At British School Dhahran, we provide memorable experiences which foster a deep love of learning; personal development remain our priority.
Our creative and integrated approach is underpinned by a structured approach to teaching the core subjects of English, mathematics and science and a commitment to high standards. While we are benchmarked against the very best in the UK, our curriculum reflects our international setting and celebrates and embraces diversity.
The students have access to shared facilities such as the Dhahran Learning Commons (LC), a purpose-built kitchen, a designated art room, a music room and a Primary computer lab. Early Years (EY) and key stage one (KS1) children also have access to a soft play room with bouncy castle, ball pool, and a range of climbing apparatus and construction equipment to encourage children to be inventive.
Early Years
Early Years include Foundation stage 1 (FS1), for three- to four-year-old children and foundation stage 2 (FS2), for four- to five-year-old children. There is one class for FS1 and three parallel classes for FS2.
Early Years share a building with brightly-decorated central corridor showing creative work from each class. Young children have access to a variety of themed play areas reflecting the learning they are engaged with at school.
Early Years children have access to a music room, a kitchen and a computer lab dedicated to meet the needs of young children. A large, shaded outdoor sand area with climbing frames, swings and slides is complemented by a garage housing bikes and wheeled toys for use on the tarmac track, which offers children the opportunity to develop all important road-safety skills.
Students in Early Years are class-based for the majority of their lessons, but have specialist teachers for Arabic, music and P.E. Students have access to library lessons in the LC, where they learn library skills and check out a book to read at home. All children have a weekly Arabic lesson where they learn about Saudi Arabian culture and customs as well as a few words of Arabic.
Key Stage 1
Key stage 1 (KS1) includes five- to seven-year-old children, in Year 1 and Year 2. There are three parallel classes for each year group. Each class has a teaching assistant in addition to the teacher. KS1 shares buildings with EY and Key Stage 2 (KS2).
The curriculum for KS1 provides opportunities to develop a broad range of understanding, knowledge and skills.
Children are class-based for the majority of their lessons, but have specialist teachers for music, Arabic and P.E. Each week the children have a library lesson with the librarian in the LC. The purpose-built kitchen is also available for the children to receive cooking lessons. Children receive two Arabic lessons a week taught by submersion. Technology is integrated into student learning throughout the curriculum via class-based laptops and iPads, in addition to the use of a Primary computer lab for work on PCs.
Key Stage 2
Key stage 2 (KS2) includes seven- to eleven-year-old children in Year 3 to Year 6. We have three parallel classes for each year group. Year 3 to Year 5 share a building and Year 6 students share a building with specialist classrooms such as music, design & technology and art.
In KS2, we provide a broad, creative and balanced curriculum that inspires, motivates and challenges children in their learning. Engaging learning environments in KS2 classrooms facilitates holistic approach to learning that provides children with a wide range of opportunities both in and out of the classroom that promote their personal, academic, creative and physical development.
We take pride in the breadth of our provision and the many opportunities for children to achieve. Outstanding specialist teaching compliments our impressive facilities with sport, art, music and drama featuring prominently. Throughout a normal week in school children attend specialist lessons for Arabic, art, computing, French, music and PE.
Children make use of a variety of world class facilities such as an astroturf football pitch, a climbing wall, mini-theatre and auditorium to name but a few. We aim to integrate the use of technology throughout lessons to enhance learning experiences and allow students to learn beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
