Ambassador International Academy

Ambassador International Academy (AIA) aims to become the first of its kind UK/IB combined curriculum school in Dubai. It is a sister to the existing Ambassador School in the Bur Dubai and the Ambassador Nursery.

Opened in September 2019, the school has integrated the IB curriculum with the best of the English National curriculum. Years offered in a co-educational setup at the Ambassador International Academy include Pre-KG to Grade 9. The school is expected to offer additional grades in the following years. AIA is a part of the Ambassador Group of Schools that manages two other popular schools in the country including the Ambassador School, Sharjah and the Ambassador School, Bur Dubai.

Subjects taught at AIA are based on the English National Curriculum, but it also incorporates the framework of the International Baccalaureate PYP and MYP programmes.

MYP students at the school can either choose MYP for three years from Grades 6 to Grade 8 and iGCSEs in Grade 9 and Grade 10, or they can take the MYP for a full five years from Grade 6 until Grade 10. Similarly, in Grades 11 and 12, students can opt for the IB Diploma or A LEVEL depending on their preference.

The school focuses on the well-being of the students and has introduced Positive Psychology for students from Grade 4 onwards. The school aims to transform students into responsible global citizens who can be bright leaders of the 21st century. While the focus is mainly on academics, AIA has a well-balanced curriculum covering Science, Humanities, Performing and Fine Arts, Language and Sports.

Ambassador International Academy is an inclusive school and gives equal opportunities to students of determination and acknowledges them as an important part of the community.

AIA Dubai is a convenient schooling option for families living in:

• Umm Suqeim
• Al Safa
• Al Manara

Umm Suqeim is known for its eateries, retail outlets, apartments and villas. Home to many expats and Emirati families, it is one of the best areas for buying villas in Dubai. Al Safa is a centrally located residential area in Dubai and is best known for Safa Park. It is close to Downtown Dubai and the popular Kite Beach. Al Manara is a sophisticatedly constructed residential neighbourhood in West Dubai. Its proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) makes it easily accessible from other areas of the city.

Those in search of residential options near Ambassador International Academy can check out:

• Apartments for rent near Ambassador International Academy
• Apartments for sale near Ambassador International Academy
• Villas for rent near Ambassador International Academy

Ambassador International Academy has a modern campus with all the basic facilities. The classrooms are spacious and bright. There are laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Maths). Students can make use of the gaming and coding labs. Each section – KG, Primary, Middle School and Senior school has a separate library.

Kids interested in arts and music can use the Fine Arts studio as well as the soundproofed music and recording rooms. For students with a passion for dance and sports, there are several indoor and outdoor facilities including a dance room, tennis courts, a football pitch, cricket nets and athletic tracks. The school has a 25m outdoor shaded swimming pool and a training pool for the Kindergarten students. The soundproofed multipurpose hall for indoor sports has a seating capacity of 650 people.

Ambassador International Academy enjoys a prime location near Al Khail Road (E44), close to the massive Al Khail Gate development located behind the Al Quoz Industrial Area. Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) is towards the west of the school. There are many schools in Al Quoz.

With over seventeen years of hands-on experience in education based in the UAE, GCC and India, the founders and leaders of Ambassador Group have set the Ambassador International Academy in the right direction.

AIA offers the best of the International Baccalaureate and the English National Curriculum. Students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in the beginning at the Ambassador Kindergarten (rated Very Good by the KHDA) and go through a smooth transition into MYP Certification.

AIA has an affordable fee structure as the management offers a discount on the KHDA approved fee. Ambassador Academy Dubai ensures all students get personalised attention by maintaining the teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8 in the Kindergarten section. The ratio is 1:14 in the Primary section.

The school offers classes from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9 for students aged 3 to 14 years.

According to the new schedule, Ambassador International Academy remains open from Monday through Friday. For more information regarding the school timings, please click here.

The curriculum at AIA is designed to challenge the students and provide the academic framework they need to succeed in a global environment.
Five programmes are offered at Ambassador International Academy including:

• IB PYP (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme)
• IB MYP (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme)
• Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
• IB DP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme)
• Cambridge – A Levels

Early Years and Primary School

Early Years and Primary Year Programme is for students aged 3 to 12 years. The school has implemented this international and transdisciplinary programme to cater to the needs of each student even outside the classroom.

