a sustainable community. The area uses renewable energy for operations for keeping the environment healthy.

Al Shamkha is a huge residential area strategically located away from the city and can house around 22,000 people.

Those looking to move closer to the school campus can check out:

• Apartments for rent near Ajyal International School

Ajyal International School has a well-equipped campus to support the educational needs of all students. The school building is new and modern and houses facilities such as football pitches and gymnasiums.

According to the ADEK report, school premises fulfil all students’ educational requirements, including those with Special Educational Needs. The report mentions that the premises are of high quality and have extensive facilities for students.

Ajyal International School is based near New Al Falah on Bustanah Street. The school is accessible through Al Khayr Street. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E-311) is not more than 5 minutes away from school. Ajyal International School is one of the few schools in the Al Falah area.

Ajyal School Al Falah campus wants to nurture the next generation of STEM practitioners who are well-versed in core competencies such as digital literacy, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

Even though the school follows the American curriculum, teachers strive to understand the UAE culture and Emirati history and traditions. Those studying at the school learn modern subjects and Arabic language, Islamic education, and the UAE’s history.

Ajyal International School – Al Falah ensures the ‘My Identity’ programme is evident in the curriculum. All year groups are made aware of the importance of moral education, personal responsibility and social development.

The well-qualified and experienced counsellor assists students from Kindergarten to Middle School and conducts interactive sessions to encourage kids to speak about any issues or emotional or social barriers they face. Furthermore, the counsellor encourages each student to reach their academic and social-emotional goals.

Ajyal Al Falah offers classes from KG to High School (Grade 12). All classes are divided into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School and High School sections.

American Common Core Standards are followed for all English medium subjects. To promote Emirati culture and heritage, the school also focuses on teaching the Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Arabic Social Studies.

From KG to Grade 4, literacy skills are applied to various subjects that also include English Language Arts (ELA).

This interdisciplinary approach to literacy is applied to extensive professional research. From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4, students’ mathematical skills include numbers and operations, counting, cardinality, measurement and data, fractions, geometry and algebra.

The curriculum also includes Significant Learning Model (SLM) of education. This model is focused on making students understand the core of each subject. Under SLM, students become self-directed individuals. Ajyal International School Al Falah has a unique blend of SLM and American Common Core Standards as an ideal pedagogical approach.

Three specialist areas are woven in the Ajyal International School curriculum for giving students exposure to the field of technology, health professions and medicine in line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision.

In Elementary School, students get a warm and caring atmosphere to challenge students to think creatively and communicate effectively. Core subjects in Elementary School are:

• English Language
• Arts
• Science
• Mathematics
• Islamic Studies
• Arabic Language
• Arabic Social Studies

Subjects taught by specialist teachers include:

• Computer Science
• French Language
• German Language
• Music
• Physical Education

Elementary stage students can use the school’s IPAD technology to enhance their learning in homeroom classrooms. Small class sizes ensure that kids are familiar with their teachers and peers and create a positive social connection.

Middle school students follow the American Common Core curriculum in core subjects and benefit from a supportive learning environment. Students are also introduced to fascinating exploratory opportunities, including Robotics. In Middle School, students learn the following

• Arabic language
• English Language
• Art and Design
• Science
• Humanities
• Social Studies
• Computer Science
• Robotics
• Computer Programming
• French
• German language
• History
• Technology
• Music
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Physical Education

Students can visit the school’s well-equipped computer and science laboratories during the day to enhance their subject knowledge. They can also participate in Science Fairs, English and Arabic reading competitions, and mental math challenges.

The curriculum followed in Ajyal International School – Al Falah High School is based on the Common Core Standards for English Language, Arts, Mathematics, Science and Computer Science. Arabic and Islamic Studies are based on the Ministry of Education curriculum and are aligned with regional standards.

Physical Education is a compulsory subject.

Electives include History, Geography, French Language, German Language, Art, Graphic Design, Engineering, AutoCAD, Business Studies and Economics. All elective subjects are aligned with the American curriculum international standards.

High school students participated in the World’s Robotics Competition held in Shanghai China and received the “Best Organization Award.”

Students in Grade 10 to 12 have to complete at least 15 hours of internship before the end of the second term of school. Their work log must be signed by the employer they had chosen. Both their work log and character reference will be included in the formative assessment for career orientation.

Ajyal Al Falah is getting accreditation from The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Bayut has also put together a list of the best American schools in Abu Dhabi for parents who like to explore other options.

ADEK inspected Ajyal Al Falah School campus from 20th January to 23rd January 2019 and rated it as ‘Good.’

