Vision, Mission and Values

Dubai International Academy believes in using Technology as a tool to enhance learning for all students. We strive to build learning environments which use technology to enable our students to explore their own ideas and develop themselves as holistic learners.

Mission

Employing modern technologies to create a world-class learning and teaching environment that delivers personalized learning experiences for all students.

Vision

We seek to use technology as a powerful tool to fuel personalized learning, helping to realize the aspirations of every student. We aim to develop skills in our students that transcend across curricular areas, providing our students with the skills they need to successfully live and work in the 21st century. Our approach will ensure that technology is an integral and ubiquitous part of flexible and relevant learning environments. Students will be challenged to harness technology responsibly and effectively and to think critically and creatively to apply to real life situations.

Approach

• To use the power of technology to personalize the learning experience for students.
• To enhance the learning experiences of our students through the use of the latest available technology.
• To lead the learning process with the help of dedicated and knowledgeable staff.
• To enable continuous online interaction between students, parents, and teachers through advanced systems.
• To build a culture of continuous inquiry and improvement in awareness of the applications of technology.

Goals

• To develop modern learning environments which cater to the individual learning needs of our students.
• To raise student attainment and accelerate levels of progress through the effective use of technology into the curriculum.
• To triangulate communication between students, parents and teachers through the effective use of technology.
• To ensure that all educators effectively integrate technology into learning and teaching.
• To ensure all students are responsible digital citizens.

BYOD at DIA

Our philosophy to empower students to take control of their own learning and in order to achieve this, Dubai International Academy had introduced the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program as of September 2013. Students from Year 4 to 13 are encouraged to bring their tablets/laptops and benefit from the use of technology to enhance their learning within the school. Students have been provided access to a filtered Internet connection that will enable them to do research and to collaborate and communicate with each other. A list of curriculum related applications in the Primary School help teachers to use the power of technology to accelerate learning.

The quality of education has significantly improved throughout Dubai with many schools adjudged as good or better. Nevertheless, Dubai still aims even higher and targets to become among the best countries in the world for education by 2021. Therefore, a number of national priorities have been emphasized to achieve this goal. 

Moral Education Curriculum

The Moral Education Curriculum (MEC) covers four pillars of teaching and learning: character and morality, the individual and the community, civic studies and cultural studies. The four pillars complement one another, using the lens of moral thinking and learning and building character. Underpinning the curriculum are thinking, learning and communication skills, which support development and progression through primary and secondary school up to Year 10.

UAE National Education and Social Studies

In line with UAE national priorities and the Dubai strategic plan 2021, schools in Dubai are required to incorporate the Ministry of Education UAE social studies curriculum standards into their curricula. The rationale for this is to provide students with in-depth knowledge, skills and understanding in history, geography and civics, which emphasise the links and relationships between diverse groups, people, science and society. Students will contribute, as responsible citizens and residents of the UAE, to the building of a cohesive society that is inclusive of all, while preserving the UAE culture, heritage and traditions.

Innovation 

Innovation@DIA is "Creativity Implemented". The UAE vision 2021 includes innovation as part of the National Agenda. The UAE National Innovation Strategy aims to promote innovation in the education sector by introducing creative teaching methods and techniques, as well as designing and developing innovative curricula that equip students with the 21st century skills and knowledge. Schools are required to promote innovation through meaningful learning opportunities with elements of enterprise, enquiry research, critical thinking and the use of learning technologies.

Reading Literacy

The theme of PISA 2018 will be Reading Literacy. PISA defines Reading Literacy as, “… understanding, using, and reflecting on written texts, in order to achieve one’s goals, to develop one’s knowledge and potential, and to participate in society.” The recent PISA and TIMSS results highlight the importance of reading literacy on student performance in international assessments, including science and mathematics, in which there is a clear link to the National Agenda.

Emirati students

During 2017 – 2018 there will be a specific focus on the aspirations and achievements of Emirati students in schools. As per the UAE Vision for 2021 states that at least 90% of Emirati students will complete their high school education, with an increasing proportion of students going on to university. At DIA our Emirati students are well integrated into the school community. All our Emirati students graduate at the end of Year 13 and enter university.

Inclusion of students with SEND

The vision of Dubai is to become a fully inclusive city by 2020. Schools are required to demonstrate a commitment to the values and standards of inclusive education. At DIA we ensure that students who experience SEND are provided with the support, accommodations and curricular modifications required to enable equitable access to educational opportunities. Appropriate priority is given to the development of each student’s potential, including meaningful participation in the learning process, with peers in the common learning environment.