Scholars International Academy

Founded in 2007, Scholars International Academy (SIA) Sharjah is a British curriculum school in the Muwailih Commercial district of Sharjah. SIA delivers the National Curriculum of England and Wales enhanced with Cambridge Curriculum programs and is fashioned in accordance with the UK schools’ standards. SIA is one of the three schools under the management of the Scholars International Group (SIG). Its sister-schools Dubai Scholars Private School and Clarion School are in Dubai.

The school is accredited by the British Schools Overseas and is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME). Scholars International Academy is considered to be one of the best schools in Sharjah. SIA offers classes from Pre-KG to Garde 12. SIA students have the opportunity to take the AS and A-Level exams to receive the Cambridge AICE Diploma at the school in Key Stage 6.

To learn more about the campus, facilities, admission and fees structure of Scholars International Academy Sharjah, read this guide by Bayut.

• Location: Muwailih Commercial, Sharjah
• School fees: AED 23,500 - AED 35,875
• Curriculum: British Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• Years offered: Pre-KG - Grade 12
• SPEA rating: Good

Scholars International Academy is in the school zone in Muwailih Commercial, Sharjah, adjacent to Delta English School and India International School. Some residential communities surrounding the area are:

• Oud Al Muteena
• Muhaisnah 4
• Al Mizhar

Oud Al Muteena is set on Dubai outskirts near Dubai-Sharjah border. Residential option in this area include apartments and villas. Muhaisnah 4 is part of the larger Muhaisnah community. Muhaisnah 4 has mainly apartments and a few villas. Al Mizhar is a large residential area. It has villas available on rent and sale.

The school’s proximity to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) makes it easily accessible. However, parents looking to move closer to the school can consider these housing options:

• Apartments for rent near Scholars International Academy
• Apartments for sale near Scholars International Academy

Scholars International Academy’s seven-acre campus is designed to facilitate the best quality of education through engagement, exploration and experimentation. Some of the campus facilities include:

• The Commons: Located in the centre of the school between two school wings, the commons is a grassy area where students can interact and engage with each other.
• Canteen: The school’s canteen provides healthy food options for students.
• Library: SIA’s library includes storytelling corners, IT stations, discussion spaces and more to provide students with a quiet area for research and learning.
• ICT Labs: The school has two separate ICT labs– one for Primary School and one for Secondary School
• Swimming Pools: The school has two pools– one Semi-Olympic 6-lane pool and one kid’s pool.
• Football field
• Basketball court
• Cricket nets
• Netball field
• Music room
• Drama room
• Design and technology room
• Art room
• Yoga studio

Scholars International Academy is located in the School Zone of Muwailih Commercial, Sharjah.

Scholars International Academy is a K-12 school under the management of Scholars International Group (SIG). SIA strives to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The student population hails from over 60 countries and faculty includes international and professional educators.

In addition to academia, the school places emphasis on sports, languages, technology, performing arts, multi-cultural interactions and community service to mould well-rounded students.

SIA offers the English National Curriculum enriched with Cambridge programmes, fulfilling the highest standards of an international British school. The school is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East and has been accredited by the British Schools Overseas (BSO), owing to their high standards of education and excellence.

Students of SIA Sharjah prepare to undergo the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations in Year 11 and also the International AS & A Level examinations in Year 13. Upon successful completion of the AS & A-Level exams, students are awarded the Cambridge AICE Diploma.

SIA ensures that each student participates and develops beyond textbook learning in areas such as sports, languages, technology, performing arts, multi-cultural interactions and community service. This is done through its purpose built campus that houses state-of-the-art facilities such as a semi-Olympic 6-lane swimming pool, ICT labs, library, design and technology room, basketball court, yoga studio and much more. SIA students also participate in various national and international competitions throughout the school year, such as the International Olympiad Foundation held in the UAE.

SIA is an all-through school that offers classes from the Early Years Foundation Stage (Pre-KG) to Year 13 (Grade 12). It comprises three sections:

Scholars International Academy delivers the National Curriculum of England and Wales enhanced with some of the Cambridge Curriculum programmes for different year groups.

Curriculum for Early Years Foundation Stage

Foundation Stage 1 and 2 marks the beginning of a students’ academic career. At SIA, the EYFS programme follows four guiding principles, which are:

• Every child is unique who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences relate to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between school and home.
• Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

The curriculum at this stage focuses on three prime areas of development, which are Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

This is achieved through four specific areas of learning:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Curriculum for Primary School

Scholars International Academy follows the UK National Curriculum for its Primary school level. SIA places equal importance on academic learning as well as celebrating every students’ talent. The areas of learning include:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Science

SIA works on developing students’ personal and social communication skills by providing a variety of reading materials and conducting frequent writing sessions. The school recognises students’ curiosity for knowledge and ability to absorb important concepts at this level and therefore, has curated an engaging curriculum. It nurtures the potential of every student.

