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The Junior School is housed in two buildings: Building C (Grades 1 and 2) and Building B (Grades 3 – 5).

Overall direction of the Junior School is in the hands of the Head of Junior School who is assisted by Arabic and English Programme Coordinators and Grade Level Leaders who supervise the coordination of academic and pastoral care activities across each grade.

Class Teachers take responsibility for the academic and pastoral progress of the individual students in their class.

In keeping with the school’s philosophy, the Junior School continues the bilingual Unit of Inquiry model and aims to establish a high standard of proficiency in both Arabic and English.

 The curriculum framework is made up of

• A balance between the search for meaning and understanding, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
• Six organising themes which are revisited in diverse ways throughout the five years of a child’s progress through the Junior School.
• The development of positive attitudes and actions.

Within the six organising themes each grade has concept-driven Units of Inquiry which link the main themes and allow for continuity of skills and concepts.

In addition each class has ‘stand alone topics’ which are designed to ensure that all areas of the curriculum are covered.

Where appropriate courses use the syllabus and books of the Ministry of Education, heavily enriched, to promote an integrated approach to learning.

All classes are of mixed ability and the school reserves the right to place students in the class/teaching group which it believes best meets the needs of all students in the grade.

Students spend about 60% of each week studying in the Arabic programme, which includes Arabic Language, Religion, Maths, Social Studies, Drama and PE.

English Language, Science, Art and ICT form the backbone of the English-medium component of the programme. Through their ICT lessons all students become familiar with both Arabic and English keyboarding and software.

Music is taught through both Arabic and English and helps to reinforce students’ understanding of the two languages.

Home Economics: Grades 4 and 5 students are involved in a home economics programme as part of their regular weekly schedule.

Provision is also made for students with diagnosed special educational needs to receive additional assistance from the Special Needs Team.

French is introduced for grades 4 and 5

 Activities

For students in Grades 3 – 5 an extensive range of cultural, creative, action and service activities is offered.

Through the activities programme, students can become eligible for the Al Sawsanah Award, which is presented at the end of Grade 5.

Little Leagues are open to students in all Junior School grades.