According to Ajyal International School Al Falah ADEK rating and report, the school has improved since the last inspection. The number of students has increased, and the senior leadership team is more determined for enhancing the school’s performance.

Here’s the summary of the performance standards and their relevant ADEK Ratings:

• Students’ Achievement – Good
• Students’ personal and social development, and their innovation skills – Very Good
• Teaching and Assessment – Good
• Curriculum – Good
• The protection, care, guidance and support of student – Very Good
• Leadership and management – Good

The overall performance of the school during the inspection was good. Student’s attainment is acceptable in all phases. Their progress in all subjects is good, and they make very good progress in the English language in all phases. Ajyal School has worked on students’ social and personal development, and it is now very good. According to the ADEK report, teaching and assessment at the school are good.

The curriculum is also good, and students get very good protection, guidance, care and support.

ADEK report highlights that the curriculum is broad and balanced, with useful links with Emirati culture and UAE society. However, the Middle School phases curriculum is not modified to suit students’ individual needs and interests. Similarly, teachers use data well to plan differentiated activities to meet students’ identified learning needs.

Ajyal School’s key areas of strength are:

• Its improvement in teaching resulting in improved progress in English
• School leaders’ impact in introducing English literacy programmes in all phases
• Positive, warm and caring relationships between the school, its members, community and parents
• The safe and stimulating learning environment of the school because of its high-quality facilities
• The way school promotes its students and appreciate the Emirati culture and UAE society

Key areas that need improvement were also highlighted in the Ajyal International School ADEK report. The school must improve:

• Students’ achievement in Arabic in the middle phase by:
  • Using more student-centric learning strategies
  • Working to improve students’ writing skills
  • Improving students’ speaking, grammar and reading skills, especially in the middle phase

• Promoting higher-level thinking skills to match the needs of all group of students, especially the ablest by:
  • Planning regular targets to achieve activities in all subject. Also, provide students with opportunities helping them to develop their higher-level thinking skills
  • Working on fine-tuning the differentiated learning activities for the most talented and able students

• Further setting measurable and accountable goals for school leaders and teachers to raise students’ achievement by:
  • Initiating goal setting and make it an integral part of the school’s performance management system
  • Ensuring that all goals are set and aligned for improving students’ achievement levels
  • Linking these goals to improve school’s outcomes to match the benchmark requirements

• Improving attendance to impact the Ajyal International School Al Falah, Abu Dhabi procedure by:
  • Keeping all stakeholders involved including staff, parents and students to come up with new ideas and initiatives for improving attendance
  • Reviewing all school procedures for checking their impact on improving attendance

Ajyal International School, Al Falah campus calendar is divided into three terms.

Term 1 starts on August 30th, which is also the first day of school for all students. Mid-term exams are scheduled from October 18th to 22nd. Term 1 ends with the Winter Break in the second week of December.

Term 2 starts on January 3rd and ends with the Spring Break in the last week of March.

Term 3 starts on April 18th and ends on July 5th, which is also the last day of the academic year.

The Ajyal International School Al Falah academic calendar is available on the school’s official website. Please note that all Islamic Holidays are subject to moonsighting.

Ajyal International Al Falah admissions for the academic year 2021 -22 for all classes until Grade 11 opened on 12th January 2021. Interested parents can browse the school’s website and complete the online application form.

Ajyal International School states that candidates interested in Pre-KG admissions must be born between September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2018. Similarly, the DOB for kids interested in KG1 admissions should be September 1, 2016 – August 31, 2017.

Once parents complete the form, they must prepare the following documents to be submitted along with the admission application:

• Copy of latest reports from the current year and final report of the last year (if applicable)
• Medical form
• Three recent passport size photographs
• Copy of insurance card
• Copy of valid passport and valid Emirates ID
• Copy of birth certificate and vaccination records
• Copy of valid passport and Emirates ID of the father and the mother
• One passport size photograph of mother and father
• Copy of the family book (for UAE nationals)
• Transfer Letter – if transferring from outside UAE, or transfer certificate if transferring from another emirate within the UAE.
• The reference form must be completed by the current school or nursery (if applicable) and sent to the registrar via email or in a sealed envelope.
• For birth certificates, attestation is required from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy in the country of origin.
• For transfer letters, attestation is required from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin.
• Exemption of attestation requirement applies only for students coming from North America, West Europe and New Zealand.

Students from Grade 1 to Grade 10 are tested in Math, Arabic and English. Whereas, applicants of pre-KG, KG1 and KG2 are assessed over a playdate. This helps the school to know more about the readiness of the student.

