International School of Choueifat, Al Ain

International School of Choueifat Al Ain, ISC-Al Ain, is part of the prestigious SABIS Schools network. Established in 1980, it has 2,093 students that are taught by a teaching force of 99 teachers and 26 teaching assistants. The teacher to student ratio is 1:21.

Like all other SABIS schools, the International School of Choueifat Al Ain follows the SABIS curriculum from KG until Grade 12. The ultimate goal is to develop the knowledge and skills students need to gain admission into top colleges and universities worldwide. For more than 100 years, SABIS Network has helped students work on the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in all life phases.

International School of Choueifat Al Ain is a non-selective, independent English-medium school offering classes in a co-educational setup. It caters to students aged 3 to 18 and aims to provide an outstanding education. Read on to know more about ISC-Al Ain curriculum, extracurricular activities, facilities, admission requirements and other aspects of interest.

• Location: Al Muwaiji
• Fees: AED 20,360 to AED 35,910
• Curriculum: SABIS curriculum
• Co-ed or segregated: Co-ed
• ADEK rating: Acceptable
• Grades: KG1 to Grade 12

Residential communities near International Choueifat School Al Ain are:

• Falaj Hazza
• Majlood
• Al Mnaizfah
• Hai Khalid

Falaj Hazza offers a convenient lifestyle to residents. It is a family-friendly community with villas and apartments.

Parents who want to live near the ISC – Al Ain can choose from:

• Apartments for rent near International School of Choueifat
• Villas for rent near International School of Choueifat

ISC-Al Ain campus has world-class educational facilities. Students can find several outdoor courts, a lush green football pitch, a gymnasium, two swimming pools and gymnastics rooms. One can also find a multipurpose air-conditioned sports hall, a theatre and a ballet room. Examination Hall is computerised and is equipped with five hundred computers.

State-of-the-art physics, chemistry and biology labs are part of the facilities. There are almost 100 computers in the computer lab. Kindergarteners can work on their skills on the pedal carts in the purpose-built car track.

The International School of Choueifat is based on Saeed Ibn Shakhboot Street in Ugdat Al Mutawaa, Al Muwaiji, Al Ain. Other schools in the vicinity include:

• Al Manahil Private School
• Darul Huda Private School
• Al Dhafra Private School
• Indian School Al Ain

SABIS school believes that the educational centre’s success can only be measured by the value it adds to each individual.

All SABIS Network schools aim to achieve these academic goals:

• Enable every student to enter college/universities around the world
• Provide quality and well-rounded education based on efficiency in English, Mathematics and Arabic
• Enable students and let them benefit from a bilingual education system
• Shape students’ logical reasoning and critical thinking
• Make students sustain intellectual efforts for long periods
• Generate lifelong learning excitement and enthusiasm in students

Non-academic goals for graduating students include:

• Maintaining ethical, moral and civil high standards
• Making informed decisions regarding social matters
• Participating in co-curricular activities and community work
• Fostering tolerance, teamwork and cooperation
• Understanding people across the world regardless of their differences and similarities

The school claims that practically every SABIS Network student goes on to graduate from well-reputed universities and a large percentage pursues advanced university degrees.

SABIS schools count themselves as different with regards to:

• Planning and preparing
• Carrying out frequent assessment
• Engaging support and timely follow-up
• Encouraging students’ active participation in the education procedures

Ensuring the delicate balance between academic and life skills development, the SABIS® Educational System transforms students into well-rounded individuals with strong leadership potential. Young learners are well-aware of their traditional values and the modern challenges of the 21st century.

ICS-Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, like other Sabis schools, does its best to ensure success. Teachers focus on one point at a time, especially when it involves students demonstrating their conceptual understanding. Student groups are made and one student from each group is selected to coordinate between them based on academic competence. It is his/her responsibility to oversee his/her micro-community of learners. Group leaders work in close coordination with the teachers and can ask for their support.

Regular assessment and accountability is a key feature of the school. Teachers ensure that kids learn in class and have enough time to relax after school timings. The computerised academic tracking system – SABIS® AMS is used at ICS- Al Ain to identify gaps in knowledge and follow each student’s progress.

Each student’s progress is continuously followed up and gets the required support. Students get advised on study technique and are motivated by the academic staff. No one in the SABIS Network is allowed to fall through the education gap. Parents are generally and relatively happy with the school. They do not have any particular concern with the teaching quality or academic achievement of their child.

International School of Choueifat Al Ain offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in a co-educational setup.

