It has been an absolute privilege to step into the role of Acting Director during this academic year

YEARBOOK 2025-2026

CHAIRMAN’S Message Fadi Hammadeh

Delegate Board Member, Al Futtaim Education Foundation Chairman, Deira International School & Universal American School

I am pleased to welcome you to the Deira International School Yearbook for 2025–2026.

This year was not an easy one for our students, families, and educators. The regional conflict and the uncertainty surrounding it disrupted routines, affected learning environments, and placed emotional strain on many across our community. Yet, it is precisely in such moments that true character reveals itself .

I could not be prouder of how our students responded.

They showed resilience when circumstances were difficult, discipline when focus was challenged, and kindness when others needed support. They continued to strive academically, creatively, and personally, proving that education is not measured only by grades or accolades, but also by the strength of spirit developed along the way.

True character is not forged in comfort. It is forged in hardship, in perseverance, and in moving forward despite uncertainty. This year, our students demonstrated exactly that.

DIS continued to excel across academics, the arts, sports, innovation, and student wellbeing. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our exceptional leadership team, teachers, staff, and supportive families, all working together to ensure every child feels seen, challenged, and cared for.

As we reflect on this year, I hope our students recognize not only what they achieved, but also who they became through the journey. The lessons of resilience, empathy, and courage they developed this year will remain with them far beyond the classroom.

My sincere thanks go to our educators, parents, and our wider school community for their unwavering commitment and partnership. Together, you continue to shape a school culture grounded not only in ambition and excellence, but also in humanity and kindness.

I look forward with great optimism to the years ahead and to seeing our students continue to grow from strength to strength.

Deira International School Board

Mr Fadi Hammadeh Chairman

Ms Mira Al Futtaim

Mr Edward Quinlan

Mr Ian Thurston Director

Mr Chandy Jacob

Dr Farah Sarraj

Ms Kerry Ross Safeguarding & Child Protection Governor

Ms Sarah Benson Inclusion Governor

Mrs Dina Taylor Parent Governor

Mr Stephen Rawson

DIRECTOR’S Message Ian Thurston Director - Deira International School

This yearbook provides an opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful achievements of the past year. It reminds us of the hard work and progress that has been made, but also the events and shared moments. Although I only arrived in Term 3, I have felt the warmth of the community. A community that is driven to be successful but that also enjoys the journey and does so with respect for all. The students thrive in this environment which nurtures their development, academically, socially and emotionally, as well as challenging them to be the best that they can. This year has been one of ambition, resilience and excellence. There has certainly been challenges, but we have overcome them and tough times make us more resilient. The community has come together and our bonds are tighter than ever. There is a sense of confidence and excitement for the future and I am delighted to be a part of this.

Academically, this has been a landmark year for DIS. We were incredibly proud to be placed amongst the top 1% of schools globally for progress across all GCSE subjects, according to ALPS grading; a first in the school’s history.

Alongside this, our students achieved exceptional individual successes, including UAE top marks in English Literature and French, Gulf top marks in English Language and top marks in the world for Additional Mathematics!

Our Primary School were delighted to be recognised as a White Rose Education Champion School, further reflecting the strength of Mathematics teaching and learning across the school, supporting our Year 4 team winning the SBS Maths Challenge! Our graduating students received offers from leading UK universities, including UCL, LSE, St.Andrews, as well as many more across the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. We were especially proud to celebrate multiple full scholarship offers, including NYU Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong University, recognising both the academic excellence and character of our students.

The arts have continued to flourish at DIS. Winning the Education Achievement Awards Music, Art & Drama Department of the Year 2025-26 was a wonderful recognition of the creativity and passion within our school.

Productions such as Oliver Jr!, involving over 100 students, alongside international competition success and growing participation in Drama, Theatre and Music, showcased the incredible talent of our students. Sport, enrichment and outdoor learning have also played an important role this year. From our Sports Days, including the much-loved Super Hero Sports Days in FS and KS1, to residential trips for Years 4, 5 and 6, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and international visits to Kenya, Barcelona and Berlin, our students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and resilience.

Community and sustainability remain central to who we are as a school. Through initiatives such as the Hundred Hives project, further development of Forest School, Parent Share events and joining The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS), we continue to strengthen our commitment to collaboration, wellbeing and environmental responsibility. Events such as World Book Week, Tolerance and Diversity Day, Mental Health Awareness Week and Anti-Bullying Week further reflected the inclusive and caring culture that makes DIS so special.

Finally, I would like to thank our students, staff and parents for the positivity, support and partnership that make this a thriving school community. It is a privilege to join such an ambitious, caring and inspiring school, and I look forward to all that lies ahead.

I wish all of our families a safe, restful and happy summer break.

Executive Leadership Team

Emma Hannon

Gaynor Dale

Secondary Acting Headteacher

Primary Headteacher

As the school year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting with immense pride on what has been a truly remarkable year for our community.

This year has been filled with incredible opportunities and unforgettable experiences. From international trips and inspiring visits to the performing arts and student-led initiatives, our students have embraced every challenge and made the most of each moment. Our community events have brought us all closer together, celebrating the diversity, talent, and spirit that make our school such a vibrant and supportive place to learn and grow.

We are incredibly proud to be part of a multicultural school community with such a strong identity, rooted in the vision, ambition, and positivity of the UAE. This shared sense of purpose is reflected in the way our students learn from one another, respect different perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

I have been continually inspired by the many individual successes we have seen; students pushing boundaries, achieving personal goals, and showing resilience and determination. These accomplishments are a testament not only to their hard work, but also to the encouragement and guidance of our dedicated staff and the ongoing support of our families.

None of this would be possible without the strong sense of partnership that exists within our school community.

Thank you to our parents for the trust you place in us, and for the vital role you play in helping our students thrive.

As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism for what the future holds. I can’t wait to see all that we will achieve together next year.

Katie Edwards Primary Deputy Headteacher

It has been a true privilege to be part of the DIS community this year and to witness our students grow, flourish and thrive. They have consistently embodied our school values, demonstrating kindness, respect and an eagerness to learn, both in school and during periods of online learning. Memorable moments such as Tolerance and Diversity Day and our Union Day celebrations have brought our community together, strengthening a strong sense of belonging and a shared appreciation of the rich cultures within our school.

This year has highlighted the strength of aligned, valuesdriven leadership and, critically, the impact of deep crossphase collaboration across all phases of the school. In navigating periods of complexity, our ability to work cohesively across the school has ensured consistency in expectations, continuity in learning, and a unified experience for our students to ensure that they a fully prepared for the next chapter of their lives. Strategic priorities have continued to move forward with purpose.

What has been most powerful is the collective ownership across all phases; leaders, staff, students, and parents working together with a shared commitment to excellence. This joined-up approach has not only strengthened our response to challenge but has positioned us strongly for continued innovation and whole-school success.

Barry Lomas Secondary Acting Deputy Headteacher

This year has been a powerful reflection of the strength of our pastoral care and wellbeing provision at DIS. Our students have demonstrated amazing resilience and adaptability during a challenging period, continuing to uphold the values of the DIS Way with pride. It has been particularly pleasing to see the positive impact of our behaviour and rewards systems, with students consistently recognised and celebrated for demonstrating our core values.

A key highlight this year has been the launch of the Parent DIS Way, which has strengthened our partnership with families and created a more unified approach to supporting our students. This has further brought our community together, ensuring that students feel supported, recognised and valued both in school and at home.

Together, these elements have helped to create a culture where wellbeing is prioritised, positive behaviour is celebrated and every student is supported to thrive.

Whole School Executive Leadership Team

Helen Wallis

Scarlett Keyworth

Secondary Acting Deputy Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher Student Experience

This year at DIS, our IBDP students have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. Despite finishing the year through distance learning and facing cancelled exams, the Class of 2026 demonstrated maturity, determination, and a strong sense of community. It has been a privilege to witness their growth and celebrate their achievements as they move on to their next chapter.

Eleanor Hickey Head of Inclusion

This year has been an amazing year at DIS for our inclusion team and our students and families. One of the best things about DIS is the way we celebrate each students individual strengths and characteristics.

Aswell as this, it is clear that the teachers and LSAs at this school go the extra mile to support learners no matter their background or abilities, meaning all of our students feel supported, celebrated and happy in their learning.

I am so proud to be part of a school where everyone feels valued and honored that the families have trusted us with their child's educational journey.

Another incredible year at DIS! A year defined by resilience, change, and opportunities for growth. After 9 years of serving this community, I look back fondly on everything we have achieved together and how we have continued to thrive as one united community.

I am especially proud of our Tolerance and Diversity Day, where our parents, teachers, and students so beautifully represented their cultures and shared who they are with generosity, pride, and authenticity.

Equally, the pride I feel for our Student Leadership Team is immeasurable. Our young leaders continue to inspire, advocate for DIS, and support one another with remarkable grace, compassion, and humanity.

Performing Arts has gone from strength to strength this year, culminating in our achievement of the “Music, Arts and Drama Department of the Year” award at the Education Achievement Awards 2025. A truly welldeserved recognition for an exceptional year. Oliver! was a remarkable testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work our students demonstrate every single day within the Performing Arts classrooms. The passion, creativity, and commitment shown throughout the production reflected the very best of our school community and the bright future of Performing Arts at DIS. As I say goodbye, there is certainly sadness in my heart. Yet I know DIS will continue to achieve amazing things, and I will always carry a part of the great, one and only DIS with me.

Iman Fattoum Head of MOE Subjects

Nicholas Bloom Head of AI Development & Assessment lead

This year, Arabic and Islamic Studies truly came to life across our school through engaging learning experiences, cultural celebrations, Quran competitions, reading initiatives, and opportunities that strengthened our students’ connection to the Arabic language and Islamic values. We are incredibly proud of our students, parents, and staff, who embraced change with positivity and adaptability while continuing to maintain the highest standards of learning and achievement. Together, we have created a thriving and supportive environment where language, faith, and identity continue to inspire confidence, character, and success in every learner.

This year has shown that while AI is opening exciting new possibilities for teaching, learning and creativity, it is the curiosity, expertise and commitment of our teachers and students that truly bring innovation to life. At DIS, we are proud to be a community that embraces the future with confidence, compassion and ambition, while keeping people, relationships and learning at the heart of everything we do.

Extended Executive Leadership Team

Michael Taylor

Sheikh Iqbal

Primary Assistant Headteacher

Secondary Assistant Headteacher - Academics

What a year it has been, and the strength of our community has been the constant that has carried us through. From the smiles of our Year 6 residential to Al Ain to our Year 1 students leading inspiring journeys into recycling, our learners have shown what it means to live our values every day.

Outdoor learning has been a real highlight, reminding us that the most powerful classrooms often have no walls.

Across every year group, I have watched our children approach each opportunity with curiosity, kindness and care.

Above all, this year has reaffirmed our shared commitment to creating a better future for all. Thank you to our pupils, families and staff for coming together to make DIS the special place it is.

This year began by celebrating outstanding results at both GCSE and IB, setting a tone of success and ambition across the school. However, what has truly defined this year is the strength of the DIS community in the face of challenge. Students, staff, and families have come together with a shared sense of purpose, supporting one another throughout.

Beyond the results, it is the resilience of our students that stands out most. Their determination to keep working hard, to adapt, and to maintain exceptionally high standards despite uncertainty has been remarkable. This collective spirit, commitment, and perseverance are what have made this year so special.

Charlotte Tibbetts

Pete McLoughlin

Primary Assistant Headteacher

Primary Assistant Headteacher

What a year it has been at Deira International School!

Through every moment of it, the wellbeing of our wonderful students and staff has remained at the heart of everything we do; from the learning that takes place inside and outside the classroom to the incredible residentials that have created memories to last a lifetime.

It has been truly wonderful to watch our students grow in confidence, character and ability this year. Our journey of growth is a testament to the warm, supportive and caring community we continue to build together.

As we look back on this remarkable year, I am filled with immense pride at how our students have navigated their educational journey with such determination, creativity, and excellence.

They have continuously pushed themselves to strive for more, creating life-long memories along the way. From the unforgettable adventures shared at school camps to the impressive parental shares (such as the Year 5 ocean conservation exhibition) our students have truly shone.

A particular highlight has been the leadership of our amazing Heritage Heroes. They have represented our school with distinction, performing at major events like Union Day, leading UAE-themed assemblies and even launching their own website to celebrate and share news from the DIS Emirati community.

It has been a year of connection, growth and achievement.

Associate Assistant Headteacher’s

George Stroud Yr 11 Performance Lead

What a year it has been at Deira International School.

When the shift to online learning came, I watched our entire community - students, staff, and families - all pull together in a way that was genuinely moving. But it is our Year 11 students who have impressed me most.

Facing one of the most important years of their school lives against such an unpredictable backdrop, they met every challenge with focus, maturity, and heart. This cohort is something special - and the achievements they carry forward from this year are entirely their own.

Kieran Birrell

Daniel Kilsby Associate Head Teacher & Primary Lead for STEM & Science

This year has been filled with exciting learning, creativity and meaningful action across the school community. In Science, students loved taking part in hands-on practical investigations and enjoyed an inspiring STEAM Fortnight, where they designed screen-free toys focused on supporting wellbeing and creativity.

We have continued to embed Sustainability throughout the curriculum using the UN Good Life Goals, helping students understand how they can make a positive impact through everyday learning and actions. From Earth Day and Waste Wise Week to the World Book Day Clothes Swap and our Eco Warriors leading the launch of our new hydroponics system, students have shown incredible passion and leadership in creating a more sustainable future.

We have also continued to expand opportunities for outdoor learning, using our plentiful outdoor spaces to boost engagement and wellbeing. The rollout of Forest School across Years 1–6 has also been a huge success and a firm student favourite, with its hands-on sessions helping children develop new skills while becoming more connected to the natural world around them.

Head of Computing & Educational Technology

This year has been a landmark one for educational technology at Deira International School, and for me, it marks seven years of shaping this journey. Our BYOD approach has remained consistent, but what has truly evolved is how effectively technology is now used to enhance teaching and learning.

The focus is no longer on the device, but on impact. Students are confident, independent users of technology, selecting the right tools to think deeply, create, and solve problems. Microsoft 365, alongside Seesaw in Primary and Early Years and EdQwest in IB, provides a consistent and structured digital learning experience across the school.

Artificial Intelligence has been a standout success. Through AI Week and our AI working parties, we have built a strong, cross-school approach where ideas are shared and practice continues to improve. Staff do not just adopt new technology, they actively refine it and showcase best practice, creating a genuine culture of innovation.

Our response to online learning further highlighted this strength, with high-quality live lessons, strong asynchronous provision, and the successful delivery of iGCSE assessments through Exam.net.

