ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE FOREVER DRIVEN BY KNOWLEDGE, INSPIRED BY SUCCESS.
Table of Contents 03 |
Welcome to uas elementary
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Elementary — grades 1 to 5
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Our vision, mission & values
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A day at uas elementary
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Recognised for excellence
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Assessment & supporting every learner
06 |
Our curriculum at a glance
16 |
Wellbeing, belonging & safeguarding
07 |
Learning through inquiry
17 |
Specialist learning
08 |
English & literacy
18 |
Leadership, service & community
09 |
Mathematics
19 |
Extra-curricular activities — scale up
10 |
Science & discovery
20 |
The uas parent partnership
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Arabic, islamic education
21 |
Leap & leap jr enrichment
Early years — pre-KG to KG 2
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Visit us
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Where Curiosity Grows into Confidence.
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Welcome to UAS Elementary
A place where children are known, challenged and inspired.
Our Elementary Program is designed to give every child a strong academic foundation while developing the confidence, curiosity and independence they need to thrive. From Pre-KG through Grade 5, students learn through a combination of highquality teaching, purposeful inquiry, collaboration and real-world experiences. We want children to understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters and how they can use their learning beyond the classroom.
Vision
Forever driven by knowledge, inspired by success
Mission
Our approach brings together the American curriculum, the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards and the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) to create a rich and engaging learning experience. At the heart of everything we do are our UAS values: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence. We want every child to leave Elementary as a confident learner who is ready to take on new challenges, make connections and contribute positively to their community.
To nurture an internationally minded community of integrity and academic excellence
Values
Respect Integrity Collaboration Excellence 3
The UAS Elementary Leadership Team
Supporting every child to learn, grow and thrive.
Every child has the potential to learn, grow and make a difference. 4
What Do We Believe In? We develop the whole child. At UAS, academic success is important — but it is only one part of a child’s development. Our Elementary Program creates opportunities for students to develop as learners, thinkers, communicators, collaborators and individuals.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
CURIOSITY
We build strong foundations in the knowledge and skills students need for future success.
We encourage children to ask questions, investigate ideas and discover new possibilities.
CONFIDENCE
COLLABORATION
Students develop their voice, independence and confidence as learners.
Learning is social. Students work together, communicate ideas and learn from one another.
CREATIVITY
CHARACTER
Through the arts, inquiry and classroom learning, students have opportunities to create, experiment and express themselves.
Our values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence shape the way students learn and interact with others.
Developing confident, curious learners who are ready to make a difference. 5
Our Curriculum at a Glance A broad and balanced Elementary experience. Our curriculum combines the structure and academic expectations of the American curriculum with the inquiry-based approach of the IB Primary Years Program. In the Elementary School, we deliver a worldclass educational experience centred on the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards for English and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, presented through
the innovative PYP framework. Students experience a broad Program of learning that develops academic knowledge alongside creativity, physical development, communication and personal growth. These standards provide curriculum consistency across the grades and guide the content we teach to ensure our students are ready for success in Middle School and beyond.
CORE LEARNING
SPECIALIST LEARNING
• English • Mathematics • Science • Arabic • Islamic Education • Inquiry / Social Studies
• Physical Education • Swimming • Creative Arts • Drama • Music • MFL (Grade 5)
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
TECHNOLOGY
• ECAs • Sport • Clubs • Leadership • Trips • Special Events
Devices are used independently and effectively throughout Elementary to support research, creativity and collaboration.
Assessment & Progress New York State Next Generation Standards new and authentic contexts. Parents receive a evaluate students on the knowledge and skills report at the end of each semester outlining they are expected to acquire. At the end of their child’s academic progress, approaches each learning unit, students demonstrate their to learning, and attainment levels across all understanding by applying their knowledge in subjects. 6
Recognized for Excellence The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) rates Universal American School’s overall quality of education as Very Good — a rating the school has held consistently since its first inspection cycle in 2017-18.
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The effective teaching of reading strategies in lessons enables students to improve their comprehension skills with confidence. Numeracy skills are well developed in KG and Elementary through a variety of hands-on activities and mental mathematics practice. Students frequently use technology in the classroom to carry out research that helps them enhance their knowledge and understanding of concepts.
UAS is an IB World School, authorised to deliver the Primary Years Program since 2010, and is accredited by both the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). Since 2018, UAS has been part of the AlFuttaim Education Foundation, which brings stability, long-term stewardship and continued investment in our staff, students and facilities. Our 70,000 sqm purpose-built campus in Dubai Festival City is home to a dedicated Elementary library, science laboratories, two art studios, an indoor multi-sport gymnasium, a swimming pool, natural grass and multi-use sports fields, and a dedicated Discovery Room for our youngest learners.
