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Finding Our Rhythm

Having experienced the recent ‘Fab finish’ in the Year 3 and 4 classrooms to showcase their Invent, Explore, Inspire (IEI) projects, a parent approached me and stated, ‘This feels like a school now!’ 

It isn’t until you look back to the start of term, that you realise how far we have come. The difference between a building and a school is the life inside it. This term, it feels decisively as if we have moved from one to another. 

The Flag Day celebrations, launch of Dubai 30x30 and National Day brought the whole school together for our first season of major celebrations. National Day was particularly poignant for our school community. The first large-scale event we have held, where we encouraged all parents on site to watch some of the start of our celebrations. We are very thankful to the Emirati parent volunteers who gave up their time and resources to ensure this was a success. 

Although recreation and playtimes haven’t been what we hoped in Term 1, we have all seen the green shoots of our play areas developing over the last few weeks. The Camel Area, Timber Trail, Relaxing area and Desert School are all scheduled to open in Term 2. The Camel Area celebrates our connection to UAE heritage and our own location. The Timber Trail offers adventure and challenge for all ages. The Relaxing area provides calm for children who need to recharge. The Desert School turns our unique environment into a hands-on learning space. These spaces are part of our core identity as a place where learning happens everywhere. 

Child-led, active learning is a key part of our philosophy. We want to motivate and excite children to achieve across the school. Understanding our philosophy and the way we deliver the curriculum can take time and we hope to invite you in again regularly throughout the year. We are pleased to see the new KHDA framework for Early Childhood Care and Education very much aligning with our vision. Including two key points drawn from the Education, Teaching and Care section 

Ensure that children have agency over their own learning and can make meaningful choices and decisions about what happens for and with them in the setting  

Plan the curriculum in collaboration with children and families, informed by children’s capabilities, interests and goals 

Children help us design the curriculum around their interests by asking questions and showing curiosity. Children are cultivating fruits and vegetables, designing and maintaining a rock garden, developing their own board games and writing news stories on natural disasters. They make constant use of imaginative play zones, storytelling corners, and opportunities for art and observation. There is a buzz of energy and excitement everywhere. We go into Term 2 fully ready to embrace the ‘Explore’ aspect of our curriculum. We cannot wait to see what the children want to learn about in our immersion days early in term 2. 

Student Leadership roles are fundamental to building a strong school community and are now established: Art Leaders, House Leaders, Digital Leaders, Sports Leaders, Wellbeing Leaders, Library Leaders, Environment Leaders, Student Council, Language Leaders, and our inaugural Junior Leadership Team. Watching children step into these roles with courage and creativity has been one of the genuine pleasures of this term; we are now listening to some of the ideas they have for change. 

Finally, our Empowerment Week established another important marker. The theme was 'Power for Good,' reminding children that everyone can make a positive difference. The week began with Odd Sock Day, celebrating what makes us unique. Student Wellbeing Leaders ran break-time stalls focused on kindness, gratitude and self-belief. Children wrote Kindness Postcards and Power Pledges, adding links to our Kindness Chain. All these opportunities reflect the wonderful community we are establishing at Academic City. 

As I stated in the last newsletter, growth takes time. We are still establishing rhythms and refining systems and are keen for parents to give us feedback. But the foundations are strong, the energy is genuine, and the environment improves with each passing week. 

We have had some setbacks and some hurdles to overcome. But we are more resilient as a result. Being a brand-new school was never going to be easy; staff, children, parents have all learnt a great deal. But we can all agree the times ahead are more exciting and feel more tangible than ever before. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. 

Neil Brinicombe
Headteacher

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

Some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom, which is why our outdoor spaces are designed to support the Invent, Explore, Inspire curriculum, giving children hands-on opportunities to explore, create and discover.

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 learners have been making the most of newly arrived outdoor furniture, creating inviting spaces for exploration and collaboration. Children have been working in construction areas, using blocks, planks and loose parts to design and build their own structures, developing problem-solving skills, teamwork and creativity as they plan, test and adapt their ideas. Water play stations offer opportunities for experimentation, allowing children to explore concepts such as flow, measurement, and cause-and-effect.

