DESS College- Life at DESS College

OUR HOUSE SYSTEM

One of the main benefits of being part of either Desert, Earth, Sky, and Coast house is the opportunity it provides students of all ages to work together and contribute to a kind and connected environment.

The sense of self-belief and belonging that radiates from our House ‘families’ plays a major role in reassuring students that they belong and have the support of their peers. It weaves a sense of community and belonging into the heart of the college, and also removes any ‘small fish - big pond’ fears that can sometimes be felt - particularly by children who join from primary school or smaller secondary school environments.

Each House is led by a dedicated pastoral leadership team, including a Head of House, Deputy Head of House, House Parent Liaison, and a team of Tutors and Support Tutors. Houses are distinguished by unique colours, logos, mascots, ethos, and values, fostering a strong sense of identity among students.

Daily Integration and Learning

Students start each day spending 25 minutes with their tutor group within their House, enjoying connections in a close-knit environment that encourages personal growth and character development.

Recognition and Awards

Each House celebrates individual achievements through unique awards and recognitions, such as the 'Desert Demeanour' and 'Earth Ethos'. These awards are given for exemplary character and contributing positively to college life. There are also 'Student of the Term' awards and acknowledgment for attendance, each of which highlights the importance of engagement and dedication.

Character Development Focus

As they spend most of their time in school, it is crucial that students are in a community environment where they can build self-esteem and good character, and at DESS College, character development is woven into every aspect of our approach to education.

From initiatives such as 'Like a DESS College Student, please' to the emphasis on manners and kindness, we are committed to nurturing the soft skills that shape our students into well-rounded individuals. The DESS College Character Wheel, based on the VIA Institute on Character's classifications, is a tool for self-awareness and growth, encouraging students to recognize and build upon their strengths.

At DESS College, student wellbeing is woven into the fabric of our educational philosophy. Through both implicit and explicit delivery within our pastoral calendar and the GROW curriculum, we aim to foster a positive education environment. Our goal is to equip students with the necessary skills to become well-rounded, successful individuals with a profound sense of self-awareness, ready to make meaningful contributions to their community and lead healthy, purposeful lives.

The GROW curriculum stands as an illustration of our commitment to student wellbeing, designed in collaboration with specialist staff, parents, and external experts. This dynamic and flexible programme responds to the immediate needs of our students, ensuring they are well-informed on current issues and equipped with the tools to thrive. GROW encompasses a wide range of topics, including mental health first aid, self-defence, substance misuse, and active learning strategies, delivered by both our in-house team and via guest speakers from around the globe.

Beyond GROW, our pastoral calendar integrates wellbeing into daily student life through tutor time, lessons, and breaktime activities. This calendar highlights various wellbeing themes, encouraging students to practice positive emotions and develop character strengths. It's a platform for students to apply and reflect on wellbeing practices, enhancing their own lives and those around them.

Recognising the importance of a community approach to wellbeing, DESS College extends opportunities for parent engagement through information sessions and workshops that align with the GROW curriculum. These sessions, led by both our specialist staff and external experts, reinforce our commitment to a holistic community where students can truly flourish.

Our school-based Student Advisors offer confidential support, addressing common concerns such as stress, relationships, and self-perception. This service underscores our dedication to providing a safe and familiar environment where students can discuss their concerns openly and receive guidance tailored to their individual needs.

The GROW curriculum and our broader wellbeing initiatives reflect DESS College's commitment to fostering a tolerant and inclusive culture. By encouraging students to reflect on their wellbeing and providing them with the knowledge and skills to succeed both personally and academically, we are preparing them for a future where they can thrive as confident, compassionate individuals.

At DESS College, we believe in nurturing not just the academic but the emotional and social dimensions of our students' lives, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Extra Curricular Programme

Our range of all year-group activities encourages students to step away briefly from their important classroom commitments and enjoy recreation with House mates that builds resilience, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

We aim to produce a range of exciting sporting, creative, cultural and aesthetic activities that will help all of our students to develop their talents and expect every student to participate in at least one ECA per term.

At the start of each term, the ECA timetable is advertised on the Parent Portal. To register for an ECA, students just need to attend the first session and then commit to the activity going forward if they feel it fits their needs and interests.

Our ECA timetables are released termly.

For all ECA related queries, please email eca@dessc.sch.ae

Inclusion

Our aim as an Inclusion Team is to equip students with the learning tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. We foster independence and encourage student autonomy.