Students maintain excellent relationships with others because of the caring and nurturing environment of the school.
Proud of our foundations. Universal American School opened in Dubai Festival City in 2005 and has grown into a thriving community of learners from more than 80 nationalities. 7
Learning Through Inquiry Ask. Explore. Discover. Reflect. Children are naturally curious. Our inquiry-based approach gives students opportunities to use that curiosity as a starting point for meaningful learning. Through the PYP framework, students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, make connections, reflect on their learning and apply their understanding.
Our aim is to develop students who are not simply able to recall information, but who can think deeply, make connections and use their learning in meaningful ways.
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The UAS Inquiry Cycle
Inquiry Cycle
From asking the first question to taking meaningful action, students learn through a process of investigation, reflection and discovery.
Six Units of Inquiry
Across the school year, every grade level explores six transdisciplinary themes that connect learning to the wider world:
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Who We Are
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Where We Are in Place and Time
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How We Express Ourselves
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How the World Works
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How We Organize Ourselves
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Sharing the Planet
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English & Literacy
Building powerful readers, writers and communicators.
Strong literacy skills open the door to every area of learning. At UAS, students develop the knowledge, strategies and confidence they need to become capable and enthusiastic readers, writers and communicators. To ensure students are taught the skills and concepts needed to progress in literacy, we use a balanced approach that combines the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Program for phonics. Our approach incorporates the Science of Reading, with explicit teaching of the skills needed for successful reading development, so that every child receives personalised learning tailored to their needs.
PHONICS
FLUENCY
Building secure foundations for reading.
Developing accuracy, automaticity and expression.
VOCABULARY
COMPREHENSION
Building the language needed to understand and communicate ideas.
Learning to understand, analyze and respond to increasingly complex texts.
WRITING Developing ideas, structure, vocabulary and written communication.
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Mathematics
Think mathematically. Solve problems. Explain your thinking.
Mathematics at UAS is about more than getting the right answer. Our mathematics Program provides a rigorous, coherent and engaging experience that focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve new and complex problems. Students develop a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and learn to apply their knowledge to solve problems, reason and communicate their thinking clearly.
UNDERSTAND
APPLY
Build secure conceptual understanding.
Use mathematical knowledge in different situations.
REASON
PROBLEM SOLVE
Explain thinking and make connections.
Use mathematics to tackle unfamiliar challenges. 11
Science & Discovery From questions to discoveries. Science at UAS is an active experience. Students develop scientific knowledge while learning how to question, investigate, analyze evidence and communicate what they discover. To teach science, UAS uses real-life scenarios, hands-on activities and science projects, as these are effective techniques for building lasting understanding. Our Program aligns with the New York State Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), providing students with opportunities to engage with scientific concepts through meaningful investigations and real-world contexts. Our school provides a dedicated science lab, offering students a space to experiment and immerse themselves in the role of scientists, encouraging exploration and discovery in a dynamic learning environment.
ENGAGE
EXPLORE
What do we already know? What do we want to know?
Investigate, test ideas, make observations.
EXPLAIN
ELABORATE
What have we learned? Can we explain it?
How can we use our new learning in different ways?
EVALUATE What have we discovered?
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Arabic, Islamic Education & UAE Identity Rooted in the UAE. Connected to the world.
As an international school in Dubai, we want our students to understand and appreciate the country they call home while developing a broad international perspective.
ARABIC
ISLAMIC EDUCATION
Students receive Arabic instruction through the appropriate Arabic A or Arabic B pathway, developing their communication skills and understanding of Arabic language and culture.
Islamic Education supports students in developing their knowledge and understanding through an age-appropriate Program aligned with the requirements of the UAE.
UAE IDENTITY Across the Elementary experience, students engage with UAE heritage and culture, local traditions and values, national identity, global citizenship and respect for different cultures and perspectives.
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Early Years
Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten 2 — big discoveries start here. The Early Years are a time of enormous growth. At UAS, PreKG, KG1 and KG2 students learn through a combination of play, exploration, purposeful teaching and inquiry, building the foundations for a successful Elementary journey. Our Early Years Program is aligned with the New York Next Generation Standards and focuses on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning and physical development. Children engage in hands-on, play-based learning through transdisciplinary units exploring real-world concepts such as music, architecture and community life. Our Discovery Room enhances this with imaginative play aligned to PYP themes, and students also experience interdisciplinary learning and specialist opportunities as part of their school day.
