The Australian School of Abu Dhabi

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi (ASAD) was founded in Shakhbout City in 2005. ASAD is a co-education school that delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12. In 2007, the school relocated to a permanent facility where it still resides.

It is one of the cheapest IB schools in Abu Dhabi. ASAD is one of the four-member schools of the Australian International Academy. The other three member schools are in the home country.

The primary medium of instruction at the school is English. French and Advanced Arabic are offered as second language electives.

Please read this guide by Bayut to learn more about ASAD facilities, ADEK rating, curriculum, fee structure and admissions.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi is based in Shakhbout City, also known as Khalifa City B. It is a quiet neighbourhood on Abu Dhabi’s outskirts. The community features spacious villas and apartments suitable for families. Other residential areas in the vicinity are:

• Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City)
• Al Shawamekh
• Bawabat Al Sharq

MBZ City is the nearest neighbourhood; it is a popular residential community with spacious villas spread across 34 zones. Those interested in relocating close to the school may find MBZ City and Khalifa City B ideal. Parents can also check out:

• Apartments for rent near the Australian School of Abu Dhabi
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ASAD operates in a purpose-built campus that encourages creativity. Students have access to various resources and state-of-the-art facilities such as:

• Library: The school library has books, learning materials, services and resources to develop literacy, information, teaching, learning, and cultural skills.
• Swimming pool: ASAD houses an indoor 27-metre swimming pool. Younger students have access to a smaller training pool.
• Cafeteria: Students can register for the School Meal Program to receive healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch throughout the school year.
• Soccer field: Students use the soccer field for practice, PE classes and friendly matches.
• Gym: The school has an air-conditioned gymnasium where students participate in various fitness activities.
• Mosque: The school masjid is open for both students and the faculty.
• Auditorium: The school houses a 620-seater hall where assemblies, events, presentations, choir and orchestra performances, theatre productions and conferences are held.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi is near the intersection of 32 Street and 11 Street in Khalifa City B, Abu Dhabi. The front of the school faces 32 Street.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi is a K-12 coeducational school that follows the universally acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi seeks to provide a multi-cultural environment where students learn to be compassionate and tolerant. The education module aims at building not just academic strengths but also intellectual, spiritual, social and physical abilities.

Offering classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12, ASAD imparts a well-balanced education to over 1,000 students. The curriculum consists of core IB subjects and Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies as mandated by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Students begin to learn Arabic from Kindergarten, whereas Islamic Studies is introduced from Year 1. French is also offered as an elective subject.

The multi-cultural learning environment of the school cherishes diversity. ASAD encourages students to develop a universal outlook on life by exercising tolerance, compassion and cooperation.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi believes in using a holistic approach to teaching that extends beyond academia. Students are encouraged to develop their abilities and talents to explore their passion.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi is an all-through school that imparts education from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

ASAD delivers the International Baccalaureate Programme. The IB programme is divided into the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP).

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

For children aged 3 to 12, the PYP programme builds independent learners who become global citizens. The transdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the holistic growth of children.

The curriculum pushes students to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgable, principled, open-minded, caring, well-balanced and reflective. The programme is divided into:

• Written curriculum
• Taught curriculum
• Assessed curriculum

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP is a five-year programme that lays the foundation for IB Diploma Programme. Students are encouraged to learn independently and apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts. Subjects such as UAE Social Studies, Islamic Studies and Arabic are also taught as mandated by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

From Grade 6 to Grade 8, the school offers the following subjects:

The Language and Literature subject is available for English and Arabic, while Language Acquisition is available for English and French. Individual and Societies mainly comprises Geography and History. Arts as a subject includes visual arts, music and drama.

Grade 9 and Grade 10 students learn:

Please note that the Individuals and Societies now teach History, Geography and Commerce, and Arts consists of virtual arts.

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

The IBDP course is a 2-year programme available to Grade 11 and 12 students.

The curriculum comprises three core elements:

• Theory of Knowledge: Students reflect on the nature of knowledge
• The extended essay: A 4,000-word research-driven paper
• Creativity, activity and service: Students undertake CAS projects.

Students have classes in the following subject groups:

Students can choose different courses from each subject group. They can study additional sciences, individuals and societies or the languages course instead of arts.

