Dar Al Marefa School, Dubai

Dar Al Marefa offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across four different phases:

The syllabus at Dar Al Marefa School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which is designed to develop students' intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills. The syllabus is divided into three main programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). Each programme is bilingual and conducted in Arabic and English, providing students with a strong foundation in both languages.

IB Primary Year Programme (PYP)

The Primary Year Programme (PYP) lays a strong foundation for early learners through an inquiry-based approach. The curriculum is built around six transdisciplinary themes that help children connect their learning to the real world:

Students in Pre-KG and KG1 explore four of these themes, while those in KG2 explore all six. The primary subjects at this level include:

IB Middle Year Programme (MYP)

The Middle Year Programme (MYP) focuses on preparing students for the challenges of the IB Diploma Programme. Key features of the MYP include related concepts, global context, approaches to teaching and learning, and an emphasis on action and service.

Subjects offered in the MYP include:

At the end of Grade 10, students are required to complete a personal project, which demonstrates their learning and skills developed during the programme.

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

The Diploma Programme (DP) prepares students for university education and global opportunities. The curriculum covers six subjects, which can be taken at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). These subjects are framed by three core principles:

By completing the IB Diploma, students gain access to leading universities.

Arabic Language

According to the UAE Ministry of Education regulations, all students are required to study the Arabic language. The curriculum is divided into two categories: Arabic A for native speakers and Arabic B for non-native speakers.

Students from Arab countries are required to study Arabic A until Grade 12. However, students who are not fluent in Arabic may be permitted to study Arabic B, subject to approval by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority).

The Arab countries include UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, Bahrain, Iraq, Yemen, Oman, Mauritania, Libya, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, and the Union of Comoros.

Islamic Studies

According to UAE Ministry of Education guidelines, all Muslim students must take Islamic Studies until the end of Grade 12. Students can study Islamic A (in Arabic) or Islamic B (in English), depending on their linguistic background and nationality.

The application process at Dar Al Marefa School is straightforward. Parents are advised to follow these steps:

1. Submit an Online Application: Fill out the online application form available on the school’s website.
2. Schedule an Assessment: Book an assessment date for your child.
3. Secure a Place: Upon acceptance, parents must pay 10% of the annual school fee to secure a place for their child.

Documents Required

Applicants must provide the following documents:

• A copy of the student's passport and parents' passports with a valid UAE residence visa.
• Emirates ID copies for the student and both parents.
• Birth certificate of the student.
• A copy of the vaccination record.
• Last academic report from the previous school.
• A transfer certificate from the previous school.
• A medical form for students in Grades 1–12.
• A behaviour report for students in Grades 6–12.

The fee structure for the current academic year is detailed below:

In addition to tuition fees, parents must account for:

• Transport fees: AED 8,500 - AED 9,500
• Uniform: AED 500 - AED 1,100
• Sibling discounts: A 5% discount applies to the third sibling (youngest child), and a 10% discount applies to each additional sibling.

Tuition fees can be paid through cash, cheque, or bank transfer. Books are included in the tuition fees.

Age Requirements for Admission

Dar Al Marefa School follows strict age placement criteria to ensure students are enrolled in the appropriate grade level based on age. The school requires that the child meets the following minimum and maximum age requirements as of 31st August of the respective academic year.

Dar Al Marefa provides its transport service for students. However, parents are required to follow specific rules to ensure their children’s safety while using the school’s bus service. These include:

• A parent or guardian must accompany students to and from the scheduled meeting point.
• Students should arrive at the pickup location five minutes before the scheduled time.
• Children must board the bus orderly, without engaging in activities that may endanger themselves or others.

Bus routes may change only with the approval of the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) and the school management.

Dar Al Marefa School offers a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities to cater to the diverse interests of students. The sports program includes:

• Basketball
• Football
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Gymnastics
• Volleyball
• Netball
• Badminton
• Table Tennis
• Wall Climbing

Additionally, the school provides opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities across various fields, such as:

• Robotics
• 3D Printing
• Drama Club
• Pottery
• Journalism
• Art and Crafts
• Karate
• Science Club

The school runs these activities during winter, spring, and summer sessions. Many of the extracurricular activities are free and run by the school’s staff, while those offered by external providers come at an additional cost.

• Telephone:  +971-80-062-7332
• General Email: info@daralmarefa.ae 
• Admissions Email: admissions@daralmarefa.ae 
• Official Website: https://www.daralmarefa.ae/ 
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ias_dubai_official/