Early Years students (aged 3 to 6 years) spend most of their time in a play-based classroom setting while students in the Primary section (aged from 6 to 11 years) study a concept-based syllabus to foster teamwork, critical thinking and classroom discussions.

The PYP is all about inquiry and taking learning and understanding to a new and deeper level. The PYP programme designed for children aged 3 to 12 years encourages them to become inquirers, innovative thinkers, brilliant communicators and risk-takers.

Ambassador International Academy expects primary students to:

• Explore, wonder and question
• Collect data and report findings
• Take and defend a position
• Use critical thinking skills to understand a concept
• Make and test theories
• Experiment and play with possibilities
• Solve problems in a variety of ways

The Middle Years Programme

The Middle Year Programme is suitable for students from ages 12 to 16. During these years, the focus is on academic development and personal growth so students can prepare for life beyond school. The MYP is offered as a three or five-year programme. Students who choose the five-year programme can opt for the IB Diploma or Cambridge A-Levels, depending on their preference. Those who choose a three-year programme have to appear for Cambridge IGCSE exams in Grade 9 and Grade 10.

The core disciplines in the MYP include:

• Language and Literature
• Individuals and Societies (Social Studies)
• Arts (Music and Visual)
• Design
• Physical and Health Education
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Language Acquisition

The Cambridge IGCSE Programme

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme prepares students for the IB Diploma and A Level programs offered at AIA during the later stages of education. At this stage, students can pick their combinations from the ten available subjects. IGCSE end of course assessment includes written, oral, coursework and practical tests.
Subjects taught during the Cambridge IGCSE programme are:

• English Language and Literature
• History, Geography, Business Studies
• Arts (Music and Visual),
• Design
• Physical and Health Education
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Language Acquisition

The IBDP Programme

IB Diploma designed for students aged 16 to 19 years is an academically challenging and balanced programme that prepares them for professional life. It is focused on addressing the social, intellectual and mental well-being of students.

In the DP, students can take up six subjects – three at the standard level and three at the higher level. Their choices include:

• Arts
• Language And Literature
• Computer Science
• Language Acquisition
• Mathematics
• Design
• Experimental Sciences
• Individuals And Societies

A Levels

Students who choose the A-Level programme get the freedom to choose the subjects they want to study. Most students study three A-Level subjects and provide two years of intensive study across those subjects. Popular A Level subject combinations are maths, and further maths, combined with a science subject.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) monitors the performance of private schools in Dubai. The KHDA evaluates the school based on various aspects including school’s policies, school performance, campus facilities, use of innovation and technology, students’ performance and more.

Ambassador International Academy is not inspected yet by the KHDA. This section will be updated as soon as the detailed inspection report is released.

Ambassador International Academy’s academic calendar highlights the term dates, school events and Islamic holidays. However, Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting. A summary of the calendar is provided below.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter break.
• The second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, followed by a 2-week spring break.
• The third term starts in the second week of April and ends in the first week of July, followed by a 2-month summer break.

Ambassador International Academy welcomes students from all communities. Interested students can use the online application form available on the school’s website or visit the campus to start the admission process.

After filling out the admission form, parents need to submit the mandatory documents along with AED 500 as the application fee. The school requires a copy of the child’s passport and a copy of the latest school or nursery report.

Students and parents can book an appointment with the school representative. The admission team confirms the availability of the seat for the applied grade. If the application is approved and admission is granted, Ambassador International Dubai informs parents about the status of the admission and sends the offer letter. After receiving the acceptance letter, parents need to respond within seven days and pay the initial deposit. The child is then successfully enrolled for the forthcoming academic year.

Ambassador International Academy has an assessment designed according to the age group to explore a child’s strengths and personal qualities. The school holds assessments every Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Children looking for admission in Grades 1 to 5 will appear for a CAT4 test. Assessments for Pre-KG and KG1 are play-based while the casual assessment for KG2 is taken by a Primary Years teacher. Results are based on the child’s strengths, and personal qualities as well as the readiness and ability to understand the AIS curriculum.

Siblings of current students are given priority provided a seat is available.
A copy of the child’s passport and a copy of the latest school or nursery report have to be submitted. The school sends an email mentioning other documents required for Ambassador International Academy admissions.

Prior to enrolment, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement guidelines.

