School system: British
Current rating: Outstanding
Enrollment grade: Year7-Year13
Tuition fee: AED 81,082-87,147
Address: Dubai Academic City
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DESC follows the national curriculum of England and Wales, and students are divided into the following key stages:
Key Stage 3
Year 7-9
Arabic, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Islamic Students (Muslims only), Computing, Mathematics, Music, G.R.O.W: Getting Ready for the Outside World (moral education compulsory course for non-Muslim students), Physical Education, Science, Spanish, Life: Living Independently Forever (moral education course)
Key Stage 4
Year 10 & 11
Students choose subjects to study and follow GCSE examination specifications
Key Stage 5
Year 12&13
Key Stage 5 is also known as Sixth Form. At DESC, the Sixth Form curriculum is innovative and British, with diverse content, providing a rich path for diverse students. The overall experience of Sixth Form is enhanced through the "Extended Curriculum", ensuring that students gain rich experiences while mastering book knowledge.
Three pathways
At DESC, there are three pathways to choose from: academic, vocational or a hybrid.
Students who choose the academic pathway can choose 3 separate subjects from 24 different GCE Advanced Level/A Level qualifications. A Levels are assessed through final exams after two years and the content of the course tends to be academic and philosophical.
Students who choose the vocational pathway can choose 3 from 8 different BTEC/RSL courses. BTECs are assessed based on performance and are not exam-dependent, and the content of the course tends to be more practical and application-oriented.
The 3 courses of the hybrid pathway can be selected from both A Level and BTEC courses.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
For students who are interested in extending their knowledge of a particular subject, DESC offers the EPQ. This programme provides students with the opportunity to go beyond their A-levels and prepare for university or future careers. Students learn advanced research skills and have the opportunity to undertake primary research. Students have one lesson per week and meet with their tutor regularly. Students can choose subjects based on their interests and work with the EPQ Centre Coordinator to determine their own topics.
Mathematical Studies
The Mathematical Studies course aims to learn real-life mathematical skills. What you learn is not just theoretical or abstract. It can be applied to work, study or daily life, as well as financial aspects. Mathematical skills are increasingly important in work and higher education. Mathematical Studies will help students develop and maintain basic mathematical skills.
Classical Studies
Classical Studies allows students to study the culture of Ancient Greece and Rome. The study of the classical world helps students understand contemporary events, as ancient Greece and Rome have shaped modern views on politics, art and many other areas. Classical Studies aims to enhance critical thinking skills and develop empathy for people from different cultural backgrounds.
Modern Languages
Students have the opportunity to study French or Spanish as an additional enrichment course in the AS level.
DESC places great emphasis on extracurricular activities. Students participate in and enjoy many opportunities outside of the established curriculum.
DESC continues to offer an exciting range of sporting, creative, cultural and aesthetic activities to help all students develop their talents. Students participate in at least one extracurricular activity each semester. The extracurricular activities program enhances the learning experience of students outside of the compulsory DESC courses.
Grade Tuition/Year (AED) Tuition/Semester (AED)
7 to 11 years old 81,082 1st semester - 32,432
2nd semester - 24,325
3rd semester - 24,432
12 to 13 years old 87,147 1st semester - 34,859
2nd semester - 26,144
3rd semester - 26,244