The Inclusion Team at DESS College is made up of a mixture of highly skilled LSAs and specialist teachers. All members of the team undergo regular CPD to ensure they are always up to date with the latest inclusion-building research and trends.

Exam Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are ‘reasonable adjustments’ for students who have a disability or a special educational need that significantly affects them in exams. Access arrangements do not change the skills or knowledge being tested and must not give an unfair advantage but do give a level playing field so students can show their knowledge.

There are a variety of access arrangements that can be provided, including:

Support for reading (eg text to speech technology)
Support for writing (eg a word processor or speech to text technology)
Support for working to time (eg 25% extra time, rest breaks)

We will always encourage students to use exam access arrangements that help to build their independence.

All access arrangements must be agreed by the Head of Inclusion before any assessment takes place. We have a working relationship with a few external agencies in Dubai, and if additional testing is required to determine eligibility, we will organise it through the college. We do not accept privately commissioned reports.

Student Support

The first level of any support at DESS College is quality-first teaching. All teachers at DESS College are highly skilled in making their classes diverse and friendly. Teachers receive guidance from each Student Profile as to the reasonable adjustments that need to be considered to ensure their lessons are accessible to all students. Our CPD program at DESS College contains ongoing evidence-based training in how best to support students with diverse needs. At DESS College we anticipate and appreciate that everyone learns in different ways, which is why teachers always incorporate a range of different learning opportunities within their lesson.

Some students may also receive time-limited intervention through in-class support, assisted technology training, study skills and/or subject intervention. This is monitored very closely to ensure we are supporting all students, but also to ensure that we are encouraging student independence.

Fostering Independence

Our job is to teach students lifelong skills that they can use in further education and employment. We have invested heavily in ensuring students are able to use technology to remove their own barriers and self-scaffold. For instance, we deliver training on how to touch type, and use text to speech software and speech recognition technology.

Where appropriate we always involve the student in the development of his, her or their Student Profile. It is important to us that the student is involved so they can explain firsthand what works for them in lessons – and what doesn’t.

Alternative Curriculum and Pathways

We are very lucky to have such a wide range of subjects from which students can choose from for their GCSEs and Post 16 studies. It is essential that students can find their niche and identify the pathways that suit them and compliment their way of learning. We also have a bespoke project-based curriculum for those students who follow a reduced timetable at KS3, which focuses on problem solving, communication skills, literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing.

External Agencies

We sometimes seek the support and guidance from the following external agencies.

We also work with the following clinics when seeking advice and support for Social Emotional or Mental Health concerns.

Camali Clinic
American Centre of Psychiatry & Neurology
German Neuroscience Centre
Vivamus
Lighthouse
Dubai Community Health Centre

Exam Access Arrangements

Student Support

Fostering Independence

Alternative Curriculum and Pathways

External Agencies

We are a major force in UAE school sport; distinguished by our commitment to providing a high-quality and enriching sports experience for every student. Our ethos is built on the pillars of enjoyment, pride, and respect, ensuring that sports at DESS College are not just about competition but about personal growth, team spirit, and lifelong enjoyment.

DESS College is equipped with state-of-the-art sports facilities designed to cater to a wide range of athletic pursuits, from international competitions to recreational play.

DESS College's sports programme is renowned for its competitive edge and engages students across 120 teams in a wide range of fixtures each year. Rugby, netball, football, and swimming are our major sports, each supported by specialist directors and tailored development programmes. Additionally, we field competitive teams in athletics, aquathon, basketball, cricket, golf, rounders, running, tennis, and water polo, all backed by experienced and certified coaches.

Our Sports Development Programmes in rugby, netball, and football are designed to nurture talent through specialist coaching, strength, and conditioning support, beyond the regular ECA and team coaching. These programs have propelled students to high levels of achievement, including international sports, professional clubs, academies, and scholarships. We are continuously expanding these pathways in collaboration with various partners, ensuring a seamless development journey from Year 7 through to Year 13 and beyond.

We frequently remind ourselves that sport at DESS College is about so much more than games. It is an essential component of our educational philosophy, providing students with opportunities to excel, lead, and embody the values of teamwork and perseverance. Our commitment to sports excellence is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of athletics in shaping well-rounded, confident, and resilient individuals.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond the classroom curriculum, students have access to many creative enrichment opportunities. Highlights include the annual GCSE and A-level exhibition in May, House Photography exhibition, Design Technology 'pop-ups', visiting lecturers, workshops, educational trips, and a variety of Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) focused on crafting, creating, and skill development.

