Al Ain English Speaking School is a member of the Association of British Schools in the Middle East and the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools (UK).
The curriculum is that of the National Curriculum of England. Pupils take SATS style tests at the end of Key Stage One (Year 2), and Key Stage Two (Year 6).
External GCSE and IGCSE exams are taken in Years 10 and 11, and AS/A2-Levels in Year 12 and 13.
Children may also be prepared for Common Entrance Exams, which are the normal means of entry into independent Secondary Schools in UK and elsewhere. It is a priority of the school that the students are prepared for, and can transfer to, British, American and International Universities. In keeping with the philosophy of good modern practice, the curriculum of the school is broad, and appropriate to the multinational and multicultural nature of the pupils. Music, Physical Education and Creative Arts occupy secure places in the program as well as the more academic subjects. The school is committed to offering appropriate courses at all levels in Information and Communication Technology.
The school is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and, according to its directive; a program of Arabic Language, Arabic Social Studies and Islamic Studies (for Muslim children) is conducted.
Qualifications (recognition of achievement at GCSE) are awarded according to performance in public examinations. School qualifications are awarded by examining bodies (such as Cambridge International Examinations, AQA and Edexcel), and not by the school. These qualifications are recognized throughout the world. Coursework and internal school examinations are used only to evaluate the student’s progress.
Students who have achieved Grade C or above in a minimum of 5 subjects (including English and Mathematics) may elect to progress to courses in years 12 and 13 at AAESS that will prepare them for higher education. It is desirable to have achieved grades B upwards as a good foundation for A level study.
Advanced level study (A level) in the 6th Form normally takes two years. In the first year, students will select four AS level subjects which are examined and certificated at the end of the first year. Students can then continue their studies in these subjects but narrowing the choice to three subjects, A2’s which are then examined again at the end of Year 13 and combine with the AS to form a complete A level. University entry in the UK requires a minimum of 2 A levels, normally 3 A levels or 2 A levels and 2 further subjects at AS level. Entry into university programs is competitive, and more demanding courses and more prestigious universities will require higher levels of passes at A level. Other interests are additionally desirable for many universities; for example, music, community work, and the Duke of Edinburgh, which many of our students go on to gain the coveted Gold Award.
Curriculum Stages
| Curriculum Stage | School Year | Children's Age | Building |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation (Early Years) | Nursery & Reception | 3-5 | Foundation |
| Key Stage One | Years 1-2 | 5-7 | Key Stage One |
| Key Stage Two | Year 3-6 | 7-11 | Key Stage Two |
| Key Stage Three | Years 7-9 | 11-14 | Secondary Building |
| Key Stage Four | Years 10-11 | 14-16 | Secondary Building |
| Post 16 (A levels) | Years 12-13 | 16-18 | Secondary Building |
