The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) ratings for schools in Dubai are significant as they provide a clear picture to parents about each school. These ratings are conducted by KHDA inspections, which can be strict. But inadvertently, some schools are unable to keep track of the different aspects of KHDA inspections and miss out despite having the quality. To tackle these situations, Edsys, leading education software provider has introduced modules that send notifications to school authorities reminding them of the different aspects of KHDA inspections.
2. Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
Is the educational quality assurance and
regulatory authority of the Government of
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
It oversees the private education sector in
Dubai, including early childhood education
centres, schools, higher education providers,
and training institutes.
KHDA was established by decree in 2006,
under the directive of HH Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and
Prime Minister of the UAE, and the Ruler of
Dubai).
aim of developing the education and human
resource sectors in the Dubai emirate to the
level of international standards and best
practice.
3. The DSIB (Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau ),a section of the
KHDA.
This DSIB inspectors applies a four point scale to specify their
quality judgement.
The four point scales defines the follows:-
a. Outstanding – High Quality Of Practice.
b. Good – Expected Level.
c. Acceptable – Minimum Level of Acceptability.
d. Unsatisfactory – Quality not at the level of Acceptability.
4. KHDA Survey:-
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority
(KHDA), Dubai has completed its annual survey,
which was carried out among 70000 principals,
teachers, students and their parents from private schools
in Dubai.
This survey is expected to be beneficial in guiding
community-building activities and informing education
policies.
5. 2013 survey feedback help introduce new ideas :-
Parent Safaris
Informal meetings arranged for parents to opine about
the educational system in Dubai and to make them aware
about the services offered by KHDA.
96% parents happy with the Parent/School contract.
The KHDA survey revealed the effectiveness of its
Parent/School contract which outlines the rights and
responsibilities of students, parents and schools.
93% students feel safe and secure.
Teachers get enough time to assess students.
Principal’s Playground
To develop the quality of education in Dubai, KHDA
established a networking event called the Principal’s
Playground for Dubai’s school principals where they can meet
regularly and share their ideas.
Initiatives to meet the targets of the UAE National Agenda
6. Schools with Outstanding KHDA Rating in 2013-2014
Survey :-
KHDA has recently published the ranking of private
schools for the year 2013-2014 in their website.
Only 12 out of the 140+ schools inspected have been
ranked outstanding for their performance.
Those schools include:
7. 1. Kings School
Dubai Curriculum: UK
Located in Umm Suqeim, Kings’
Dubai is a private school that
provides education to both boys and
girls aged between 3 and 13 years.
here were 870 students in the
school, representing 46 countries
altogether.
There were 29 Emirati students,
comprising 3% of the total students
in the school.
The staff consisted of 90 teachers
and 36 learning assistants, where all
teachers had prior teaching
experience.
8. Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Marvelous staff-student coordination leading to a good work
environment.
Outstanding performance by students in English, mathematics
and science in the Foundation Stage and primary.
Easy-to-follow curriculum which develops students’ talents.
Independent learning through critical thinking and enquiry
across all phases.
Good infrastructure facilities that give a better learning
experience to students.
Excellent leadership and supervision to bring the best out of both
staff and students
9. 2. Dubai College
Curriculum: UK
Situated in Al Sufouh, Dubai College is a
private, not-for-profit school that follows a
selective intake policy.
Every year, only one-fourth of the
applicants are enrolled into the school.
there were 826 students overall, aged
between 11 and 18 years.
Out of these 826 students, just over a half
were from the United Kingdom while
Emirati students consisted of only 1% of
the total number of students.
10. Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Teaching approaches in Islamic Education have been improved
tremendously.
Outstanding performance by students in English, mathematics and
science as a result of good teaching methods.
Students’ mature attitude towards social and global issues
combined with strong work ethics.
Attention given to students to the fullest in terms of healthy
lifestyles, safety and support in their academic and personal
development.
The strong vision and leadership values exhibited by senior staff and
governors, thus setting up a good learning environment to take the
school forward
11. Dubai English Speaking College
At the time of inspection, there were 950 students, aged between 11 and
18 years, out of which 10 students were Emiratis.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
The highly motivated leadership team, including the governance, committed
to improve all aspects of the school at all levels
Self-evaluation approaches help to improve performance
Students perform exceptionally well in all subjects
Students’ commitment towards solving personal, social and environmental
issues
High quality infrastructure facilities to meet the needs of all students
12. 4.GEMS Dubai American
Academy
There were 2,285 students,
aged between 3 and 18 years,
who represented 99 nationalities.
There are 124 students in the
school having a special
education need.
13. Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Guided by teachers who implement outstanding teaching techniques,
students have made tremendous progress in subjects such as English,
mathematics and science, their performance meeting international
expectations
Pleasant school atmosphere as a result of impeccable behavior and
positive attitude of students
Performance evaluation to assess students’ progress and challenges
set persuaded students to fare well in all subjects
Parents’ confidence regarding their children and the school in
providing quality education to students added to the strength of the
school
School leaders and governors work hand in hand to churn out the
best results from the students and staff
14. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
There were 1,415 students in the school, representing 70 nationalities, out of which 100
students had special needs.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
The speedy progress made by students by scoring well in English,
mathematics and science
Students’ personal development including their good and mature
behavior and their desire to learn
High quality teaching that inspired students to learn more and to be
independent and flexible
Interesting and engaging curriculum that played an important role in
the academic and personal development of students
The school addresses all concerns regarding the safety and well-being of
students and provides support to students, especially those with special
education needs
15. 6. GEMS Modern Academy
3,289 students enrolled at the time of the inspection, the majority of
whom were Indians.
There were under 10% of the students having special educational needs.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Excellent performance by students in academics
Students who are well disciplined, modest and always stick to their principles
when it comes to studies
Efficient teaching that persuades the students to perform well in studies
Importance given to the safety and welfare of students, especially those having
special educational needs
Commitment and passion mixed with leadership qualities of the staff in creating
an engaging learning environment for the students
16. 7.GEMS Wellington International
ScThhoeroel w ere 2376 students enrolled in the school, majority of whom
belonged to the British background while other students belonged to
India, Pakistan and the USA.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
The school continues to maintain its record in outstanding performance by
students in academics
The personal and social development of the students are at such a level that
they have clear understanding of Islamic values and local, cultural and global
awareness
Performance evaluation combined with teaching technique that is
praiseworthy boosts confidence in students
Flawless curriculum design
School provides immense support to students in terms of their security and
academic performances
Unmatchable leadership and management remain the ingredients to the
school’s continued success
17. 8. Horizons English School
Horizon English School provides education for boys and girls aged
between 3 and 11 years.
At the time of inspection there were 498 students enrolled in the school
of which 41% came from the United Kingdom and 12% from Australia.
Also, there were four Emirati students.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Excellent performance by students in academics and other activities
Cordial staff-student relationship and attitude of the students to stick by their
morals and to exhibit good behavior
Well-designed curriculum suitable for all students, inspiring them to work
hard and produce great results
Efforts by staff and students equally to improve the school
18. 9. Jumeirah College
1,100 students on roll at the time of the inspection, aged between 12 and 18
years, majority of them belonging to UK.
Out of the 1,100, three students were Emiratis.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Students scored well in external examinations
Students’ positive attitude towards learning and other activities
The students’ maturity in terms of behavior and relationships
The school provides great opportunities in terms of academics and
extra-curricular activities
Students and staff are equally committed towards betterment of the
school
19. 10. Jumeirah English Speaking School
Provides education for students aged between 3 and 11 years
of age.
Majority of the students are of UK background while the other
students come from around 40 different countries.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Excellent leadership qualities exhibited by students and staff at all levels
Students, teachers, non-teaching staff and parents join hands to create a
lively environment, thus providing a better learning experience
Remarkable progress by students in their academics and other activities,
including the development of their personal, social and learning skills
Well designed curriculum apt for all the students, which includes exceptional
use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and development of
enquiry and critical thinking skills
The belief of the school that every child is special, thereby providing splendid
care and support to students in terms of academics and well-being
The outstanding infrastructure facilities that inspire students to reach the
highest standards of achievement
20. 11. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Br)
Is the sister concern of Jumeirah English Speaking School in Al Safa.
More than half of the students from the school are from UK, while other
students come from more than 20 countries across the world.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Leadership skills shown by students and staff at all levels
Curriculum that is updated every year and is suitable for all students
Outstanding performance by students in academics and other
activities
Infrastructure provided by school to maintain a safe and vibrant
environment for the students
Good environment that provides a better learning experience to
students
21. 12. The Indian High School
This school had 5,866 students enrolled, out of which 23 students are having
special needs.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Students display outstanding progress in mathematics and science
Students’ commitment and personal, social development
The efforts taken by governors, leaders and teachers to support the
students and to help them out in academics and other activities
22. By this KHDA Report titled “Inspection handbook 2014-15” get
feedbacks like
The school Authorities, Media and parents can easily identify
their shortcomings, of private schools in Dubai.
Dubai schools must raise student attainments in maths and Science