After seven years, I am incredibly proud of what we have built. DIS is a hotbed of innovation, where educational technology is used with clarity, purpose, and impact.

Looking ahead, I am excited for what comes next as we continue to move from consumers to creators of technology.

Watch this space!

Student Leadership Team

Zuhair Noorani

Martha Bourn

Head Boy

Head Girl

‘Through my tenure as Head Boy, the SLT taught me how to lead with grace, host with poise, and strategise with creativity and innovation. The opportunity to be able to lead a community of diverse, intellectual and aspiring minds is something I will always have immense gratitude for.’

‘Being Head Girl gave me the chance to be part of a team that made my last two years at DIS so enjoyable and memorable. From planning events to simply spending time together, every experience felt more fun because of the people I shared it with. The friendships and memories I made through the role are something I will always carry with me, and they are a huge reason why my memories of DIS will always feel so positive and unforgettable’.

Mohamed Alassar

Bashayer Al Alawi

Deputy Head Boy

Deputy Head Girl

‘Being Deputy Head Boy has taught me many things. Whether that was through exposing myself to different scenarios where my problem-solving skills were put to the test, or working in a wonderful team. For the past 2 years this role has shaped and sculpted the aspiring leader I hope to become one day. Having a platform to voice opinions to benefit the students was also something I really enjoyed about my role. I was put in a position where discipline and responsibility went hand in hand. This role is one of the reasons these past 2 years in DIS have been so fun and is something I am very proud’.

‘Being Deputy Head Girl has been one of the most rewarding parts of my school journey. It gave me the chance to take on real responsibility, represent students, and be part of decisions that shape our school. From helping organise events to working closely with both students and teachers, every moment pushed me to grow in confidence and leadership. More than anything, it’s the people and the shared experiences I’ll remember most. This role wasn’t just about leading, it was about learning, growing, and making a difference’.

Mohsin Kanji Head of School Council

‘Serving as Head of the School Council this year has been one of the most meaningful parts of my school journey. Leading a team, spanning from Year 7 to Year 12, who were all dedicated to representing student voices taught me the value of initiative, collaboration, and responding to the needs of our school. From launching new ideas like the inter-school MUN debate team to working closely with students and staff when leading the IB Café renovation, I’m proud of what we achieved together. Most importantly, I came to realize that leadership is never about “me versus you,” but about the power of “we”’.

Primary School

Message from Primary Headteacher

Gaynor Dale

As we reflect on another remarkable year at Deira International School, I am filled with an immense sense of pride in what our Primary community has achieved together. This has been a year that has both tested and strengthened us; one where challenges have required resilience, adaptability, and above all, unity. Through it all, our shared commitment to our values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence has remained unwavering.

Like many schools, we have navigated periods of uncertainty and change, requiring us to think differently about how we deliver learning and maintain connection. Whether through distance learning, hybrid models, or our return to campus, our staff, students, and families have shown incredible flexibility and determination. What has stood out most is the strength of our community spirit; the way in which we have supported one another, communicated openly, and worked in partnership to ensure that every child continues to thrive.

This year has also been one of continued innovation and growth. We have proudly sustained and expanded key initiatives such as our Forest School programme, which continues to offer our students rich opportunities to connect with nature, develop resilience, and build independence beyond the classroom. Alongside this, we have made significant strides in enhancing our use of Artificial Intelligence to support teaching and learning. From personalised learning experiences to supporting creativity and critical thinking, our thoughtful integration of AI reflects our commitment to preparing students for an ever-evolving world.

At the heart of everything we do is a curriculum that is both forward-thinking and deeply relevant; designed to inspire curiosity, foster a love of learning, and equip our students with the skills they need for the future. This is underpinned by consistently high-quality teaching and learning, driven by a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and reflective practice among our staff.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our exceptional teachers, the enthusiasm and positivity of our students, and the continued support of our parents. Together, we have not only navigated the complexities of this year but have built even stronger foundations for the future.

As we look ahead, we do so with confidence, optimism, and a continued commitment to excellence. DIS Primary is, and always will be, a place where community matters, where innovation thrives, and where every child is empowered to succeed.

Foundation Stage 1

Wesal Adham Year Group Lead

FS1 has had a wonderful year filled with fun, friendship, and meaningful learning. Our teachers are incredibly proud of the progress each child has made. Each day has been an exciting journey, and we have truly enjoyed every moment of learning, playing, and growing together. The kindness and care shown between the children have made our classroom a happy and supportive place to be.

This year, we also had the opportunity to explore beyond the classroom with a very exciting trip to Mushrif Park. We had a fantastic time connecting with nature, exploring the playgrounds, and enjoying the outdoors. The children loved exploring natural materials, rolling down the hills, visiting the petting zoo, and sharing a picnic together. We also came together as a team during special events such as Sports Day, where we cheered each other on, and Tolerance and Diversity Day, where we proudly shared projects about our home countries. We also had a wonderful time during our Robots and AI Week, where the children created robots using junk modelling materials and then transformed them into realistic designs using AI, which was a very exciting and engaging experience for everyone. These experiences have supported the development of our communication and language skills, as well as a deeper appreciation for different cultures. Celebrating Book Week with creative costumes was another highlight of the year.

Our corridor painting area has been a wonderful space for developing both gross motor and creative skills, helping to prepare the children for writing in FS2. Using large brushes and painting on big surfaces has allowed them to stretch and move their arms freely, strengthening the muscles needed for pencil control and letter formation.

From imaginative role play to building creative structures, independent learning time has been full of exciting opportunities. The children have also developed important self-regulation skills during Wellbeing sessions, learning how to support both themselves and their peers. It has been a truly memorable year, and we look forward to seeing all that FS2 will bring.

Class Photos

Foundation Stage 2

Claire Heylin

Year Group Lead

FS2 have had another truly memorable year, full of curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning. Our teachers are incredibly proud of the progress each child has made, not only academically but also in their confidence, independence, and friendships. Each day brought new opportunities to explore, discover, and grow together, and our classrooms have been filled with kindness, laughter, and a strong sense of belonging.

Throughout the year, we enjoyed a wide range of exciting experiences that brought our learning to life. Our visit to Squid Studio sparked our interest in science, where we explored and experimented with great enthusiasm. We were also lucky enough to visit Forest School, where we embraced the outdoors, built resilience, and developed our curiosity about the natural world. One of the highlights of the year was our Superhero Sports Day, where we showed teamwork, determination, and cheered each other on with great spirit.

Celebrations played a big part in our year. We had wonderful fun during Tolerance and Diversity Day and Union Day, where we learned about and appreciated the many cultures within our school community. World Book Day was another special occasion, inspiring a love of stories and imagination across the year group.

Our topics sparked creativity and excitement in so many ways. From caring for our dragon eggs to taking part in a treasure hunt during our space topic, the children fully immersed themselves in their learning. They particularly enjoyed using Beebots to explore early coding skills and loved creating their own AI characters, showing impressive imagination and problem-solving skills.

In phonics, the children have made outstanding progress, and our use of Monster Phonics has been a huge success this year. The children have developed into confident readers and writers, showing great enthusiasm during lessons and pride in their work.

It has been wonderful to see their growing ability to apply their phonics knowledge independently in both reading and writing.

During independent learning time, the children have shown fantastic creativity—from role play and storytelling to building and designing their own creations. Alongside this, they have developed important self-regulation skills, learning how to manage their emotions and support one another with care and empathy.

Overall, it has been a very special year in FS2. We are so proud of each and every child and all that they have achieved. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish as they move on to their next exciting adventure in Year One.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 1

Dapinder Kaur Year Group Lead

What an amazing year we have had in Year 1! The children have shown enthusiasm, resilience, and a real love for learning throughout their journey. The transition from FS2 to Year 1 has been smooth and successful. Our classrooms were transformed into engaging play-based learning environments, where children developed key curriculum skills through provision areas such as the Architect Hub, Art Smart Studio, and Maths Station. This allowed for a gradual and supportive shift towards more formal learning, helping pupils to build confidence and independence.

This year also marked the first time our Year 1 pupils experienced the wonderful outdoors through Forest School. The children embraced these sessions with excitement, exploring nature, developing their curiosity, and building confidence in a new environment. Through hands-on activities, they learned important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, while also developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

A key highlight of the year was our exciting trip to Dubai Safari Park, which linked closely to our Science topic, Paws, Claws and Whiskers. This experience brought learning to life, enabling pupils to observe and classify animals, explore habitats, and understand how animals survive. It also connected to our big question, “Can robots help us look after animals?”, encouraging children to think about how technology can support animal care, conservation, and sustainability. During this topic, pupils used AI to bring their robot creations to life, designing both land and sea robots to help protect our planet.

We also celebrated many exciting events across the year. Superhero Sports Day was a fantastic success, where pupils developed teamwork, sportsmanship, and a sense of healthy competition. Special celebrations such as Union Day and World Book Day enriched their learning experiences and encouraged cultural awareness and a love of reading. A standout moment was our 100 Days of School celebration, where pupils explored a range of activities centred around the number 100, including decorating and painting T-shirts to mark this milestone.

Our class mascot, Karim the Camel, has enjoyed many wonderful adventures alongside the pupils, celebrating their achievements linked to our learner attributes such as Archie Achiever and Esha Explorer. This has been a lovely way to recognise the children’s efforts and successes both in and out of the classroom.

As we reflect on this fantastic year, we are incredibly proud of the resilience the children have shown, the progress they have made, and the strong friendships they have built. It has been a year full of growth, creativity, and memorable experiences, and we are excited to see the children continue to thrive in their next chapter.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 2

Rachael Hogan Year Group Lead

What a memorable and rewarding year it has been in Year 2! Throughout the year, we have embraced opportunities to question, explore, and grow, building confidence and independence along the way. From creative projects to hands-on learning experiences, each moment has helped shape us into curious and enthusiastic learners.

Our young risk takers embraced exciting challenges during our topic ‘What would life be like without inventors?’ We explored important inventions from the past and reflected on how they have shaped the world we live in today. Using AI, we designed and created our own modern forms of transport, thinking innovatively and pushing our imaginations further. We even wrote persuasive letters to Toyota, sharing our ideas and encouraging them to bring our designs to life, demonstrating confidence and real world application of our learning.

In our topic ‘What is happening under the sea?’ we explored the beauty and importance of our oceans, as well as the challenges they face. We developed a strong understanding of ocean pollution and discovered ways we can help protect marine life.

Our learning was proudly shared during a wonderful parent showcase, where we presented our work and wore creative ocean themed costumes made from recyclable materials.

Minecraft continued to inspire our learning as we collaborated to build imaginative worlds together. This year, it also supported our science investigations, allowing us to explore ideas in an interactive and engaging way while strengthening our teamwork and problem solving skills.

Wellbeing remained a key focus throughout the year, with our learning centred around the Zones of Regulation. Through activities such as writing and drawing, we explored strategies to help us recognise, understand, and manage our emotions in different situations.

Throughout the year, the children have truly lived our school values, showing respect towards others and the environment, acting with integrity in their learning, expressing creativity in their ideas, and always aiming for excellence. It has been wonderful to see them grow into confident speakers, thoughtful learners, and caring individuals.

Year 2 has been a year filled with exploration, progress, and memorable experiences, and we are incredibly proud of everything the children have achieved. We wish them every success in the next stage of their journey and hope this yearbook serves as a special reminder of their time in Year 2.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 3

Jenna Tomlinson Year Group Lead

What an incredible journey this year has been for our Year 3 learners!

From developing independence to embracing creativity and critical thinking, they have approached every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. The Year 3 teaching team has loved guiding and supporting them, and we are so proud of the progress and confidence they have shown as the year comes to a close.

Our young explorers have had an unforgettable time during Forest School, which has been a true highlight of the year. From learning how to safely build fires and roast marshmallows to testing their balance and resilience on the slackline, the children embraced every opportunity with excitement. It was wonderful to see their creativity shine as they found inventive ways to move across the line, and of course, getting muddy and fully immersed in nature brought endless joy and laughter to every session.

Dino Discovery Day was another standout experience, where the children became archaeologists tasked with solving the mystery of a dinosaur discovered in school. They investigated clues such as “dino droppings,” measured footprints to scale, and even consulted experts using AI to support their findings. Their curiosity and teamwork were truly impressive. To bring their discoveries to life, they then stepped into the role of reporters, filming and editing their own news reports on Canva. Watching these together as a class was a fantastic way to celebrate their creativity and hard work.

The children also thoroughly enjoyed celebrating UAE culture during National Day. They took great pride in dressing in traditional attire and participating in activities that explored the rich heritage and traditions of the UAE, showing respect and enthusiasm throughout the day.

Our Year 3 learners further impressed us with their entrepreneurial spirit during the Robots project, where they designed and built their own sustainable robots. Using AI to refine and reimagine their ideas, they demonstrated innovation, problem-solving, and creativity.

Throughout the year, strong friendships have blossomed, and the children have supported one another with kindness, teamwork, and perseverance. From collaborative projects to shared laughter, each day has been filled with growth and discovery. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to shine in the next stage of their journey!

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 4

Vanessa Evangelista Year Group Lead

Year 4 has been a truly exciting journey of discovery, creativity, and growth. From the very beginning of the year, our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge themselves.

A standout highlight was our unforgettable residential camp, where students developed their independence, resilience, and teamwork through a range of adventurous outdoor activities. It was wonderful to see their confidence flourish as they supported one another and stepped outside of their comfort zones.

Our Chocolate topic brought learning to life in the most delicious way. From exploring the journey of cacao beans to designing and making their own chocolate creations, students combined creativity with scientific understanding and design skills. This hands-on experience allowed them to fully immerse themselves in their learning.

Innovation has also been at the heart of our classroom this year, with AI integrated to support and enhance learning. Through our new AI classroom, students have explored what it means to be learners of the future, using technology thoughtfully to research, create, and reflect, while developing important skills for the world ahead.

Outdoor learning has continued to be a favourite through our Forest School sessions, where students built resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while connecting with nature. They challenged themselves physically and collaboratively, with highlights including making fires and cooking pancakes.

Our final topic, Pokémon, has sparked excitement across the curriculum, from story writing in English to exploring the world in Geography and making links in Science.

Our Romulus and Pokéball challenges throughout the year have also added a sense of fun and friendly competition across the classes.

It has been a joy to watch this group of students grow into confident, curious, and collaborative learners. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved so far and look forward to celebrating even more successes in the months ahead.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 5

Rebecca Anderson Year Group Lead

What an incredible year it has been for our Year 5 students. From exploring the vastness of space to developing real-world survival skills, this year has been defined by curiosity, challenge, and memorable experiences.

