Al Diyafah High School

Al Diyafah High School is one of the oldest UK curriculum schools in Dubai. It was founded in September 1982 as a nursery in a villa on Al Diyafah Street. The school later moved to a new and bigger campus to accommodate the increasing number of students. There are over 1,600 students belonging to different nationalities.

Al Diyafah High School offers classes from FS1 to Year 13. AS Level and A Level are also offered by the school. The faculty includes 109 full-time teachers, 13 teaching assistants and the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:15.

Al Diyafah High School is easily reachable from several residential areas in the city. Some prominent residential developments near the school include:

• Al Twar
• Muhaisnah
• Oud al Muteena
• Al Mizhar

Muhaisnah is close to the Dubai-Sharjah border and offers villas as well as apartments. The presence of metro stations in the proximity makes it easy for residents to commute to other key districts.

The larger Muhaisnah neighbourhood is divided into Muhaisnah 1, Muhaisnah 2, Muhaisnah 3 and Muhaisnah 4. Al Mizhar is divided into Al Mizhar 1 and Al Mizhar 2. Mushrif Park is one of the defining features of the Al Mizhar.

Those looking for residential options near Al Diyafah High School can check out:

• Apartment for rent near Al Diyafah High School

Al Diyafah School has a well-planned campus with spacious classrooms, library and labs. Every classroom at Diyafah has an interactive board and modern technology is used to enhance the teaching/learning process.

There are two libraries – one for senior school and one for kindergarten. The senior school library is well-stocked and has reference and fiction books. Kindergarten to Year 4 students have libraries inside the classrooms.

Science and computer labs are an important part of the campus. Science lab includes physics, chemistry and biology labs. There are two computer labs, one for primary students and one for secondary classes. The well-maintained indoor and outdoor play areas are used for football, basketball and other sports. The school also provides a fully equipped medical clinic, a school canteen and a prayer room.

Al Diyafah High School is in Al Nahda 2, surrounded by many residential communities and close to the Dubai International Airport. One of the busiest areas of Dubai, Deira, is also 11 minutes away from the school campus.

The school is committed to educating students in a caring environment. Al Diyafah School nurtures creative thinking and a positive attitude towards learning.

The school embraces Digital Leadership to facilitate the next generation of scientists, educators and entrepreneurs. This helps students become part of the technology-driven world.

Al Diyafah High School has identified students with special educational needs and it provides the best support to them.

All classes are divided into four sections.

Years offered at Al Diyafah are divided into Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. All classes are further divided into Key Stages.

Key Stage 1 and 2 involves the primary section while Key Stage 3 includes Year 7, 8 and Year 9. Key Stage 4 includes Year 10 and Year 11. The Sixth Form is covered under Key Stage 5.

AS Level is the first year of Sixth Form (Year 12) and Year 13 is A2 Level. Both are internationally benchmarked qualifications and prepare students for higher education.

The National Curriculum of England is followed throughout the school. During the early years, learning is incorporated through play and exploring. Key areas of development during the Foundation Stage include personal, social and emotional development, communication and art and physical activities. Core subjects taught during FS2 are Literacy, Mathematics, Art and Design and Understanding the World.

The National Curriculum of England is followed in the Primary section as well. Core subjects taught during the primary level include:

Non-core subjects at this level are:

Key Stage 3 includes Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9. It is also based on the British National Curriculum. Learning at this level basically depends on what students have learned in Key Stage 2 and what works as the foundation for Key Stage 4.

Key subjects taught during Key Stage 3 are:

Year 10 and Year 11 are part of Key Stage 4. Teachers prepare students for IGCSE/GCSE exams at the end of these years.

Students pursue eight IGCSE courses in Year 10 – four of them are compulsory. These include:

Students have to choose the remaining four subjects from a group of optional subjects which are:

In Year 10 and Year 11, students also have to study the following Non-IGCSE subjects:

• Islamic Studies/PSHE
• Physical Education
• Arabic (General/Special)

Career Guidance Al Diyafah High School is available for Key Stage 4 students.

