Raffles World Academy

Raffles World Academy was founded as an independent co-educational private school in Umm Suqeim 3. Operated by Innoventures Education Investment LLC, the school opened its doors for students as Raffles International School (West Campus) in September 2008. It later changed its name to Raffles World Academy in September 2012.

Often referred to as RWA, it is an authorised IB World School offering IB curriculum from KG 1 to Grade 12. It is one of the best IB schools in Dubai. Pre KG classes have been introduced from the 2020-21 academic session.

Presently, there are over 1,700 students aged 4 to 17 years. Besides the administrative team, there are 161 teachers and seven teaching assistants. The teacher to student ratio is 1:11, and there are three guidance counsellors to assist students in meeting internationally recognised standards in academic achievement.

The closest residential area is Al Manara. Other neighbouring residential communities are:

• Umm Al Sheif
• Al Manara
• Al Quoz
• Al Sufouh

Umm Al Sheif is a small residential neighbourhood in the west of Dubai. The area is connected to essential routes, including Al Wasl Road (D29) and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). You can find luxury villas and townhouses in one of the popular family-centred communities in the city. It is also well-known for its reputable schools.

Al Quoz isn’t far from the Raffles World Academy campus. The massive area is divided into commercial and residential sectors. The four residential sub-communities offer plenty of villas, apartments and townhouses to interested tenants.

Al Manara is also one of the emerging residential areas in western Dubai. Located in proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), it is well-connected to other parts of Dubai. Property options include villas for rent and sale, making it a suitable neighbourhood for families.

Al Sufouh, on the western coast of Dubai, is one of the most prominent areas in Jumeirah. It has numerous apartments and villas for sale and rent and is well-known for its Al Sufouh Beach.

Those who like to stay closer to the RWA campus in Umm Suqeim 3 can check out:

• Apartments for rent near Raffles World Academy
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Raffles World Academy’s campus is large and well-facilitated. Spread across 30,000 sq. m., it resembles the traditional square designs seen in Singapore. The two buildings not only house excellent learning facilities but include plenty of sporting and recreational facilities. Most talked about campus features include:

• Networked Library
• Classrooms with LCD projectors/sound system
• Tutorial Rooms
• Theatre
• Art and Music Rooms
• Dance Studio
• Science and Computer Laboratories
• Football Field
• Swimming Pools
• Sports Hall
• Basketball Courts
• Badminton Courts
• Tennis Courts
• Prayer Rooms
• Cafeteria-style Dining Facility
• 24-hour CCTV Security

RWA’s exciting and well-resourced library has a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, reference and teacher resource books. In addition to books in English, Arabic, French, German, Mandarin and Spanish, the library has a vast collection of audiovisual resources and databases.

Raffles World Academy is located in Umm Suqeim 3, on Al Marcup Street (formerly known as Street 7). Landmarks nearby include Umm Suqeim 3 Park and Raffles International School.

Raffles World Academy is accredited and acclaimed by the following:

• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Council of International Schools (CIS)
• The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
• Dubai Knowledge
• Eco-Schools UAE
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
• Middle East IB Association (MEIBA)

Raffles World Academy is an IB World School, which means it is authorised to offer the continuum of IB programmes for students aged four to 18 years.
Technology is an integral part of education at Raffles World Academy (RWA). The school firmly believes in building and polishing 21st-century skills such as communication and collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

All RWA students from Grade 2 to 12 are eligible for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Programme. Students from Grade 3 to 5 can bring their iPads to transform their learning experience. The school’s mission is to provide rigorous, holistic and international education to all students.

Raffles World Academy’s core values include:

• Achievement
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Respect
• Responsibility

Its motto ‘Towards Excellence’ is perfectly aligned with the International Mindedness culture. Students are encouraged to learn different languages, take risks and gain knowledge about complex world issues. What’s especially worth mentioning is the Languages Programme.

Primary grade students can start with either French or Spanish and continue with the language in secondary school. They receive two lessons in a foreign language per week. Secondary level students can choose Spanish or French in the MYP Language Acquisition programme. The focus is to develop communication and multi-literacy skills through a range of learning tools.