Our journey began with ‘The Space Race’, where students were inspired by the achievements of astronauts and deepened their understanding of scientific discovery and innovation. This curiosity continued through ‘Save Our Seas’, where pupils explored environmental issues and considered their role in protecting our oceans. This led to an exciting and inspiring Ocean Conversation Expo event, which many parents attended.

During ‘I’m a Survivor’, students developed practical survival skills through forest school experiences, building resilience, independence, and confidence as they worked collaboratively and adapted to new challenges. This sense of determination carried into our ‘Vicious Vikings’ topic, where history was brought to life through exploration of Viking culture, raids, and settlements, alongside rich opportunities for creative and analytical thinking.

Energy and excitement were high during ‘Goals Galore’, where learning was linked to the World Cup. Students embraced teamwork, competition, and global awareness, showing enthusiasm both in and beyond the classroom.

A true highlight of the year was our residential trip to Khor Fakkan. Students stepped outside their comfort zones, strengthened friendships, and demonstrated resilience through a range of outdoor and team-building activities. It was a defining experience that captured the spirit of the year.

Throughout these experiences, our Year 5 students have shown curiosity, courage, and a strong commitment to their learning. It has been a pleasure to see them grow both academically and personally, and we are confident they will carry this same determination and enthusiasm into Year 6.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 6

Terry Gibson

Year Group Lead

What a memorable and rewarding year it has been for Year 6 at Deira International School. Throughout the year, the children have shown tremendous growth both academically and personally, developing into confident, thoughtful and resilient young people who are ready for the exciting transition to secondary school. Across a wide range of learning experiences, they have consistently demonstrated our Learner Attributes and taken pride in striving to achieve their very best. This was particularly evident during the period of online learning, when the children once again showed their resilience and principled natures.

A true highlight of the year was our residential trip to Al Ain Adventure, where the children embraced new challenges with enthusiasm, courage and maturity. Whether tackling adventurous activities, supporting one another as a team or stepping outside their comfort zones, they represented the school superbly. It was wonderful to see friendships strengthen, confidence flourish and so many children discover new strengths in themselves.

In the classroom, Year 6 have approached learning with curiosity and determination.

From thought-provoking discussions and creative writing opportunities to collaborative projects and problem-solving challenges, they have impressed us with their ability to think critically and work independently. Their positive attitude towards learning and willingness to persevere has been a pleasure to witness.

Beyond the classroom, the year group has been actively involved in a variety of exciting events and opportunities. From sporting competitions and performances to leadership roles and whole-school celebrations, the children have contributed with energy and pride. Sports Day once again showcased their teamwork, resilience and house spirit, while many others have excelled in competitions and enrichment activities throughout the year.

It has been a privilege to teach and support this wonderful group of children. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and the way they have grown as individuals.

We wish every member of Year 6 continued success and happiness as they begin the next stage of their journey, and we know they will leave a lasting positive impression as they move into Secondary School and beyond.

Class Photos

Class Photos

Primary Academics

Natasha Prouse Primary Art Teacher

It’s been a vibrant and creative year in the Art Room, filled with imagination and exploration. Students across the school have worked with a wide range of materials, including paint, oil pastels, clay, collage and drawing, experimenting with different techniques and styles. They have also been inspired by a variety of well-known artists from around the world, helping to broaden their understanding of art and culture. Over the year, ideas have flourished, skills have developed and confidence has grown.

Here are just some of the exciting experiences each year group has enjoyed: Year 1 explored the work of Paul Klee They created imaginative collage animals and colourful flower collages. They also developed their drawing skills through animal sketches and produced still life artwork inspired by Paul Cézanne’s fruit plates.

Year 2 embraced colour and creativity by painting flamingos using paint and oil pastels, learning how to blend colours effectively. They explored the colour wheel, created tone and shade through fun ice cream designs, made vibrant collage fish and experimented with pixel-style artwork inspired by Van Gogh.

Year 3 focused on developing mark-making techniques through detailed turtle drawings. They combined creativity and imagination in robot drawings and designed their own ‘ideal robot’ using collage.

Year 4 explored texture and layering through rich rainforest paintings, building depth and atmosphere in their work. They also studied Frida Kahlo, creating striking black and white portrait pieces inspired by her unique style.

Year 5 looked beyond our world with space-themed paintings and drawings, capturing movement and colour. They worked with clay to create detailed fish sculptures and applied mark-making techniques to design their own footballs.

Year 6 drew inspiration from history and nature, designing and painting traditional Greek pots. They used oil pastels to create vibrant toucan artwork and produced detailed butterfly paintings, showcasing their growing control and artistic maturity.

It has been a fantastic year of creativity, curiosity and expression, with every student contributing to the lively and inspiring atmosphere of the Art Room.

Kieran Birrell Head of Computing Digital Education Lead

This year has been a landmark one for educational technology at Deira International School, and for me, it marks seven years of shaping this journey.

Our BYOD approach has remained consistent, but what has truly evolved is how effectively technology is now used to enhance teaching and learning.

The focus is no longer on the device, but on impact. Students are confident, independent users of technology, selecting the right tools to think deeply, create, and solve problems. Microsoft 365, alongside Seesaw in Primary and Early Years and EdQwest in IB, provides a consistent and structured digital learning experience across the school.

Artificial Intelligence has been a standout success. Through AI Week and our AI working parties, we have built a strong, cross-school approach where ideas are shared and practice continues to improve. Staff do not just adopt new technology, they actively refine it and showcase best practice, creating a genuine culture of innovation.

Our response to online learning further highlighted this strength, with highquality live lessons, strong asynchronous provision, and the successful delivery of iGCSE assessments through Exam.net.

After seven years, I am incredibly proud of what we have built. DIS is a hotbed of innovation, where educational technology is used with clarity, purpose, and impact.

Looking ahead, I am excited for what comes next as we continue to move from consumers to creators of technology. Watch this space!

Steve Jeanne-Rose Primary French Teacher

This year in French, children have been enthusiastically developing their language skills through a variety of engaging and interactive activities. A highlight was “The French Café,” where pupils took part in a crepe workshop and practised ordering food in French, building confidence in real-life conversational scenarios.

Throughout the year, students also explored France and its rich culture, gaining an appreciation for traditions, food, and daily life. Learning was supported through interactive apps and games such as ‘Linguascope’, which helped reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation in a fun and accessible way.

Children were encouraged to tackle a range of challenges, including cross-curricular activities that linked French with subjects like maths and computing. These opportunities allowed them to apply their learning in different contexts, strengthening both their language skills and their overall confidence.

Year 6 students have recently begun their journey into learning Spanish. They have explored basic vocabulary, greetings, numbers, and simple sentence structures, while also making meaningful connections to their existing knowledge of French.

Through comparing similarities in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, students have developed a deeper understanding of how languages relate to one another. They have been introduced to the idea of language families, discovering that both Spanish and French come from the Romance language family, which evolved from Latin.

Exploring the history of these languages has helped students appreciate how culture, migration, and history shape the way people communicate around the world.

Stuart Gibson Head of Primary Performing Arts

Primary Performing Arts is at the heart of our school community, inspiring creativity, confidence and excellence from FS1 through to Year 6. Through high-energy, innovative and expertly delivered lessons in drama, music and dance, students develop essential life skills including communication, teamwork and resilience. Our enriched curriculum programme empowers children to perform, create and lead with confidence; both on stage and beyond the classroom.

This year, students embraced a wide range of high-profile performance opportunities, including DIS Dance performing at the Coca Cola Arena, DIS Junior choir performing at Choir Fest M.E along with Assembly Music, West End Stage workshops and the Autumn Fest. A defining highlight was the spectacular June 2026 production of Annie Jr, where over 50 students performed to captivated audiences, delivering confident, polished performances that reflected months of dedication and teamwork.

As we celebrate a year of outstanding achievements, Primary Performing Arts continues to shape confident, expressive and courageous young people.

Through the arts, our students can discover their potential, find their voice and step forward as the creative leaders of tomorrow under the guidance and talent of Mr Gibson and his team.

Sam Ottley Head of Physical Education

It has been another action-packed year in Primary PE, with the introduction of our new PE curriculum focusing on the MOVE, THINK, and CONNECT threads.

These have helped to develop students’ physical competence, knowledge and understanding, as well as their teamwork and collaboration skills through a range of different sports and physical activities.

We saw Term 1 kick off with the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, with students, staff, and parents coming together to celebrate movement by taking part in a range of exciting competitions and activities. Term 2 saw the return of the student-favourite FS and KS1 Superhero Sports Day. Students took part in a range of exciting competitions and challenges, showcasing their superpowers!

KS2 students also battled it out in their Interhouse Sports Day, competing in both individual and team events while demonstrating teamwork, and excellence!

Term 3 was all about resilience and staying active as we found ourselves online for PE! Students showed great creativity through gymnastics, dance, and fitness lessons, maintaining their activity levels and promoting health and wellbeing.

In addition to our PE curriculum, students have taken part in a wide range of sporting CCAs and DASSA fixtures throughout the year. From football and basketball to swimming and athletics, our students represented the school with enthusiasm, determination, and excellent sportsmanship.

It has been fantastic to see so many students develop their confidence, skills, and passion for physical activity across the year. We are incredibly proud of all their achievements and look forward to another exciting year of sport and PE ahead!

Primary

Student Experience

Joe Lynch Beddows Primary Student Experience Lead

The Primary Student Experience is the ‘bread and butter’ of our community in the Primary School at DIS, from House and Events to Student Leadership, to CAS and Curriculum Development. Huge moments from the year include our House Assemblies, and this year we even got to experience the House ‘Sorting Hat’ performing its magic on stage. It was a pleasure to share our exciting House system with other schools around the UAE, inviting them in to see Kelso dancing on stage and to see which House was the greatest earner so far. Let’s see who will win at the end of this year, will it still be called the Falcon Cafeteria, or will there be a change?

Tolerance and Diversity Day was the pinnacle in celebrating our differing cultures, dressing up in our country’s clothing, and sharing the tasty delights of our cuisines while watching the performances of our communities from around the world. Union Day shared the beauty of Arabic artwork where all our primary students worked with the Arabic and Islamic teams to learn of the history of the union. In our continually developing curriculum, the children also enjoyed our ‘AI Week’, where year groups worked together to build, style, create and produce incredible works of art, products and ideas, with the help of technology.

Our House team have continued bringing the fun, the energy and the competitions throughout the academic year. Mr Sayer (Head of Falcon), Mr Jones (Head of Saluki), Ms Kilty (Head of Tahr) and Ms Jeffrey (Head of Oryx) have been leading the charge on earning house points across the school, and the children have enjoyed October’s 30x30 activities, the Wellbeing Smiles competition and many other chances to earn ‘big’ for their House and their House point booklets. The House Team have led our amazing House Captains in Year 6, who have streamlined our House point collection strategy and have organised our Gold Shop and Emerald Markets!

Our Student Leadership teams have continued to grow from strength to strength this year. The Student Council led by Ms Ola and Ms Nosiba were re-elected by the primary children and teachers, to bring positive change to the school. This year, they have pioneered the ‘Thank you Ramadan’ event; ran an engaging stall at Tolerance & Diversity Day; they have even been hosting lunch time activities to engage our youngest learners. Mr Kilsby has been cleaning up with the Eco Warriors; Ms Jeffrey and Ms Smith have been ‘checking-in’ with our students at breaktimes with the Wellbeing Warriors; Mr Birrell has been seeing where technology can take us with the AI & Digital Leaders; Mr McLoughlin has been keeping the spirit of the union alive with our Heritage Heroes; Ms Michaela has all the books at the ready with our Reading Ambassadors too!

What a year! The Primary Student Experience is one we are very proud of at DIS and we thank every member of our community for the energy, vibe and celebration that you not only bring, but continue to enjoy with us too.

Falcon Daniel Sayer Head of Falcon

As I complete my fourth year as Head of Falcon, I am once again filled with pride at everything our house team has accomplished. The Falcons have continued to show determination, enthusiasm, and excellent cooperation throughout the year, making this another memorable chapter in our journey. Across a wide range of events and competitions, our students have represented Falcons with commitment and spirit. Whether taking part in creative challenges such as Smile, Ramadan Art, Book Trailer, and Computing, or participating in sporting events such as 30x30, the children have approached every opportunity with resilience, positivity, and a determination to do their best. A particular success was the Smile competition, where Falcons achieved both first and third place, a fantastic accomplishment that reflected the creativity, effort, and dedication of the students involved. It has been wonderful to see the pride the children take in representing their house and the encouragement they show towards one another. Another outstanding achievement has been the effort made by Falcons in earning house points. Week after week, students have demonstrated dedication through hard work, positive behaviour, and perseverance, leading to many celebrations as Falcons were recognised for their efforts. This has been a wonderful reflection of the commitment shown by every member of the house.

Our student leaders have also played a key part in the success of Falcons. House Captains Inayat and Jawaher, alongside Deputy House Captain Dalida, have worked exceptionally well together. They have carried out their responsibilities with confidence, ensuring house points were collected efficiently and making announcements on the school tannoy with enthusiasm. Their leadership and commitment have made them excellent role models for the rest of the house. This year has once again shown what makes Falcons such a strong team: unity, perseverance, and pride. Every student has contributed to the house’s achievements, and together they have accomplished so much. I am incredibly proud of all that Falcons have achieved this year and look forward to seeing the house continue to flourish in the future.

Oryx Kate Jeffrey Head of Oryx This year has been an exceptional one for Oryx House, marked by dedication, teamwork and a strong commitment to our school’s learner attributes. Oryx students have consistently demonstrated what it means to be active, responsible members of our community - earning an impressive number of house points and successfully completing their house point booklets.

One of my favourite standout moments of the year was during the 30x30 Opening Ceremony, where Oryx students proudly claimed victory in the ‘Line Up Challenge’. With the highest number of participants lined up in the allotted time, they showcased outstanding communication and collaboration.

Throughout the year, Oryx students have actively participated in a wide range of competitions, including Wellbeing, Computing and Islamic Art. During the Primary EcoWarriors competition, students demonstrated a commitment to protecting our environment. By consistently using reusable water bottles and reducing waste, Oryx House earned the highest points - proving that small, everyday actions can make a big difference.

Oryx staff have matched this energy and commitment shown by our students. They were the proud winners of the Staff 30x30 lunchtime challenges, with the highest participation week after week, which reflects their team spirit. Not stopping there, they also triumphed in the staff rowing competition, achieving the greatest number of metres rowed due to their dedication and resilience.