Sixth Form is part of Key Stage 5. During the two years of Sixth Form, students prepare for A-level examinations. The first year is Year 12 or AS level while Year 13 is known as the A2 Level.

Subjects taught at the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Level are:

Subjects in A2-Level are:

In AS level, students study the following subjects:

KHDA is responsible for the overall growth and improvement of private schools in Dubai. They annually inspect schools and report key strengths and recommendations for improvement.

KHDA inspected Al Diyafah High School from 31st October to 3rd November 2022 rated it as “Good.”

In Islamic Education, older students perform better than FS and Primary school students. Primary and Post-16 students have robust communication skills while FS children have good expressive English. Most students are able to make significant progress in Science and Mathematics. Students of determination have good progress toward personal and academic goals.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge and better teaching helps students in learning skills. Teachers promote critical thinking and technology enhances learning for students.

The team of leaders promotes an inclusive vision and implements it. Parents feel empowered as partners in their child’s learning and in decision-making.

• The best features of Al Diyafah High School are:
• Students’ high achievement in higher phases in English and Mathematics
• Students’ outstanding personal and social development
• Post-16 and secondary students’ high-quality learning skills
• Governors’ and leaders’ commitment to improve teaching and learning
• School’s emphases on supporting and developing the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff

Areas, where the school needs to improve, are:

• Improve students’ outcomes by ensuring Arabic and Islamic teachers' plans are well-matched to meet the needs of different groups
• Ensure teachers have high expectations of students and they plan for every student and encourage independent learning, particularly in FS and Primary phase
• Monitor how assessment data is used by teachers to ensure planning is tailored to meet the needs of all groups of students consistently

A summary of Al Diyafah High School’s academic calendar is provided below:

• The school year begins in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter vacation.
• The school then commences in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, followed by a 2-week spring break.
• The term then starts in the second week of April and concludes in the last week of June.

Candidates can apply for admissions online. If any applicant followed a different curriculum, they must check the age criteria before registration. For lower year groups than the mentioned age limit, students must complete KHDA's Demotion Form. 

Shortlisted students receive login details via SMS to fill in the information and upload documents.

  
Those who qualify for FS1 and FS2 are then called for an interview based on Early Years expectations. Years 1 to 11 students undergo age-appropriate assessments. Shortlisted students have to pass a written assessment and an online interview with the department head upon success. Years 12 and 13 students have to appear for the interview on-campus or online.

All shortlisted students from FS to Year 13 will be required to pay an assessment fee of AED 500 through the online portal. This amount is refunded if the student does not get admission.

Parents are requested to respond within 7 days of receiving the offer for admission. Once the admission is confirmed, an admission and registration fee of AED 1000/- (non-refundable/non-adjustable) and 10% of the school fee have to be paid.

These documents must be submitted on the pre-admission portal:

• Passport copy of the parent(S) and child with valid residence visa page
• Copy of the Emirates ID of parent(s) and child – front and back
• Copy of child's birth certificate
• Passport-size photographs of the student - with white background
• Health report / Immunization record

Below mentioned documents must be mailed to the registrar. 

• Last Report Card
• Assessments such as CAT4, GL Progress Tests, ACER
• Transfer Certificate from the last school with the required attestation

For admissions in AS Level, these are the requirements:

• Students must achieve grades of A*-B in the selected IGCSE subjects (except for Edexcel Math, which requires a minimum grade of 8). A minimum grade of C is required in all other subjects.
• Students must have taken the extended course in the subjects they want to pursue at AS Level.
• Students should choose from the ones they have studied in IGCSE unless it is a new subject offered only at AS and A Level.

For admissions to A Level, the requirements are:

• Students must achieve a grade C in the subjects they have studied at AS Level.