PLAY Developing social skills, creativity and problem-solving.
DISCOVER Exploring the world through handson experiences.
CONNECT Building relationships, communication and collaboration.
GROW Developing independence, confidence and early academic skills.
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A Day in the Life of a UAS Early Years Learner Play. Learn. Explore. Grow.
Example schedule for PK / KG1 Time
Activity
7:45 – 8:00
Homeroom (Number Corner)
8:00 – 8:30
Morning meeting & Centers (Phonics)
8:35 – 9:05
Arabic
9:05 – 9:35
Snack and Break
9:40 – 10:10
Specialist classes: Creative Arts or PE / Swimming
10:15 – 10:45
Open Inquiry (Indoor, outdoor or Discovery Room)
10:50 – 11:30
Lunch and Break
11:30 – 12:00
Centers (Language, Math or UOI focus)
12:05 – 12:35
Centers (Language, Math or UOI focus)
12:35 – 12:45
Homeroom
12:45
Dismissal
Example schedule for KG2 Time
Activity
7:45 – 8:00
Homeroom (Number Corner)
8:00 – 9:00
Phonics / Writing
9:00 – 9:25
Snack and Break
9:25 – 10:25
Math
10:25 – 11:25
Unit of Inquiry
11:30 – 12:30
Lunch and Break
12:35 – 1:10
Open Inquiry (Indoor, outdoor or Discovery Room)
1:15 – 2:15
Arabic
2:15 – 3:15
Specialist classes: Creative Arts or PE / Swimming
3:15
Dismissal
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Elementary — Grades 1 to 5
Building confident, capable and compassionate learners. Universal American School is committed to educating the whole child by supporting and nurturing every student’s development and learning. During their Elementary experience, students develop important skills such as collaboration, communication and independence, building the foundation they need for success in Middle School and beyond. The UAS Program includes core subjects taught in a homeroom environment — English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Arabic A/B, Islamic A/B, Physical Education — alongside creative classes in music, art and drama.
GRADES 1–2
From learning to independence.
In Grades 1 and 2, students build on their Early Years foundations and become increasingly independent learners.
LITERACY
MATHEMATICS
Reading, writing, vocabulary and comprehension.
Fluency, conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
SCIENCE
INQUIRY
Questioning, investigating and explaining.
Making connections between ideas and the world around us.
COMMUNICATION Sharing ideas clearly and listening to others.
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INDEPENDENCE Making choices and taking responsibility.
GRADES 3–4
Think deeper. Explore further. Grades 3 and 4 are an important stage of the Elementary journey. Students move beyond foundational learning and begin to apply their knowledge in increasingly complex and meaningful ways.
DEEPER COMPREHENSION Understanding and responding to increasingly complex texts.
STRONGER WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Developing ideas, vocabulary, structure and voice.
MATHEMATICAL REASONING
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
Explaining, justifying and applying mathematical thinking.
Planning investigations, analysing evidence and communicating findings.
RESEARCH SKILLS
CRITICAL THINKING
Finding, organising and using information.
Questioning ideas, making connections and considering different perspectives.
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GRADE 5
Confident. Independent. Ready for what’s next. Grade 5 represents the culmination of the Elementary journey. Students are increasingly expected to take ownership of their learning, communicate their ideas with confidence and apply their knowledge independently as they prepare for Middle School.
LEADERSHIP Taking responsibility and contributing to the school community.
INDEPENDENCE Managing learning and responding to increasingly complex challenges.
RESEARCH Investigating questions and developing informed conclusions.
COMMUNICATION Presenting ideas clearly to different audiences.
COLLABORATION Working effectively with others.
CRITICAL THINKING Analysing ideas, making connections and solving problems.
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Ready for what’s next. Grade 5 students leave Elementary as confident, independent learners — ready to think critically, communicate clearly and take on new challenges.
A Day at UAS Elementary A day full of learning, connection and discovery.
ARRIVE & CONNECT Start the day with routines, relationships and readiness to learn.
PLAY & RECHARGE Time to move, connect and reset.
COLLABORATE Work with classmates, communicate ideas and learn from others.
LEARN Build knowledge and skills through explicit teaching and purposeful practice.
EXPLORE Inquiry, science, specialist learning and opportunities to apply new knowledge.
REFLECT Think about learning, celebrate progress and prepare for what comes next.
