Igniting the spark of genius in every child

More than just a motto, it is a philosophy and guiding light with giant potential for each and every student. It is synonymous with teaching at Dwight and can conjure up an inestimable number of opportunities.

A person’s ‘Spark of genius’ is an interest, pursuit, talent, or passion – whatever captures the mind, spirit, body, or imagination. It drives our personalized approach to learning, permeates the culture of our school, and differentiates Dwight School Dubai from all others.

The premise is straightforward: When a child expresses an interest in, or talent for, a particular field, whether in the arts, math, humanities, technology, advocacy, science, sports, etc., that ‘spark’ should be fostered. A nurturing teacher who is able to tap into what excites a student opens the door to greater learning.

Working one-on-one with students, Dwight faculty members empower them to pursue their passions, believe in their talents, and seek their own unique path of learning. This personalized attention translates into greater mastery and success. At the same time, they gain greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas both inside and outside the classroom.

As students grow, graduate, and move on to higher education and careers, their passions may change, evolve, or translate into life-long meaningful purpose. No matter the direction, when a spark is ignited, the potential is limitless. Dwight educators inspire children to believe that anything is possible and our alumni around the world illustrate that this is true.

Enhancing language, culture and the arts

Growing up in Dubai, home to people from all over the world, our students are global citizens by default. At Dwight School Dubai, we know that our students need to build strong identities in their own cultures as well as developing an understanding and awareness of the many other cultures (local and international) that surround them on a daily basis.

Arabic

From the earliest years at Dwight, students develop an appreciation for Arabic culture and traditions through our innovative Arabic language program. Arabic is taught as a language A and B throughout the school. Language A students inquire into Arabic as a mother tongue language, while language B students inquire into the language acquisition process. Arabic is celebrated throughout the school through assemblies, Arabic days, Arabic provocations and engagements throughout the school and connections to the host country. 

Islamic 

Islamic Education is offered at Dwight as part of the ministry of Education requirement. Students who are Muslims attend Islamic A (Native Arabic Speakers) or Islamic B (Non-native Arabic Speakers) where they inquire into the different Islamic strands and find out more about their religion. 

Language Acquisition

Students also choose a third (and sometimes fourth) modern language to study (choice of French or Mandarin in the PYP; choice of French, Mandarin or Spanish in the MYP). In addition, our arts program introduces students to music, art styles, and performance traditions from around the world.

Dwight School Dubai is a truly international school, among the (number of students) we have 65 different nationalities speaking (number of languages) different languages. Despite how international we are, we are very proud of our roots in Dubai and the UAE, our host country.

The UAE has a clear vision set out in the National Agenda with targets set for 2021 as the Nation celebrates its 50th year. Below is our progress towards these targets:

Emirati Students

As part of our data analysis and action plans, we focus on data of Emirati students and ensure that they are making expected progress. We also build on the knowledge of Emirati students in UAE SS, Arabic and Islamic and give them the agency and leadership to help us spread this throughout the school. 

Moral Education

Taught to Grades 1 to 10, this subject is integrated into our curriculum and taught as a discreet subject.  Moral Education is designed to help young people of all nationalities and ages in the UAE develop universal principles and values that reflect the shared experiences of society. 

UAE Social Studies

Dwight as an IB school considers the host country as a starting point to all inquiries in different subjects and contexts. UAE Social Studies is a curriculum that allows us as a school to inquire into the host country whether through an integrated or a stand alone approach to ensure that our students have a better understanding and sense of belonging to the UAE.  Dwight School ensures the coverage of this curriculum though the appointment of a Social Studies Leader, embedded curricula, assessment and timetable allocation.  UAE Social Studies is taught to students from Grades 1-9 and focuses on four key components: curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment.  

Inclusion and Special Education Needs (SEN)

As an IB school, we believe that our students are all different. They have different Sparks of Genius and they are all talented in different ways. We support all the different needs of our students by being an inclusive school. Our Quest team led by our head of quest ensure all students get the support they need. 

The Development of Innovation

Dwight School demonstrates innovation in all aspects of our learning. Innovation is at the heart of IB and we plan all our lessons keeping in mind the importance of giving students the agency and the space to innovate and inquire in different ways and directions. Our “Spark of Genius Programme” ensures that all our students are supported when exploring their passions and finding ways to shine and grow. Dwight School Dubai’s Spark Week has been a great snapshot of this programme and its achievement since we opened in September 2018. 

Reading and Literacy

The National Agenda focuses on reading in Arabic, English, Maths and Science.  Skills that are looked for are inference, interpretation and integration of information. Our library at Dwight ensures that students have access to all genres of books in different levels. Our librarian inquires into skills of research with students of different ages, in addition to developing the love of reading. Our “ Drop Everything and Read” Thursday initiative has motivated students to read and share with their peers.

Revolutionary leaps in education

Artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, block chain technology, quantum computing – as technology continues to transform our world so swiftly, disrupt markets, and reshape the nature of doing business every day, there is an urgent need for education to respond.

Dwight School Dubai is answering the call by blazing a trail for innovative IB curriculum changes, taking project-based learning and peer-to-peer learning to new heights, and educating skilled transformational thinkers who can excel in any and all endeavors.

With our brand new, purpose built educational facility, we extend Dwight’s design lab, maker space and incubator experiences for students, which will fuel even more collaboration and creativity, Dwight School Dubai is proud to be the school of the future today.