Riverston School Dubai

Update: The school is no longer operational.

Established in 2019, Riverston School Dubai is a new addition to the list of UK curriculum schools in the emirate. It is a fully inclusive school that offers classes from Foundation Years to Primary level and draws inspiration from Riverston UK. Riverston is a UK based international education group operating several outstanding and excellent rated nurseries and schools in the UK, India and the UAE including the Riverston School in London that opened in 1926.

The school strives to replicate the success of Riverston School – London that has received an outstanding rating from the UK educational inspectors. 300 students are currently enrolled and every class accommodates 16 students to ensure maximum attention from the teaching staff. Most teachers are British and are highly qualified.

Riverston Dubai follows the National Curriculum of England and the teaching staff is experienced in working with students with a variety of educational abilities.

Riverston is easily accessible for families living in:

• Nad Al Hamar
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Ras Al Khor
• International City

Nad Al Hamar is located on the outskirts of Dubai. While it is away from the city’s centre, one can find leisure and entertainment attractions in the district. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a technology and innovation district, is also ranked among the most popular neighbourhoods for renting properties in Dubai. Ras Al Khor is home to the popular Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Those who prefer settling near the school can consider:

• Villas for rent near Riverstone School Dubai
• Villas for sale near Riverston School Dubai
• Apartments for sale near Riverston School Dubai

The strategically designed school campus has all the necessary facilities. One can find everything needed to create an engaging environment for students. Play areas are part of the school building. The school is small and classrooms are also relatively smaller than usual to assure each child gets individual attention.

Riverston School Dubai is located in Nad Al Sheba, close to Nad Al Sheba 4 park. There are other schools in the vicinity as well. Dubai – Al Ain Road is towards the South of the school, while Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road is towards the east.

Along with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, individual development of each child is equally valued at Riverston School Dubai, Nad Al Sheba. RSD believes all kids have the right to a great education and future. The school does its best to create a nurturing and proactive learning environment.
Riverston Dubai won the GCC award in the best innovation category for its outstanding international initiative in 2019. It was made possible because of the sheer hard work and passion for educating young learners. It is one of the best schools near Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Riverston Dubai School maintains a strong partnership with parents. It pledges to support the teaching and learning processes.

The school is led by the Governing Board consisting of individuals with years of experience and a strong passion for education. It also has four Learning Support Assistants who are qualified to provide ABA therapy, play therapy or SEND support. Riverston strives to maintain long-term partnerships with families and other stakeholders in the community.

Riverston School has defined seven characteristics of a Riverston Learner. Those studying at the school will be:

• Cared for: The school will care for every child
• Nurtured: Children feel secure, safe and supported
• Encouraged: All students get the best opportunities to grow and learn
• Happy: Children are happy during the time they spend at the school
• Confident: Students are encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes
• Resilient: Children learn to persevere through challenges
• Ambitious: Students want to be their best

Riverston School Nad Al Sheba campus is committed to providing students with a balanced and broad curriculum to help them excel in the coming years. Learning and development involve a mixture of child-led and adult-led activities as per the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. EYFS is one of the most popular standards for the British curriculum. All students are given the best opportunities to grow, develop and achieve their personal best.

The British curriculum is followed at all levels. The Early Years Foundation Stage framework is followed during the Foundation Stage (FS) years, where a mixture of child-led and adult-led activities are designed for students. Children are encouraged to use their skills and imagination while observing and learning. Individual tutoring is offered to children who need help in learning phonics.

At primary level, the curriculum is designed to build students’ concepts during the formative years. Learning is extended beyond the classrooms at the Primary level.

Arabic language curriculum is implemented for native and non-native speakers. This helps in smooth Arabic communication and at the same time polishes students’ reading, writing and listening skills. Arabic is taught as a first language to native speakers and as an additional language to non-native students.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) works closely with the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) to inspect private schools operating in the emirate.

Riverston School is not yet inspected by the KHDA. The first inspection is scheduled for the academic year 2021-2022.

The first day of the academic year is 2nd September. The half term break lasts from 20th October to 24th October. Term 1, or the Autumn Term, ends on 12th December and the first term break lasts from 15th December to 2nd January.

Term 2, or the Spring Term, begins on 5th January and half term break lasts from 16th February to 20th February. This term ends on 26th March and students go on second term break from 29th March to 9th April.

Term 3, or the Summer Term, starts on 12th April and ends on 2nd July.

Islamic Holidays depend on moon sighting. Riverston School Dubai academic calendar is also subject to change due to national holidays.

The school’s website has an online application form for admission. Interested applicants can fill the form and submit it along with the mandatory documents.

After filling the form and submitting supporting documents, a non-refundable fee of AED 500 has to be paid to the admission office. The school confirms the status of the admission application within 3 days. Once the school offers a seat, a deposit of AED 2,500 has to be made to secure the seat. Parents have to sign and return the acceptance agreement and ensure that all required documents have been provided.

Students who need extra help will undergo SEN assessment prior to the admission. This assessment determines students’ individual need for speech, language or occupational therapy to match the requirement of Riverston School. This evaluation can take a minimum of 1.5 hours or in complex cases, a maximum of 3 days. A longer assessment session costs AED 1,500 and parents will be notified in advance. The result of this assessment mentions the student’s reading skill, writing skill, attitude and relationships.

Below is the list of documents necessary for admission.

• Copy of the student’s birth certificate
• 6 recent passport size pictures of the student
• Copy of both parents’ passports, visa and Emirates ID
• Copy of student’s passport, visa and Emirates ID
• Two previous years school reports or nursery school report
• It is compulsory to submit the transfer certificate (TC). It must be written in English or Arabic with the stamp of the current school.

The age-grade guidelines followed by Riverstone School Dubai is given below:

This is based on the age of the students on 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)

The below-mentioned annual Riverston School fee is approved by the KHDA:

For more details regarding the Riverston School Dubai fees, please visit the official website.

At Riverston, Halal meal is provided to students keeping good dietary principles in mind. Students are encouraged to develop healthy eating habits. Special menu options including dairy-free and gluten-free meals. The director of welfare and wellbeing reviews and monitors the menu.

Lunches include a selection of fruits as well as vegan options. The school discourages the consumption of unhealthy food and fizzy and sugary beverages. Yum in a Box manages catering services for Riverston School Dubai. They also organise workshops and discussions with parents and children regarding healthy eating and making good food choices. The menu by Yum in a Box is carefully planned by two certified nutritionists. All food items are prepared with fresh and natural ingredients.

The school ensures a safe commute for children with the help of a reliable transport provider. Transport services meet the needs of students.

The school has a designated play area where students engage in sports. Students of Year 4 to Year 6 can become part of the fantasy football league club. Similarly, students from Year 3 to Year 6 can join volleyball, table tennis and badminton clubs.

Several extracurricular activities for students are planned through clubs either during lunch or after school dismissal. These extracurricular activities ensure extended learning for students while developing personal and social skills in young individuals. Some clubs for students include:

Field trips are an essential part of the learning process at Riverston Dubai. Children get the opportunity to visit several cultural and environment spots across the UAE and other GCC countries.

After-school activities are planned throughout the week as extracurricular activities after school hours. However, some activities are also scheduled during lunchtime.

Parents Association (PA) is established to ensure smooth communication between school and parents. Through this association, parents can contribute to their child’s learning by organising fundraising and social events. Parent Governors act as a bridge between the management and parents to enhance the learning opportunities for students.

• Telephone: +971-4-331-6400
• Website: www.riverstonschool.com
• Email: admissions@riverstoneschool.com
• Instagram Riverston School Dubai

Note that the cover image belongs to Riverston School Dubai