In Grade 11 and 12, students who wish to learn a new language can choose Spanish, French, Arabic or Mandarin. Those who have been learning the language can opt for the Language B course (Spanish, French or Arabic). English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available for those students who need a little extra support.

The Physical Education department at Raffles World Academy (RWA) has designed a comprehensive sports programme to nurture aspiring athletes. Since the school is a registered member of the Dubai Affiliated Primary Sports Association (DAPSA), students can compete against the top international schools in Dubai. The MYP/PYP Physical and Health Education Programme empowers students to appreciate the value of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Those graduating from RWA go on to study at various universities all around the world. Job Shadowing, a part of the University Placements Programme, gives students professional job exposure and a chance to explore their potential career options.

RWA also offers a wide range of teacher-led and external (paid) co-curricular activities. Paid activities usually include Kung Fu and Volleyball in addition to swimming, football and ballet and dance. Teacher-led activities include a combination of academic and creative options such as Arts and Yoga.

Students at RWA get a range of opportunities to develop their leadership skills. The school has a variety of student leadership programs, from The Student Representative Council to the Interact Club.

Primary School Student Leadership program includes:

• Anti–Bullying Committee (Grades 3, 4, and 5 students design strategies to deal with bullying)
• The Student Council (Grades 4 and 5 students are responsible for communicating with the faculty and staff)
• Eco Committee (Students come up with ideas to make RWA as eco-friendly as possible)
• Learning Council (Students give feedback about their learning to the school and their teachers)
• Primary School Line Prefects

Secondary School Student Leadership Program includes:

• Anti-Bullying & Wellbeing
• Eco Team
• Debate Club
• MUN (Model United Nations)
• Interact committee
• Inclusion committee
• Events Committee

Raffles World Academy is an all-through school that offers classes from Pre-KG to Grade 12. These classes are divided into three sections:

The school offers the IB Programme. In KG1, Raffles World Academy Dubai follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) along with EYFS. The curriculum is customised to deliver holistic education. These subjects are taught at the Kindergarten level:

• English
• Math
• Science
• Arabic Cultural Studies
• Physical Education
• Social Studies

During Kindergarten classes, teachers also focus on:

• Intellectual development
• Language and Communication skills
• Social and emotional development
• Physical development

Primary students are taught the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP). Teaching and learning during these years are child-centred. The curriculum is set to link different areas of study. Subjects taught in the Primary section include:

• Science
• Personal and Social Education
• Physical Education
• ICT
• Arts
• Language and Mathematics
• Social Studies

From Grade 6 to Grade 10, the Middle Years Programme is implemented following the IB curriculum. Eight subjects are included in the Middle Years Programme (MYP):

• Sciences
• Arts
• Design
• Physical and Health Education
• Language and Literature
• Mathematics
• Individual and Societies
• Language Acquisition

The MYP pays attention to:

• Learning Diversity and Inclusion
• Service as action
• Approaches to Learning
• Language and Identity
• Conceptual Understanding
• Teaching and Learning in Context

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a focused course leading to external examinations. This is for students aged 16 to 19. It is a two-year international standard curriculum offering the following subjects:

• Arts
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Studies in Language and Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Individual and Societies

Based on the IB curriculum model for Grade 11 and Grade 12, Raffles World Academy Umm Suqeim 3 follows the IB career-related programme. This is to help graduating students focus and specialise in a career-related pathway.

The four mandatory units during the IB Career-Related Programme are:

• Business Communication
• Introduction to Marketing
• Business Resources
• The Business Environment

KHDA inspected Raffles World Academy and rated it as “Very Good.” This was a step up from the Good rating that the school secured continuously for the previous six years.

Attainment and progress improved in all subjects. Students showed outstanding achievement in DP and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Students demonstrate an exceptional understanding of Islamic Values, Emirati and World culture. Their social and personal development is outstanding, as well. They are confident and engaged learners who can communicate their learning in more than one way.

Teaching and underlying assessment practices are Very Good across the school. However, teaching and assessment are more consistent in the Kindergarten and DP phases. Across all grades, curriculum provision and adaptation are Very Good.

