Cambridge International School (CIS)

Managed by GEMS Education, the Cambridge International School (CIS) opened its doors in 2004 and is presently located in Al Twar First. CIS is a private and co-education school offering the Early Years Foundation curriculum to kindergarten students and the National Curriculum of England to students until Year 9. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) are offered to students in Year 10 and 11, respectively. AS and A level is offered as the Sixth Form to students enrolled in Year 12 and 13.

• Location: Al Twar
• School fee: AED 23,249 - AED 35,931
• Curriculum: British
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• KHDA rating: Good
• Years offered: FS1 - Year 13

Cambridge International School Dubai is an ideal choice for families living in:

• Umm Ramool
• Al Rashidiya
• Dubai Festival City
• Nad Al Hamar

Parents looking for residential properties near the school can consider:

• Apartments for rent near Cambridge International School
• Villas for rent near Cambridge International School

Cambridge International School Dubai campus is spacious, well-established and boasts top-notch facilities. It has a clean canteen that’s well-stocked with nutritious and tasty meals and drinks. There’s a bookstore for students to easily buy the stationery, books and notebooks.

The school has a large swimming pool, cricket nets and a multi-purpose hall for students to take part in various sports, including basketball, volleyball and badminton. There is a standard size Astroturf football field for inter-school and inter-house matches.

For science and technology, CIS has ICT labs with more than 180 computers equipped with the latest software. There are two well-stocked libraries; one each for primary, secondary level students. Also, students who want to pursue arts and music can make the most of art and music studios.

GEMS Cambridge International School location is Al Twar 1, near Al Twar Library, Dubai.

Cambridge International School is a part of GEMS Education which sets a benchmark in the education industry. At GEMS, student grooming is given special consideration and importance so they can develop a social conscience and become a productive member of the global community.

Parents would want to opt for Cambridge International School, Dubai for multiple reasons. First, core values are taught and implemented throughout the school. These values revolve around growing by learning, pursuing excellence, leading through innovation and global citizenship. Students not only receive quality education, but they are also groomed into well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to the community.

Similarly, students are a part of a global classroom and share education with thousands of other kids enrolled in other GEMS schools. They also receive ample opportunities to engage with different cultures and experience other religions which contribute to an enriched educational curriculum.

Experienced and highly qualified teaching staff is another reason for choosing Cambridge International School. It constantly strives to groom and polish the teachers even more during the time they spent at the school. For this, the school organises many training sessions and seminars for teachers to widen their circle of knowledge.

Another reason to choose CIS school is its parent engagement initiative. Not only parents can be a part of their child’s academic journey, but they can also receive financial support from the school through ambassador and reward programs.

Cambridge International School, Dubai follows the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 5.

Cambridge International School curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England whereas the Early Years Foundation Stage Programme is taught in the Foundation Stages.

FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and prepares kindergarten students for the British curriculum. Seven key learning areas at this stage focus on child-initiated and teacher-led activities for better grooming of toddlers.

The seven key areas of learning are divided into prime areas and specific areas. The form includes Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. While specific areas include Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts & Design.

KEY STAGE 1

At this level, Cambridge International School focuses on social skill development and the student’s ability to read, write and solve simple mathematical problems. On the other side, participation in enrichment programs and different clubs enable children to develop their creative talents.

Subjects taught in Key Stage 1 include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, French, Computing, Social Studies, Design & Technology, Art, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music and Physical Education.

KEY STAGE 2

Key Stage 2 includes Year 3, 4, 5 and 6. Kids get a platform to apply the knowledge they have gained in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Teachers focus on self-evaluation, assessment programs and the use/application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

By the end of Year 6, the school aims to produce well-rounded students who have matured through character development. These children show traits of self-confidence and articulate expression that will assist them in their education in later stages.

Subjects taught at Key Stage 2 include English, Mathematics, Science, Computer Studies, Social Studies, Art, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music, Moral Education and Physical Education.

KEY STAGE 3

Key Stage 3 includes Year 7, 8 and 9. Students can study English, Mathematics, Science, Computer Studies, Social Studies, Art, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music, Moral Education, Physical Education, Literature, Humanities, French, Art and Design and Drama.

KEY STAGE 4

Key Stage 4 includes Year 10 and 11 and culminates into the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Students can choose a particular field to give their examinations. However, there are compulsory courses that each student needs to study and these include:

KEY STAGE 5

Key Stage 5 includes Year 12 and 13 where students appear for AS and A-Level examination. To assist in the transition from school to colleges and universities, the curriculum offers a wide range of subjects. Again, at this stage, students are expected to show strong leadership qualities that they will require to become responsible citizens of the world.

Compulsory subjects in Key Stage 5 are:

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority is a government regulatory body established for assisting private schools in attaining quality education standards. It rates all private schools operational in Dubai on different aspects ranging from the curriculum and teaching methods to extra-curricular as well as resources and tools available to students. The image below describes the six-point scale used to rate a school’s performance.

The Cambridge International School’s KHDA rating has been ‘Good’ since 2009.

Cambridge International School’s academic calendar is 10-month long. It is divided into winter, spring and summer terms. A summary of the calendar is provided below:

• The first term starts in the first week of September and ends in the second week of December. It is followed by a 3-week winter break.
• The second term starts in the second week of January and ends in the last week of March. It is 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. Students get a 2-month summer holiday at the end of the third term.

To start the Cambridge International School admission process, parents need to follow these steps.