The International School of Choueifat Al Ain also follows the SABIS designed curriculum. This academic programme helps students gain the required skills and knowledge for a solid academic foundation. Ultimately, students achieve their full potential and become lifelong learners.

All courses at ISC – Al Ain are structured and teachers deliver one concept at a time using the SABIS Point System. Lessons are frequently switched between oral, individual and group work. Students go through regular assessment to evaluate attainment and achievement for the different subjects.

At ICS-Al Ain, SABIS Early Childhood Education is based on the following key concepts:

Teachers also ensure that young kids get enough time for active, creative, and imaginative play.

From Grade 4, courses have a minimum number of “units of information” that each student has to learn. All courses include extended material for more able students.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) inspected the International School of Choueifat Al Ain from 26th Feb to 1st March 2018 and rated it as “Acceptable.”

As per the International School of Choueifat ADEK rating and report, students’ achievement is acceptable while their personal, social and innovation skills are good. Teaching and assessment at ISC – Al Ain is acceptable and the curriculum is good. Students get good protection, care, guidance and care. The school leadership at the International School of Choueifat is acceptable.

The overall school performance is acceptable. The SABIS curriculum provides a strong direction to the school. Students’ overall achievement is acceptable. They show acceptable attainment in Arabic medium subjects. Students’ have good achievement in English in KG, Primary and High school but it is very good in Middle school. Achievement in Mathematics and Science is good in KG, Primary and Middle school. High school students show very good achievement in high school.

The personal and social development of students is good. Students benefit from the Student Life Organisation (SLO). They demonstrate a good understanding of Emirati heritage and culture. Extracurricular activities and events help students develop innovation skills.

The overall quality of teaching and assessment is acceptable. Most teachers have a secure knowledge of their assigned subject and generally use the knowledge effectively while teaching. ISC Al Ain has an effective and rigorous approach to assessment and data analysis. However, teachers should consistently adapt lessons so that students’ needs are met.

Curriculum quality is good overall, plus it is reviewed regularly. The SABIS curriculum model has extensive subject choices and all subjects are enriched with extracurricular activities. Students are prepared for their next educational phase. More importantly, the curriculum is modified to meet students’ needs.

Students get an overall good quality of protection, guidance and support in this private school in Al Ain. The school has rigorous systems and procedures for managing behaviour, punctuality and attendance of students. Senior students get effective academic guidance.

The overall leadership and management quality is acceptable. Senior leaders of the school have a clear vision. Parents are well informed about the school. The Governing Board rigorously monitors school performance and senior leaders are held accountable.

According to the ICS-Al Ain ADEK report, its key areas of strength are:

• Students’ achievement in English and Science
• Their positive attitude toward learning and their cordial relationship with other people at the school
• The use of an Integrated Learning System (ILS) to identify knowledge gaps
• Curriculum range gives choices and guidance in High school and supports students

Key areas for improvement at ISC-Al Ain include these:

• Improve students’ achievement in Arabic-medium subjects, Math in Primary school and in Art, music and PE overall by:
  • Utilising assessment data for identifying students’ learning styles
  • Having lesson planning in these subjects
  • Facilitating linked and joined planning between English and Arabic medium teachers to align students’ language development in both subjects
  • Providing feedback in black and white to students for understanding how to improve

• Enhance teaching strategies for meeting the needs of students’ group by:
  • Enabling sharing of successful strategies with other teachers regularly
  • Monitoring quality of open-ended questions and dialogue between teachers and students in lessons
  • Delivering and designing classroom instruction

• Promote critical thinking and innovation skills in students during lessons by:
  • Longer periods of collaborative projects and individual research and report
  • Developing digital learning further to generate new ways of thinking and learning for students
  • Reviewing how key problem-solving activities are included in ILS
  • Sharing and observing best practices of other school and ISC-Al Ain itself

• Align and sharpen self-evaluation process for school improvement plan by:
  • Making sure lessons observations are focused on evaluating students’ learning and progress quality
  • Working to improve the accuracy and rigour of each school leader and their evaluation process
  • Providing training to staff for ensuring they are equipped for delivering targets

The academic calendar of The International School of Choueifat Al Ain starts in August and ends in June. There are three terms in the academic calendar, which are:

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December.
• The second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March.
• The third term begins in the third week of April and ends in the last week of June.

For more information, read the academic calendar of the International School of Choueifat Al Ain.

Applicants interested in The International School of Choueifat Al Ain admissions will be pleased to know that the criteria is academic accomplishment and not age. Interested candidates can send a request to the school and submit a query for admission information. Parents can download the application form from the official ICS-Al Ain website. There is no deadline for application, but the school prefers to initiate the admission process early.

