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Welcome from the Head of School
Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) is very proud to be the oldest British school in the United Arab Emirates, established in 1963 by the British Embassy on a site gifted by Sheikh Rashid, former Ruler of Dubai. We enjoy an excellent reputation, which we continually strive to ensure that we deserve. Being part of this great school is an honour, and we are fully committed to strengthening its legacy.
Our school is one of only a few not-for-profit schools in Dubai and, as such, is governed by a Board of Trustees who guarantee there is generous reinvestment in the school, on both a long-term and short-term basis. This has ensured that the facilities in the school are excellent, and we continue to make improvements. Rated 'Outstanding' by both DSIB and BSO, we also pride ourselves on always being at the forefront of educational development in Dubai and on our innovative learning spaces.
At DESS we are wholeheartedly committed to developing the whole child. We want our children to develop a love of learning and to flourish in everything they do. Our highly skilled and dedicated teaching staff provide exciting, inspiring and realistic learning experiences through our child-led, personalised curriculum in which children are encouraged to invent, to explore and to inspire. An inclusive ethos permeates all that we do, giving everyone the opportunity to shine.
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Life at DESS OUD METHA
At DESS Oud Metha, learning extends beyond the classroom walls. Whether in school or out, we’re constantly pushing boundaries and exploring ideas that help shape our students' identities, our community, and the future we aspire to create. Navigating the diverse opportunities we offer is about cultivating relationships rooted in respect, inclusion, integrity, and trust, while always considering the broader impact of our choices. DESS isn’t just a place to learn, it’s a pivotal chapter in our lives.
Curriculum and Learning
DESS Primary follows the English National Curriculum, and so has a particular focus on essential outcomes in Mathematics, Literacy, and Science.
The learning journey we have crafted is engaging and meaningful, with lessons that are designed to be relevant, challenging, and engaging for every child.
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Foundation
Stage
The Foundation Stage at DESS Primary encompasses FS1 (ages 3-4) and FS2 (ages 4-5). It is where we spend time laying firm foundations for every child's educational journey within an engaging play-based environment that we have aligned with the UK EYFS curriculum.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1 (for Years 1 and 2) we have created an inclusive, warm, and bright learning and development journey based on the National Curriculum for England.
We use current and cultural concepts linked to ‘The UN Global Goals’ to enrich and engage our children in different ways and give the curriculum a sparkling life force.
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 at DESS Primary involves Years 3 to 6 students (ages 7-11), who we guide gently through a syllabus and programme of activities designed to prepare them for the transition to secondary school and ignite a passion for learning that we hope can last a lifetime.
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Our Facilities
From classrooms to play areas, we believe that our school facilities have a key role to play in the learning experience we provide and so we continually invest in new and existing equipment and spaces to encourage participation and endeavour.
Results & Inspection Report
DESS Primary Oud Metha maintains its Outstanding rating because of continual reviews and inspections by several bodies that are tasked with ensuring the consistency and quality of the education offered by Dubai schools.
Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form team at DESC understands the pivotal moment students face as they transition from Secondary education to the next stage of their academic and personal development. Our dedicated Sixth Form team offers a diverse array of engaging and relevant options tailored to meet the unique aspirations and learning styles of each student.
Our bespoke academic programmes, rooted in the National Curriculum for England and Wales, include a mix of A-levels, BTECs, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This allows students to craft a personalised educational journey that aligns with their future goals, supported by our seasoned subject specialists every step of the way.
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.
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities
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.
DESSCares
When students show their appreciation and treat others with empathy, understanding, and consideration - without expecting anything in return, we all grow.
That’s why we work so hard to devise and deliver a programme of DESSCares initiatives and events that helps all our students to understand the importance of supporting their local and global communities.
Throughout the year, we put into place several events that our students take part in, all with the aim of increasing their understanding of the world, the impact we have on it and what they can do to make it a better place.
Charity and Community
The DESS Primary Community Charity Committee is dedicated to raising awareness and engaging our school community in supporting both local and international charities. We believe in the power of collective action to make a meaningful impact.
We're thrilled to announce a new fundraising initiative in collaboration with United World Schools (UWS) and Dubai Cares. UWS, a UK charity, focuses on providing education in rural areas with limited access. This year, our goal is to raise AED180,000 to help build a school in rural Cambodia, supporting UWS's mission to offer quality education to all children.
Our committee convenes regularly to plan and discuss upcoming fundraising activities that span the entire academic year. Our Key Stage 2 students are particularly enthusiastic, leading the charge in promoting events and encouraging widespread participation.
Over the years, our fundraising efforts have included supporting The Royal British Legion through poppy and wristband sales, assisting the Dubai Centre for Special Needs with festive decoration making for their Winter Fair, and organising a Christmas Book Drive that collected nearly 365 second-hand books donated to Al Noor. Additionally, our DESStive Charity Bake Sale and International Day, with generous contributions from our parents, have raised significant funds for local charities.