As per Raffles World Academy KHDA rating and report, the school is safe and supports and cares for students. The buildings are well-maintained, and the school has effective daily management. Raffles Academy Dubai also identifies and helps Students of Determination as well as Gifted and Talented students. The school meets the needs of almost all students. Counselling services are developed to facilitate those studying at RWA.

Raffles World Academy is safe and has a supportive and caring environment for students. The school leaders and governors are passionate and have a strong sense of direction. The school focuses on students’ well-being and the development of positive relationships among stakeholders. This results in an atmosphere of inclusion and care.

The best features of Raffles World Academy Dubai are:

• The way parents actively support the school
• Students’ personal and social development
• Students understanding of Islamic values and world cultures
• The inclusive ethos of the school and its support for students of determination
• Students’ willingness to become active and independent learners throughout the school in all subjects, including Islamic Education and Arabic
• The vision, direction and action of senior school leaders and governors to strengthen the approaches to teaching and learning for achieving the UAE’s national agenda targets

The KHDA report also highlights a few areas that need to be addressed.
RWA must focus on improving the skills of teachers by following the best practices. It must also ensure consistency through:

• Effectively providing opportunities for students for using their transferable learning skills and improved conceptual understanding
• Effectively using assessment data for planning and identifying the support to meet and match the needs of all students
• Assessing the achievement of students through the progression of their learning from the beginning

• 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 begins in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March. Students then go on a 2-week spring holiday.
• The last term starts in the second week of April and ends in the last week of June, followed by 2-month summer vacation.

Raffles World Academy calendar with more details regarding the term dates is available on the official website.

Raffles World Academy welcomes students of all nationalities, religions and abilities. The school addresses the individual needs of all students, including those with SEN (special educational needs). Parents or guardians of any applicant with a particular learning need must submit a complete report with their application. These might include IEPs (Individual education plans) and reports from certified health professionals.

Parents interested in Raffles World Academy admissions must complete the online application through the school’s website. If a seat isn’t available, the applicant is placed on the waiting list. These waiting lists are not automatically carried over to the next academic year, so the applicants are requested to re-apply for the new year. Whenever the seat becomes available, the school contacts the first eligible applicant and invites them for an assessment.

Pre KG, KG-1, KG-1, FS2 and Year 1 applicants must clear the assessment in basic subjects, including English and Mathematics. All other grades/levels have to clear the CAT4 digital testing.

Raffles World Academy Umm Suqeim admission team contacts parents to arrange an entrance test.

• For KG and Grade 1 students, a paper-based test is conducted.
• For Grades 2 and above, the student should clear CAT4 digital testing via an online platform.
• For Pre-KG to Grade 1, applicants are assessed for school readiness and the level of independence.

Once the assessment takes place, and the school has reviewed the student’s previous two-year school report, the school then evaluates the application. Once the child is accepted into the school and has received an offer, the parents must respond to the school within five days to secure the place.

RWA can also arrange evaluations for applicants residing outside the UAE. The assessment fee applies to both onsite and abroad assessments. Face-to-face interviews can also be scheduled if required by the admission officer or school principal.

Raffles World Academy gives priority to:

• Siblings of those who have secured admission at the school
• Siblings of students of determination who successfully get admission at the school
• Applicants coming from Raffles Nurseries and Raffles Starters

ADMISSION POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

New applicants with specific educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are referred to the Raffles Academy’s Leader of Provision for Inclusion. The department of Inclusion Support analyses the reports and then arranges a meeting to observe and assess the child. The department is responsible for making appropriate recommendations to the admissions department.

The final admission decision is taken collaboratively by the Principal, Leader of Provision for Inclusion, and other school leadership team members. This team will evaluate if the school is adequately equipped to meet the child’s needs and recommend whether the admission offer should be full or partial (in partnership with another specialist school or provider) or if the school cannot provide a place.

To complete the registration process, parents must submit the following mandatory documents:

• Two recent photocopies of birth certificate
• Passport copies with a valid UAE visa
• Emirates ID of student and parents
• Full school reports or transcripts for the previous two years
• For overseas transfers, parents must submit a copy of the duly attested transfer certificate from the previous school as per the requirements of the KHDA.
• For local transfers, students must submit a transfer certificate from the previous school attested by the KHDA.
• Photocopy of immunisation records
• Two recent passport photographs of student

Before enrolment, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement guidelines:

This is based on the age of the students on 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)

The fee structure at Raffles World Academy is mentioned below. Please note that the Raffles World Academy fee is different for existing and new students.

