New school for Sept 2014 : Dubai British Foundation

I have also had a chance to speak with the Principal, Sue Carpenter, who I have to say was extremely pleasant.  She seems to have a lot of experience under her belt and was impressed with how open she was in meeting parents who were interested and wanted to have a discussion about the school.  Something that is not necessarily common in the UAE.

Here is a small biography provided to me by Taaleem Group of Sue Carpenter followed by all the details about the school and admission process:

Sue Carpenter, Principal

Sue’s professional expertise, equally balanced in primary teaching and educational leadership, spans more than 30 years, with over 20 years in senior leadership positions. She has an in-depth knowledge of child development and a real passion for teaching young children. As a school leader, parents find her approachable and sincere in her concern for the well-being of their children. Sue’s colleagues find her inspirational and respect her high expectations.

Her varied and extensive UK experience with teaching posts predominantly in England, culminated in the highly effective leadership of a school that gained outstanding inspection gradings against all quality indicators.

Sue relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2008, where she chose to teach again in the Foundation Stage Department of Taaleem’s Dubai British School. Whilst at Dubai British School her practice was rated outstanding by the Dubai School Inspection Bureau.

In 2010, with the opening of Taaleem’s Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Sue was promoted to inaugural Principal and then Head of Primary.

Although experienced in teaching children of every primary age range, Sue has nurtured a particular passion for early years education throughout her long and distinguished career.  She brings a wealth of experience to Dubai British Foundation and looks forward to working with a supportive and highly motived faculty and administrative team to launch this new centre of excellence for the young children of the region.

Details of school and application process

1. Name of school: Dubai British Foundation (DBF)

Dubai British Foundation will open its doors to students of FS1 and FS2 for entry in September 2014.    The school will be a feeder school for a new Dubai British Academy schedule to open its doors in September 2015 (pending required approvals).

2. Location

Dubai, Jumeirah Islands, opposite The Spinneys/Meadows Town Centre and a short drive from Dubai British School. The school will open in September 2014. (*Disclaimer: The school’s opening and operations are subject to the completion of the building and final approval from KHDA).

3. Application for admission:   The site www.dubaibritishfs.ae. is presently being developed and will go live soon, however the landing page leads to the online application form.  If you are interested in applying for entry in September 2014, then visit their website and fill in their application form.  There is a non- refundable application fee of AED 1,000.

4. Admissions Office

The Admissions Office will be temporarily located at The Children’s Garden Barsha as of the week beginning of the 23rd of February, on the Corner of 43 and 36B Street, Al Barsha 2. Interested parents are kindly asked to use the side entrance. Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday or by appointment if outside of those times.   So before you head down there, call them to confirm that the admissions office is now operational on  04 399 5170.

5. Curriculum

Early Years Foundation Stage (FS 1 and FS 2), The National Curriculum for England. Taaleem is opening a British school in Jumeirah Park offering the Primary and Secondary Years (Year 1 to Year 13). This new school is scheduled to open in September 2015 (subject to required approvals). Dubai British Foundation will be a feeder school for this new school.

6. Fees

Note: the Opening Year discount will be applicable for 2014/15.

Any comments about the school or experience are welcome – please share with us !