It has been wonderful to see both students and staff working together to contribute towards our house’s achievements, making it a year full of memorable successes and meaningful contributions. Well done Oryx!

Saluki Aled Jones Head of Saluki

It’s been a truly fantastic year.

I am incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved and of every single student who has taken part in the wide range of challenges and opportunities throughout the year. The energy, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by Saluki House have been outstanding from start to finish, and it has been a pleasure to watch so many of you grow in confidence and character. From the excitement and determination displayed during Sports Day, where students demonstrated excellent effort, resilience and true sportsmanship, to the positivity and kindness shown throughout the Smiles Competition, Saluki students have consistently represented the very best of our school values.

The dedication shown during the 30x30 Saluki participation challenge has been particularly impressive. Many of you fully embraced the opportunity to stay active, challenge yourselves and develop healthy habits, showing real commitment and perseverance along the way. It has been fantastic to see such a strong collective effort across the house.

The enthusiasm and engagement during Shake Out also stood out, with students showing great awareness, responsibility and maturity. These moments highlight not only your participation, but your ability to work together and support one another as a team. One of the standout highlights of the year was your participation in the House Assembly.

The confidence, pride and teamwork on display were exceptional. You represented Saluki with real passion and professionalism, making it a memorable and successful event for everyone involved.

Beyond the competitions and events, what has made this year so special is the way you have supported each other, shown kindness, and taken pride in being part of Saluki House.

These qualities are what truly define our success.

It has been a year full of achievement, growth and memorable moments, and I could not be prouder of everything you have accomplished. I am excited to see what you will go on to achieve next year as you continue to build on this success.

Tahr Sian Kilty Head of Tahr

As the 2025-2026 academic year comes to a close, I want to thank all of the members of Tahr for a fun, memorable and exciting year. I particularly want to thank my house captains, Ali and Zara for settling into their leadership role with ease, and of course, to Layan for supporting them when necessary.

We are one of the most fortunate houses, with children all over the school being motivated by house points and by being part of our house. Children are proud to be in Tahr and I often get asked “what’s it like to be the Head of Tahr?”, I always answer the children with one word, incredible!

This year we saw a piece of history be made in a house assembly when we won term 1 house points. Last year was not our year, so to go from 4th to 1st was an unbeatable feeling of pride (and relief not to be pied again).

We have had many new mini-tahrs born with several member of Tahr staff having babies this year, which has been beautiful. We have had many highlights with children winning competitions, notably Zachary (5D) winning the book trailer competition was a proud moment for us goats.

House challenge day at the end of last year was tons of fun.

As always, Tahr show resilience, perseverance and enthusiasm towards school life. It has been a pleasure to be Head of House for the 2nd year.

Who’s the best? DIS! Thank you DIS.

Ola Saleh Primary School Council Lead

Student Council: A Year of Growth, Voice, and Leadership This year has been a dynamic and rewarding journey for our Primary Student Council, marked by student voice, collaboration, and leadership. The year began with a structured application and interview process, where students demonstrated confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility. This was followed by student-led campaign videos and a whole-school voting experience that brought excitement and engagement across the community.

Throughout the year, Student Council members have taken ownership of their roles—working collaboratively in meetings, sharing ideas, and contributing to meaningful initiatives that aim to enhance school life. Their commitment has been evident in every step, from planning projects to representing their peers with confidence.

A key highlight was their involvement in Tolerance and Diversity Day, where students led interactive activities, engaged with the wider school community, and demonstrated the core values of respect, inclusion, and teamwork. Their ability to take initiative and lead with purpose was truly commendable.

Their efforts were proudly reflected in our end-of-term assemblies, where they confidently introduced themselves, shared their goals, and presented their ideas to the entire school community.

We are incredibly proud of our Student Council for their enthusiasm, dedication, and growing leadership. They continue to play a vital role in shaping a positive and inclusive school environment, and we look forward to seeing their impact continue to grow.

Dan Kilsby Associate Assistant Headteacher for Science Sustainability and Outdoor Learning

The Eco Warriors!

A team of 36 enthusiastic students from Years 3–6. The primary school community has taken meaningful steps towards becoming more sustainable. The Eco Warriors helped inspire and guide their peers by creating instructions and posters explaining how to use the school’s hydroponics system, spearheading an anti-litter campaign in the playground, and organising a World Book Day costume swap to encourage reusing rather than buying new costumes.

They also promoted and supported Waste Wise Week, encouraged participation in the Community Grow Along, and helped raise awareness for Earth Day and the Green Action House Competition.

In addition, the primary school has embedded the Good Life Goals—child-friendly versions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into the curriculum, ensuring a progressive and age-appropriate approach to sustainability across all year groups. Through this combined effort, the Eco Warriors have empowered the wider school community to make more environmentally responsible choices.

Megha Joolta Primary School Counsellor & Wellbeing Lead

This year, wellbeing continued to be at the heart of life at DIS, with a range of initiatives designed to strengthen connection, emotional awareness and student voice across the school community. Miss Jeffrey and Miss Smith supported the wellbeing mission throughout the year as Wellbeing Coordinators, helping to lead meaningful experiences and opportunities for students to feel seen, heard and supported.

One of the highlights of the year was our World Smile Day House Competition, which brought so much excitement, positivity and community spirit across the school, with one lucky Year 4 student winning a Labubu prize. On World Mental Health Day, students spent the day focusing on regulation, connection, articulation and movement through dedicated classroom lessons and activities designed to support emotional wellbeing.

During Anti-Bullying Week, students took part in bespoke assemblies and lessons linked to this year’s theme, Power for Good, encouraging children to reflect on the impact of kindness, empathy and positive choices. The Wellbeing Warriors also proudly launched our Buddy Benches initiative with the support of Miss Smith, helping to create more opportunities for friendship, inclusion and connection during playtimes.

Throughout the year, wellbeing surveys continued to play an important role in helping us listen to student voice and further embed wellbeing across DIS. As we look back on the year, we are incredibly proud of the kindness, courage and compassion shown by our students each day.

Thank you to our staff, students and families for continuing to make DIS a community where wellbeing truly matters.

Whole School National Studies

Iman Fattoum Head of MOE subjects

Our Vision To shape articulate, high-achieving learners who are proud of their language, grounded in strong values, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Our Mission To deliver outstanding teaching in Arabic A, Arabic B, and Islamic Studies through innovation, high expectations, and a deep commitment to student success — academically, personally, and culturally.

At DIS, the Arabic and Islamic Department is driven by a clear purpose: to ensure every student achieves excellence while developing a meaningful connection to language, identity, and values.

Our work across Arabic A and Arabic B is rooted in high expectations and strong progression.

We do not simply teach the language — we build confident communicators who can express themselves with clarity, accuracy, and pride. Through structured curricula, precise assessment, and targeted support, students demonstrate strong and sustained progress across all language skills.

In Islamic Studies, learning goes beyond knowledge acquisition. We create spaces for reflection, discussion, and real-life application, enabling students to internalise values, think critically, and develop a strong moral compass that guides their everyday choices.

What makes our department distinctive is the balance we maintain between academic rigour and meaningful experience. Students are not only prepared for assessments, but are also given opportunities to showcase their learning through performances, discussions, and community engagement, strengthening both achievement and confidence.

We are relentless in our focus on progress. Through close monitoring, personalised learning, and strong partnerships with parents, we ensure that every learner is supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

Arabic A Ahmad Almhimid Head of Department

‫ وﺗُﺤﺪث أﺛﺮًا؟‬،‫ ﻓﺘﺘﺸﻜّﻞ رؤﻳﺔ‬،‫ﻛﻴﻒ ﻳﻤﻜﻦ ﻟﻜﻠﻤﺔٍ أن ﺗﺒﺪأ ﻓﻜﺮة؟ وﻛﻴﻒ ﻳﻤﻜﻦ ﻟﻔﻜﺮ ٍة أن ﺗﻨﻤﻮ‬ .‫ ﺗﻨﻄﻠﻖ رﺣﻠﺘﻨﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻌﻠﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬،‫ﻣﻦ ﻫﻨﺎ‬ ،‫ ﺑﻞ ﻧﻌﻤﻞ ﻋﲆ ﺑﻨﺎء ﻣﻬﺎرات ﻣﺘﻜﺎﻣﻠﺔ‬،‫ ﻻ ﻧﻜﺘﻔﻲ ﺑﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ اﻟﻘﻮاﻋﺪ واﻟﺘﺮاث اﻟﻠﻐﻮي‬،‫ﻓﻲ ﻗﺴﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬ ‫ ﻷﻧﻨﺎ ﻧﺆﻣﻦ ﺑﺄن اﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﻟﻴﺴﺖ ﻣﺠﺮد ﻣﺎدة‬،‫ واﻟﺘﻌﺒﻴﺮ ﺑﺜﻘﺔ ووﻋﻲ‬،‫ واﻟﺘﺤﻠﻴﻞ‬،‫ﻟﻴﺼﺒﺢ اﻟﻄﺎﻟﺐ ﻗﺎد ًرا ﻋﲆ اﻟﺘﻔﻜﻴﺮ‬ .‫ ﺑﻞ أداة ﻟﻔﻬﻢ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻢ واﻟﺘﻔﺎﻋﻞ ﻣﻌﻪ‬،‫دراﺳﻴﺔ‬ ‫ ﻣﻦ ﻣﻨﺎﻗﺸﺎت ﻧﻘﺪﻳﺔ ﻋﻤﻴﻘﺔ إﱃ ﻣﻬﺎم ﻛﺘﺎﺑﻴﺔ‬،‫ ﺧﺎض ﻃﻼﺑﻨﺎ ﺗﺠﺎرب ﺗﻌﻠﻢ ﻏﻨﻴﺔ وﻣﺘﻨﻮﻋﺔ‬،‫ﺧﻼل ﻫﺬا اﻟﻌﺎم‬ IB‫ و‬IGCSE ‫ وإﻋﺪادﻫﻢ ﻟﺒﺮاﻣﺞ دوﻟﻴﺔ ﻣﺜﻞ‬،‫ أﺳﻬﻤﺖ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﻣﻬﺎراﺗﻬﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﻮﻳﺔ واﻟﻔﻜﺮﻳﺔ‬،‫إﺑﺪاﻋﻴﺔ‬ ‫ وأداة ﺗﻤﻜّﻨﻬﻢ ﻣﻦ‬،‫ﻳﻄ ّﻮروﻧﻬﺎ اﻟﻴﻮم ﺳﺘﺒﻘﻰ ﺟﺰءًا ﻣﻦ ﻫﻮﻳﺘﻬﻢ‬ ّ ‫ وﻧﺆﻣﻦ أن اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ‬،‫ﻧﻔﺨﺮ ﺑﺮﺣﻠﺔ ﻃﻼﺑﻨﺎ‬ ،‫ واﻟﺘﺄﺛﻴﺮ‬،‫اﻟﺘﻌﺒﻴﺮ‬

How can a single word spark an idea? How can an idea grow into a vision that creates real impact?

This is where our journey in learning Arabic begins.

In the Arabic Department, we go beyond teaching grammar and linguistic heritage; we focus on developing integrated skills that empower students to think critically, analyse deeply, and express themselves with confidence and clarity. We believe that language is not merely a subject, but a powerful tool for understanding and engaging with the world.

Throughout the year, our students engaged in rich and diverse learning experiences, from in-depth critical discussions to creative writing tasks, all of which have contributed to strengthening their linguistic and intellectual abilities, and preparing them for international programmes such as IGCSE and the IB. We take pride in our students’ journey and believe that the language they are developing today will remain an integral part of their identity, and a tool that enables them to express, influence, and shape their future with confidence.