• Register online to generate a student inquiry ID number.
• Deposit AED 525 as application fee. This payment is non-refundable if the student rejects the place offered by the school. The deposit will be refunded if the student isn’t offered a place at all.
• Visit the school with their Emirates ID as well as the applicant’s Emirates ID, vaccination card copies and the enquiry ID number generated upon online registration.
• Once the registration process is completed, the school will place the student on the waiting list. He/she has to appear for an entrance exam.
• The school will only offer the place after they conduct the assessment and announce the results.

The documents required for registration include:

• 1 copy of the student’s passport and a valid UAE residence visa
• 1 copy of a student’s birth certificate, either in English or Arabic
• 1 copy of the student’s Emirates ID card (both sides)
• 1 copy of each of the parent’s passport, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
• 1 copy of the school’s report for students admitting in Year 1 and onward (in English)
• If the student is transferring from another emirate, then Transfer Certificate should be attested by the Educational Authority of the respective emirate.
• If the student is transferring from a country other than USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, his/her Transfer Certificate must be attested by:
• The Ministry of Education (of the origin country)
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (origin country) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE
• UAE Embassy/Consulate (in the country the student is migrating from)

POST-16 ADMISSIONS

The admission criteria for Key Stage 5 or AS and A-Levels differs slightly from the previous admission process. To gain entry into Post 16 at Cambridge International School Dubai, the student needs to attain A* to C grades in a minimum of 5 subjects in IGCSE or GCSE examination.

If the student meets the above criteria, parents can:

• Download the Post 16 booklet and the application form available in the booklet.
• Print and fill in the application form.
• Attach one reference letter from student’s school commenting on his/her academic and pastoral performance.
• A copy of students IGCSE or GCSE examination results. In case the student has not appeared in the examination, predicted grades of the same is required.

Students can visit the admin office to submit all the documents. If the school deems the candidate suitable for Post 16 stage, he or she will be contacted to establish a day and time for the interview.

Parents must also ensure that their child meets the following age placement criteria before initiating the admission process.

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

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

Cambridge International School fee structure for the current academic year is:

Apart from basic tuition fees, several other charges need to be paid including:

• Application fee: AED 525
• Registration fee (non-refundable): AED 500

For further information, please contact the admission department of GEMS Cambridge International School.

Since Cambridge International School Dubai is a part of GEMS Education group, students are eligible for GEMS scholarships. These scholarships are offered in 5 areas including Academic Excellence, Creative and Performing Arts, Sports, Innovative and Digital Technology and Arabic Studies.

However, provision of the scholarship is subject to many factors including the student’s performance in the area he or she is seeking a scholarship in, their most recent school report, participation at a national or international level, assessment of scholarship form and the final interview taken by the school’s principal or the GEMS Scholarship community.

For more information, parents can visit the GEMS Scholarship.

You will find a clean and well-maintained school canteen that serves fresh, nutritious and healthy meals. The official food and beverage provider of CIS is Slices. The company has a School Lunch Program where the lunch is prepared daily in the school canteen under the strict guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Parents can send lunch boxes from home, but all foods and drinks must be healthy. Please note that to avail the cashless canteen service, parents will have to register their child at Slices. For registration, visit the website here.

Transportation facility is provided at CIS, Dubai for the convenience of parents. However, the school outsources this facility to School Transport Services LLC (STS), an established and trustworthy company in the transportation industry.

All the buses provided by STS are well-equipped with video surveillance systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and student attendance confirmation scanners. STS follows all the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai guidelines for a safe commute.

Students looking to advance their career in sports can make the most of the sports facilities provided by Cambridge International School, Dubai. These facilities include an indoor multi-purpose arena where students can play cricket, basketball or badminton.

You will also find a large, covered swimming pool and a grassed field for kindergarten children. Moreover, there is an Astroturf football field where sports day events and inter-school matches are held.

To develop well-rounded students, the CIS private school has introduced a rich set of extra-curricular activities. The school offers enrichment activities under seven different categories.

The school offers After School Activities (ASAs) which start at 02:50 pm and end at 03:50 pm.

Two medical centres on the school premises are available. They are well-equipped as per the regulatory standards with three full-time nurses and an in-house doctor. The facilities provided within the medical centre allow for first-aid treatment if the need arises.

The GEMS Education system is a believer of parents’ involvement in their child’s education and learning process. Hence, all the schools operating under the GEMS groups adopt a few measures to establish contact with parents, guardians or sponsors at all times.

The first choice of parent and teacher communication is the GEMS parent portal. By signing up for this portal, parents have access to all school events as well as the activities their children are participating in. They can also keep a check on the attendance, examination results and the academic performance of their children.

Parents can always go for the conventional way of communication through feedback and suggestions. They can lodge any query or jot down suggestions for the school to consider. Parents can also use the official social media and WhatsApp groups for feedback.

• Telephone Number: +971-4-282-4646
• Email: info_cis@gemsedu.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Cambridge International School Website
• Cambridge International School Facebook
• Cambridge International School Twitter
• Cambridge International School Instagram
• Cambridge International School YouTube

HOW MANY GRADES/YEARS ARE AT CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL?

Cambridge International School provides education from FS1 to Sixth Form.

DOES CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOLLOW A CO-EDUCATION MODEL?

Yes, Cambridge International School follows a co-ed model.

WHAT IS THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL?

The academic calendar of Cambridge International School starts in August and ends in July.

WHAT’S THE TUITION FEE CHARGED AT CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL?

The tuition fee at Cambridge International School is from AED 23,249 to AED 35,931.

Note that the cover image belongs to Cambridge International School.