Parents also get the opportunity to meet the teachers. Payment of AED 500 has to be made for each new application and file processing of new students. This fee does not apply to current and returning students. You can also book a school tour by submitting the request on the website.

Registration fee should be deposited after the students clear the assessment. This registration fee is 5% of the total tuition fee of the grade. This will be deducted from the school’s annual tuition fees.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at +971-2-203-4525 or +971-2-203-4526. You can also email your concern, questions at registrar@ajyalfalah.sch.ae. The detailed School Acceptance policy is available on the official website.

Ajyal International School Al Falah fee structure is mentioned below:

The above-mentioned fee can be paid in three instalments via cash, cheque and bank transfer.

The quoted fee does not include the cost of:

• Uniform
• Books
• Transportation – bus charges can be paid along with first-term fees

Parents can buy Ajyal International School Al Falah uniforms from the Trutex Uniform Shop on campus’s first floor. For further details, contact +971-2 -203-4507.

Students with outstanding fee-balance cannot secure their enrollment for the next academic year until they make the full payment.

Ajyal School encourages kids to follow a healthy lifestyle. Hence, it supports serving a balanced diet in a warm and friendly environment for students. The school has designed a well-defined and nutritious diet for all students using the healthiest and freshest ingredients.

Baguette Catering Services and Restaurants LLC, a well-known catering service provider to all leading educational institutes in the country, is the official caterer for Ajyal International School.

Foundation Stage, Nursery, KG1 and KG-2 students have to bring their food and beverage from home. Parents are advised to pack healthy food and drinks for their kids. Children are not allowed to bring nuts, sweets, chocolates, fizzy drinks and crisps to school. The school also discourages sharing of lunch among students to avoid adverse reactions and food allergies.

Students from Grade 1 to Grade 8 can bring food and beverage from home or buy it from the school caterers. The school canteen operates all-day and also serves early morning breakfast, lunch and after-school food. The canteen remains open from 07:00 am to 3:30 pm daily.

The canteen serves healthy snacks such as sandwiches, bakery items, pastries, salads and healthy beverages. Daily lunch buffet is also offered at the canteen. Parents and staff café can also avail food from the café.
Daily breakfast and lunch rates are as follows:

• For Primary students from Year 2 to Year 6, the food costs AED 15 (packed lunch)
• For Secondary students of Year 7 to Year 13, the food costs AED 15
• Snack and beverages cost AED 2 to AED 11

The school canteen is decorated when theme days are celebrated at the school. A special menu is designed during these days.

The school has launched an easier and more convenient way for parents to pay for kids’ meals through an online payment system. Parents can opt for weekly or monthly meals and can pay through debit card and credit card. Balance top-up facility is also available at the reception of the café.
The monthly menu is updated on the school website.

The school bus service is outsourced to Global Wings Transportation. The well-maintained bus fleet follows the safety standards and other regulations outlined by ADEK. All buses have a Video Surveillance System, global positioning systems, scanners and seat belts. Bus supervisors are certified to ensure the safety of students. Bus transportation is offered on a first come first serve basis.

The school transportation company is managed by experienced professionals with a long track record of safely transporting students. The company works closely with school administration for ensuring that students and parents receive the best service possible.

Parents have to fill and submit the transport request form. The area specialist checks the possible route and determines the pick-up and drop off point to ensure the school bus can accommodate the students. Parents will receive the contact number of the school bus’s driver. For further information, contact +971-52-366-6750.

There are currently 2 school bus routes for students. Bus route 1 is from Jebel Ali and Bus route 2 is from The Springs.

The school has premium sports facilities including two football pitches and a gymnasium. Ajyal School Al Falah campus has football, basketball and swimming teams. PE is also incorporated with the school curriculum.

Ajyal School offers a variety of activities and clubs. Students at Ajyal get involved in community projects and other activities including artwork, spelling Bee competitions and Science fair.

The Elementary section’s students can participate in after-school activities that involve sports, swimming galas, art, English, Islamic and Arabic competitions.

Parents can book a school tour before admitting their child in the school to know more about the facilities and teachers. Grade-specific WhatsApp groups are also created to keep parents informed and updated regarding their child’s progress. All important announcements are also made through WhatsApp groups.

• Telephone: +971-2-203-4500 | +971-2-203-4501 |+971-2-203-4502
• Registrar Telephone: +971-2-203-4526
• Email: registrar@ajyalfalah.sch.ae
• Ajyal International School Al Falah Website
• Ajyal international School Al Falah Instagram
• Ajyal International School Al Falah Facebook

Please note that the cover image belongs to Ajyal International School Al Falah