“We empower students with a holistic, rigorous and international education for success in an ever changing world.”
International Baccalaureate Schools develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. As a flourishing, top-quality IB World School we share educational standards and practices for philosophy, organisation and curriculum that create and sustain an authentic global learning community. We develop students who build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect and we are committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile attributes.
Located in the Emirates Hills area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai International Academy is the first school in the UAE to be authorized by the Geneva based International Baccalaureate to offer the full continuum of the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme and the Careers Related Programme. The IB pedagogy and ethos is embedded throughout these programmes.
Established in September 2005, the school prepares students for leadership roles in a world where change remains the only constant. DIA is fortunate to have a very diverse, international group of students and staff from over 80 countries. The teachers are experienced, well-qualified and committed to continuing professional development. DIA is an IB World School, accredited by the Council of International School (CIS) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). It is a member of MEIBA (Middle East IB Association), THIMUN (The Hague International Model United Nations) and NESA (Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools). DIA is also one of the first schools in the UAE to be awarded the prestigious Green Flag by Eco-Schools UAE.
Students studying in the MYP and DP Curriculums achieved the schools best ever results in 2018. In the Middle Years Programme over 83% of students achieved above the world average point score and in the Diploma Programme, 84% of students achieved above the world average with 13% of students scoring more than 40 points. Students across all years make outstanding academic progress in relation to their starting points.
DIA takes pride in their students’ University placements at top ranking universities in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and 38 countries worldwide. This year $5million dollars has been offered in the form of scholarships from US Universities and 10 students are through to the Oxbridge interview stage. Last academic year every child who applied to university obtained a place and 87% of students achieved their first choice place.
From the Leader’s Desk
James Lynch is the Principal and Jayne Needham is the Vice Principal of the school. Under their leadership the team and staff are a united group with an unwavering focus on continual improvement. Their capacity to innovate, empowers, supports and galvanizes outstanding student outcomes.
“We believe in the importance of strong relationships existing between students, parents and teachers. All students should be encouraged on a daily basis to aim high and follow their dreams, with the notion that hard work is the key driver that enables outstanding academic performance. Equally importantly, we encourage our students to excel and participate in many different sporting, cultural and leadership opportunities. This enables them to develop their personalities and encourages them to be confident and happy individuals.
Students need to be in a happy and safe environment. DIA works tirelessly to ensure that there is a strong ethos where kindness and respect prevail. These values then allow the students to become role models to each other and positive, well-grounded citizens who develop as future leaders.-says James Lynch.
Mother Tongue Programme
The school promotes, wherever possible, native language instruction to native speaking Dutch, German, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Mandarin, Italian, Chinese, Hindi and French students. These classes take place during the school day and are run by private teachers. As part of the Co-Curricular Programme, DIA also offers the opportunity to all students to learn French, Arabic, Italian, Finnish, Dutch, Greek, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Afrikaans and Urdu.
Sports
Physical education is taken very seriously at DIA. The school encourages every child to do their best and support the talented by providing plenty of opportunities to develop their skills within and outside the school. DIA PE department was distinguished by its 3rd position in the UAE for its provision for PE and Sports by the UAE Teen Sports and Fitness Awards 2018.
Leadership
There are also extensive leadership committees and organisations at DIA involving hundreds of students of all ages. The events held at DIA enable students to be part of a supportive and dynamic environment that includes a Prefect in every homeroom supporting students throughout the school on a daily basis.
The Model United Nations (MUN) programme in DIA is a simulation of the United Nations, where students are given the opportunity to act as delegates and debate on current world issues. At DIA, students are also given the opportunity to attend other MUN conferences such as The Hague THIMUN, Qatar THIMUN, THIMUN Singapore, Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) and Johannesburg Model United Nations (JOMUN) and CGSMUN in Athens and meet like-minded individuals to collaborate towards finding applicable solutions.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and is open to students over 14. Students can prepare for the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. As a requirement for achieving the Awards, students have to engage in a physical activity, community service and creative activity, for a required number of hours according to their level. At DIA there is a very active programme that supports this fabulous scheme.
Diversified Career Opportunities
Students at Dubai International Academy have varied interests; and the Counseling Office spends hours matching students to their dream course at university. The school has had a high number of students attending Ivy League colleges in the USA, and Oxbridge in the U.K. Most of the students thrive at first and second tier schools in the USA, and Russel Group in the U.K.
From choosing to study Medicine and Law, to Architecture and Business, to Fashion Merchandising and Engineering, the school encourages students to opt for myriad courses all over the world. Even when they leave DIA, the school continues to nurture and assist them through their chosen courses and classes. The students stay in touch with the teachers, and inform them about their placements.
There are two annual Alumni evenings (DIASPOR) which are very well attended. DIA Alumni take great pleasure and pride in interacting with current students and hold presentations guiding and mentoring them through the entire college application journey. DIA students have gone on and made their mark in various fields. They have found gainful employment in institutions like Apple, Facebook, Google, Linked In, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Barclays Bank, Citibank, and J.P. Morgan just to name a few.
Lifetime Experiences at the School
Each student at DIA is exposed to limitless opportunities on a regular basis. From having the ability to join 10+ sports team that are continuously victorious in Innovents Inter-School Competitions, to Primary Science Fairs, Fairytale Ball Overnight Camps, PYP exhibitions and charitable work for the Innoventures ‘GIVE’ Foundation.
With a Prefect Body of nearly 50, a new student at DIA is pleasantly surprised by the welcoming and positive, yet sophisticated and academic atmosphere of the school. Students, parents and alumni are also heavily involved in the governance structure within the school.
During the break and lunch times, the school’s cafeteria serves healthy and affordable food and students are allowed to sit anywhere in school to enjoy their lunch with their friends. It is also during this time that certain students can be seen playing football in the field or attending meetings for their student organizations such as DiaTech or the Eco Committee.
Inclusion at DIA (I-DIA)
Dubai International Academy’s Learning Support Program consists of six distinct components that work together to ensure each individual student has the necessary tools and support to succeed. These sections include: Mentoring of students with Limited Achievement, College Counseling and University Placement, Special Educational Needs Counseling and Advisement, Academic Enrichment through the GATEway (Gifted and Talented) Program, English as a Second Language, and Student Development through Teacher Training and Professional Development.
Life Beyond the Books
DIA empowers students to lead initiatives and support one another as they contribute to the greater community. As for annual events, most extra-curricular activities and clubs host at least one annual event. Events range from embracing the school & diversity with an International Evening to more academic oriented events such as ‘Week without Walls’, Careers Day, Job Shadowing Week and the renowned Talent Show! The diverse nature of co-curricular activities and events held at DIA motivate independence and drive students to pursue their dreams with an open-minded and compassionate approach. DIA epitomizes the school’s motto – Dream, Inspire and Achieve.
To lift house spirit, the school hosts an annual ‘Battle of the Houses’, a day wherein teachers and students get involved with fun activities and sports. Similarly, Sports Day is a tradition that every student looks forward to, be it because of the teachers versus student’s tug of war or those intense relay races! This is also DIA’s second year hosting events for the 30 x 30 challenge wherein every morning, members of the DIA family gather and get active!
Festivities and celebrations come through in events such as the Winter Souk and Staff Appreciation Lunch. The community spirit is truly embraced through entertaining events such as the Family Sports Day, the International Day, the Family Movie Night and of course the annual School Play! Overall, the events held at DIA enable students to be part of a supportive and dynamic environment.
In conclusion, Dubai International is a high-performing, all-through IB school committed to ensuring that all aspects of the IB Learner profile are developed and celebrated in our students and throughout our community.