Arabic B Iman Fattoum Head of MOE subjects

‫ ﻓﻤﻦ‬.‫ﻛﺎن ﻫﺬا اﻟﻌﺎم ﻓﻲ ﻣﺎدة اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ )ب( رﺣﻠﺔ ﻣﻠﻴﺌﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻨﻤﻮ واﻟﺜﻘﺔ واﻟﺘﻮاﺻﻞ اﻟﺤﻘﻴﻘﻲ ﻋﲆ ﻣﺴﺘﻮى اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﺔ ﺑﺄﻛﻤﻠﻬﺎ‬ ‫ إﱃ اﻟﻄﻼب اﻷﻛﺒﺮ ﺳﻨﺎ ً اﻟﺬﻳﻦ أﻇﻬﺮوا ﺗﻄﻮرا ً ﻣﻠﺤﻮﻇﺎ ً ﻓﻲ‬،‫ﻃﻼﺑﻨﺎ اﻟﺼﻐﺎر اﻟﺬﻳﻦ ﺑﺪأوا ﺧﻄﻮاﺗﻬﻢ اﻷوﱃ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻌﻠﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬ ‫ أﺻﺒﺤﺖ ﺣﺼﺺ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﺑﻴﺌﺔ‬.‫ ﻛﺎن ﻋﺎﻣﺎ ً ﺣﺎﻓﻼ ً ﺑﺎﻟﺤﻴﻮﻳﺔ واﻹﺑﺪاع واﻟﻨﺠﺎح‬،‫اﻟﻄﻼﻗﺔ واﻻﺳﺘﻘﻼﻟﻴﺔ واﻻﻋﺘﺰاز ﺑﺈﻧﺠﺎزاﺗﻬﻢ‬ ‫ ﻳﺘﻢ ﻓﻴﻬﺎ ﺗﺸﺠﻴﻊ اﻟﻄﻼب ﻋﲆ اﻟﺘﻮاﺻﻞ واﻟﺘﻌﺎون واﻟﺘﻔﺎﻋﻞ ﻣﻊ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل ﺗﺠﺎرب ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬،‫ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻧﺎﺑﻀﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﺤﻴﺎة‬ .‫آن واﺣﺪ‬ ٍ ‫ﻣﻤﺘﻌﺔ وﻫﺎدﻓﺔ ﺗﻌﺰز اﻟﺘﻘﺪم واﻻﺳﺘﻤﺘﺎع ﺑﺎﻟﺘﻌﻠﻢ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ واﺳﺘﺨﺪام‬،‫ اﺳﺘﻤﺮ ﺗﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﻋﻤﻠﻴﺘﻲ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ واﻟﺘﻌﻠﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ أﺳﺎﻟﻴﺐ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻣﺘﻨﻮﻋﺔ وﺷﺨﺼﻴﺔ‬،‫ﺧﻼل اﻟﻌﺎم‬ ‫ ﻛﻤﺎ ﻋﻤﻞ‬.‫اﺳﺘﺮاﺗﻴﺠﻴﺎت ﻣﺒﺘﻜﺮة وﻣﻨﺼﺎت رﻗﻤﻴﺔ وﺑﺮاﻣﺞ ﻗﺮاءة داﻋﻤﺔ ﺳﺎﻋﺪت اﻟﻄﻼب ﻓﻲ ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻒ ﻣﺮاﺣﻞ رﺣﻠﺘﻬﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﻮﻳﺔ‬ ‫ ﻣﻊ اﻟﺤﺮص اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻤﺮ ﻋﲆ اﻻﺣﺘﻔﺎء ﺑﺠﻬﻮد‬،‫اﻟﻤﻌﻠﻤﻮن ﺑﺮوح اﻟﻔﺮﻳﻖ اﻟﻮاﺣﺪ ﻟﻀﻤﺎن ﺗﻘﺪﻳﻢ دروس ﻫﺎدﻓﺔ وﺷﺎﻣﻠﺔ وﻣﻠﻬﻤﺔ‬ .‫اﻟﻄﻼب وإﻧﺠﺎزاﺗﻬﻢ‬ ‫ ﺣﻴﺚ ﻛﺎن ﻟﺪﻋﻢ اﻷﻫﺎﻟﻲ وﻣﺸﺎرﻛﺘﻬﻢ‬،‫وﻟﻘﺪ ﻟﻌﺒﺖ اﻟﺸﺮاﻛﺔ اﻟﻘﻮﻳﺔ ﺑﻴﻦ اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﺔ وأوﻟﻴﺎء اﻷﻣﻮر دورا ً ﻣﻬﻤﺎ ً ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬا اﻟﻨﺠﺎح‬ .‫اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻤﺮة أﺛﺮ إﻳﺠﺎﺑﻲ واﺿﺢ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻌﺰﻳﺰ ﺛﻘﺔ اﻟﻄﻼب وﺗﺸﺠﻴﻌﻬﻢ ﻋﲆ اﻟﺘﻘﺪم ﻓﻲ ﺗﻌﻠﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﻛﻤﺎ اﺳﺘﻤﺘﻊ اﻟﻄﻼب ﺑﺎﻟﻤﺸﺎرﻛﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﻣﺘﻨﻮﻋﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﺑﻘﺎت واﻟﺘﺤﺪﻳﺎت اﻟﺼﻔﻴﺔ واﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﻴﺎت اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻴﺔ واﻷﻧﺸﻄﺔ‬ ،‫ واﻟﺘﻲ ﺳﺎﻫﻤﺖ ﻓﻲ ﺧﻠﻖ أﺟﻮاء ﻣﻦ اﻟﺤﻤﺎس واﻟﺘﻔﺎﻋﻞ ﺣﻮل ﺗﻌﻠﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬،‫اﻹﺛﺮاﺋﻴﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ أُﻗﻴﻤﺖ ﻋﲆ ﻣﺴﺘﻮى اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﺔ‬ .‫وأﺗﺎﺣﺖ ﻟﻠﻄﻼب اﻟﻔﺮﺻﺔ ﻹﻇﻬﺎر إﺑﺪاﻋﻬﻢ وﻣﻬﺎراﺗﻬﻢ اﻟﺘﻮاﺻﻠﻴﺔ وﺛﻘﺘﻬﻢ اﻟﻤﺘﺰاﻳﺪة ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ‬ ً ‫ ﻓﻘﺪ واﺻﻠﻨﺎ ﻣﻌﺎ‬.‫ﻧﺤﻦ ﻓﺨﻮرون ﻟﻠﻐﺎﻳﺔ ﺑﻤﺎ أﻇﻬﺮه ﻃﻼﺑﻨﺎ وﻣﻌﻠﻤﻮﻧﺎ وأوﻟﻴﺎء اﻷﻣﻮر ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﺰام وﺣﻤﺎس وﺗﻌﺎون ﻃﻮال ﻫﺬا اﻟﻌﺎم‬ ‫ وﺧﻠﻖ ﺑﻴﺌﺔ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻳﺸﻌﺮ ﻓﻴﻬﺎ اﻟﻄﻼب ﺑﺎﻟﺪﻋﻢ واﻟﺘﺤﻔﻴﺰ واﻟﺤﻤﺎس ﻟﺘﻌﻠﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ‬،‫ﺗﻌﺰﻳﺰ ﻣﻜﺎﻧﺔ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﺔ‬ .‫اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬ This year Arabic B has been a journey of growth, confidence, and meaningful connection across the whole school community. From the youngest learners taking their first steps in Arabic to older students developing greater fluency, independence, and pride in their achievements, the year has been filled with energy, creativity, and success. Our classrooms have become vibrant spaces where students are encouraged to communicate, collaborate, and engage with the language through interactive learning experiences that promote both progress and enjoyment.

Throughout the year, teaching and learning continued to evolve through personalised approaches, innovative strategies, and the integration of engaging digital platforms and reading initiatives that supported students at different stages of their language journey. Teachers worked closely together to ensure lessons were purposeful, inclusive, and inspiring, while continuously celebrating student effort and achievement.

The strong partnership between school and home played a significant role in this success. Parents consistently supported their children’s learning journey, participated in school events, and celebrated milestones alongside us, creating a shared commitment towards student progress and confidence in Arabic.

Students also enjoyed taking part in a range of internal Arabic competitions, class challenges, cultural celebrations, and enrichment activities across the school. These opportunities created excitement around learning Arabic, encouraged healthy competition, and allowed students to showcase their creativity, communication skills, and growing confidence in the language.

We are incredibly proud of the resilience, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by our students, staff, and parents throughout the year. Together, we have continued to strengthen Arabic B across the school, creating an environment where students feel motivated, supported, and excited to learn.

‫‪Youssef Al Koud‬‬ ‫‪Head of Islamic Education‬‬

‫ﺷﻬﺪ ﻗﺴﻢ اﻟﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ اﻹﺳﻼﻣﻴﺔ ﻫﺬا اﻟﻌﺎم رﺣﻠﺔ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻣﻠﻬﻤﺔ اﺗﺴﻤﺖ ﺑﺎﻟﻨﻤﻮ واﻹﻧﺠﺎز وﺗﻨﻮع اﻟﺨﺒﺮات اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻬﺎدﻓﺔ‪ ،‬ﺣﻴﺚ أﺳﻬﻤﺖ‬ ‫ﻓﻲ ﺗﻌﺰﻳﺰ ﻓﻬﻢ اﻟﻄﻼب ﻟﻠﻘﻴﻢ اﻹﺳﻼﻣﻴﺔ‪ ،‬وﺗﻨﻤﻴﺔ ﺷﺨﺼﻴﺎﺗﻬﻢ اﻹﻳﺠﺎﺑﻴﺔ‪ ،‬وﺗﻌﻤﻴﻖ ارﺗﺒﺎﻃﻬﻢ ﺑﺎﻟﻘﺮآن اﻟﻜﺮﻳﻢ وﺗﻌﺎﻟﻴﻢ اﻹﺳﻼم‪ .‬وﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل‬ ‫ﺣﻤﺎﺳﺎ واﺿﺤًﺎ ﻟﻠﺘﻌﻠﻢ‪ ،‬إﱃ‬ ‫اﻟﺪروس اﻟﺘﻔﺎﻋﻠﻴﺔ‪ ،‬واﻟﻤﺴﺎﺑﻘﺎت اﻟﻘﺮآﻧﻴﺔ‪ ،‬واﻷﻧﺸﻄﺔ اﻹﺑﺪاﻋﻴﺔ‪ ،‬واﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﻴﺎت اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﻴﺔ اﻟﺸﺎﻣﻠﺔ‪ ،‬أﻇﻬﺮ اﻟﻄﻼب‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ﺟﺎﻧﺐ ﺗﻨﻤﻴﺔ ﻗﻴﻢ اﻻﺣﺘﺮام‪ ،‬واﻟﻠﻄﻒ‪ ،‬واﻟﻤﺴﺆوﻟﻴﺔ‪ ،‬واﻟﺘﻌﺎون‪ ،‬واﻟﺜﻘﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻨﻔﺲ ﻓﻲ ﺣﻴﺎﺗﻬﻢ اﻟﻴﻮﻣﻴﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎ ﻋﲆ ﺑﻨﺎء‬ ‫ﻧﺜﻤﻦ ﺟﻬﻮد ﻓﺮﻳﻖ اﻟﻌﻤﻞ وﺗﻔﺎﻧﻴﻬﻢ‪ ،‬وﻧﻘﺪّر دﻋﻢ أوﻟﻴﺎء اﻷﻣﻮر اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻤﺮ‪ .‬ﻟﻘﺪ ﻋﻤﻠﻨﺎ ً‬ ‫وﻧﻔﺨﺮ ﺑﻤﺎ ﺣﻘﻘﻪ ﻃﻼﺑﻨﺎ ﻣﻦ إﻧﺠﺎزات‪ ،‬ﻛﻤﺎ ّ‬ ‫ﺑﻴﺌﺔ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻣﺤﻔﺰة ﺗﺠﻤﻊ ﺑﻴﻦ اﻹﻳﻤﺎن واﻟﻌﻠﻢ واﻟﻘﻴﻢ‪ ،‬وﺗﺴﻬﻢ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻤﻜﻴﻦ اﻟﻄﻼب ﻣﻦ اﻟﻨﻤﻮ أﻛﺎدﻳﻤ ًﻴﺎ واﺟﺘﻤﺎﻋ ًﻴﺎ وﺷﺨﺼ ًﻴﺎ‪.‬‬ ‫وﻋﲆ ﻣﺴﺘﻮى اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﺔ ﻛﻜﻞ‪ ،‬ﻳﻮاﺻﻞ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻢ اﻟﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ اﻹﺳﻼﻣﻴﺔ أداء دور ﻣﺤﻮري ﻓﻲ ﺗﺮﺳﻴﺦ ﻓﻬﻢ اﻟﻄﻼب ﻟﺪﻳﻨﻬﻢ وﻫﻮﻳﺘﻬﻢ وﻗﻴﻤﻬﻢ‪ .‬ﻓﻤﻦ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺮﺣﻠﺔ اﻻﺑﺘﺪاﺋﻴﺔ إﱃ اﻟﻤﺮﺣﻠﺔ اﻟﺜﺎﻧﻮﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﻳﺸﺎرك اﻟﻄﻼب ﻓﻲ ﺧﺒﺮات ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻣﺘﺪرﺟﺔ وﻋﻤﻴﻘﺔ ﺗﺸﺠﻊ ﻋﲆ اﻟﺘﺄﻣﻞ واﻟﺘﻔﻜﻴﺮ اﻟﻨﺎﻗﺪ‪ ،‬وﺗﻌﺰز‬ ‫ارﺗﺒﺎﻃﻬﻢ ﺑﺎﻟﺘﻌﺎﻟﻴﻢ اﻹﺳﻼﻣﻴﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫وﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل ﻣﻨﻬﺞ دراﺳﻲ ﻣﻨﻈﻢ وﻣﺘﺮاﺑﻂ‪ ،‬ﻳﺴﺘﻜﺸﻒ اﻟﻄﻼب اﻟﻘﺮآن اﻟﻜﺮﻳﻢ واﻟﺴﻨﺔ اﻟﻨﺒﻮﻳﺔ واﻟﺴﻴﺮة اﻟﻌﻄﺮة ﺑﻌﻤﻖ أﻛﺒﺮ‪ ،‬ﻣﻊ ﺗﻨﻤﻴﺔ ﻗﺪرﺗﻬﻢ‬ ‫ﻋﲆ ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ ﻫﺬه اﻟﺘﻌﺎﻟﻴﻢ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻮاﻗﻒ اﻟﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﻮاﻗﻌﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﺴﻬﻢ اﻟﺤﻮارات اﻟﺼﻔﻴﺔ‪ ،‬واﻟﻤﺸﺮوﻋﺎت‪ ،‬وأﻧﺸﻄﺔ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻢ اﻟﺘﻌﺎوﻧﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻌﺰﻳﺰ‬ ‫وﻋﻴﻬﻢ اﻷﺧﻼﻗﻲ‪ ،‬وﺗﻨﻤﻴﺔ إﺣﺴﺎﺳﻬﻢ ﺑﺎﻟﻤﺴﺆوﻟﻴﺔ واﺣﺘﺮاﻣﻬﻢ ﻟﻶﺧﺮﻳﻦ‪.‬‬ ‫وﻧﺴﻌﻰ ﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل ذﻟﻚ إﱃ إﻳﺠﺎد ﺑﻴﺌﺔ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ داﻋﻤﺔ ﺗُﺸﺠّﻊ اﻟﻄﻼب ﻋﲆ اﻟﺘﻔﻜﻴﺮ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻘﻞ‪ ،‬واﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﺑﻨﺰاﻫﺔ‪ ،‬واﻹﺳﻬﺎم اﻹﻳﺠﺎﺑﻲ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻣﺠﺘﻤﻌﺎﺗﻬﻢ‪ ،‬ﺑﻤﺎ ﻳُﺴﻬﻢ ﻓﻲ إﻋﺪاد ﺷﺨﺼﻴﺎت واﺛﻘﺔ‪ ،‬ﻣﺘﺰﻧﺔ‪ ،‬وﻗﺎدرة ﻋﲆ ﻣﻮاﺟﻬﺔ ﺗﺤﺪﻳﺎت اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ‪.‬‬

‫‪This year has been a truly inspiring journey for the Islamic Studies Department, filled with growth,‬‬ ‫‪achievement, and meaningful learning experiences that strengthened students’ understanding of‬‬ ‫‪Islamic values, nurtured positive character, and deepened their connection with the Holy Quran,‬‬ ‫‪the Sunnah, and the Seerah. Through engaging lessons, Quran competitions, creative activities, and‬‬ ‫‪whole-school events, students demonstrated enthusiasm for learning while developing respect,‬‬ ‫‪kindness, responsibility, cooperation, and confidence in their daily lives.‬‬ ‫‪Across both Primary and Secondary, Islamic Studies continues to play a key role in shaping‬‬ ‫‪students’ understanding of their faith, identity, and values. Through a progressive and well‬‬‫‪structured curriculum, students are encouraged to reflect, think critically, and apply Islamic‬‬ ‫‪teachings meaningfully in real-life contexts, while growing into responsible and principled‬‬ ‫‪individuals.‬‬ ‫‪We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and deeply grateful for the dedication of our‬‬ ‫‪staff and the ongoing support of parents. Together, we have continued to build a caring and‬‬ ‫‪inspiring learning environment where faith, knowledge, and strong values empower our students‬‬ ‫‪to grow academically, socially, and personally.‬‬

Yasser Ghazal

Arabic Beyond the Classroom

As the Arabic Beyond the Curriculum Lead, this role was recently established to showcase students’ achievements and deepen their understanding of and engagement with the Arabic language beyond the classroom. Through strategic coordination with Al-Futtaim Education Centre, the Arabic Centre of Excellence, and Deira International School, we have worked to deliver and present a range of collaborative activities that enhance the presence of Arabic across Deira International School.