FACILITIES AND STAFF

The faculty boasts spacious, well-equipped art studios, a workshop, a photography studio, and computer facilities. Our staff, specialists in their respective fields, are dedicated to supporting students' artistic and design technology pursuits.

Preparation for Further Education

For students in Year 12 and 13, the faculty offers a preparatory programme for further education, including visiting lectures, workshops, and portfolio tutorials. Sixth Form students are encouraged to pursue Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) within the visual arts. Additionally, the faculty promotes the use of the photography studio during study periods and after-school art clubs to further enhance learning experiences.

Preparation for Further Education

Annual Photography Exhibition

To celebrate our students' talent, hard work and achievements, the Creative Arts Faculty hosts an annual
Photography exhibition in Term 3. This even is, open to parents, teachers, and friends.

Subjects Offered

Art and Design

Design and Technology

Photography

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

We are enthusiastic supporters of the DofE programme and through our dedicated team of staff members, we support students from Year 10 onwards through each level of the Award, from Bronze to Silver and ultimately Gold.

Widely regarded as the premier global youth achievement accolade, the Award unites practical experiences and essential life skills to prepare young individuals for success in their future endeavours. Each of the three Award levels embodies the core values of DESS College, fostering resilience, independence, collaboration, enterprise, and innovation.

Much of the Award’s success stems from the unique framework it offers for students to develop essential life skills and confront life’s challenges with resilience. It encourages personal growth, with students setting their own goals and measuring their progress, competing only against themselves to surpass their personal expectations.

For more information visit the DofE website at http://intaward.org

Our library was never going to be just a room of books. We set out to create a sanctuary for readers and researchers collaborative learning can flourish.

Whether it's diving into the pages of a novel during break time, researching a novel, or taking part in one of the many activities that are hosted within its walls, the DESC library ‘belongs’ to everyone. It's a place where the hustle and bustle of school life give way to the tranquillity needed for focused study and the joy of reading for pleasure.

With its large interactive screens, suite of 26 computers and iPads, and more than 14,000 fiction, non-fiction, and reference titles - including audio and eBooks - the library is continually evolving. Resources are regularly updated to make sure students have access to the latest information and literature. Digital subscriptions like 'FirstNews' for KS3 and 'Hodder Educational Magazines' for KS4 and KS5 enrich students' understanding of current affairs and subject-specific knowledge.

Under the guidance of our dedicated librarian, Ms. McAnena, and library assistant, Ms. Retumban, the library is a welcoming space for all students. From offering book recommendations to supporting reading development, our library staff are pivotal in nurturing a community of avid readers and learners.

The Student Librarian programme allows students to take an active role in the library's operations. KS3 students assist in maintaining the library's order, while KS4 librarians spearhead events that transform the library into a vibrant hub of activity. From Horror Stories to Literary Cafés, these initiatives underscore the library's role as a central part of DESS College's cultural life.

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Examinations

We do not select our students on an academic basis yet we are regularly ranked amongst the best International Schools for our examination results. Students at DESC achieve outstanding examination results due to the solid foundation given to them by their teachers throughout their time at the College.

At DESC, students sit some GCSEs in Year 10 (Science and English), however, most GCSEs are taken in Year 11. Currently, students take their A levels at the end of Year 13. Some students in the Sixth Form are enrolled on BTEC qualifications that have more of a portfolio-based assessment structure.

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Our Facilities

Our school facilities are widely regarded to be among the best in the region and play a key role in the learning experience we provide. We continually invest in new and existing equipment and spaces to encourage participation and endeavour.

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Our Facilities

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Life at DESC

Our Creative Arts Faculty curriculum is structured to develop an interest in art, design, and technology, in an environment that stimulates creativity alongside functional and imaginative problem-solving skills. The educational journey begins with challenging briefs, encouraging students to develop, experiment, design, edit, refine, and review their outcomes.

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Our Performing Arts faculty unites Dance, Drama, and Music, emphasising the arts' crucial role in delivering a well-rounded education. We are committed to providing students with opportunities to perform at the highest levels while ensuring inclusivity. Our approach allows students to explore and develop their creative talents across Dance, Drama, and Music, including collaborative projects that blend these art forms.

