Capital School Dubai

Established in 2014 to support students coming from the English College Primary School, Capital School Dubai follows the UK National Curriculum. Initially, it was a primary school but now offers classes until Year 10. The school has plans to offer classes till Year 13 in the future.

600 students from over 50 different nationalities are enrolled in Capital School Dubai and the majority are Arabs. Most teachers are from the United Kingdom or Ireland while the Arabic staff provides support for subjects following the MoE guidelines.

The school ensures that every child has access to quality British education at an affordable price. The aim is to provide a nurturing learning environment where each child is valued and encouraged to grow.

Capital School creates opportunities for students to become independent learners. Teachers and mentors act as role models and set good examples. The Capital School Dubai believes it is a shared responsibility of parents and the school to educate children with care. Robust procedures are followed to ensure the safety and security of students.

• Muhaisnah
• Al Twar
• Al Nahda
• Hor Al Anz East

Muhaisnah is towards the east of the school, close to the Dubai-Sharjah border. Al Nahda is a popular residential neighbourhood in Dubai that extends into Al Nahda-Sharjah. Hor Al Anz is a sub-community within the Deira district. These residential areas are a few minutes away from Capital School Dubai.

Families looking for rental properties near Capital School can consider:

• Apartment for rent near Capital School Dubai

The 3-storey school building has spacious classrooms and plenty of outdoor space. Hallways are quite large as well. Foundation Stage students have their own indoor exploration areas. Fully equipped technology classrooms, two dedicated music rooms, a refurbished library and a large auditorium are part of the school campus.

Older and younger students both have separate swimming pools as there is a 25-metre pool for older students and a 12-metre training pool for EYFS students. Sports facilities include a football pitch, a gymnasium, a basketball court and three outdoor play areas.

Capital School Dubai enjoys a prime location in Al Qusais in the larger community of Deira. It is located on Baghdad Street. There are several schools in the vicinity, but Capital School is one of the largest schools in the neighbourhood.

Choosing the right school is crucial for the well-rounded development of children. Capital School Al Qusais not only provides quality education, but it also instils skills in students that help them succeed. Besides the curriculum, the school also focuses on teaching the culture and history of the UAE.

Children’s academic exposure gets special attention at Capital School. Each subject and lesson is planned to instil passion in students and turn them into lifelong learners. Since the school maintains a dynamic learning environment, it encourages students to think out of the box.

Majority of the teachers are native English speakers backed by years of teaching experience. Capital School Al Qusais Dubai aims to become one of the best British schools in Dubai. The school’s experienced senior leadership team ensures that they take the training and development of staff members seriously.

Weekly Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions focus on specific areas, including improving pedagogy and using technology in the classrooms. Students of Determination are welcomed at the school, as it has always aimed to be inclusive. Their provision and outcomes were rated as Good during the recent KHDA inspection.

Capital School Dubai offers classes from Foundation Stage until Year 10. The school plans to eventually offer education until Year 13.

Foundation Stage 1 is suited for 3 to 4 years old students and Foundation Stage 2 is for students aged 4 to 5 years.

The National Curriculum of England is followed at all levels and modifications are made to accommodate the requirements laid down by the Ministry of Education. Foundation Stage is divided into two groups according to the age of students.

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework is implemented during this level. The prime focus during these years is the personal and emotional development of students. Communication and language skills are also developed at Capital School Dubai. Introduction to problem solving, numeracy and reasoning is an important part of the Foundation Stage curriculum. The curriculum is supported by incorporating the use of ICT and e-learning from the early stages. Arabic is taught in accordance with the Ministry of Education guidelines within the context of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

During the Primary school stage, the natural curiosity of students is enhanced because of the interdisciplinary approach of learning. Primary School curriculum is customised to meet the UK curriculum guidelines and remain in line with the UAE’s culture and heritage. Students benefit from opportunities to engage with the subject. Primary level teachers understand the individual needs and abilities of students, and lessons are planned accordingly. Other than compulsory subjects, students also study Arabic and Islamic Studies under the Ministry of Education’s requirement. These subjects help students grasp a deeper understanding of local customs.

