For many parents, deciding which school to enrol your children in and choosing a curriculum that can help them achieve their future goals can be quite the task. In a country as diverse as the UAE, you are bound to find schools that teach different curricula. Dubai alone has over 15 different curricula to choose from, one of which is the American curriculum. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding to put your child in an American curriculum school.
Like many other curricula, the American system places great importance on both theoretical and extra-curricular learning, in order to achieve balanced educational development for your child. Most American curricula are designed in such a way as to provide children at a young age a well-rounded educational experience by exposing them to all age-appropriate subjects. That way, they are able to have access to a great deal of knowledge needed to develop their interests.
As they get older particularly in middle school, the students are introduced to even more subjects such as languages and art electives. In the UAE, schools are required to teach their students from an early age both English and Arabic, which makes up the first two languages they are expected to study until they graduate. When the students reach high school, they are given even more subjects they can choose from including more languages, advanced sciences, digital technology and advanced business. Most students take eight subjects from middle school up until they graduate. Students earn a certain number of credits in order to graduate, some of which can then be used to exempt them from taking certain entry-level university courses.
Students attending an American curriculum school graduate with an American diploma, which is accepted by all US universities and colleges. It is also becoming increasingly recognised by other higher education institutions that are based on different curricula. However, most students are expected to take other external exams such as the SAT (Standardised Assessment Test) or AP (Advanced Placements), which are administered by the College Board in the US on behalf of all American universities.
Al-Mizhar American Academy
The American Curriculum at Al-Mizhar American Academy (AAM), a Taaleem school, provides an academically rigorous and customisable pathway for students. Teachers while focused on the content to be taught, are given the freedom to decide how it is delivered. As a result, students work hard to master the set standards for each grade level, but do so in a creative and differentiated way. High school students can choose areas of specialisation and the pathway toward their American High School Diploma. In addition, they offer AP courses in many subjects, and the school specialises at building in real world, 3D extensions to the curriculum such as taking science students to the Singapore Space Academy and history students to Model U.N. competitions in Europe. They also offer an extensive and unique CHIPS extracurricular enrichment programme with different offerings each term.
How does all this benefit your child? A student at AAM will be consistently engaged in a challenging, collaborative, inquiry-based curriculum, differentiated to help her be successful. The academic focus exists within a nurturing environment where personal development is fostered and individual interests are encouraged and celebrated. To enrich and benefit all students, the curriculum at AAM is comprehensive, balanced, and student-centered. AAM is an all-girls school from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and co-educational from Pre-KG to KG 2. Visit www.americanacademy.ae for more information.
Bradenton Preparatory Academy
Bradenton Preparatory Academy is a premium KG1-12th grade school that is a part of the globally recognised GEMS network offering an enriched American learning experience. The curriculum benefits from the structure, rigor and resources of the US Common Core Standards where students are respected as individuals and encouraged to learn in ways that sustain their natural curiosity and desire to learn by doing. Students at BPA acquire the skills necessary for our ever-changing world, being encouraged to make choices, express ideas, feelings and emerging understandings so that they remain confident problem-solvers, willing collaborators and effective communicators. Advanced placement courses (AP) are offered to students who wish to pursue college-level academics while still enrolled in high school. Their graduates are prepared with a competitive edge to enter top colleges and universities worldwide. The BPA school culture celebrates kindness along with commitment to personal excellence so that students gain self-blief and seek answers to relevant, meaningful and important questions. Their mission is to mould future leaders and develop responsible global citizens. Visit www.bradentonprepdubai.com.