Al Bateen Academy

Established in 2011, Al Bateen Academy in Abu Dhabi is a part of Aldar Academies. It follows the British and International Baccalaureate curriculum and offers classes from Year 7 to Year 13. However, in 2019 the school re-opened its Primary Years Programme (PYP) including FS 2 and Year 1. The school plans to add classes from Year 2 until Year 6 in coming years.

Al Bateen Academy is an inclusive international school for local and expatriate students. There are more than 800 students belonging to sixty different nationalities. Al Bateen Academy Abu Dhabi has achieved accreditation from prestigious institutes and authorities including the Council of International Schools (CIS), Investors in People – Gold, the International Baccalaureate Organisation, the Microsoft Showcase School and the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Aldar Academies is the largest education provider in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It has seven academies in Abu Dhabi with more than 6,500 students.
Al Bateen Academy has 100 teachers, 16 teaching assistants and the teacher to student ratio is 1:11. Most teachers are British nationals while some belong to Australia and Ireland.

Some popular and well-established neighbourhoods near the school include:

• Al Bateen
• Al Mushrif
• Al Khaldiya

Al Bateen is a residential neighbourhood known for its landscaped gardens and easy access to lifestyle amenities. Home to the Al Bateen Palace, it is one of the most preferred areas to rent villas in Abu Dhabi. Al Mushrif enjoys a central location in the capital city and offers villas and commercial properties. Al Khalidiya is known as the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi. The district is also the second most popular area to rent apartments in the UAE capital.

Families looking for residential options near Al Bateen Academy can check out:

• Apartments for rent near Al Bateen Academy
• Villas for rent near Al Bateen Academy

Al Bateen Academy has a purpose-built campus. The state-of-the-art facilities meet the needs of modern education and inspire students. The school has an auditorium with 850 seats besides art, music and drama related facilities. All classrooms are spacious and equipped with whiteboards.

Some prominent features of Al Bateen campus include a research lab, a graphic design area, a recital room and a recording studio. There is a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a full-sized Astro-turf football pitch and a basketball court in the school.

Indoor social spaces and outdoor play areas are part of the school campus. Al Bateen Academy heavily invests in technology related to education. Therefore, one can find 3D projectors, mobile and tablet devices and the latest software incorporated in the curriculum.

Al Bateen Academy is located between Bab Al Kareem and Al Nidhal Street in Al Manaseer. One can use the Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Street to reach the campus. This street also connects the school to other areas in Abu Dhabi.

Academic success is a key priority at Al Bateen Academy and graduating students secure a spot in reputable local and international universities. All this is also the result of the hard work by students and the high standards of teaching. All teachers employed at Al Bateen Academy are well-qualified and have at least two years of teaching experience.

The school is empowering the young generation so that they can become future leaders. One USP of schools managed by Aldar Academies is the Academy of Excellence programme. This initiative is geared towards Gifted and Talented children. Through the Academy of Excellence Programme, students are challenged to push their learning and knowledge beyond the formal curriculum.

Students benefit from extended and accelerated learning that prepares them for the university phase. The Academy of Excellence programme also develops skills such as critical thinking in students.

IGCSE results achieved by Al Bateen Academy are impressive; 93% of 71 students cleared 5 or more subjects with A* to C Grades in 2019.

Years offered at Al Bateen Academy are divided into different sections.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

A unique transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to learning. The PYP nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, students deepen their learning by developing their conceptual understandings, strengthening their knowledge and skills across and beyond subject areas.

The six themes are:

• Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• English Language
• Personal, Social and Physical Education
• Social Studies

Middle Years and IB Programme

The English National Curriculum is implemented from Year 7 to Year 9. At Al Bateen Academy, the English National Curriculum is taught by British teachers. The curriculum is also slightly modified to accommodate international students. For example, the school has replaced British history with General International history.

From Year 7 to Year 9, students study the following subjects:

• History
• Art and Design
• Science
• Design and Technology
• Citizenship
• English
• Mathematics
• Computing
• French
• Geography
• Cooking and Nutrition
• Music
• Physical Education

Students appear for IGCSE in Year 10 and Year 11. Subjects taught at this level include:

• Art
• Computer Science
• Drama
• Mathematics
• French/Spanish
• Geography
• Drama
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Computer Science
• Physical Education
• Design Technology Textiles

In Year 12 and Year 13, students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) – a rigorous two-year programme that’s recognised by leading international universities. Subjects taught during these years are:

• Biology
• Maths
• English
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Physics
• Geography
• Design Technology
• Economics
• History
• Psychology
• Business and Management
• French and Spanish

Al Bateen Academy was inspected by ADEK from 18th November to 21st November 2019 and was rated as Very Good.

As per the ADEK report, the achievement of students has improved since the last inspection and now is very good. They show outstanding personal and social development and their innovation skills are also rated outstanding from the authorities. The inspection report suggests that the teaching and assessment are very good at Al Bateen Academy, Al Manaseer. The curriculum is also very good. The protection, care, guidance and support for students is outstanding and has improved since the last inspection.

The key strengths of Al Bateen Academy are:

• The quality of responsive and personalised care, support and guidance offered to students.
• The fact that students are independent, ambitious and accomplished learners.
• Opportunities that are given to students outside the classroom to broaden their skills, learning and values.