Senior Leadership Team
The skills and experience of our Senior Leadership Team sit behind the achievement and engagement of every staff member and student.
Through their contribution to the continuous improvement of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and culture, they uphold our values and deliver against our mission by modelling healthy practices and making leadership a foundation of the school.
They lead by example and empower all staff to develop new skills. This underpins our enviable staff retention record and makes sure we are adaptable, flexible, approachable, and nimble enough to achieve all our whole-school goals.
The DESS Primary SLT is responsible to the Board of Trustees, and each member of the team has specific responsibilities around the school.
Tony Clarkson
Tony's journey through DESS Primary began in 2007 and has included six years on the SLT. After earning his degree from the University of London and initially working as a financial planner, his passion for education led him back to university in East Anglia to complete his PGCE (QTS) in Primary Education. His teaching career took root in Guernsey, where he taught across Key Stage 2 and led the P.E. department for six years.
He arrived in Dubai to join DESS Primary in various roles and across several different year groups including Subject Leader, Year Leader, Phase Leader, and Assistant Headteacher. His dedication to professional development was rewarded his successful completion of the ILM Level 3 Workplace Coach qualification and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Outside school, Tony is committed to staying active and is often seen pounding the streets of Dubai as he attempts to stay fit enough to keep up with his two young boys!
Responsibilities:
- Health and Safety
- Safeguarding
- School Operations
- Maths, Technology and Marketing & Communications
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Ruth Gibson
Ruth arrived at DESS in September 2016 as a Year Leader and advanced to the Senior Leadership Team the following year.
Her education journey began with a PGCE from Swansea Metropolitan University, leading her to Bristol to start her teaching career. There, Ruth taught students from Year 2 to Year 6 and gained her SENDCO teacher accreditation. Her commitment to education extended beyond her school, working with the local authority to aid other schools in behaviour management.
In 2014, Ruth grasped an international challenge in Mombasa, Kenya, as Deputy Headteacher, where she was instrumental in implementing the National Curriculum and overhauling the school's reporting and assessment procedures.
Beyond her professional life, Ruth cherishes time with her family and loves to indulge her spirit of adventure with paddle boarding and exploring distant places.
Responsibilities:
- Head of KS2
- Leading on the school Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Inclusion
- Health and Safety and Operations
- Overseeing Islamic
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Liz Miller
Liz’s DESS Primary journey began in 2008 when she arrived to take on the role of Foundation Stage 2 Year Leader. With her responsibilities expanded to include FS1 in 2014, she became Phase Leader for Foundation Stage and was invited to join the Senior Leadership Team in 2019.
Her career in education began after gaining a BEd honours degree from Plymouth University in 1999. Liz's early teaching experiences were rooted in Devon, to which she dedicated four years before moving into a Senior Leadership position in a Leicestershire village school.
In 2005, Liz's career took an international turn when she moved to Ras Al Khaimah. At the RAK Academy she flourished in the roles of Year One teacher and Year Leader, navigating both the British and IB curricula.
Outside school, Liz enjoys reading and keeping fit.
Responsibilities:
- Head of Foundation Stage and KS1
- Health and Safety and Operations
- Overseeing Arabic
- Overseeing the Medical and Bus Teams
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Victoria Atkinson
Vic joined DESS in 2019 as the Year Leader for Year 4. Before that she taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in a West Midlands local authority primary school, and from there moved into a senior leadership role at an award-winning girls' school in London, where she spearheaded initiatives in Teaching and Learning innovation, SEND and inclusion, and assessment.
Vic's solid academic foundation includes a first-class degree in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Warwick, from where she also was awarded her PGCE.
When not shaping the minds of the future, Vic has a passion for exploring new places, and cherishes every moment with family and friends.
Responsibilities:
- Curriculum
- Assessment for Learning
- Assessment and Reporting
- Overseeing French, DT/STEM and Art
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Sam Bowen
Sam's teaching journey kicked off after completing his English Language degree at Cardiff University and his PGCE at the University of Portsmouth. Initially, he taught in a junior school in Portsmouth, specialising in support for children with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. In 2015, he moved to Dubai, where he has since worked in two primary schools, taking on roles in senior leadership and teaching across Key Stage 2, while leading the Maths and English curriculum.
Outside school, Sam enjoys cooking, keeping fit, and playing sport including football, kitesurfing, and Frisbee.
Responsibilities:
- Emirati Enrichment
- National Agenda
- Overseeing PE, Maths, Science, English, Library and Social Studies
Georgia Lavery
Responsibilities:
- Teaching and Learning including Technology
- Pupil Voice and Children's Experience
- Overseeing Computing, Technology and Performing Arts