Our gardens and planting areas bring learning to life through nature. Children care for living plants, observe growth over time, and deepen their understanding of the natural world. Year 4 learners have been cultivating their own fruits and vegetables, while Year 3 have been designing and maintaining a rock garden, combining creativity with collaboration and practical problem-solving.

All outdoor spaces, imaginative play zones, and opportunities for art and observation inspire creativity, communication and curiosity. Whether crafting, building, painting or exploring, children are constantly inventing, experimenting and discovering.

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Exciting Trips on the Horizon

All year groups are planning trips to enrich their learning beyond the classroom. Foundation Stage learners will visit the Arabian Wildlife Park in Sharjah to observe native animals and ecosystems, while Year 1 will explore the Miracle Garden, connecting the beauty of plants with creative expression and observation skills. These trips offer valuable opportunities for exploration, spark curiosity and support the development of independence and social skills.

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Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Outdoor learning is central to our identity as a school that values curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Research shows that learning outside the classroom boosts engagement, strengthens memory and supports children's overall wellbeing. It helps them develop resilience, independence, problem-solving skills, and collaboration.

Children who spend time learning outdoors are more likely to take risks, ask questions and make connections across subjects. By combining structured lessons with practical, real-world experiences, we ensure learning is meaningful, memorable and relevant, helping every child grow as a confident, capable, and curious learner.

Meet Our Student Leaders - They've Got Big Plans

This term has seen our young student leaders step into the diverse leadership roles on offer at school this year, including Art Leaders, House Leaders, Digital Leaders, Sports Leaders, Wellbeing Leaders, Library Leaders, Environment Leaders, Student Council, Language Leaders, and our inaugural Junior Leadership Team.

It has been exciting to see children demonstrate courage, confidence, tenacity, determination, care and creativity across different aspects of their roles, whether sharing ideas with teachers, supporting their peers in lessons and around school, or delivering key messages and introducing different initiatives. During meetings, children have shown strong communication skills, articulating their visions with engagement and enthusiasm.

We are excited to see how these leadership roles will develop over the coming year. The initiatives, ideas, competitions and suggestions that will emerge from our student leaders will enrich our school community and foster a culture of collaboration and creativity.

Beyond the nominated student leaders, we are committed to developing leadership skills and instilling a sense of responsibility in all our children. We believe in providing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring that every child has the chance to grow and flourish as a leader.

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Empowerment Week: Celebrating Difference and Strengthening Community

At DESS Academic City, every child deserves to feel seen, valued and empowered to be themselves. This year, our community came together for Empowerment Week, our positive approach to Anti-Bullying Week. Rather than focusing on what we want to prevent, we chose to spotlight what we want to promote: confidence, connection, belonging and pride in who we are.

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Why Empowerment?

Empowerment Week reflects our belief that children thrive when they understand their strengths, honour their identity and feel safe to express themselves. Throughout the week, children explored what empowerment means to them through discussions about kindness, respect and empathy. They reflected on how their actions can lift up others and celebrated the things that make them unique, whether a talent, a cultural tradition, a personal passion, or simply a part of their personality they are proud of.

The Heart of Our Culture

A strong sense of belonging is one of the greatest gifts we can give children. When children feel they belong, they become more confident learners, more resilient friends and more engaged members of the community. Empowerment links directly to how we nurture belonging at DESS Academic City, from our Like a DESS Child expectations to our restorative approach to behaviour and our commitment to inclusion.

Celebrating differences is part of who we are as a school. We encourage our children to appreciate the diversity within our community and to understand that every voice adds value. This mindset helps them grow into compassionate, culturally aware individuals who stand up for themselves and others.

Looking Ahead

As we continue celebrating individuality and identity throughout the year, we'll soon be marking International Day, giving our whole community the opportunity to share and celebrate the cultures that shape who we are.

We also invite children to express themselves on their birthdays by wearing their own clothes. If your child is celebrating a day that is special to them, such as St David's Day or Rare Disease Day, they are warmly encouraged to mark the occasion with a small accessory or an item of traditional dress. These moments give children a chance to share what's meaningful to them and to learn from one another.