The ADEK report also highlighted areas for improvement:

• The school has to raise the achievement levels, particularly in Arabic and Mathematics
• It must develop the mathematics curriculum in the Middle years to prepare students for the IB and DP (Diploma Programme)
• Al Bateen Academy should provide regular opportunities for Arabic teachers to work with English teachers and develop effective strategies to improve students’ skills in reading and speaking in Arabic
• It has to develop and share students’ assessment data in Arabic-medium subjects
• The school should benchmark students’ achievement against the higher expectations across all subjects

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December when students go on a 3-week winter vacation.
• The second term begins in the first week of July and ends in the last week of March, followed by a 2-week spring break.
• The final term commences in the second week of April while the academic years concludes in the first week of July. Students then enjoy a 2-month summer holiday before the next year starts.

Al Bateen Academy calendar starts in August and ends in July. Find more details about the term dates are on school’s official website.

Al Bateen Academy admissions are offered on a first come first serve basis. Interested applicants can fill the online application form available on the official website. After receiving the admission form, the school assesses the application. The admissions team will evaluate the student’s educational needs and compare them with the quality of education provided at the school.

Parents can opt for a school tour before the admission is finalised to know more about the campus facilities and curriculum.

Year group equivalency is subject to ADEK pre-approval if students are coming from schools based outside the UAE. The school gives priority to siblings of currently enrolled students if a seat is available. Documents required to complete the admission process include:

• Acceptance letter
• Proof of registration or tuition fee payment
• Applicant’s Emirates ID card (if your child is in the UAE)
• Passport of the student and both parents
• Residence VISA of the student and both parents (not applicable to Emiratis and GCC nationals, diplomats)
• Birth certificate of the student
• Proof of address
• Passport-size photograph of the student

Applicants are also assessed and the outcomes are shared with the parents. Upon confirmation of the admission, a seat is offered via an email. This email will include the acceptance letter, the registration fee invoice and a parent information pack.

The registration fee is deductible against the first term fee and is non-refundable. Term 1 tuition fee is payable before the start of the academic year.

Before registering your child, please ensure that he/she meets the following age placement guideline.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: ADEK

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

Al Bateen Academy fee structure is as follows:

The above-mentioned annual fee is approved by ADEK. Al Bateen fee is subject to review every two years. The fee schedule is available on the official school website.

Al Bateen Academy has interest free payment plans, allowing families to choose according to their needs.

All schools under Aldar Academies promote good health and eating habits in students. Food and menu are planned as per the global nutrition standards and meet the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The menu for different age groups is prepared and analysed by dieticians.

Hot and cold lunches are offered to students and include assorted fruit, cooked and raw vegetables and whole grains. Fresh ingredients are used to prepare food as the school discourages ready-to-eat items such as chicken nuggets. Students can enjoy their food at the school canteen. A single meal from the canteen costs around AED 15 to AED 20.

To make students aware of healthy eating and its benefits, the school plans themed days and activities where chefs cook healthy food and involve students in safe and interesting cooking activities.

The school has partnered with an ADEK approved contractor to operate a fleet of air-conditioned buses. Drivers receive extensive training and each bus has a supervisor who is responsible to ensure the safety of children during the journey.

Al Bateen Academy Al Manaseer has extra buses to serve students taking part in extracurricular activities.

Currently, Hafilat School Transportation provides convenient school bus service for Bateen Academy. Door-to-door service is offered wherever possible. The service has fixed charges – AED 5,000 per student for the academic year.

Al Bateen Academy organises holiday camps with the support of external service providers. Holiday camps are arranged during Summer and Spring breaks. Activities during holiday camps include football, basketball and other sports.

The sports program at Al Bateen Academy includes a range of individual and team sports. Activities are designed for every year group and students are encouraged to take part in at least one sport every term. Sports activities include rugby, badminton, volleyball, football, cricket, basketball, netball and swimming.

Extracurricular activities are an important part of the curriculum and support the learning program. They are divided into three key areas including Creativity, Action and Service (CAS).

All teachers dedicate their time towards the extracurricular programme as part of their responsibilities. These extracurricular activities

• Increase awareness regarding global issues
• Boost mental growth in students
• Encourage students to take up new challenges
• Support planning and leadership skills in talented students

Art is an important part of the extracurricular program. The Art team is engaged in design, acting, singing, dancing and choir. Concerts and recitals are also organised by the school.

To develop leadership qualities, students of Al Bateen Academy can become a part of the Student Council, Model United Nations, Eco Club, The School Production and the House System.

Student can also learn to play musical instruments such as:

Music theories are also part of the extracurricular programme. The school offers lessons towards the completion of the prestigious ABRSM and Trinity College London Rock School examinations.

Aldar Academies has teamed up with Camps International to arrange international trips for students. Through these trips, students engage with the local community and develop knowledge about different cities and their culture.

Higher secondary students also go on international trips during their winter and spring breaks.

All Al Bateen departments have subject-specific academic booster sessions that take place after school hours. These primarily are designed for Year 11 to Year 13 students. Some activities are also offered after school dismissal.

Al Bateen Academy has a full-time nurse to provide health-related services during school hours. The school nurse is licensed and registered with Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD). The school works with the largest private healthcare company in the country.

The school nurse administers medicine and provides first-aid whenever required. The nurse also works with doctors to manage students with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. The nurse is also responsible for recording the weight and height of students as well as their vision screening.

Parents can log on the Parents Portal to get updates regarding school events and announcements. Al Bateen Academy Parent Portal is a reliable source of information for parents. A newsletter is also published with information related to the school events and the latest developments.

• Telephone: +971-2-813-2016
• Email: admission@albateenacademysch.ae
• Website: https://www.albateenacademy.sch.ae
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Note that the cover image belongs to Al Bateen Academy