Primary | Deira International School | Al-Futtaim, UAE

Primary | Deira International School | Al-Futtaim, UAE

Primary school students posing with arms crossed

Primary School

Primary at DIS follows the National Curriculum for England, providing children with a broad, ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum that builds strong foundations for future learning.

A Curriculum Without Limits

English, Mathematics and Science sit at the heart of our academic curriculum, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence children need to communicate, reason, investigate and think deeply. 

Humanities and Moral, Social and Cultural Studies (MSCS) broaden children's understanding of the world, while Arabic, Islamic Education and Modern Foreign Languages develop language, cultural understanding and a strong connection to our UAE and international context.


Primary education builds the bridge between early learning and more formal academic study. 

Creativity, technology and physical development are equally valued. Through Art, Performing Arts, Computing and PE, children have opportunities to create, perform, collaborate, innovate and discover new strengths. Forest School takes learning beyond the traditional classroom, encouraging exploration, independence, problem-solving and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Teacher assisting student with studies in class

Learning That Inspires

At DIS, how children learn is just as important as what they learn.
Our approach combines high expectations with engaging, purposeful teaching that encourages children to think deeply, ask questions, make connections and take increasing ownership of their learning.

Exceptional teaching begins with knowing every child. Strong relationships and ongoing assessment enable our teachers to understand each child's strengths, interests and next steps, adapting learning to provide the right balance of support and challenge. Children are encouraged to recognise their progress, embrace challenge and develop confidence in what they can achieve.

Learning is brought to life through meaningful experiences both within and beyond the classroom. Educational visits, Forest School and connections with the wider Al-Futtaim community give children opportunities to apply their learning in authentic contexts, while technology, including the thoughtful and age-appropriate use of AI, supports creativity, exploration and problem-solving.

Throughout Primary, children are also given meaningful opportunities to have a voice, make decisions, take responsibility and lead. Within a diverse and inclusive community where every child is known and valued, they learn to collaborate, contribute and develop a strong sense of belonging.

Through this approach, children develop not only strong academic foundations, but the curiosity, independence, confidence and character to thrive in an ever-changing world.
 

The Next Chapter of Their Learning Journey

Primary education at DIS is designed with progression in mind. 

The learning journey at DIS does not end with Primary. 

As children move into Year 7, the strong foundations they have built continue to develop as they encounter greater academic challenge, increased independence and more subject-specialist learning.

 

The skills and learning habits developed throughout Primary ensure children are ready to embrace this next stage with curiosity, confidence and ambition. Familiar approaches to learning, shared expectations and close collaboration between Primary and Secondary teams provide continuity, while allowing students to grow into increasingly independent and responsible learners.

As part of one connected school community, our children move forward already knowing that they belong. Secondary becomes the next chapter of their DIS journey, building on who they are, what they know and everything they have learned to become.

 

Learning in Partnership

As children progress through Primary, our partnership with families evolves too. We believe that when families understand not only what their children are learning, but how they are learning, they are better placed to celebrate progress, reinforce learning and support their child's growing independence.

Throughout the year, regular parent workshops provide practical insight into our curriculum and approaches to teaching, helping families understand how learning develops as children move through Primary. 

Parent Shares bring this partnership to life, inviting families into school to experience learning first-hand. From exploring mathematical thinking together during our Maths Parent Shares to sharing a love of books through Read with Dads, these experiences create meaningful opportunities for families to be part of school life and their child's learning.

Regular Parent Consultations provide dedicated opportunities for teachers and families to discuss individual progress, celebrate strengths and identify next steps. Between these conversations, Seesaw provides an ongoing window into the classroom, enabling teachers to share significant learning moments, progress and achievements while families can contribute experiences and successes from home.

Together, these opportunities create an informed and connected partnership between home and school, with families actively engaged in their child's learning journey as they grow in confidence, independence and ambition.

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