Our aim is for every child, and every adult, in our community to feel confident in who they are, proud of what makes them unique and empowered to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Celebrating UAE Flag Day across DESS

In early November, DESS marked UAE Flag Day with celebrations across all three campuses: College, Oud Metha and Academic City.

The morning began with Arabic music at the gates, themed photo booths and cupcakes in the colours of the UAE flag. Students waved hand-held flags and posed with Flag Day props.

In classrooms, children explored the significance of Flag Day through specially prepared presentations, learning about the UAE's history and the symbolism behind the national flag.

The flag-raising ceremony was led by Emirati students, with the National Anthem sung as the flag was raised across each campus.

Children then contributed to a collaborative art piece, adding thumbprints in flag colours to a shared canvas. The library hosted a pop-up corner featuring UAE stories.

Thanks to all staff, children and families who made the day so enjoyable. Flag Day at DESS is a chance to honour Emirati heritage and remind students of the country that hosts our schools.

First Fixtures: Our Sports Facilities See Some Action

We have opened up our sports facilities this term, and we are proud of what we now have. Sport is a fundamental part of our curriculum and extra-curricular offer, and the facilities have been designed to ensure children gain exposure to as wide a range of sporting activities as possible.

Our curriculum is broad, engaging, and designed to expose children to as many different sports as possible. Our mission is to help every child discover activities they love, build genuine excitement for physical activity, and inspire habits that last well into adulthood.

Our indoor sports hall is in constant use throughout the school day and during ECAs. This multi-purpose space can be divided into two full courts using our electronic curtain and is primarily used for netball and basketball. It also supports gymnastics, racquet sports and futsal. Within the curriculum, the hall plays a key role in developing movement and sport-specific skills, particularly for our younger learners who take part in 'FUNdamental Skills' sessions here.

Our swimming pool, designed with a hybrid system (cool and open to the elements in winter, air-conditioned in summer), allows us to offer swimming all year round for Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. As a vital life skill, swimming forms a cornerstone of our early PE curriculum.

Our extra-curricular sports programme is built to be both competitive and inclusive. While we're proud of our reputation for high performance, we're equally committed to ensuring that every child feels encouraged to participate. Our aim is for every student to have the opportunity to experience the pride and excitement of representing the school and wearing the badge.

The sports hall and sports field have seen plenty of use already, hosting several competitive matches for football, netball and rugby.

Netball

The first netball matches hosted in our new sports hall were DASSA league matches against Victory Heights. These were matches for our Years 3 to 6 A and B teams. The girls performed magnificently, achieving six wins and two draws from their opening round of home fixtures.

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Football

The football field has also seen plenty of action. The first matches hosted on home soil were DASSA boys league matches against GEMS Firstpoint School. The boys completed the clean sweep across all age groups in Years 3 to 6, winning eight out of eight matches.

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Rugby

The DASSA rugby leagues don't start until Term 2, but we've hosted Year 6 friendlies with DESS Oud Metha. Scores weren't kept, but this was a wonderful opportunity for both schools to come together and prepare for the Dubai College 7s tournament and the Term 2 league.

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Eid al Etihad: Celebrating 54 Years of Unity

We marked the UAE's 54 years of unity with a day exploring Emirati heritage and community.

Children arrived in traditional clothing or wearing the colours of the UAE flag. Our Arabic and Islamic team welcomed families at the gates with Arabic coffee and dates, while children queued for photos at the colourful booths set up near the entrance. The Junior Leadership Team wandered through the school with cameras and notebooks, interviewing parents and pupils about their experiences of life in the UAE.

The morning started with a whole-school assembly on the field. Children learned important words from the UAE National Anthem before everyone stood together to sing it.

Each child then visited two main areas during the day: the Heritage Village and the Arabic Fayre. At the Heritage Village, they tasted freshly made luqaimat, met a falcon, and watched traditional weavers at work.  The Arabic Fayre had activities like pin the tail on the camel and bracelet making, all run by our Arabic team and parent volunteers who kept things moving and made sure everyone had a go.

Back in classrooms, Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children explored Arabic families, decorated kanduras and abayas, and created henna-inspired designs. Key Stage 2 tried their hand at archery and pearl diving challenges, learned about majlis etiquette, and studied Emirati and Arabic artists before creating their own artwork in similar styles.