Curriculum for Secondary School

At the Secondary level, the school specialises on the subjects already introduced in the Primary stage. Students are introduced to a greater degree of critical thinking, tasks and learning to equip students for any and all future challenges. The curriculum differs for different subjects based on the year group. Specifications for each year group are as follows:

• Year 5 and Year 6
  • Cambridge Primary Curriculum for Mathematics, English and Science
  • UK National Curriculum for Humanities, French, Art and Design, Performing Arts and PE
  • Ministry of Education for Arabic, Islamiyat, and Ishtimayat.
• Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9
  • Cambridge Secondary Curriculum for Mathematics, English and Science
  • UK National Curriculum for Humanities, PSHE/Global Perspectives, French, Art and Design, Performing Arts and PE
  • Ministry of Education for Arabic, Islamiyat, and Ishtimayat
• Year 10 and Year 11 (IGCSE Curriculum – Cambridge International Examinations courses)
  • Compulsory subjects: English Mathematics and Science
  • Optional subjects: Art, Business Studies, French, Geography, History, ICT, Physical Education
  • Ministry of Education for Arabic, Islamiyat, and Ishtimayat.
  • Core PE for all students
• Year 12 and Year 13 (A-Level Curriculum)
  • Edexcel subjects: Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology
  • Cambridge International Examinations subjects: English Language, English Literature, Business Studies

Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) is a government organisation that overlooks the quality of private educational institutions in Sharjah. Annually, SPEA inspects schools and rates them based on a six-point scale as shown below:

Scholars International Academy SPEA rating is 'Good'.

The school year at Scholars International Academy Sharjah is split into three terms. They take place as follows:

• The first term begins in late August and ends mid-December. The school remains closed for 2 weeks for the winter break.
• The second term commences early January and concludes late March, with the beginning of spring break.
• The third term begins mid-April and ends late June/early July. The school then closes for summer break.

For more information regarding the various events and activities that take place at the school, view the SIA school calendar.

The admission process at Scholars International Academy comprises four steps. They are:

School Tour

Parents can book a tour at SIA and visit the campus during the school’s scheduled open mornings. These sessions include an information session by the Principal, school tour and one-one-one sessions with the school’s Phase Head Leaders. Once the tour is complete, parents can book an assessment with the Admissions Manager.

Online Application

Once the tour is complete, parents can submit an online application. The admissions team establishes contact within 24 to 48 hours to schedule an assessment for the applicant.

Student Assessment

Parents can schedule and book an assessment. Assessments are mandatory for all prospective students seeking admission from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13.

The school contacts within 24 hours of the assessment. If the student is offered a seat, parents must proceed with the registration formalities which includes review of the school documents. For admission into Years 10 to 13, students have to appear for an interview with the Principal and Head of Secondary to discuss electives.

Registration

Parents have to visit the school in order to complete the pending registration formalities. They have to complete paperwork, provide photos and copies of necessary documentation as well as pay the non-refundable registration fee and seat deposit fee in cash, which is AED 500 and AED 1000 respectively. Completing the registration process guarantees your child’s admission to the school.

These are the necessary documents required for registration:

• 6 passport size photographs
• 2 valid passport copies with child’s valid visa endorsement
• Emirates ID (Original and two copies)
• Copy of passports and Emirates ID of both parents
• 2 birth certificate copies in Arabic or English
• 1 immunization card (vaccination card) copy

Transfer certificate and other relevant attested documents should be produced at the time of registration. Documents required are:

• If the child is transferring from a local school:
  • Original Ministry attested transfer certificate (TC) from previous school.
• If the child is transferring from a local school from Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
  • Original Ministry attested transfer certificate from the previous school and a KHDA equivalence certificate.
• If the child is transferring from a school abroad:
• The latest school report card and the original transfer certificate which should mention that the student has passed and been promoted to the next grade.