Here’s a breakdown of the charges for existing students.

Next up is the fee structure for new students.

RWA also offers sibling discounts:

• Sibling discount of 5% applies to the second and third child
• 10% discount applies to the fourth child
• 15%  discount applies to the fifth child
• 20%  discount applies to the sixth child onwards

New students must pay:

• Assessment Test Fee AED 500 (this is non-refundable)
• Registration Fee, which is 5% of the Annual fee  (Please note that the payment is non-refundable but can be adjusted against the Term 1 fee if the admission is confirmed)

RWA charges additional fees for the following:

• Stationery
• Educational Material
• Educational and field trips (these are charged as separate payments)
• Sports tournaments
• School uniforms and Team kits (this also includes additional sports items)
• External Examination Fee
• Meals
• Transportation
• Replacement Student ID Cards

Sports scholarships are awarded to promising students. Eligible candidates should have represented their country, region or city in one or more sports. They must show outstanding ability, dedication and potential and make a significant contribution to the sport at their school.

A full dining facility offers a wide range of balanced meals to suit different taste palettes. Students get soups, vegetables, pasta, protein and carbohydrates in the cafeteria. The school website updates the monthly menu that includes white rice, fish, butter chicken, macaroni chicken soup, steamed and grilled vegetables.

RWA Dubai works with Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC – a reputable transportation company trusted by many schools in Dubai. While the school tries its best to accommodate all school bus transportation requests, the final decision is made by Arab Falcon Bus Rental.

Those who are interested in the school bus service can call +971-4-427-1301 or email at csr.rwa@arabfalcondubai.ae. To get in touch with Arab Falcon Bus Rental, you can contact +971-55-343-1592.

The bus service form and the code of conduct form are available on the school’s official website.

Sports activities offered by Innoventures Education are designed to nurture promising athletes and help them reach their full potential at all levels.
Sports facilities at RWA include:

• Soccer Field
• Swimming Pools
• Sports Hall
• Basketball Courts
• Badminton Courts
• Tennis Courts

Raffles World Academy (RFA) has a wide range of teacher-led and externally planned (paid) co-curricular activities. Some paid co-curricular activities include ballet, dance, Kung Fu.

Teacher-led activities include:

Paid activities include:

The school website has a detailed schedule of teacher-led and paid extra-curricular activities.

Students of Raffles World Academy are taken on local and international field trips.

Regular overseas trips include visits to London, space camps in the US and Silicon Valley. Within the UAE, students take part in camps and subject-specific trips.

Throughout the academic year, students get the opportunity to participate in field trips that are an integral part of their learning process. These field trips are planned to enrich and contextualise the classroom with real-world experiences.

Raffles Academy Dubai’s clinic is licensed by the Dubai Health Authorities regulation department. A full-time doctor and two full-time nurses are present at the clinic. They are DHA licensed and certified in CPR and AED.

The school clinic includes treatment, examination and observation rooms and can accommodate many students at a time. All rooms are equipped with the necessary medical equipment and supplies.

The facility is disinfected regularly. Raffles health care team provides routine medical check-up for new students, and the medical team covers all school events. To offer maximum medical facilities and support, the school requests parents to read and sign the Health Pack form. Parents are also requested to submit the original vaccination card as per the guidelines of Dubai Health Authorities.

Raffles Academy focuses on developing strong relationships with parents. The Parents’ Association of Raffles Academy (RWA) is an active part of the school. The association includes 21 dedicated volunteer parents who are part of the executive committee. The sole aim of this association is to enhance the learning experience of RWA children.

The school website has a Parents Area tab that has information about students’ attendance, school reports, calendar and documents. Parents can use the school website to keep themselves updated regarding the latest happenings.

• Telephone: +971-4-427-1300 | +971-4-427-1302 |+971-4-427-1303
• Email: rwaadmissions@rwadubai.com
• Raffles World Academy website
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The cover image belongs to Raffles World Academy