CURRICULUM

Teaching And Learning Resources

The SMS Teaching and Learning Policy prioritize student-centered inquiry based learning. In their review of learning at SMS, teachers overwhelmingly shared that learning is active and student focused.

Classroom practices and expectations prioritize student-based collaborative learning, wherein students identify the problem and work together to discover possible solutions. Students are encouraged to make mistakes and learn from them.

Our cross-curricular STrEaM project and our Elementary Robotics project provide students with more opportunities to be creative and engage in problem and inquiry based learning.  In “SMS does Shark Tank”, students school-wide illustrated their innovation and critical thinking skills as they designed solutions to social issues, all while developing a profitable business model! Focus on Islamic values/Emirati culture

Curriculum Overview

In keeping with the school’s mission, vision and values, the curriculum of SMS is designed to provide each student the opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential; develop intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually; grow as inquisitive, engaged and motivated learners and celebrate the values of respect, commitment and inclusivity.

Our American curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Art, French, History, Physical Education, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, ISTE for IT,  Advanced Placement for AP courses at the upper levels of high school, while other disciplines are aligned with other state standards. The subjects of Arabic, Islamic, Moral Education, and Social Studies adhere to the relevant Ministry of Education (MoE) curricula. For KG, we adopted the creative curriculum. This provides the framework for learning as well as International Standardization for outcomes and breadth of study for the school.

 

Kindergarten

Our child centred approach and well-planned classroom environments provide inquiry based learning experiences. We build on a young child’s natural curiosity and support their learning within their context.  As a result, learners become motivated to take greater control of their learning.

SMS provides an American Curriculum (CCSS – Californian Common Core State Standards) education within an international context in Dubai.  The curriculum offers learning opportunities to develop each child’s individual learning journey as they start out their school lives, taking their first educational steps towards graduation and beyond.

We support the development of Arabic language skills through speaking and listening, phonics, reading and early writing skills.

 

Children are supported to ask questions, think critically and develop their love of learning.  Our wonderful teachers get to know each child’s personality and are there to nurture them and set them off on their learning journey.  We encourage self-evaluation, peer evaluation and setting ‘next steps’.  These are essential components towards developing life long learning skills and self-motivation. Emirati culture is embedded into our cross-curricular approach. Our children’s learning journey is based on skills, concepts, well-being, and knowledge.  The curriculum compliments the whole child.

Elementary School (Grades 1 - 5)

As our students continue their learning journey, our American Curriculum (CCSS) grows and develops.   Our Classroom teachers deliver English, Maths, Science, Social Studies and PE in English.   We continue to develop Arabic Language skills and introduce Islamic, Qaran and Social Studies delivered in Arabic.

There is a balance in the curriculum to meet the needs of the whole child.  We encourage our students to take responsibility for their learning journey.  They are supported to recognise their learning styles, strengths and areas for development and take an active role in their education. This builds on our KG best practice to develop lifelong learning skills and self-motivation.

Our cross curricular approach includes our STrEaM (Science, Technology, reading, Engineering, art and Mathematics) activity room, field trips, health education and much more.  We have strong school values and support our students to make good decisions and healthy choices.

We share our students learning through online portfolios and an open communication platform wherein parents can share and celebrate their child’s progress. By the time they leave elementary they are fully equipped to meet the greater demands of Middle School and beyond with a positive attitude to learning and a real sense of belonging.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Progressing to Middle School, SMS continues to develop in our students responsibility for their own learning. Students are fully supported by subject specific teachers. Students can speak to their individual learning styles, demonstrate awareness of their strengths, areas for improvement sand knowledge of their next steps. Students regularly self and peer assess; they further build upon their skills of collaboration and communication.

Continuing to cultivate a love for learning, curiosity, creativity, and resourcefulness, students in Grades 6 to 8 are exposed to a wide range of subjects, from the sciences and social sciences through to the arts and languages. We actively strive to develop each child’s individual talents, build his/her self-esteem, and encourage his/her leadership skills.

Our dedicated teachers and school leaders continue to communicate regularly with parents; sharing their children’s progress on a regular basis via a variety of online platforms and parent-teacher conferences.

Student learning is supported by local & international trips. Three STrEaM weeks are embedded in the Middle School curriculum, developing in our students an ability & love of learning through enquiry. Respect for each other underpins all our Middle School endeavours – our SMS Behaviour Policy rewards students who exhibit exemplary attitudes & care towards their peers.

As they continue to grow academically and socially, our students’ well-being and personal development is supported by our Pastoral Care Team, who work alongside teachers to ensure our students can flourish in a caring, safe and structured environment. Upon completion of Grade 8, our Middle School students are fully prepared to embark upon their High School journey.

High School (Grades 9-12)

As they progress to High School, the broad, diverse and skills-based curriculum choices provided by SMS, reflect the young, future-focused adults our students have become.

Students select courses from a wide range of electives on offer, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The electives provided are selected to match the diverse interests of our students and to best prepare them for University. As part of the curriculum, students are prepared to sit for the SAT, AP, IELTS and EmSAT examinations.

Students in High School take High School Diploma courses. These courses were developed in response to the diverse needs and career paths of our student body. The High School courses, alongside AP classes, are ideal for students seeking greater specialization and those who are looking for a more flexible program.

We are offering the AP Capstone Program for further alignment with the American High School Program in the amalgamation of grade levels in Elective courses are completed. The AP Capstone Program is a culminating two-year credential program where students develop and apply their skills and knowledge to real world phenomena that they are personally interested in researching. This College Board program emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, research, investigation, analysis, and argumentative writing and presentation skills. Rather than subject-specific or content- based courses, the seminar and research courses utilize an interdisciplinary approach to learning that better prepares students for higher education.

Our Guidance Counselor assists the students in choosing their courses based on their college and career goals, interests, and academic performance. Moreover, the counselor helps students with the application process and with meeting college/university entrance requirements by arranging campus college visits and university fairs; providing school transcripts showing subjects taken and grades earned; and assisting with personal statement/college entrance essays, and with registering for standardized tests.

Numerous school initiatives ensure that SMS students stand out from all other third-level applicants. Such initiatives include the Internship Program and Community Volunteer Program.

As our students graduate, they leave us thoroughly prepared and excited for the world of opportunities which lies ahead. They graduate as independent, life-long learners equipped with the skills necessary to succeed and flourish in a modern, global society.

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