With 20% of the world’s population speaking English, mastering the language is an important consideration for today’s children. Not only can this open up a wide array of opportunities across the globe, but it also allows students to improve their grasp of language in general, which can impact various social skills.
Our school offers an American curriculum, meaning we provide lessons in English. This is ideal for international students and locals who want to become fluent in English during the early years. However, due to Dubai’s highly diverse population, we often get asked if this is a unique or common practice.
In this article, we will set the record straight on whether schools in Dubai speak English to help you decide the best place to send your child for their educational needs. Keep reading to understand more about this topic in detail.
What Is the Main Language That Schools Use in Dubai?
In Dubai, the main language used in public schools is Arabic, Which is ideal for parents who wish to send their children to a more traditional school. However, for parents who want to set their children up for future international opportunities, this is not always encompassing all educational needs.
In the world there are around 313 million Arabic speakers which is a small amount compared to the 1.46 billion English speakers. Due to this balance, many public school students also tend to have private tutors to develop their English speaking skills as the language is one of the most complex to master.
Is English Taught in UAE Schools?
Even though many schools in Dubai speak Arabic as their main language, English is a common lesson on the curriculum. However, up until recent years, this has not been a core focus for many schools, as is sometimes the case for languages when taught in other countries.
To improve upon this and make a difference, in 2022, the UAE government announced that some schools would hire bilingual teachers. In addition to providing better quality English language lessons, the aim is to integrate other methods of teaching the language in all subjects. This includes all translated information and visual cues for Arabic and English. By making this change, the government recognizes that a strong understanding of English is required to prepare students for work and future education.
Despite the positive advancement, this only applies to a percentage of public schools, meaning that many generations to come will still lack English language skills that are of a high enough quality to interact in different locations.
How Can You Find an English Speaking School in Dubai?
The best way to find an English speaking school in Dubai is to choose an international option. One of the most popular is the American curriculum in UAE as it is English speaking led. This allows students to still retain their Arabic skills outside of the classroom but develop a fluent version of English to set them up for future needs.
These schools are also ideal for international students who require lessons to be taught in English primarily. As an SMS student, our pupils are given access to top language tutors who specialize in English and other languages when required. This is all part of our goal to provide students with the option to have tailored educational experiences which help to develop independent learning. Furthermore, this aligns with our vision and mission to help create leaders of the future. Whilst skills like emotional intelligence and academic confidence are vital, language takes pride in place as the glue that holds our world together.
Benefits of Attending an English Speaking School in Dubai
Choosing to attend an English-speaking school can be a beneficial decision. Whether your child is a native English speaker or you want to improve their language skills in an achievable way, we think many positives come out of the experience. At SMS school, we teach in English but also ensure that other language preferences are accommodated to provide a unique experience for each pupil.
The benefits for students that attend an English-speaking school in Dubai are as follows:
International Students
English-speaking schools in Dubai are a fantastic option for expatriates as it ensures children can settle into a new educational system without the stress or uncertainty. This means that the quality of education is not impacted by not being a native Arabic speaker. Furthermore, for local children who are sent to these schools, a wider understanding of cultures and languages can be obtained, making for a diverse set of graduates. Aside from social skills, being around a mixture of international students is also brilliant as it opens children’s eyes up to the wider world, helping to instill a sense of motivation to achieve more.
Finally, this is also a positive for parents as it means that the registration process and ongoing correspondence information are likely to be in English.
Wide Range of Subjects
English speaking schools, such as those who follow an American curriculum, have access to a wider range of subject matters recognised worldwide. In addition to helping students gain a strong understanding of different languages, educational establishments are more likely to boast better academic facilities such as sports and technology centers.
Courses that are primarily English-speaking may also offer students a chance to gain internationally accredited qualifications, which can allow them access to different job markets or future education plans.
Important Language Skills for Future Needs
One of the values of American education in Dubai is to help prepare children for a brilliant future. Language skills are essential to this, and with English being one of the most spoken languages, understanding it is vital. Improving language skills is best done at an early age which is why learning English via the American curriculum is a popular choice for parents who wish their children to be bilingual.
Learning English then opens many doors for the future. This could be career opportunities, personal relationships, or even the ability to travel around the world without barriers.
Access Dubai’s Top Universities
Lastly, another benefit of choosing an English-speaking school is that students are more likely to gain places at the prestigious further education establishments that Dubai offers. This world-class education is a great way to unlock a future of unlimited opportunities.
Choose the School of Modern Skills as an English Speaking School in Dubai
If ensuring that your child has a strong grasp of English is important to you, selecting an American school in Dubai is a fantastic solution. At the School of Modern Skills, we combine high-quality English teachings with skills needed to elevate future careers. Why? We believe our duty is to help prepare future leaders for international success as our world is becoming increasingly interconnected. As well as benefiting from English teaching, which is ideal for both local and international students, we also offer state-of-the-art facilities. Our level of care also extends beyond the classroom with considerations for top medical care, transportation plus, health and safety, forming the quality experience we offer every student. As an English speaking school, we can confidently offer pupils insights into the wider world to help them develop deeper social and emotional understandings that will set them up for a bright future.
To learn more about our learnings, view our school calendar and hours. If you are ready to start the process of securing a place for your child at the SMS school, complete the parent inquiry procedures by clicking here. All documents are communications are available in both English and Arabic to ensure no barriers are in place during your application process.
Whether your family is moving to Dubai, or you just want to ensure your child has access to a language that can open international doors, selecting an English-speaking school in Dubai is a fantastic idea.