From ages 11-13, DESS College students engage with Drama and Music as part of their weekly routine, exploring a variety of stimuli and scripts to develop themes and ideas through discussion and performance. For older students in Key Stages 4 and 5, we offer a diverse array of pathways within the arts, including IGCSEs in Drama, Dance, and Music, as well as A Levels in Theatre Studies and Music. Unique to DESS College and the UAE, we also provide Rock School London vocational courses at KS5 in CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) and MUSPRA (Music Practitioners), offering a tailored learning experience across multiple disciplines.

Our annual whole school musical production is a highlight, with recent productions including classic and contemporary hits. Additionally, we host smaller performances throughout the year, such as the Key Stage 3 performance, Dance Troupe competitions, and DESS College’s Got Talent. These events showcase the breadth of talent within our student body and the dedication of our faculty.

Following a significant renovation, our facilities now include upgraded Drama studios, lighting rigs, and Music classrooms, one of which features a fully equipped Mac Suite and Recording Studio. These enhancements support our mission to provide an exceptional creative and educational experience for our students.

Our alumni have continued their artistic journeys at some of the world's most prestigious Performing Arts institutions, testament to the quality of education and preparation they received at DESC. Their successes underscore our role in nurturing the next generation of artists and performers.

We are proud to contribute to the cultural landscape of the UAE and beyond, fostering a love for the arts that endures well beyond our students' time at the college.

We’re committed to integrating technology and innovation into the heart of our teaching and learning experiences with an approach that not only focuses on using technology to enhance educational outcomes but also emphasises the importance of responsible usage among our students. Preparing both staff and students to be 'future-ready' represents a big investment for us.

The ICT and Computer Science Department offers students a lot of opportunities to apply their knowledge and interest in real-world contexts. From aerodynamics studies leading to 3D-printed F1 car designs, and AI programming, our curriculum is designed to challenge and expand our students' understanding and capabilities.

Enterprise education is another important area for us, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for skill development through various initiatives including the Enterprise ECA, BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and competitions like Dragons’ Den. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the process of idea development, market launch, and business operation. These experiences not only foster a spirit of entrepreneurship but also contribute to their personal growth and understanding of the business world.

Key Highlights of Our Programme:

Design and Innovation: Students work with the latest software and hardware to bring their creative visions to life, from designing F1 cars to programming chatbots.
Real-World Problem Solving: Projects linked to the UAE Government Drone Initiative and other real-world applications encourage students to develop practical solutions to contemporary challenges.
Competitive Spirit: Participation in local and international competitions offers students the platform to showcase their skills and innovations on a global stage.
Enterprise Opportunities: From creating micro-businesses to engaging in enterprise competitions, students are given the tools to explore and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Our dedicated medical team, including nurses Jill Riding, Raylene Whitehouse, and Perly Pantig, along with our school doctor, Dr. Robia, are available during school hours to ensure the health and safety of our students. Their services include:

Providing first aid and emergency care
Administering vaccines according to the DHA immunisation schedule
Conducting health assessments including height, weight, and BMI measurements
Collaborating with parents and staff on health-related concerns
Coordinating school medical examination
Promoting health and maintaining school health records

Students are not allowed to carry medication with them during school. If your child requires medication during school hours, you will be asked to provide it to the nurses with clear instructions for safe storage and administration in the clinic. The nurses can administer basic medications with parental consent.

The nurses will ask for your child’s up-to-date immunisation records and confirmation that they meet Dubai’s vaccination guidelines.

We conduct School Medical Examinations for new students and those in Year 7 and Year 10 as required by Dubai School Health Services. These are free of charge and are performed at school by our doctor, with a nurse present. Alternatively, you can organise for your family doctor to conduct the examination, using a form provided by the nurses.

It’s important that we closely follow the DHA and school infection control regulations. Students with a fever or symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea should stay at home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours. Please inform the school of any diagnoses that may impact the health of others.

Our Student Advisors play a crucial role in supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of all students. Working closely with teachers and medical staff, they provide a comprehensive support system for our students' overall wellbeing.

If you need to contact the nurses, please do so via email: or the school's telephone number:

Jill Riding: descseniornurse@dessc.sch.ae

Raylene Whitehouse: descnurse3@dessc.sch.ae

Perly Pantig: nurse1@dessc.sch.ae

Life at DESS College

OUR HOUSE SYSTEM

Wellbeing

Extra Curricular Programme