More details on admission at Al Diyafah High School are available on their official website.

The following age placement guidelines are followed at Al Diyafah High School.

The above-mentioned Al Diyafah High School fees can be paid in three instalments:

• First instalment: September to December
• Second Instalment: January to March
• Third Instalment: April to June

The quoted fee does not include the cost of:

• Books
• PEP
• Uniform
• Medical Fees
• Field Trips
• Student Protection
• Transportation

Al Diyafah School fee can be paid via:

• Online transfer
• Cheque
• Cash payment at the school’s account department

Account details are:

The school canteen serves healthy meals to students during lunchtime. The school publishes a weekly menu featuring ‘hot food offers of the week.’ Lunch from the cafeteria can cost AED 10 to AED 15 per day.

The school organises activities and sports camps during the holidays. These include football, basketball and other camps for students. The school also arranges international trips. Diyafah students have recently visited NASA, the Himalayas, China and Switzerland.

Sports are an important part of school life at Al Diyafah High School. Students can participate in:

• Netball
• Badminton
• Rugby

Football is provided by external providers. The school currently has 3 specialist PE teachers.

Diyafah High School provides a range of extracurricular activities in partnership with local providers and clubs. The Personal Enrichment Programme (PEP) is an important initiative of Al Diyafah High School. Students can develop an interest in a range of activities including these:

Extracurricular activities at Al Diyafah High School include:

The school values and recognises the importance of My Identity programme started by the government. All co-curricular activities are linked to the theme ‘My Language is My Identity.‘

Students at Al Al Diyafah High School are part of various educational field trips. Students were recently taken to Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi – an indoor amusement park.

All extracurricular and co-curricular activities are offered on Mondays from 03:00 pm to 04:30 pm.

The school clinic has a doctor and three resident nurses. To ensure the growth and health of students, the team conducts regular medical check-ups. First-aid facilities are promptly provided to students and if additional medical assistance is required, emergency transport is available to take students to the hospital.

Al Diyafah High School recognises the central role parents play in their child’s progress and attainment. They are kept informed through the School Communicator and the official website. Management Information System has termly progress reports as well.

Parents can also participate in the Parent Forum. Every parent is a member of the Parents Council.

The Chairperson of the Parent Council works as a link between the Board of Governors and the Parent Council. Parents can share their views, opinions and suggestions with the Parent Council by emailing at adhsparencouncil@diyafahschool.com

Parents can log on to the parents’ portal on the official website to get the latest updates regarding the school.

At the end of each term, parent-teacher consultation meetings are held where students, parents and teachers sit to review the end-of-the-term report. This helps in motivating students, appreciating good efforts and pointing out areas for further improvement.

Parents can contact the school any time if they have any concerns. Parents are regular visitors in the Early Year sections.

• Telephone: +971-4-267-1115 Ext: 223
• Email: registrar@diyafahschool.com |  info@diyafahschool.com
• Al Diyafah High School Website
• Al Difayah High School Instagram
• Al Diyafah High School Facebook
• Al Diyafah High School Twitter

Note that the cover image belongs to Al Diyafah High School

What are the timings of the school?

The school timings are from 7:15 am to 2:30 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

FS to Year 13.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, Diyafah High School has a co-education model.

How many students are currently studying in the school?

The school has 1,703 students and most of them are Indian.

Please describe the academic calendar of the school.

The academic years starts in August and ends in June.

Please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by the school.

The tuition fee ranges from AED 11,143 to AED 23,678.

How does the school communicate with parents?

Al Diyafah requests parents to use the Communicator app and the parents’ portal to get the latest updates and information. The school also arranges parent-teacher meetings at the end of each term.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, there is a canteen for students.

Does the school have any special education programmes or learning plans for students of determination?

Yes, Al Diyafah School, Dubai has programme for students of determination.  

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on field trips.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the school?

The school has 126 teachers and 15 teaching assistants. Most of the teachers are from India.