It was a full day that brought children, parents and staff together to celebrate the UAE's heritage and values, fitting the 2025 theme of Year of Community.

 

Curtain Up: Our Auditorium Is Ready!

We are thrilled to be able to open our school auditorium in time for Term 2 events.Auditorium-3

The Best Experience

Earlier this term, we ran a series of test events to experiment with the audio and visuals. As you may have seen, this isn't a simple setup. We have invested in high-quality equipment to ensure children get the best experience when they're on stage, and the experimentation we have done will help our tech team deliver even more polished performances in the future.

The Performing Arts team are delighted with the space. The auditorium itself is vast, with huge retractable seating for audiences. The level of care and attention that has gone into the design makes it one of the most advanced and versatile facilities locally. A huge thank you to Assistant Headteacher and Director of Technology, Mr Mal McGrogan, who has been instrumental in ensuring the audio-visual equipment is installed to such a high standard.

Spaces in Every Corner

Beyond performances, this space will serve other purposes too. It's perfect for some of our Marhaba Mornings and parent workshops. We've spent many weeks conducting assemblies in the sports facility on Fridays, so we're looking forward to the auditorium becoming our more permanent home in Term 2.

The gathering spaces around the auditorium work well for arrivals and mid-show intervals, and Performing Arts are delighted with the rehearsal rooms, drama spaces, green rooms and storage for all their props. This really does feel like a space fit for future thespians.

 

Looking Ahead

We also have approval to offer LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) courses for primary age children very soon. 

In Term 2, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in performing arts ECAs:

  • Music Tech: Y4-Y6
  • Orchestra: Y2-Y6
  • Junior Choir: Y1-Y3
  • Bell Chorus: Y3-Y6
  • Desert Dance Squad: Y5-Y6
  • Intermediate Ukulele: Y4-Y6
  • Irish Dancing: Y1-Y6
  • Harp Ensemble: Y4-Y6
  • Senior Choir: Y4-Y6
  • Percussion Madness: Y1-2
  • Shadow Puppetry: Y3-Y4
  • Drama Without Walls: Y5-Y6
  • Rock Band: Y5-Y6
  • Folk Band: Y5-Y6
  • KS2 Percussion: Y3-Y6
  • Musical Theatre: Y2-Y4

Planting Positive Playtimes

Play is more than fun. It is a powerful tool for learning and growth. Every game, role-play and imaginative adventure helps shape the skills children will use for life.

Why Play Matters

Imaginative play sparks innovative thinking. From superheroes to block towers, children learn to think creatively as they explore different roles and scenarios.

Play is where friendships grow. As children share, negotiate and collaborate, they develop empathy and cooperation, preparing them to thrive in group settings and build strong relationships.

Whether piecing together a puzzle or balancing a tower, play challenges children to think critically and persist when things don't go as planned. These problem-solving moments build resilience and confidence.

Running, climbing, drawing, handling small objects: every playful movement strengthens coordination, balance and dexterity. These skills are building blocks for everything from sports to handwriting.

Through play, children take charge of their own adventures. This freedom to make choices builds self-confidence and nurtures independence, preparing them to embrace more structured learning as they grow.

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New Section

Though a fresh new learning environment with modern facilities and lots of space, DESS Academic City will never become a 3-18 ‘through-school giant’. Instead, it will extend the DESSC family to three standalone schools each with their own entrance/exit points and all playing a role in making sure our next 60 years are as successful and achievement packed as the first 60, which we have been so proud to celebrate recently.

As we move through the various preparatory processes towards the start of construction, timelines and deadlines will be confirmed in good time for you to make the best choice for your child/children and family. Updates will be frequent and meaningful, and more information will be added to this page when it is available.

The Camel Area: A Unique Play Space at the Heart of Our School

We are thrilled to share one of the most exciting additions to our campus. The Camel Area is the central hub of our school, designed to inspire adventure, imagination, and a strong connection to local heritage.

Camels are an iconic symbol of the UAE, and children often see a local camel farmer crossing the land behind our school. We've created a space that brings this tradition to life through play.