One of the key highlights was the theatrical production “Hikayat ‘Urs” (A Wedding Story), which was presented as a creative and culturally enriching experience for students, reflecting traditional Emirati wedding celebrations. The performance also highlighted aspects of Emirati heritage and cultural identity, particularly in the context of Union Day celebrations. This performance was developed and presented in collaboration with the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), with the participation of Dubai Chinese School as part of the UAE Nnion Day celebrations.

In addition, we provide enrichment programmes that support Arabic language development for all learners. This includes Nadi Hamzah Junior for FS students, and Nadi Hamzah for Years 1–4. These clubs aim to build confidence, creativity, and a love for the Arabic language. We also delivered whole-school initiatives such as the “Read & Write in Your Own Style” writing competition, designed to engage students during Book Week and support all ability levels while strengthening links across different departments.

We also work closely with the Islamic Studies Department across both Primary and Secondary phases to introduce students to important religious and cultural occasions such as Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and Emirati traditions such as Hag Al Leila, helping to strengthen cultural identity and awareness across the school community.

Culture & Heritage

Peter Mcloughlin Assistant Headteacher & Emirati Lead

Primary Heritage Heroes Our Primary Emirati Student Leadership group, Heritage Heroes, has had an incredible year dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich culture and traditions of the UAE. They have shone as ambassadors for our school community, with several major highlights marking their journey this year.

The Heritage Heroes took center stage by helping to organise and perform in our annual Union Day Celebrations, bringing our community together in a proud display of national unity. The group led the way in raising awareness and teaching their peers all about the beautiful tradition of Hag Al Leila, keeping local heritage alive across DIS. In Term 2, the Heritage Heroes took to the stage in weekly Year Group assemblies, confidently presenting and sharing the latest UAE news to keep their fellow students informed and connected to the wider community. Behind the scenes, the team has been busy creating a new website dedicated to all things Emirati happening within the DIS community. While the site is still being created, watch this space next academic year for our Heritage Heroes to officially launch it!

We are incredibly proud of the dedication, confidence, and leadership our Heritage Heroes have shown all year long.

Sheikh Iqbal

Assistant Headteacher & Emirati Lead

Secondary Heritage Heroes The Heritage Heroes have once again demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to celebrating and preserving our culture across the school. Their work in leading the Yowlah CCA has been outstanding, providing dedicated training and support to our Primary students in preparation for their Union Day performance. The impact of their guidance was clear to see in the confidence and pride shown by our younger students.

Beyond this, the team has played a central role in key events such as Union Day and International Day, leading with professionalism and enthusiasm. They have also driven a range of house competitions, ensuring that Emirati heritage remains visible, celebrated, and understood by all students across the school.

I am extremely proud of everything the Heritage Heroes have achieved. A special thank you goes to our departing leadership team, Mohammed Almatrooshi and Mzoon Almheiri, who have led with passion and endeavour, ensuring the team is organised, purposeful, and impactful. Their legacy sets a strong foundation for future leaders to build upon.

Mohammed Al Matrooshi Student Emirati Culture and Heritage Lead This role shaped me into a stronger leader and communicator because I worked closely with over 30 students from different year groups and backgrounds. I learned how to organise events, communicate ideas clearly, and work as part of a team while also taking responsibility and leading others. What I enjoyed most about the role was how the Heritage Hero team felt more like a family than just a group at school. We all shared the same passion for representing our culture and traditions, and I felt extremely proud to represent my nation and share Emirati culture with the wider school community.

Some of my biggest achievements in this role were helping organise and lead events such as UAE National Day celebrations, which brought the whole school community together to celebrate our heritage and identity. Another achievement I am very proud of was working with the Red Crescent during the holy month of Ramadan to help provide for people in need. Being able to support the community and contribute to charitable initiatives taught me the importance of compassion, teamwork, and giving back to society.

The legacy I hope to leave at Deira International School is to inspire the younger generation of Emirati boys and girls to believe in themselves and take pride in their identity, culture, and ambitions. I want them to understand that they are the future of our nation and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to through hard work, confidence, and determination.

NYU Summer Academy We are incredibly proud to celebrate two exceptional students, Saif Almatrooshi and Dana Aljaziri, who have successfully graduated from the prestigious NYU Abu Dhabi Summer Academy. A remarkable milestone for both themselves and Deira International School.

The Summer Academy is renowned for its highly competitive and rigorous application process, which includes multiple stages of assessments, interviews, and presentations designed to challenge students’ academic abilities, communication skills, and intellectual curiosity. Selection alone is an achievement; graduating from the programme is truly outstanding.

Across two intensive summer learning experiences, Saif and Dana engaged in university-level coursework, completed demanding academic assignments, and took part in public speaking and presentation courses. They also collaborated with fellow Emiratis from across the UAE, exploring diverse themes and perspectives while building strong academic and cultural connections.

Their graduation is a testament to their incredible hard work, dedication, and determination. We are immensely proud of our first-ever Deira International School graduates of the NYUAD Summer Academy. This accomplishment sets a new benchmark for our students and serves as an inspiration to many.

Congratulations, Saif and Dana, we look forward to seeing all that you will continue to achieve.

Flag Day

We were proud to mark UAE Flag Day at our school with a truly special moment, as our youngest and oldest Emirati students came together to raise the flag, symbolising unity, heritage, and the strength of our community across generations. The ceremony was further enriched by powerful speeches from our lead Heritage Heroes, who spoke with confidence and pride about the significance of the day.

I am extremely proud of the exemplary behaviour shown by our Emirati students, as well as their dedication, organisation, and commitment in bringing this event to life. Their efforts ensured the celebration was both meaningful and memorable, reflecting the values and spirit we hold as a school community.

Eid Al Etihad Union Day 2025 The celebration of Union Day at our school was the largest celebration we have ever hosted. The campus was transformed with more stands than ever before, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the UAE through traditional food, activities, and displays. A highlight of the day was the impressive showcase of UAE cars and quad bikes, which created real excitement across the community.

A special thank you goes to Dubai Police for joining us, bringing a police car and delivering a truly exceptional dog show that captivated students, parents and staff alike.

Our Heritage Heroes were outstanding throughout, dedicating many hours to support the setup of vendors and the traditional majlis. Their commitment, teamwork, and pride in representing their culture were clear to see. I am extremely proud of both their behaviour and their contribution in ensuring the event was such a success. The celebration was brought to life with a vibrant Yowlah performance from both our primary and secondary students, who confidently showcased their talents and added to the spirit of the occasion.

Secondary School

Message from Secondary Headteacher

Emma Hannon

As we reflect on this academic year, I am filled with immense pride in our Deira International School community. It has been a year defined not only by achievement, but by resilience, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to learning.

Our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination.

From the outstanding success of our production of Oliver, which showcased exceptional talent, creativity and collaboration, to the remarkable achievements of our PE teams at the BSME Games, our students have continued to excel across all areas of school life. The IB Art Exhibition was, as always, a powerful celebration of individuality and expression, demonstrating both technical skill and deep personal reflection. Likewise, our success in the F1 STEM competition highlighted the innovation, teamwork and problem-solving abilities that define a DIS education.

Beyond the classroom, our students have benefited from a rich programme of trips and experiences that have broadened their perspectives and strengthened their sense of global citizenship. The Kenya community service trip and the Barcelona CAS service trip were powerful opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to others while developing empathy and understanding. Our Berlin history trip brought learning to life in a truly memorable way, and the continued success of our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions demonstrated resilience, teamwork and determination in the great outdoors.

This year has not been without its challenges. Periods of online learning, alongside the uncertainty surrounding GCSE and IB examinations and assessment changes, required great maturity and flexibility from our students. I have been continually impressed by the way they have adapted, supported one another, and remained focused on their goals despite the circumstances. Their ability to navigate such disruption with positivity and determination speaks volumes about their character.

To our students: you should be incredibly proud of all that you have achieved. Your resilience during this time has been truly inspiring, and it is this strength that will continue to serve you well in the future.

I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and supportive parents, whose partnership has been essential in ensuring continuity, care and excellence throughout the year.

As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and optimism. The experiences of this year have strengthened us as a community and reaffirmed the values that sit at the heart of Deira International School.

It is a privilege to be part of such a remarkable school.

YEAR 7

Motiur Rahman Year Group Lead

Year 7 students have had an incredibly smooth transition into secondary school, embracing new challenges with confidence and enthusiasm.

Throughout the year, students have demonstrated the school’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence, excelling both academically and personally.

From completing Golden Ticket Home Learning tasks to actively participating in school events such as the Festive Markets and International Day, Year 7 students have fully immersed themselves in school life. Their creativity and passion shone on stage as they delivered an outstanding performance in the school production of Oliver.

Their commitment to extracurricular activities has been remarkable. We were incredibly proud of the Year 7 students who represented the school in the U13 and U11 BSME Games, showcasing their dedication and sportsmanship on a regional stage. Additionally, many students contributed to various school sports teams, bringing home an impressive collection of silverware through their hard work and determination. We are also proud to have students representing the school in national championships across a range of sports, including swimming, jiu-jitsu, and football.

A key highlight of the year was the period of distance learning across Dubai.

Year 7 students rose to this challenge, receiving praise from a variety of teachers for their high levels of participation and enthusiasm while working from home. None of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible support of parents, teachers, and the school community. As Year 7 students move into Year 8, we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive and seize the many opportunities ahead.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 8

Robert Orr

Year Group Lead

Once again, the time has come to reflect on the journey Year 8 have been on this year. They began with enthusiasm and positivity, and it has been great to see how they have grown both academically and personally as the year has progressed.

Throughout the year, students have embraced a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Year 8 students have proudly represented the school in a variety of sporting events, with particular success in girls’ volleyball, demonstrating teamwork, determination and commitment.

Beyond sport, many students contributed to key events in the school calendar, including Tolerance and Diversity Day and supporting Pinktober to raise awareness for breast cancer, showing empathy and a strong sense of community.

The creative talents of Year 8 were also on display in the school production of Oliver, while others represented DIS in the F1 in Schools competition, showcasing innovation, collaboration and problem-solving skills. Celebrations such as the 54th Eid Al Etihad further highlighted the pride students take in being part of the school community.

This year also brought some unusual challenges, including an extended period of distance learning. During this time, Year 8 students truly embodied our DIS values, showing resilience, adaptability and maturity in the way they approached their learning and supported one another.

I am incredibly proud to be their Year Learning Coordinator and of everything they have achieved this year. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive as they move into Year 9.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 9

Louise Tickle Year Group Lead

Year 9 has been a memorable and important year for this wonderful group of students. As they have moved through the year, they have shown growing maturity, resilience and ambition, particularly as they made key option choices in preparation for their transition into Key Stage 4.

Beyond the classroom, Year 9 students have truly shone. Many gave outstanding performances in the school production of Oliver, demonstrating confidence, creativity and teamwork, and making the production a real highlight of the year. Others have represented the school with pride across a range of sporting fixtures, achieving great success and exemplifying commitment and sportsmanship.

I was also particularly impressed on Eid Al Etihad by the ingenuity, collaboration and enthusiasm shown during the Dubai Sustainability Project run by the Science Department. The thoughtful ideas and teamwork displayed that morning reflected both their creativity and their growing sense of responsibility as global citizens.

It has been a pleasure to watch this year group develop both academically and personally. They should be proud of all they have achieved this year, and we look forward to seeing them continue to flourish as they take their next steps in school life.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 10

Maddyson Lynn Year Group Lead

Once again, the time has come to reflect on the journey Year 10 have been on. They began with energy, enthusiasm and it was clear they were ready to begin their GCSE journey.

They have embraced the opportunity to study new subjects, such as Psychology and Photography, approaching them with curiosity and enthusiasm. Across their GCSE studies, Year 10 have developed new skills and began to understand what is needed to be successful. They have collaborated in their forms to create and present assemblies about a range of themes including study support and mental health. A special congratulations must go to our early entry Maths students, who should be very proud of their hard work and achievements this year.

It has also been fantastic to see them take their learning beyond the classroom through a range of trips, including Dubai Creek Harbour, The Louvre and even exploring Germany. These experiences allowed students to connect their lessons to the real world and create memories along the way.

Year 10 have involved themselves in an array of activities, whether performing in Oliver!, representing the school in sporting events such as BSME, or taking part in whole-school events such as World Book Day. They have shown talent, dedication and enthusiasm in many ways. I would also like to highlight the resilience and willingness of five Year 10 students who embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Kenya, where they embraced new experiences, developed their independence and contributed positively to the wider community.

I am incredibly proud to be their YLC, and I am really looking forward to supporting them as they take on the exciting challenge of Year 11.

Class Photos

Class Photos

YEAR 11

Jennifer Crabb Year Group Lead

You have been incredible Year 11 and you should be so proud of yourselves.

This has been the biggest year of your school journey so far, filled with challenges, achievements, and unforgettable moments. You have shown incredible resilience and maturity as you have navigated the demands of Year 11.

August brought the arrival of our school leavers' jumpers—a milestone, for you to wear proudly. The Autumn Celebration set the tone for the year, giving us a chance to relax and enjoy an evening of fun. In November, Union Day saw fierce competition, with the boys battling it out in handball and the girls showcasing their skills in netball. Before enjoying the wonderful celebration of the UAE. January bought the rigorous mock exams, which tested our determination. Mock Results Day was a rollercoaster of emotions, but we took it all in stride.

We also came together for Tolerance and Diversity Tolerance Day, celebrating the many nationalities that make our school community so special. Sports Day was another highlight, with so many of you earning multiple medals in athletics.

Your talents shone beyond the classroom as well. The Oliver production saw students showcase their incredible singing and acting skills, leaving the audience in awe. As well as taking part in different events for wellbeing, sports and world book day.

As you now prepare for your IGCSE exams, you need to remember that all your hard work will pay off. Good luck to everyone—you’ve got this!

I am so proud to have been your YLC for you last 2 years – it has been a fantastic journey and one I will forever remember. I wish you all the best in the next adventure that is IB and I look forward to hearing where you all end up in the world.