Secondary School follows the British Curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examination. Along with the core subjects, Arabic and Islamic Studies are incorporated in the syllabus. Students get access to specific ICT tuitions besides the ICT and e-learning facilities. Personal, Social, Health and Education (PSHE) guidance is provided to students at this level to help them make appropriate academic choices.

Like other British schools in Al Qusais, the curriculum is also modified for students with particular gifts and talents. Additional vocational courses and qualifications such as IELTS, CEPS and ICDL are also offered.

The KHDA inspected Capital School from 18th to 20th March 2019 and rated it as “Acceptable.”

According to the report, students show acceptable understanding, knowledge and skills in most subjects. They show good progress in English across the school. The progress in Mathematics and Science is also good during the Foundation Stage. However, it declines at the secondary level. Students can have better attainment in Science and in Arabic as an additional language. Students of the FS level show strong development of attitudes, behaviours and relationships. All students show respect for the heritage and culture of the UAE. They value and appreciate the role of Islam in their lives. Students are aware of worldwide environmental issues and discuss solutions for sustaining global and natural resources.

Teaching in the FS stage was found most effective. Teachers effectively plan tasks that enable children to work towards their goals. Teachers also have an impressive rapport with students. International assessment is also the strongest in the Foundation Stage level, and an effective overview is provided regarding the child’s attainment.

The school has a “Learning Theory” to deliver the best curriculum. Well-planned cross-curricular links are evident especially in Islamic education and Arabic. Students are engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities to help develop creativity and imagination.

Children’s safety and welfare are effectively managed at the school. Vigilant supervision ensures the safety of students during breaks, time of arrival and dismissal. Teachers make sure students always get a positive learning environment. The Pastoral Care Team of Capital School Qusais encourages students to share their concerns. Newly appointed school leadership has established high levels of positive morale at the school.

Students use a variety of reading strategies such as simple decoding, analysis of texts and interpretation of age-appropriate literature. Each class has a library session scheduled within their timetable.

Primary students show a stronger grasp of independent projects and investigating work compared to secondary students. Teachers are required to create consistent opportunities to develop critical and problem-solving skills in students. On the other hand, students must engage in formal and informal activities to develop their innovation skills.

Students’ attainment in Arabic (as a first language) is in line with curriculum expectations. Students show well-developed listening and pronunciation skills. Their writing skills in both phases are underdeveloped because of the lack of a consistent approach. Reading in Arabic is supported by an online reading programme.

Students show good progress in Mathematics in both FS and primary phases. Progres shown by secondary students isn’t as impressive. Students who complete the FS level can apply their number skills in different contexts. Primary students are fluent in using mathematical operations. The confidence of students improves with the reinforcement of mathematical vocabulary and mental arithmetic.

Students show positive behaviour and speak highly of the school principal and teachers. Primary section students confidently ask questions during lessons. Secondary section students respond well to constructive feedback.

Capital School Dubai has an internal assessment test called the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) that provides an effective overview of student attainment. This test is reviewed periodically for effectiveness.

Capital School welcomes student of determination. The highly committed Head of Inclusion leads the specialist Inclusive Action Team, and a wide range of assessment processes are used to identify the specific needs of students.

According to the report, the school’s strength is:

• Foundation Stage management that ensures the highest levels of achievements.
• The leadership team that works hard to transform the school culture
• Improved progress in Islamic Education in the Primary section
• Effective management of students’ health, safety and well-being in the nurturing environment
• Good curriculum design and adaptation that meets students’ needs (including Students of Determination)

Key recommendations made by the inspection team include:

• The school leadership should be accountable for the school’s performance. It should also invest in improving students’ learning outcomes.
• School leaders must know the impact of the assessment process and school initiatives. This information can hold teachers accountable.
• Capital School should use assessment information for identifying gaps in pupils’ achievements and for improving teaching and learning methods.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter vacation.
• The second term commences in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, followed by a 2-week spring break.
• The third week begins in the second week of April and concludes in the last week of June. It is followed by a 2-month summer holiday.

