The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dynamic country where the education industry is expanding at a rate comparable to that of technology and commerce. As the number of schools and programs in Sharjah grows, more and more parents are following the herd and sending their kids to schools that follow the British curriculum. What they need to do is consider the possibilities and drawbacks. Parents should remember that their child has individual educational requirements and preferences when selecting a school.

What to know about the British educational system?

Go to any A-level school in Sharjah. You’ll learn that the British curriculum is often regarded as one that emphasizes imaginative problem-solving, in-depth analysis, and adaptability. Curriculum objectives are measurable and designed to build upon prior learning and experience to better prepare students for the workforce.

Schools that teach the British curriculum have specific requirements. UK standards develop this, and it applies even to low-cost institutions teaching the British curriculum in Sharjah. The following are examples of international norms:

  • The standard of teaching that is being offered
  • Student growth in morality, empathy, and cultural awareness
  • Learners’ health, safety, and well-being
  • Appropriateness of faculty and support personnel
  • School administration quality
  • How we handle complaints and more.

The best British schools in Sharjah adhere to a balanced and fair curriculum. All disciplines, from the arts to the sciences to the humanities, are systematically introduced at each level. For instance, at the primary level of the curriculum, children are taught the essentials of mathematics and English, having learned the basics at the foundation level. The pupils’ cognitive and learning levels are considered when deciding how and when to present new topics.

The learning process is broken up into different “Key Stages” (KS) according to the students’ ages and levels of education. Accordingly, the British curriculum divides students into Early Years (ages 2-5), Primary (KS1, ages 5-7), Lower Secondary (KS2, ages 7-11), Upper Secondary (KS3, ages 11-14), and Post-Secondary (KS4, ages 16-16). Pre-university study (ages 16–18) is called Key Stage 5. Each student’s skills and degree of achievement are considered to create a highly individualized learning strategy.

The British curriculum is notable because it leads to internationally recognized credentials.  For instance, students in Sharjah schools following the British curriculum can take the (I)GCSEs at the end of the fourth grade and the Advanced Placement tests after the fifth. Both tests have widespread recognition and can help you get into many different fields.

Finally, parents need to understand that educators from any country can teach a tremendous British education. Teachers’ qualifications and experience are more important than their nationality in student learning.

The Sharjah British International School follows the UK National Curriculum through Cambridge Pathway for students. The UAE Ministry of Education supplements a curriculum adapted to meet the needs of students in Sharjah. The curriculum emphasizes developing practical skills that will serve students well in later life.