Kindergarten applicants should be 3 years and 8 months old by September 1. Kindergarten applicants must be toilet trained. Also, they must be able to understand and follow simple instructions. Other applicants must pass a diagnostic test in core subjects. Students who are applying for KG to Grade 2 must appear for an interview via video conferencing.

Applicants for Grade 3 onwards are required to appear for an online diagnostic test. Upon completion, the diagnostic tests are marked, and the school makes a placement decision. If needed, the school may ask students to attend the summer school for extra classes and get to the required level.
Once the online application process is completed, interview and diagnostic test appointments will be communicated to parents. Once the admission is granted, the required fee should be processed through online bank transfers. Once the proof of payment is shared with the school, a seat is reserved for the student.

Parents are asked to provide these mandatory documents with the application form:

• Copies of student’s and parents’ passports
• Copy of student’s and parents’ valid visa
• Passport size photographs of a student with a white background
• Copy of student’s and parents’ valid Emirates ID
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of vaccination record
• School report from the previous school

International School of Choueifat has tried to keep the admission process informative and personal. It welcomes families to visit the school and talk to the admission staff. You can book a tours by emailing the request on the email address provided in the contact section of the guide or by calling +971-3-767-8444.

Here’s an overview of the ICS-Al Ain school fee structure.

The tuition fee quoted above does not include the cost of books, school transportation and uniform.

Book charges:

ICS-Al Ain uniform for KG until Grade 12 is priced at AED 1,200.
Please contact the school to know more about online payment plans and discounts, if applicable.

International School of Choueifat Al Ain celebrates annual sports day each year. It has outdoor courts, a football pitch, a gymnasium, two swimming pools and an indoor air-conditioned sports hall.

Activities offered by the SABIS Student Life Organization offer major advantages such as:

• Endorsing constructive thinking
• Helping students understand responsibilities and real-life work
• Rectifying negative attitudes
• Working on improving general standards
• Improving social skills and communication

The school holds a range of events. The highlight of the academic year is International Day as it involves students of all grades as well as their parents and teachers.

Numerous cultural events and traditions celebrated at the school include Sports Day, Open Ballet Day, Annual Gymnastic Show and Annual Ballet Show. International Day promotes tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Students who need extra attention and time in any subject are invited to attend the after-school study for a few weeks.

International School of Choueifat Al Ain has a medical clinic to take care of students’ healthcare needs.

ISC- Al Ain sends three reports to parents every year, one each term. You can contact Quality Controllers for a copy of your children’s performance record. Parents are also guided on how to assist their children in homework. Students may be invited to attend after-school study for a few weeks to improve their performance and study techniques.

SABIS® Digital Platform is a password-protected website that allows parents to keep track of their children’s progress. The platform provides access to children’s academic performance, attendance, disciplinary issues, the latest school news, events and calendars.

• Telephone: +971-3-767-8444
• Email: iscalain@iscaa.sabis.net
• The International School Of Choueifat Al Ain Facebook
• The International School Of Choueifat Al Ain Website

Please note that the cover image belongs to The International School of Choueifat Al Ain

Does the school organise after-school activities?

The International School of Choueifat provides educational support to students after the regular school hours to help children compete with other students.

How many grades are in ISC Al Ain?

ISC Al Ain educates children in KG1 to Grade 12.

Does the school follow a co-ed model?

Yes, boys and girls study together at all academic levels.

How many students are at the school?

ISC Al Ain currently has over 2,903 students as per the ADEK report. Most students at this campus are Emiratis, followed by Jordanians, Egyptians and Syrians.

What is the academic calendar of ISC Al Ain?

ISC Al Ain’s academic calendar begins in August and ends in July. It has three terms. For more information, refer to the academic calendar section in this guide by Bayut.

Does the school conduct mid-term examinations?

Yes, the school conduct mid-term exams on the following dates:

• Term 1: 28 November to 9 December
• Term 2: 15 March to 24 March
• Term 3: 15 June to 26 June

What is the tuition fee charged by the school?

The annual tuition fee at ISC Al Ain ranges between AED 20,360 to AED 35,910.

How does the school communicate with parents?

ISC Al Ain has many ways to communicate with parents. Parent-teacher conferences are conducted every term to discuss the progress made by children. Also, the school has a SABIS Digital Platform for parents to access key information.

How many teachers are at ISC Al Ain?

The International School of Choueifat Al Ain branch has 99 full-time teachers and 26 teaching assistants.