Example schedule — Grades 1 to 5 Time
Activity
7:45 – 8:00
Homeroom
8:00 – 8:50
Reading / Writing
8:50 – 9:50
Arabic
9:50 – 10:10
Break
10:10 – 11:10
Unit of Inquiry — with a focus on Science or Social Studies
11:10 – 12:10
Math
12:10 – 1:00
Recess / Lunch
1:00 – 2:00
P.E / Music /Art/ Drama
2:00 – 3:00
Moral Education
3:00 – 3:15
Homeroom 19
Assessment & Supporting Every Learner Know where they are. Know where they’re going
Assessment is an important part of understanding how each child is learning. At UAS, assessment helps teachers identify what students know, understand and can do, and use that information to plan the next steps in learning. In Elementary School, assessments are designed to provide continuous feedback that supports effective teaching and learning, and parents receive a report at the end of each semester outlining their child’s academic progress, approaches to learning and attainment levels across all subjects.
ASSESS
UNDERSTAND
Gather information about learning.
Identify strengths and areas for development.
RESPOND
MONITOR
Adapt teaching and provide appropriate support or challenge.
Track progress and adjust next steps.
Challenge. Support. Belong. Every child learns differently. Our teachers use assessment, observation and classroom evidence to understand individual strengths and needs and adapt learning accordingly.
WHEN A CHILD NEEDS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Our Student Services team provides targeted support through intervention, smallgroup teaching, EAL or in-class learning support.
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WHEN A CHILD NEEDS MORE CHALLENGE Students are provided with opportunities for extension, enrichment, deeper thinking and increasingly complex learning.
FOR EVERY CHILD Our classrooms provide differentiation, targeted teaching, small-group learning, challenge and extension, and opportunities for independence.
Wellbeing, Belonging & Safeguarding Happy, safe and ready to learn.
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued and connected. Wellbeing is therefore an essential part of the UAS Elementary experience. UAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student, and our teachers and pastoral teams work closely with families to ensure children feel supported, both in and outside the classroom.
Every child deserves to feel known, valued and supported. At UAS, wellbeing and belonging create the foundation for confident, successful learning.
RELATIONSHIPS
SELF-AWARENESS
Building positive and respectful relationships with others.
Understanding emotions, strengths and areas for growth.
RESILIENCE
INDEPENDENCE
Learning to manage challenges, learn from mistakes and keep going.
Developing the confidence to make choices and take responsibility.
BELONGING
STUDENT VOICE
Feeling valued as an important member of the UAS community.
Having opportunities to express ideas, contribute and take action.
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Specialist Learning Discover more.
Elementary students experience learning beyond the core classroom subjects, developing interests and talents across a broad range of specialist areas.
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ART
DRAMA
Explore materials, techniques and ideas while developing creativity and self-expression.
Build confidence, communication and collaboration through performance and creative exploration.
MUSIC
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Develop musical knowledge, performance skills and appreciation.
Develop physical skills, teamwork, confidence and healthy habits.
SWIMMING
INQUIRY & ENRICHMENT
Develop water confidence and swimming skills.
Apply learning in creative, practical and interdisciplinary contexts.
Leadership, Service & Community Find your voice. Make a difference.
Learning isn’t limited to lessons. At UAS, students are given opportunities to contribute to their community, develop leadership skills and put the school’s values into action.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
SERVICE
Students develop confidence and responsibility through age-appropriate leadership opportunities.
Students learn that their actions can have a positive impact on others.
STUDENT VOICE
UAE HERITAGE
Children are encouraged to share ideas, express their opinions and contribute to their learning community.
Students engage with the culture, history and traditions of the UAE.
SUSTAINABILITY
HOUSE & COMMUNITY
Students explore their responsibility towards the environment and wider community.
Students work together, celebrate achievements and strengthen their sense of belonging.
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Extra-Curricular Activities More ways to discover what they love. The school day is only part of the UAS Elementary experience. Our after-school activities give students opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, build friendships and discover new passions. These opportunities support students’ academic, social, emotional and physical development.
SCALE UP brings together five strands of after-school opportunity:
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The UAS Parent Partnership We work together for your child.
Children thrive when school and home work together. We want parents to feel informed, welcomed and confident in their partnership with their child’s teachers and the wider UAS community.
WE WILL
FAMILIES CAN
• Communicate clearly
• Encourage reading
• Share progress
• Promote independence
• Celebrate success
• Talk about learning
• Listen and respond
• Support strong attendance
• Support wellbeing
• Stay connected
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VISIT US P.O. Box 79133, Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 232 5222 www.uasdubai.ae
FOREVER DRIVEN BY KNOWLEDGE, INSPIRED BY SUCCESS.
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