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OUR HOUSE SYSTEM

One of the main benefits of being part of either Desert, Earth, Sky or 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 recognise and build upon their strengths.

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Through personalised 'character conversations', DESCoaching and DESCareers programs, we aim to empower our students to understand their place in the world and set meaningful goals. Our House system is not just about belonging; it's about helping each student discover their potential, develop resilience and prepare for a successful future, both personally and academically.

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Wellbeing

Wellbeing

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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Sport

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.

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Performing Arts

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.

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Technology

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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.