Students opt for at least three (never more than four subjects) at the higher level (HL) and the remaining at the standard level (SL). SL subjects take up 150 teaching hours, whereas HL subjects require 240 teaching hours.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is a government entity licensing all private education institutes and monitoring their commitment to providing high-quality service per regulations. Through the Irtiqaa Programme, they carry out periodic evaluations of all schools. The evaluations are based on the following six criteria:

• Quality of students’ achievement
• Quality of personal and social development as well as innovation skills of the students
• Quality of teaching and assessment
• Quality of curriculum
• Quality of student safety and wellbeing, as well as the guidance and support provided to them
• Quality of school leadership and management

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi was rated Acceptable by ADEK for its overall effectiveness. According to the inspection conducted in the academic year 2018-2019, the school’s areas of strength are:

• Achievement of students in Arabic and Science in the high phase and most subjects across the middle phase
• Students’ appreciation of the values of Islam and their respect for the heritage and culture of the UAE
• The day-to-day management of the school
• Students’ attitudes and relationships that create a positive and happy learning environment
• The caring ethos and secure environment of the school

However, ASAD could improve in the following areas:

• Improve attainment in all subjects
• Develop assessments to support students of all abilities
• Develop the quality of teaching across all subjects
• Provide opportunities to develop students’ leadership responsibilities.

The school year of the Australian School of Abu Dhabi starts in late August and ends in early July. The ADEK approved academic calendar for the school has three terms.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December. The end of the first term marks the start of a three-week winter break that ends in the last week of December.
• Classes resume with the start of the second term in the first week of January that ends in the fourth week of March. Students then go on a two-week spring break till the first week of April.
• Students return to school for the commencement of the last term in the second week of April. It ends in the first week of July.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi follows an inclusive admission policy, ensuring that students from all backgrounds are welcomed. Admissions remain open from Kindergarten to Grade 12 throughout the year. Parents have to fill out an online application form on the school’s website.

The online application form is straightforward and asks for basic information about the candidate and parents. Parents must fill it with correct information. Double-check the contact details before submitting the form, as the school will reach out via the provided contact details.

The following documents are required with the online application form:

• Passport of the candidate
• Birth certificate of the candidate
• Photograph of the candidate
• Emirates ID of the candidate
• End of year report card of the candidate
• Transfer certificate issued by the previous school
• Vaccination certificate of the candidate

Once submitted, the school representative contacts parents for an assessment, including a written test, an interview or both. Contact the admission team to learn more about the evaluation process.

Before enrolment, parents must ensure that their child meets the age requirements and guidelines required by the school for admission to each grade level.

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

Parents can visit the school’s website for admission queries.

Australian School of Abu Dhabi fees structure for each grade level is as follows:

Other charges at this school are:

Contact the school to learn more about instalments.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi has a canteen. Students are encouraged to maintain healthy eating habits inside and outside of school. Students can avail of the school’s catering facilities or bring packed lunches for home. ASAD’s student meal program is available to all grade levels for an annual fee.

Students receive a wide range of choices for their meals, such as pasta, rice, meat, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables. Year 5 and lower students have their meals delivered to their classrooms, whereas higher grade students eat in the canteen.

ASAD provides a safe bus service compliant with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DOT). The bus driver is accompanied by an assistant to ensure a safe environment for students.

The transportation fee per student is AED 3,850 annually. Routes covered by the service include:

ASAD has a spacious soccer field. Students use the space to practice various sports, participate in competitions and engage in physical education classes.

The school also provides a range of enriching fitness programmes. Students participate in these activities in the comfort of the school’s fully air-conditioned indoor gym. Activities include games, dance, tumbling, movement and other physical exercises. Senior students can use gym equipment, bench press machines and weights under staff supervision.

Students also have access to the school’s 27-metre indoor heated swimming pool. A smaller training pool is available for beginners.

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Being an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum school, ASAD follows the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) model. Students take part in a range of activities to fulfil CAS requirements.

The school also conducts activities, games, dance, basic tumbling, movement, sports, swimming. Students are part of various assemblies, presentations, orchestras, choir productions and conferences held at the school.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi organises field trips regularly. It believes in the importance of beyond the classroom learning and its role in students’ holistic, well-rounded development.

As part of the IB CAS programme, Year 11 and 12 students went hiking to Jebel Hafeet. Students have also visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Heritage Village and Ski Dubai on various occasions.

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi has a well-equipped health care facility for the medical needs of students. A qualified nurse manages the clinic.

Continous and effective parental involvement is vital to the success of The Australian School of Abu Dhabi. Parents can access information regarding the school’s policies, approach and other important documents through the school’s website.

ASAD also regularly updates their social media platforms to keep the parents informed about various activities and events throughout the school year.

• Telephone: +971 2 5866980 and +971 2 5866981
• Email Address:
  • Administration: admin@australianschool.ae
  • Admission: admissions@australianschool.ae
• The Australian School of Abu Dhabi Website
• The Australian School of Abu Dhabi Facebook
• The Australian School of Abu Dhabi Instagram
• The Australian School of Abu Dhabi Twitter

Note that the cover image belongs to The Australian School of Abu Dhabi