Here’s some news many of us will have been waiting for; Kings’ Al Barsha school will be opening its doors to Sixth Form students from the start of the new academic year in September 2017. This is much awaited news not only for the many parents in Dubai whose children are due to finish secondary school this year and were left with the dilemma of whether it was time to go home or not, but also for the newcomers who are searching for the right school for their teenagers, as it now opens up so many more options to what has been traditionally a sticking point for schools in Dubai.
Kings’ Al Barsha is now going to be able to offer a complete educational experience, from Preschoolers right through, which means that students are billed to leave school as academically successful, well rounded and mature young adults – and that’s what we all want for our children isn’t it?
They will offer not only an impressive selection of A Level qualifications covering a broad range of subjects, but along with this, state of the art facilities, which include an outstanding auditorium and technological and sports equipment that promises to be unrivaled when it comes to preparing our children for their future workplace.
So what subjects will they offer? Many is the answer! We’re told that subjects like Product Design, Music Technology, Physical Education and Theatre Studies will be on offer as well as the subjects that typically remain in high demand such as Business and Economics, and these will be complimented by the more traditional subjects that can be taken too.
The Kings’ ethos can be quite different to some other schools because they set out to merge driving academic excellence with their high levels of pastoral support. We are big advocates of that, and what we also really like the sound of is the smaller class sizes that ultimately allow a bit more time and support where it’s needed.
Clearly not every pupil’s requirements are the same for all of us and Kings’ promise to go the extra mile to provide reassurance to parents by offering some sound one to one mentoring and guidance to students so that the pupils can get what they need to work to their full potential.
As a natural extension of the core learning behaviours associated with the school, the new sixth form pupils will go on to achieve a unique and bespoke Kings’ Diploma. This serves to be a complementary suite of qualifications that will ensure that students are best equipped to be able to win competitive places at top universities around the world, as well as continue to develop essential skills not only for learning, but for work and life ahead.
But it’s not all about the academic side of course; taken alongside A Level studies, this diploma will involve several wider awards, including the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), the much acclaimed Duke of Edinburgh Award (to Gold Level), and importantly hands-on work experience via top Dubai-based company placements, charity work and community support.
Alan Williamson, Director of Education at Kings’ said that their new and dynamic Sixth Form offers “an exciting, stimulating and challenging environment for learning, which will ensure our students excel in intellectual enquiry, debate and search for explanation well beyond their A Level curriculum.”
Clearly Kings’ are proud to be able to now extend their learning programmes beyond GCSE now and so they should be, as if it means students can enhance their personal and social development along with their academic opportunity, that’s great for our teenagers.
The new Head of Kings’ Sixth Form, Rebecca Coulter said that “We are confident that our students will go on to win places at top universities worldwide. We are privileged to be preparing tomorrow’s adults, today.”
There’s no question about it; we’re definitely looking forward to seeing what Kings’ Al Barsha has to offer!
For more information check out www.kings-edu.com/albarsha/
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