The Westminster School and UAE

The UAE has a clear vision set out in the National Agenda with targets set for 2021 as the Nation celebrates its 50th year. Below is our progress towards these targets:

TWS PISA National Agenda Targets

TWS surpassed the PISA National Agenda targets at the last round of testing. The table below shows our school’s performance in 2018 PISA against the KHDA previously set targets.

GL Cognitive Aptitude Tests (CATs) – In September 2021, the CAT4 tests were undertaken by all students of Years  4, 7, 8, 10 and all new students of Years 5, 6, and 9.

GL Progress Tests in English/Mathematics/Science (PTs) – In May and June 2021, Progress tests were undertaken for all students of Years 3 to 10.  

TWS has been conducting these for a number of years and is consistently improving. 

Emirati Students

In line with the National Agenda, personalized data and analysis for all our Emiratis students is undertaken in TWS. We have a strategic Emirati Improvement Plan to monitor and review all educational aspects for our Emirati students with the focus on Governance and Leadership, Learning and the Effectiveness of Intervention and Personalization. 

Moral Education  

TWS is compliant with the MOE, KHDA required curriculum standard, and its implementation of the four pillars into a curriculum: character and morality, individual and the community, cultural studies, civic studies is meeting expectations.

• The Primary school from Years 1 to 6 has one 50 minutes of Moral Education lesson weekly.
• Secondary school from Years 7 to 13 has two 25 minutes of lessons weekly.

Moral Education is also integrated into lessons of different subjects across the school from Year 1 to 13.

Moral Education curriculum framework and textbooks are used effectively to teach the students.

UAE Social Studies 

TWS is compliant with the MOE, KHDA required curriculum standard. The implementation of UAE Social Studies programme is well prepared with Social Studies Leaders, embedded curricula, assessment and timetable allocation and meeting expectations.

• The Lower Primary school from Years 1 to 3 has two 50 minutes lessons weekly,
• Years 4 to 6 have three 50 minutes lesson weekly and Year 7 and 8 has two 50 minutes lessons weekly.
• From Years 9 to 13, Social Studies is integrated into lessons of different subjects. 

From Year 1 to 9, the Social Studies curriculum framework and textbooks are used effectively to teach the students.

Inclusion and SEND

At TWS, we are in line with the Federal Law 29 (2006) and Law no 2 (2014) regarding the education and outcomes of individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. “At its heart, inclusive education is a provision that is committed to educating all students, including students identified as experiencing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in a common learning environment. In such settings, all students have access to quality instruction, intervention and support, so that they experience success in learning.

In line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework, all members of the school community are expected and encouraged to adopt behaviours which support the school’s inclusive ethos. This is promoted through a strategic action plan involving all stakeholders, (Inclusion Governor, Senior Leadership Team, Head of Inclusion, teachers and parents)

The Development of Innovation

Innovation is a key element of the school’s vision and mission and is being put into practice by supporting students to participate in many school, local and regional competitions. The curriculum has provisions with models of innovative practice for students, along with opportunities to apply learning technologies in creative ways. GEMS Education has a dedicated Innovation Department and The Westminster School works closely with them through the Chair of the Local Advisory Board.

Reading and Literacy 

The National Agenda focuses on reading in Arabic, English, Mathematics and Science skills that are looked for are inference, interpretation and integration of information. Our libraries play an integral part in shaping and encouraging these skills outside of the classrooms with engaging projects. The school also promotes a positive culture of reading literacy, and through occasional events and activities, seeks to boost students' motivation and instilling the fundamental love of reading to all our students.