Children will be able to step inside the camel structure and explore climbing nets, scale up and across high and low platforms, and challenge themselves on climbing walls and monkey bars outside. They'll immerse themselves in role-play, teamwork and physical challenges.

The Camel Area promotes creativity, active play and cultural pride. It encourages children to take risks safely, develop their strength and coordination, and spark imaginative play in a truly unique setting.

All our trails and zones open towards the end of term, with a grand launch celebration in Term 2.

The Timber Trail: Adventure Awaits

We are introducing another incredible addition to our play spaces: the Timber Trail; a bespoke adventure course designed to inspire curiosity, teamwork, and active play for all age groups.

The Timber Trail reflects the UAE's connection to nature while encouraging children to take on new challenges. It combines physical activity with imaginative play, giving children the freedom to climb, balance, and explore in their own way.

Children will navigate equipment at different heights, suited to all ages and abilities. They'll build confidence through climbing, balancing, and testing their strength. They'll immerse themselves in role-play and collaborative games with friends, developing resilience and problem-solving as they take on physical challenges.

 

The Quiet Zone: A Space to Relax and Recharge

Not every child wants fast-paced play all the time, which is why we are introducing the Quiet Zone, a calm and welcoming space for children who prefer a gentler pace during recreation.

After a busy morning of learning, some children simply want to relax, recharge and connect with friends in a quieter environment. This space has been designed especially for them, offering balance between activity and calm.

Children will be able to stroll along a sensory path or enjoy low-level balance beams. They can settle into comfortable seating areas to read, chat, or just take a breather. They can challenge their minds with our unique games tables for cards and strategy games, enjoying a peaceful atmosphere that encourages conversation, creativity, and relaxation.

The Quiet Zone gives children the chance to slow down, reflect and recharge, making it the perfect complement to our more active play areas.

 

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The Desert School: Learning Through Our Local Environment

You may have heard of Forest School, but here in Dubai, our natural environment is very different. That is why we are excited to introduce our very own Desert School, a space designed to make the most of our unique setting and give children a hands-on connection to the UAE's heritage and landscape.

The desert is full of opportunities for learning. From teamwork and problem-solving to developing resilience and assessing risk, this space will help children gain valuable life skills while exploring their local environment.

Children will work together on problem-solving activities and team challenges. They will build communication skills through shared outdoor experiences. They will learn how to assess and manage risks in a safe and supportive setting, and take part in physical activities that make the most of our desert-inspired space.

While the Desert School will be used primarily for educational activities, it also includes features that allow it to double as a unique play space, offering children a balance of learning and fun.

 

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Parents in Partnership: Because We Are Better Together

Early childhood development starts long before a child begins at school. The early foundations of children receiving love, care and attention begin at home and positively impact how children grow and develop.

Schools working together with parents has the potential to positively accelerate children's achievement. You are the experts in your child, and we are the experts in education. Working together in partnership is a powerful union that we need to develop.

This term we have been keen to open our doors and get parents into the school, helping you become familiar with how we do things and understand why we do things our way, always in the best interests of children.

Some examples of how you have been able to get involved this term have included Fab Finishes, parent tours, Marhaba Mornings, Learning Maps issued weekly, parents' evenings and celebration events.

We plan to have more open Parent Forums next term where we can discuss a range of topics, and we are also looking to share a parent feedback survey. We appreciate all your comments and suggestions so far, and we hope you have seen the school growing as we have over the first term.

We operate an open-door policy, so if you have any questions, the team should be able to answer them quickly. Class Teachers are usually available at the end of the school day, and Learning Support Assistants are also happy to help. You will notice members of the Senior Leadership Team on the gates and around the school too. We are all happy to listen to your comments, positive and constructive, or questions. Much better to have an answer directly from us than the world of WhatsApp!

Finally, a thank you. Although it was a challenging start to the year, parents and children have kept us going. The comments, nods of appreciation and supportive emails have been gratefully received. Your words have an impact, and although we do not profess to be perfect, we can hold our heads high knowing we did the best for the children who are now flourishing. We look forward to the rest of the year and getting to know you more. We hope you have a great break!