These should be attested by the following bodies:

• Ministry of Education – Country of Origin
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Country of Origin
• UAE Consulate – Country of Origin

For further clarifications, contact the school at admissions@sia.ae or +971-6-519-7000

Scholars International Academy fees are paid in three instalments over the duration of the academic year. Breakdown of fees for each term are as follows:

Important information to keep in mind regarding fee payment:

• Resource fees include text books, exercise books, stationery, art materials, work sheets, online resources, costume & concert production costs, transportation for field trips and class photo.
• SIA offers sibling discounts– 10% for each additional sibling.
• For related queries, contact cashier@sia.ae and plo@sia.ae

In the Sixth Form, SIA awards scholarships to students with a proven record of academic excellence. There are two levels of scholarships at the school.

• Standard Scholarship: Students with a minimum of four A’s and two B’s receive this scholarship (20% deduction).
• Principal’s Scholarship: Students that show commitment to academia as well as the school’s community get this scholarship based on the Principal’s decision.

Students that have a history of academic achievements and proven competency in the creative or performing arts can apply for scholarships at SIA.

The school provides paid monthly packed meals for all the year groups. Payment can be made at the school canteen.

Parents can also view the school meal plan on school website.

Scholar International School Sharjah provides pick-up and drop-off services to students through their well-organised fleet of buses. Transportation covers various areas in Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah. Payments for the bus service are made per term.

Breakdown of transportation fees for each area are:

SIA encourages regular participation in sports in order to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The school’s active Physical Education department follows the four pillars of P.E, which are skill, teamwork, leadership and effort. Students strive to attain these standards and improve their skills during each P.E lesson.

From Years 1 to 13, the P.E curriculum at SIA covers a variety of sports such as athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, handball, football, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, swimming, softball and volleyball. SIA students get to participate in friendly competitions and matches. Some of the facilities are:

• Semi-Olympic six-lane swimming pool
• Kids pool
• Football field
• Basketball court
• Cricket nets
• Netball field

The school offers various ECAs such as:

These sessions are conducted by ex-professional footballers, karate specialists, golf coaches etc and take place on Monday and Wednesday after school hours.

Students also regularly participate in inter-school tournaments throughout the year such as the BSME U13 School Games and the BSME Dance competitions, and other tasks necessary to receive the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Scholars International Academy, Muwailih also organises numerous events such as Primary Science Day, University Fair and more. The school held an International Day where students experienced the culture, music, colours and food of over 40 countries.

Scholars International Academy Sharjah regularly organises expeditions and field trips to various locations during the school year.

Year 1 students visited the Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Discovery Centre. Year 3 students visited the Sharjah National Park and Al-Tamimi Stables along with Year 2 students, and students from Year 4 spent a day of fun in Jump Boxx Indoor Trampoline Park.

Students from Year 7 to Year 9 explored Old Dubai through Dubai Creek Museum, Al Bastakiya, Al Fahidi District, Spice Souq and finally an Abra ride.

The school organises after-school activities such as karate, football and more. This takes place on Monday and Wednesday every week.

Scholars International Academy has a clinic that provides commendable medical services to the staff and students. SIA’s school clinic has been recognised by the Ministry of Health to be one of the best school clinics in the region.

SIA Sharjah has employed a full-time nurse to tend to the medical needs at the school. The school nurse, along with the Principal, Vice Principal, Administrator, PSHE Coordinator, Heads of Houses, Counselor and teachers from the foundation, primary and secondary make up the Wellness Committee. This committee oversees the wellness policy goals of the school and takes action if necessary.

Scholars International Academy enables ease of communication between parents and teachers through the school’s parent portal. Through this forum, parents can access vital information regarding their child’s progress and activities. Parents can also stay up-to-date with the happenings at the school through SIA’s newsletters.

SIA also has a Parent Council where parents can address any constructive criticism and grievances they have regarding the school. The council presents an opportunity for parents to be more involved in the undertakings of SIA.

• Phone number: +971-6-519-7000
• Email: admissions@sia.ae

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Scholars International Academy Website
• Scholars International Academy Facebook
• Scholars International Academy Instagram
• Scholars International Academy YouTube
• Scholars International Academy LinkedIn

Note that the cover image belongs to Scholars International Academy.

WHAT ARE THE YEARS OFFERED?

Scholars International Academy School offers classes from Pre-KG to Grade 12.

DOES THE SCHOOL FOLLOW A CO-EDUCATION MODEL?

Scholars International Academy has a co-education model.

WHAT TUITION FEE IS CHARGED BY THE SCHOOL?

The tuition fee ranges from AED 23,500 to AED 35,875.

HOW DOES THE SCHOOL COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS?

Scholars International Academy has an online portal to facilitate communication with parents.

DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE A CAFETERIA OR A CANTEEN ON CAMPUS?

Yes, Scholars International Academy School has a canteen.