“We inspire future generations to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities, and challenges of a global world”
Situated in the heart of Dubai, Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai (SISD) is one of the renowned schools where children from all over the world can live and thrive in a multilingual and multicultural environment. SISD believes that being ‘international’ means opening one’s mind to other cultures and different ways of thinking. The school is the first and the foremost international community where students, teachers, and staff from all over the world work, live and prosper together.
SISD’s unique approach towards learning encourages creativity, problem-solving, and good decision-making. The school follows the framework of the International Baccalaureate and renders an exceptional education focused on both academic excellence and personal growth.
Magnificent Leadership
Norbert Foerster is SISD’s Head of School. Norbert took up his position in August 2018 having previously been the Head of the Institute International de Lancy in Geneva, Switzerland.
Before joining SISD, he held numerous educational leadership positions spanning more than three decades.
Norbert started his career as a psychologist at a Catholic Center for Children and Adolescents, after which he spent over thirteen years between 1985 and 1998 as the Director of a Psycho-Educational Counseling Center in Germany. There he worked with children and families, as well as conducting counseling for parents, teachers, and educators. Later in 1998, Norbert was appointed as the Director-General of Institute International de Lancy. Over a span of twenty years, he developed the school from a French Programme School to an IB World School teaching 1500 students. Between 2006 and 2014, he held the position of President of the Geneva Association of Private Schools (AGEP) and in 2014 he became President of the Swiss Federation of Private Schools (SFPS).
Throughout his career, Norbert also enjoyed teaching German and speaking at a variety of international school conferences. His expertise as an educational leader, specifically in Swiss schools with international and bilingual backgrounds, makes him a perfect fit to take the reins of SISD’s future.
Distinctive Academic Programs
Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai follows the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Pre-KG to Grade 11 (Grade 12 opening in 2019 pending KHDA approval) and the Swiss Baccalaureate program from Grade 6 onwards. SISD is an IB Continuum World School authorized to offer and teach the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), IB Middle Year Program (MYP), and IB Diploma Program (DP). The IB Diploma Program of the school is recognized as one of the best diplomas to prepare for university study.
The school’s unique curriculum offers the opportunity to choose between three different study streams such:
- English with Additional Languages Or
- Bilingual English-French Or
- English- German
SISD’s students have opportunity to become multilingual, with the option of entering one of its immersive bilingual programs in either of the Swiss languages of French and German. Its international programs reflect a sincere commitment to a Swiss vision of excellence in education that enables its students to fully embrace future opportunities.
SISD’s team of international teachers is made up of highly qualified professionals whom all share one goal: ‘To provide quality education to all our children in a caring, nurturing and supportive environment.’ Also, at SISD, the students are endorsed with an engaging learning experience along with the challenge of developing a real understanding of cultural diversity and the support of a thriving international community. It welcomes students with determination and gives them access to appropriate provision, resources, and curricular options.
Enriching Campus and Incredible Learning Environment
SISD’s large as well as eco-friendly campus ensures that it can offer a wide range of sporting facilities that make the most of its location adjacent to Dubai Creek. Over 60 nationalities are represented on its campus which creates an exceptional mix of languages, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Such a campus filled with diversity encourages students to take risks, become compassionate lifelong learners and responsible citizens, who care for one another and contribute to a strong society through intercultural understanding and respect. SISD believes that social, cultural, economic and environmental awareness prepares them to play a crucial part in shaping a better future, both for them and for those in the surrounding.
Additionally, the school provides an inspiring, inclusive and challenging learning environment while celebrating academic excellence. It encourages and supports all its students to become successful, global-minded, enthusiastic lifelong learners who will confidently take advantage of future opportunities and help make a difference. Along with its teaching staff and parents, SISD supports its students to develop their potential to the fullest in a motivating, multilingual and international learning environment.
ASAs for Students’ Nourishment
SISD offers effective After School Activities (ASA’s) to bring an array of benefits to students, families. These activities are planned to boost the overall performance of students, along with to reduce risky behaviors, thus, promoting physical health.
Internal ASAs: The Internal ASA’s are taught by the SISD teachers and are free of charge depending on availability. Here, every student is allowed to participate in two Internal ASAs per week.
External ASAs: The External ASAs are offered on SISD campus by external providers and their fees may vary for each after-school activity. Here, students can participate in as many external activities as they wish. Also, its registration process is based on the first come first serve basis and places are allocated by external providers after the payment has been received.
Apart from this, SISD also offers Breakfast Club, After-School Care, and Afternoon Club for the better physical as well as the mental engagement of students.
Providing a ‘Healthy’ School Life
Besides its unique and comprehensive curriculum, SISD also provides medical facilities to its students as the school believes that ‘every child’s health is important to us’. The school possesses two fully equipped medical rooms in the primary building and one school situated in the sports building. These rooms are managed by DHCC registered nurses. Once a year, students undergo a comprehensive medical examination. Also, students are given the best-in-class nutrition which not only helps them avoid health problems but also gives them a strong base for emotional balance.
Positive Reinforcement is the cornerstone of SISD’s code of behavior and discipline. Here, students are inspired to act respectfully and responsibly towards every member of the community. Such behavior would create a climate where all students act positively with high behavioral standards.