Class Photos

Class Photos

IB

Jordan Rawlins Year Group Lead

The IB community has enjoyed an outstanding year, defined by achievement, resilience, and a genuine sense of unity between IB1 and IB2. Across both year groups, students have demonstrated not only academic commitment but also a strong, supportive community spirit that has made this 2025 – 2026 year particularly memorable.

IB1 students began their journey with the TEP Factor team-building trip, setting the tone for collaboration and camaraderie that has carried through the year. This spirit was evident again during the Motiongate rewards trip and IB2 Breakfast where students celebrated their efforts together. Highlights such as the Autumn Festival, Union Day, and Tolerance and Diversity Day showcased the inclusive and vibrant nature of the IB community, while IB1 Sports Day brought energy, competition, and house pride to the forefront.

Meanwhile, IB2 students have shown exceptional dedication and focus as they approach the culmination of their IB journey. Their performance in the November mock examinations was outstanding, reflecting both their hard work and determination to succeed. They have set a high standard and served as excellent role models for the younger cohort.

What has truly stood out this year is the connection between IB1 and IB2 students- supporting, motivating, and learning from one another. This shared experience has strengthened the identity of the IB programme and created a lasting sense of belonging.

As we look ahead, we extend our very best wishes to the Class of 2026. Your commitment, resilience, and spirit have defined this year, and we have no doubt you will go on to achieve great things.

Thank you for being an amazing year group.

Class Photos

Class Photos

Class Photos

Class Photos

Secondary Academics

Commerce

Darren De Bruyn Head of Commerce

The Commerce Department has continued to create a culture where students are encouraged to go beyond the curriculum, unlock their potential, and develop the confidence, resilience, and ambition needed to thrive in the wider world. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, students have embraced a wide range of opportunities that extended learning far beyond the classroom, allowing them to apply theory in authentic and meaningful contexts.

Through initiatives such as The Commerce Society, the Investment Club, the Pink Souk, the Stock Market Competition, and participation in the prestigious Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, students demonstrated exceptional collaboration, leadership, creativity, and analytical thinking. These experiences empowered students to challenge themselves academically while also developing vital transferable skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure.

A standout example of this applied learning was the Pink Souk, where Year 12 BTEC students played an active and integral role as part of their assessed enterprise coursework. Students were challenged to design, launch, and manage their own business ventures in a real commercial environment, translating theoretical knowledge into practice. Working collaboratively in teams, each student rotated through the role of Team Leader, gaining first-hand experience of leadership, accountability, and decision-making. Students independently planned operations, managed budgets, marketed their products, and demonstrated creativity and commercial awareness through a diverse range of enterprises, from fairground-style games to handmade products and food sales. Many students showed impressive initiative by taking calculated financial risks, including self-funding their ventures, and adapting their offerings in response to customer demand. All teams achieved notable success, not only in profit generation, but in developing vital entrepreneurial skills such as resilience, communication, financial management, and teamwork, which were subsequently applied to strengthen their assessed work.

A particular strength of the department this year has been the willingness of students to lead and inspire one another. From student-led investment initiatives to large-scale entrepreneurial events supporting charitable causes, students consistently showed initiative, maturity, and a genuine passion for learning.

I personally would also like to express sincere gratitude to the entire Commerce Team, whose commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication continue to make these opportunities possible. Their support has created an environment where students feel empowered to take risks, think independently, and pursue excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Together, the department has fostered a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates enterprise, innovation, and student success.

Computer Science

Mathusser Iqbal Head of Department

This year, the Computing Department continued to build on its innovative curriculum by launching an IB-led programming programme for Key Stage 3 students. This initiative was designed to develop students’ understanding of creating user interfaces in Python, fostering both creativity and technical proficiency from an early stage.

In addition, our strongest programmers played an active role in supporting our current Year 11 students as they prepared for their final examinations. They provided valuable insights into how to effectively approach the 15-mark programming question, helping to build confidence and exam technique.

Students engaged extremely well in these sessions and gained first-hand experience of applying key concepts such as functions and 2D arrays in meaningful contexts.

Furthermore, we successfully introduced the new IB Computer Science specification this year. Students responded positively to the updated course, which aligns closely with current industry trends and emphasises the application of advanced programming techniques. In particular, students demonstrated creativity and ingenuity in their Internal Assessments by incorporating concepts such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism into their solutions.

Design Technology Georgia Foster Head of Department

This year in Design Technology has been one of resilience, creativity and continued growth. Our students have embraced challenges across all year groups, developing their practical skills, confidence and understanding of the design process through a wide range of exciting projects.

We are particularly proud of our largest ever GCSE cohort, who worked incredibly hard to produce practical outcomes in what were, at times, challenging circumstances. Their determination, problem-solving and commitment to completing their projects has been impressive, and they should be proud of the progress they have made.

We also said goodbye to our IB2 Design Technology students this year. They have shown creativity, independence and perseverance throughout the course, and we wish them every success as they move on to their future endeavours.

At KS3, students have been busy in the workshop, growing in confidence as they use machines, tools and materials safely and accurately. It has been wonderful to see them become more independent makers and designers, building the foundations they will continue to develop in the years ahead.

As a department, we are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm our students have shown throughout the year. We wish all our students continued success and look forward to seeing where their design journeys take them next.

English

Michelle Harper Head of Department

The English Department has had another successful year celebrating the richness of global literary heritage and the imaginative power of words.

In November 2025, Ms Wake accompanied an enthusiastic group of year eight students on a trip to participate in the Literacy Super League. They excelled in each round and made the Deira family incredibly proud of their efforts. We value literacy and the freedom it gives our students to articulate their thoughts and engage in critical thinking.

Throughout the year, we celebrated various special days in the literary calendar, one such was World Book Day. Students participated in a range of activities to showcase their love for fiction and non-fiction books. One of our year 9 students, shared a book he wrote with year 6 students. He read extracts and took questions from the audience. It was delightful to see him inspiring the next generation of writers.

Key stage three students also participated in a house spelling bee competition, spelling key words and earning points for their houses. Another strategy used to enhance literacy and promote students’ confidence in spelling frequently misspelt words. Oryx emerged as the winning house. Congratulations!

Library lessons have also been a success this academic year. Each library lesson encourages independent reading while fostering students’ insatiable appetite for the written word. Students were also encouraged to read to their teachers and engage in discussions about the characters, setting and plot. Library lessons culminated with students creating posters to showcase their favourite books.

Providing a robust curriculum is also important for the English department and this year, we introduced Shakespeare to all KS3 classes. Students have competed in a design competition to see who could recreate the globe theatre either as 3D art or as a Diorma, the outcomes proved the creativity and hard work of our students.

KS4 students were introduced to The Write Challenge and completed an array of writing tasks in the MPH once per fortnight. This built their writing stamina and gave them the opportunity to embed key exam skills and knowledge.

We look forward to another exciting year in English where teachers will continue to pass on their passion for the subject; honing a generation of avid readers, writers and critical thinkers.

Geography

Eleanor Smith

Head of Department

This academic year has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and adaptability, with students across the Geography department continuing to thrive through both in-school and remote learning environments. From KS3 through to IB2, our geographers have demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding the world around them, even when faced with changing circumstances.

Year 10 IGCSE Geography students investigated environmental quality by comparing Karama to Dubai Creek Harbour. They applied their geographical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining firsthand insight into the impacts of urbanisation in two contrasting areas. Meanwhile, Year 11 students examined coastal management strategies at Kite Beach, measuring the influence of groynes on longshore drift.

In Key Stage 3, students have engaged in a range of interactive and thoughtprovoking topics. Year 7 students explored Mapping a Better World, developing their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and applying this knowledge to design their own sustainable cities. Year 8 students focused on disaster management in hazard-prone regions and took part in their Down to Earth topic, where they investigated global challenges such as water sustainability and ageing populations. Year 9 students deepened their understanding of globalisation through their topic TNC Takeover and explored global inequalities using Dollar Street, allowing them to make meaningful comparisons between different standards of living around the world.

Our IB1 students have embarked on their Internal Assessment journey, gathering primary data from two contrasting locations in Dubai— Downtown Dubai and Kite Beach. Their fieldwork focuses on answering the question: “To what extent has tourism impacted Downtown Dubai compared to Kite Beach?”

By integrating primary data with extensive secondary research, students are linking their findings to key geographical theories covered in class. This process will culminate in a comprehensive, analytical written report, contributing to their final IB grade.

Finally, our examination cohorts have shown exceptional resilience. Year 11 and IB2 students have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, responding to evolving exam conditions with maturity and determination. Their ability to persevere, remain focused, and continue striving for success no matter the challenges faced has been truly commendable.

We are incredibly proud of all our Geography students and look forward to seeing how they continue to apply their knowledge, skills, and global awareness in the future.

History

Edward Long

Head of Department

Well done to all of our History students this year – exam results at both IB and iGCSE were outstanding. It is an exciting time for the department with Miss Tickle joining the department. This has meant more opportunities for IB teaching, and a new (Edexcel) iGCSE course to get stuck into. With modules in the latter on Japan, Hitler, Vietnam and US Civil Rights, students will have a modern perspective on key events that shaped the 20th Century.

At Key Stage 3, students have been studying the Mali, Ottoman and Abbasid Empires in Year 7, The Tudors, global exploration and slavery in Year 8, and World Wars, Dictatorships and The Cold War in Year 9.

It has been a challenging year for everyone, adapting to online learning in terms 2 and 3, however it is one that the department has risen to with aplomb.

Students have continued to learn, engage and debate, not least in discussion of President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan.

The key event of the year has been the inaugural trip to Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin by 19 Y10 students. It was an outstanding cultural and historical experience, and one that we plan to repeat in future years.

Maths

Mari Herron

Head of Department

This has been a fantastic year for the Mathematics Department. Our students have excelled both inside and outside the classroom, showing great talent, dedication and enthusiasm for learning.

We are especially proud of their performance in the Dubai Maths Super League Competitions, where they demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and teamwork. A particular highlight was our Year 12 team achieving an impressive second place, which is a wonderful reflection of their hard work and mathematical ability.

Our students also enjoyed great success in the UKMT Challenge, with many earning certificates and several progressing to the next rounds. It has been lovely to see their confidence and enjoyment of mathematics continue to grow throughout the year.

Our Year 7 students also had the opportunity to take part in the Maths Relay Competition, showing great energy, determination and team spirit as they represented their houses.

A special shout out goes to Vivaan Mundra for achieving the Top in World Cambridge Learner Award in Additional Mathematics. This is an exceptional achievement and a testament to Vivaan’s hard work, talent and dedication.

We would also like to send our warmest congratulations and best wishes to all of our graduating students. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved during their time with us and wish them every success as they move on to their next exciting chapter.

It has been a pleasure to see our students’ enthusiasm for mathematics flourish, and we look forward to building on these achievements in the year ahead.

MFL

Asma Oulghazi

Head of Department

The MFL Department at Deira International School has enjoyed a truly fantastic year, filled with memorable events and enriching learning experiences. A particular highlight was the Year 7 MFL Spelling Bee, which showcased students’ enthusiasm, confidence, and growing linguistic accuracy in a lively and supportive atmosphere.

Innovation has also been at the heart of the department this year, with an engaging MFL AI workshop for IB students that encouraged them to explore how technology can enhance language learning and critical thinking. Year 7 students benefited from a creative and immersive French Pottery workshop, successfully combining language, culture, and hands‐on creativity.

The whole school community came together to celebrate languages through the French and Spanish Day challenges, with fun and inclusive activities designed for all year groups, helping to foster curiosity, collaboration, and cultural awareness.

While celebrating these successes, we are also sad to see Alexia Bosq leave as she returns to France. She has been a valued and dedicated member of the department, and we thank her sincerely for her commitment and contribution to MFL at DIS.

Performing Arts

Chelsie Hemmings Head of Department

The Performing Arts department has enjoyed an exceptional year, marked by creativity, collaboration, community and outstanding achievement. With our largest ever GCSE and IB cohorts, students have continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment and talent, building on our exceptional exam results in 2025.

This year, the department was proudly recognised as Performing Arts Department of the Year at the Education Achievement Awards 2025, while our students continued to excel on wider stages, winning Audience Impact at the JESS Devising Box and Senior Duologue at COBIS’ Global Drama Competition.

Our full-scale student production of Oliver Jr! was a true highlight, showcasing the incredible dedication of our cast, band, and backstage team. Alongside this, students engaged with industry professionals through West End Stage workshops and contributed to a sensational promotional video that you can watch on our instagram: @disperformingarts. This gave them invaluable realworld experience and an opportunity to showcase their talents and promote the school. Theatre trips to see Grease! and Beetlejuice! further enriched students’ understanding and appreciation of performance.

Beyond the stage, a vibrant programme of co-curricular activities from Strings Orchestra and Indian Music Ensemble to Drama Club, Show Choir, and Black Box Devising has allowed students to explore their passions in a supportive and dynamic environment. We are especially proud of those accepted into the National Youth Orchestra, reflecting the exceptional standard of musicianship within the department.

Above all, this year has been defined by the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community within our Performing Arts family a place where students continue to grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration. More of the same next year!

Psychology

Najeeb Shakoor Head of Department

This year has been an incredibly busy and exciting one for our Psychology department, filled with several noteworthy events. We’ve welcomed and bid farewell to many students, including our exceptional Year 13s, who have successfully completed their journey with us in IB Psychology. Our Year 10 students conducted their first psychological research project, investigating the correlation between height and sporting ability, and embarked on their first Psychology trip to the Museum of Illusions in Al Seef.

There, they delved into the fascinating world of visual illusions, discovering how our brains can be tricked and challenged—a fun blend of science, psychology, and a touch of magic! Meanwhile, the IB1 research program has flourished, with IB1 students providing valuable research into memory distortion and healthy relationships throughout the year.

Throughout the year, our students have consistently demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and an outstanding commitment to their learning. Many students achieved excellent assessment results through their hard work and determination, while also developing the confidence to articulate complex psychological concepts and apply theories to realworld behaviour. From strengthening their research, analytical, and evaluation skills to taking increasing ownership of their learning, students across all year groups have continually pushed themselves to the next level academically and personally.

We are especially proud of the collaborative and supportive culture within the department, where students encourage one another to strive for excellence and embrace new challenges with enthusiasm and maturity. Their dedication, work ethic, and passion for Psychology have made this year a truly memorable one, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future. Lastly, we extend our best wishes to our IB2 students as they prepare to head off to universities around the world this summer.

Science

Michelle Scott

Head of Department

What a year it has been in the Science department! We kicked things off with our annual Genes for Genes Day, celebrating the wonderful world of DNA and genetics, before throwing ourselves into a packed and exciting curriculum across all year groups.