All public holidays are confirmed by KHDA. The Academic Calendar of Capital School is available on the official website.

The first step in Capital School’s admission process is filling the online application form on the website. After filling the form and attaching all the necessary documents, the applicant receives a login ID and password to view and edit the application form. The completed form can be printed and submitted at the admission department of Capital School Dubai, along with a non-refundable and non-transferable registration fee of AED 500.

The next step is to clear an assessment test. Mathematics and English tests are included in the assessment. Candidates who clear the assessment will receive an acceptance letter within 1 to 2 working days. Rejected applicants are also notified via email within 1 to 2 working days.

For admission in Foundation Stage and Year 1, an observation assessment is taken through number, shapes, colours and sound identification. A handwriting test is also compulsory. For admission in Year 2 and onwards, written English and Mathematics assessment are necessary.

Once the assessment is cleared and the applicant is offered a seat, parents need to submit a non-refundable admission fee of AED 3,000 within 5 days of assessment. This will secure the applicant’s place in the school.

Parents need to submit the following documents with the application.

• Original transfer letter of the student
• Five recent photographs of student
• Copy of school report from the previous school (if any)
• Copy of birth certificate (in English or Arabic)
• Copy of the student’s UAE residence visa
• Copy of the student’s passport
• Copy of parent’s passport
• Copy of the student’s Emirates ID card (both sides)
• Copies of documents stating any health care or psychological assessment
• Full name and two current passport size photographs of each parent
• Scanned copy of the family book (for UAE nationals only)
• Information regarding allergies and special medical conditions
• Contact details and emergency contact number of parents

However, before starting the admission process, please ensure that your 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)

Parents can enjoy a 3% special discount on the tuition fee by submitting a lump sum before the start of the academic year. Capital School Dubai fees structure is:

Capital School also offers a sibling discount.

• 10% fee discount for the 2nd child.
• Discount for 3 siblings: 5% for the eldest child, 10% for the 2nd child and 25% for the 3rd child.
• Discount for 4 siblings: 5% for the eldest child, 10% for the 2nd child, 10% for the 3rd child and 25% for the 4th child.
• Discount for 5 siblings: is 5% for the eldest child, 10% for the 2nd child, 10% for the 3rd child, 10% for the 4th child and 25% for the 5th child.

Capital School gives AED 1,000 discount if a referred student gets admission in the school.

There is a in-house school canteen providing a daily choice of healthy nutritious meals as well as a cafeteria. Foundation Stage students can bring packed lunches/snacks from home.

The school offers transport to facilitate students. These buses leave late to accommodate students who take part in after-school activities. The service is outsourced to Maverick.

Transportation charges are as follows:

As for sports facilities at Capital School Al Qusais Dubai, there are plenty of outdoor areas as well as sports and enrichment programme for students. A football pitch, a well-equipped gymnasium and a basketball court are part of the school campus. Sports activities are used to instil team-building skills in students and develop their individual strengths and abilities. Sports such as football, swimming and gymnastics are sourced through external specialists, so they are minimally charged.

Students can choose from a diverse range of extracurricular activities at Capital School Al Qusais. Extracurricular activities are a core part of the learning experience for students and are divided into artistic, academic, musical, computing and coding activities.

Students can join different clubs at the school including these:

Most extracurricular activities are free of charge.

Students are part of informative age-appropriate field-trips. Capital School plans field trips to give knowledgeable exposure to children.

Lower Primary section students were taken to Green Planet where they discovered facts about different animal species. They also had a fun visit to Legoland Dubai.

Students can join extra-curricular activities that start after school hours from Year 1. These activities might have additional costs.

A full-time nurse is present at the school clinic to provide necessary medical care.

Smooth communication between parents and teachers is maintained through the school diary, which is updated on a regular basis by teachers and parents. All teachers have email addresses so parents can get in contact with them.

Parents can also use the parent-portal to get the latest updates regarding their child’s progress, school events and other announcements.

• Telephone: +971-4-238-1888
• Email: info@capitalschooluae.com
• Website Capital School Dubai
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Note that the cover image belongs to Capital School Dubai