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

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

Here’s the discounted Ambassador International Academy fee structure:

Ambassador International Academy Dubai fees can be paid via cheque or credit/debit card.

Tuition fees include English, Math and Science textbooks, resources fees and student card fees. A registration fee of AED 500, which is non-refundable is also payable. The assessment fee of AED 500, which is non-refundable is also payable at the time of application which will be adjusted against the first term tuition fee.

The school also follows a sibling discount policy.

Currently, there are no scholarships programme at AIA but the school plans to introduce one at the start of the next academic year.

The school promotes healthy food habits and lifestyles. Therefore, it has developed a whole-school food policy so students can enjoy healthy food and drinks at the school canteen. Students are also suggested to bring healthy food from home. The school closely monitors students’ food choices.
Because students may have a nut allergy, AIA does not permit food that has nuts.

The website mentions “The school has a bus service covering a wide area of the city. For further information, please contact the Admissions Office.”

Annual transportation charges are as follows:

Ambassador International Academy organises summer, winter and spring camps for students. These camps start at 08:00 am and students can take part in swimming, sports and gymnastics. The activities last until 02:00 pm after which students can use the school transportation service to go home.

Sport is of primary importance in Ambassador International Dubai. The school has outdoor facilities that include tennis courts, cricket nets, a football pitch and track marking for athletics. Students can play indoor sports in the shaded ground area.

Ambassador International Academy has a House system. The four houses – Hawks, Nightingales, Ravens and Weavers compete in various sports and music events. At the end of the academic year, a cup is awarded to the House with the most points.

Activities at the Ambassador Academy Dubai include arts, cultural and sports. They are incorporated in the syllabus as Academic Enrichment Activities to develop new skills in students. As the school grows, it plans to introduce more extracurricular activities.

• Extracurricular activities for Pre-Kindergarten and KG1 are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday from 01:00 to 02:00 pm.
• Extracurricular activities for KG2 to Grade 4 take place on Sunday and Tuesday between 02:30 pm to 03:30 pm.
• Academic Enrichment activities for Pre-KG and KG1 take place on Sunday and Tuesday while for KG2 to Grade 4 students, these are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday.

The list of extracurricular activities include:

Educational and fun field trips are organised by the Ambassador International Academy Dubai. Recently, primary students were taken to KidZania.

After-school care is provided for Pre-KG and KG1 students who have older siblings in the Primary classes. This is to facilitate parents so that they can pick their children at the same time or the siblings can leave the school together.

A fully equipped clinic is functional at the school and follows the rules and regulations stated by the School Health Section of the Ministry of Health. The school nurse is available throughout the day to handle medical emergencies. The nurse has the following responsibilities:

• The nurse attends sick and injured children
• She checks and restocks first-aid supplies every month
• The nurse administers medication to students when needed

If any medication is to be administered during school hours, the nurse follows a strict protocol. Also, signed/verbal permission from the parent or guardian is required. The medicine should be clearly labelled and must be kept at the Nurse’s room. Parents are requested to sign the medication form.

The school welcomes parents to discuss anything related to their children. The first point of contact is the class teacher. However, the Head of the Year can also be involved. Parents can also talk to the Deputy PYP Coordinator, PYP Coordinator, the Head of Primary or the Principal if something is important. Parents are requested to respect this channel of communication.

The Parent Support Group is established to build a bridge between the school and parents. Parents who are from different walks of life share a unified vision to enhance the learning experience for their kids. The parent representative meets the school management once a month to exchange views and offer suggestions.

D6 School Communicator is used mainly for communication between school and parents. It is an app available on iTunes and Google Play Store. The communicator has details regarding the school events on the calendar. It has a news and resources section with a range of notices, information sheets and school policies.

Teachers send regular emails and parents receive weekly communication with the details of learning objectives. A Parent Rep is also appointed for each class to send notifications to the class-specific WhatsApp groups.

• Telephone: +971-4-580-6999
• WhatsApp: +971-50-846-4899
• Emails:
  • Reception: reception@aiadubai.com
  • Parent Relationship: pre@aiadubai.com
  • Admissions: admissions@aiadubai.com
• Ambassador International Academy Website
• Ambassador International Academy Facebook
• Ambassador International Academy Instagram
• Ambassador International Academy Twitter

Note that the cover image belongs to Ambassador International Academy