Our Year 7's have been blasting off into space, exploring volcanoes and coral reefs, and getting their first taste of Medical Marvels. Year 8 stepped things up, acting as doctors in clinics, designing sustainable cities of the future, and wrapping up with a Crime Scene Investigation unit complete with Nerf gun ballistics and bulletproof vest design!

Year 10 worked with impressive focus and determination through a demanding curriculum, while our Year 11 students showed extraordinary resilience in the face of cancelled examinations handling an incredibly difficult situation with maturity and grace that made us all enormously proud. Our IB students, as ever, embraced the depth and rigour of their studies with real intellectual curiosity and passion.

This year marked an exciting milestone with our first Higher Level cohort in IB Environmental Systems and Societies. A highlight was our trip to the fish market in preparation for internal assessments, where students gathered data on fish species and got hands on with some very slippery creatures before analysing their findings in class. It has been a really successful year, and we look forward to welcoming more students to the Environmental Systems and Societies course in the future.

Even during our time online, the practical spirit of Science never wavered though we suspect Mrs Blomley's cat may have stolen the show in her kitchen classroom!

We are so proud of every one of our students this year. To those graduating and facing upcoming exams we wish you the very best of luck.

Visual Arts

Anupa joshi

Head of Department

This year has been a powerful journey of creativity, adaptability and growth for our students across all year groups. Despite the challenges faced, it has been inspiring to see how our young artists have continued to explore, create and express themselves with confidence and originality.

At KS3 and KS4, this has certainly been an unusual and interesting year, with periods of distance learning. However, our students have shown incredible resilience and commitment, embracing online learning with a positive mindset. They have continued to develop their creative skills, experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques from home and at school. Our IGCSE students have worked diligently to refine their skills and ideas, demonstrating independence and perseverance in completing their coursework. Whether exploring observational drawing, textiles, or digital media, they have pushed their creativity forward and produced work they can be proud of.

Whilst this was not the ideal way to conclude their school journey, our IB Visual Arts students have had an extraordinary and memorable experience.

Showcasing their work at Dubai Festival City with a grand opening was a remarkable achievement, with hundreds of visitors experiencing their creativity and talent. This opportunity allowed them to present their artistic journeys on a professional platform, celebrating their hard work and dedication in a truly special way. We are incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished and look forward to seeing how you continue to grow as artists in the future.

‘’I thoroughly enjoyed the photography course, particularly the opportunity to transform my creativity into strong visual outcomes. Being able to turn my imagination into finished pieces in various forms such as light painting, portrait photography, and long-exposure shots, and the finishing result was extremely rewarding.

I will cherish GCSE Photography not only for the final outcomes, but for the creative process itself, gradually refining my work into magazine-style covers and advertisements.’’

Suhana Shishodia - IGCSE Yr 11 Photography

Through IB Visual Arts, I began to realize that creativity isn’t something you’re simply given, it’s something you uncover. The subject pushed me to explore a more personal and often hidden artistic voice, while constant experimentation allowed me to navigate different artists and art movements, helping me represent my own identity and perspective. Although the writing tasks were tedious, it became one of the most valuable parts of my journey, as studying other artists’ techniques, intentions, and stories inspired my work and gave me a strong foundation to communicate meaning more effectively.

Taking HL Visual Arts has also been crucial in shaping my future, enabling me to produce a portfolio that is both technically strong and conceptually thoughtful, which has already gained interest from my desired universities. Moreover, it taught me to take control of my creative process without fear, refining ideas, and trusting my instincts. Overall, the course challenged me but ultimately shaped me into a more confident and capable artist, allowing me to see myself not just as a student, but as a creative individual with a distinct voice and direction.’’ Vahin Moktan – IB Visual Art Student

Sam Ottley

Head of Physical Education

It has been another successful year in PE provided students with opportunities to develop a broad range of physical, interpersonal, and leadership skills through a varied and engaging curriculum. Students demonstrated commitment, resilience, and teamwork across a range of sporting activities, while continuing to build confidence, discipline, and an appreciation for healthy and active lifestyles.

Our Secondary Sports Day was a tremendous success, with the entire Secondary school competing together in the biggest House event of the year! For the first time, all students participated on the same day, creating an electric atmosphere across every activity and venue. From athletics to volleyball, table tennis to football, students gave their all to earn valuable points for their House. The levels of teamwork, determination, and House spirit on display made for an unforgettable event.

A huge congratulations to Falcon, our overall champions!

But most importantly, a massive well done to every student who took part. Your energy, effort, and enthusiasm helped create a truly fantastic day of physical activity and community spirit.

Alistair Dale Secondary School Counsellor

A Legacy of Care: The Wellbeing Council This year, the Wellbeing Council remained dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. By prioritizing a culture of inclusion, the council bridged the gap between students and staff, ensuring that our campus is defined by its heart as much as its academics. Their efforts have transformed our school into more than just a place of study. It is now a true community of belonging where mindfulness and mutual respect are at the core of our daily lives.

Reflections from Our Wellbeing Student Lead Our primary mission has always been to build a foundation of support that reaches every corner of the school. This year, we focused on creating moments of calm and connection, proving that when we prioritize our mental health, we grow stronger together. It has been an honor to help shape a school environment that truly champions the well-being of every student, leaving behind a culture of kindness for the years to come The Heart of Our Community: Holistic Growth The Wellbeing Department at DIS remains committed to a proactive strategy that nurtures the "whole" person, nurturing our students, families, and staff alike. Our goal is to empower every learner to evolve into an empathetic, resilient global citizen by providing a collaborative environment where emotional flourishing is just as important as academic success.

Through the implementation of supportive frameworks and the development of dedicated, mindful spaces, we have built a solid foundation for lifelong fulfillment. Whether through strategic partnerships or internal support systems, our focus remains on ensuring that every student has the tools they need to navigate life with confidence and peace of mind.

Secondary

Student Experience

Scarlett Keyworth Assistant Headteacher Student Experience

The Student Experience is at the heart of DIS. It is where school memories are created, characters are shaped, and the sounds of fun and laughter echo through the corridors.

Across the four pillars of the Student Experience, including Student Leadership, school trips and CAS, we witness students grow into confident individuals, future leaders, and young people filled with ambition and dreams. My role is to support those goals and aspirations by helping turn their ideas into reality, and for that reason alone, I truly love what I do.

This year, we have seen many students across DIS achieve new milestones, step outside their comfort zones, break records, and take on challenges that have helped shape them into the well-rounded individuals they are today. From bespoke TEDx talks and bold new characters taking to the stage, to sporting success, and whole school events, we have watched our community grow and friendships flourish.

The following pages offer a snapshot of those journeys and experiences. They are stories that will warm hearts and raise smiles. These experiences have created many wonderful memories for our students, memories they will carry with them for a lifetime.

As this school year comes to an end, another chapter closes. It is with pride and purpose that I say: bring on next year, 2026/27. Let us see what our young graduates can accomplish, what our DIS learners can achieve, and the boundaries we can continue to push together, here in the UAE and across the globe.

It has been a remarkable year — and one to remember!

Ms Keyworth

Falcon Paige Hall Head of Falcon

A real highlight was the whole school Sports Day, where Falcons came out on top and secured 1st place. Across all year groups, every sprint, throw, and relay showcased what we are capable of when we come together with purpose and pride.

We also had a fantastic result in the House Music Festival, with Philip achieving second place. Performances were brilliant across the board, with real creativity and confidence displayed.

In the wider house competition, we’re currently in 3rd place out of 4 houses.

While the overall standings haven’t quite gone our way this year, that doesn’t reflect the energy and commitment Falcons have shown in every event they’ve taken part in.

More than anything, this year has been about community. Whether competing, performing, or getting involved in house activities, Falcons have shown resilience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to get stuck in. There’s a real sense of people backing each other and representing the house with pride.

Falcon House still flying high, and always showing up!

Oryx Vaish Kumar Head of Oryx

Oryx House has done it again - and this year, we've made it absolutely clear that no trophy, no podium, no moment is out of reach. Sitting proudly in 2nd place overall, the Oryxes have fought for every single point with the kind of grit and heart that makes this house something truly special.

The House Music Festival? Swept. The Oryxes took that stage and owned it completely walking away with first place and leaving no doubt about who the real stars of the show were. When the Heritage Race came around, it was Oryx leading the charge from start to finish, crossing the line with the pride and energy that defines everything we do.

But it's not just the trophies that tell the story. Week in, week out, house point after house point, the Oryxes show up. For their teachers, for their school, and most importantly, for each other. This is a group that doesn't wait for the big moments to be great. They bring it every single day.

What makes me proudest is the people. Their resilience. Their teamwork. The way they always do the right thing and look out for one another without being asked. That's not something you can teach. That's character.

The best is still ahead of us.

Forever Oryx, Forever Champions!

Saluki Shaikh Abdulla Xec Head of Saluki

It has been an incredible journey throughout the academic year 2025–2026 as the Head of House for Saluki. From the very beginning, our students demonstrated determination, resilience, unity, and an unmatched house spirit in every challenge and competition. Reflecting on my experience at DIS, I feel proud to have grown stronger each day while continuously motivating and empowering our students to strive for excellence.

Together, we supported one another, celebrated every achievement, and strengthened the true spirit of teamwork and perseverance. We are proud to be Saluki, and with our passion, ambition, and dedication, we look forward to bringing home the House Cup once again in 2026.

TAHR Motiur Rahman Head of Tahr

This year, Tahr has once again shown what it truly means to lead with determination, resilience, and unity. From the very beginning of the academic year, we held our place at the top of the leaderboard—and through every challenge, every competition, and every achievement, we proved why Tahr spirit is unmatched.

Even during periods of distance learning, our students continued to excel, earning an incredible number of house points through their dedication, hard work, and drive for success. No matter where learning took place, Tahr students remained motivated, focused, and committed to making our house proud.

But our success is about more than just points and victories. It is about the way we support one another, encourage each other to grow, and stand together as one community. Every contribution—big or small—helped strengthen the spirit of Tahr and showed the power of teamwork and perseverance.

I could not be prouder of everything we have achieved together this year. Tahr has set the standard once again, and this is only the beginning. With our passion, ambition, and unity, there is no limit to what we can accomplish next year. #Once_a_Tahr_Always_a_Tahr

BSME Games DIS at the U11, U15 and U19 BSME Games DIS entered teams into the U11, U15 and U19 BSME Games, competing against some of the strongest schools across the Middle East. The event provided an outstanding platform for performance, development, and exposure to high-level competition across all age groups.

U11 BSME Games The U11 BSME Games marked a first experience at this level for many of our students, making their performances even more impressive. The biggest highlights came during the athletics competition, where students excelled across a range of disciplines.

Xinyue – Gold in Javelin Naeva – Bronze in Triple Jump Lamar – Bronze in Long Jump Nena – Silver in Long Jump Zak delivered a standout performance across multiple events, achieving Gold in the 60m, Silver in the 150m, and Silver in the Long Jump.

What was most pleasing across the U11 Games was that the team was awarded the Fair Play Award. This recognition strongly reflects the values DIS stands for and the standards we consistently aim to instil in our students through sport.

U15 BSME Games The U15 teams delivered an exceptional overall performance, showcasing the strength and depth of sport at DIS. Boys’ Athletics – 1st place overall Boys’ Football – Runners-up (2nd place) Boys’ Volleyball – 4th place Girls’ Football – 4th place Athletics proved to be a standout area, with several individual and team successes: Youte – Silver in Long Jump and Bronze in the 200m Yaman – Gold in the 400m Boys’ Relay Team – Silver Across all sports, the U15 team finished 4th overall, just one point behind 3rd place, competing against some of the very best schools in the region. This result highlights both the commitment to training and the quality of performance at the highest level.

U19 BSME Games For many of our U19 students, this was the first time DIS had entered teams at this level, making the experience particularly memorable. The highlight of the U19 Games was the girls’ football team finishing 3rd overall - an excellent achievement against well-established programmes.

Beyond results, the U19 Games offered invaluable experiences, including competing in a high-pressure environment, representing the school on a major regional stage, and building confidence and resilience. These experiences will play a key role in the long-term development of our senior athletes and future leaders within school sport.

Oliver!

Our school production of Oliver! Jr was a standout moment of the year, transporting audiences back to the bustling streets of Victorian London. Performed in February, the show brought Dickens’ classic story to life with energy, creativity, and heart, showcasing the incredible talent of our students, with over 100 taking part both on stage, in the band and behind the scenes.

From the memorable performances of Oliver, Fagin, Nancy and the Artful Dodger to the powerful ensemble numbers and live student band, every element of the production reflected months of dedication and hard work. Our super star students rose to the challenge of mastering complex choreography, demanding vocal harmonies, and detailed character work, delivering performances that were both entertaining and deeply moving.

It was our first time split casting, and each cast brought their own unique twist to the show making it diverse and engaging for audiences.

Supported by a committed backstage and technical team, the production was a true collaboration and a celebration of our Performing Arts community. Oliver! was not only a spectacular show, but also a testament to the passion, teamwork, and creativity that define our department and our school. We already can’t wait for next year.

‘’Oliver has truly been a one in a lifetime experience, it has been so amazing going through every step of the way and no one can explain the sadness but gratefulness you get after the last show. I will forever cherish the people and the memories I made in Oliver.

It’s not just about my friends, it’s about the running out of the room realising it’s your scene, it the people cheering you on after your lines, it’s the feeling you did amazing, it’s teachers using you as example! I had so much fun especially being Old Sally and really bringing the character to life on the stage. Oliver has been nothing short of amazing; it is an experience I will never forget.’’

Yara Jebreel (Yr 8) Oliver Cast Member

Playing Dodger in Oliver was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.

Stepping onto that stage, building friendships, and bringing the character to life made me grow in confidence and passion.

I’ll never forget the friends I made, and the memories created. It wasn’t just a play it was a way to get closer with older and younger years and something I’m forever grateful for.

Razan Aldibbiat (Yr 9) The Artful Dodger

Ethne Bourn Duke of Edinburgh Lead

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is about one thing: building character that lasts a lifetime. Students challenge themselves by setting personal goals and committing to them each week across three key areas: Physical, Skills, and Volunteering. They develop resilience, independence and a clear sense of purpose while making a real contribution to others.

The DofE journey begins in May (Term 3), with students applying for Bronze (Year 9) or Silver (Year 11). Once enrolled, participants design three SMART goals, allowing them to take ownership of their growth. Starting early means they can build momentum over the summer.

From September, the focus shifts to expedition training, preparing for the Adventurous Journeys. Students learn essential life skills: navigation, campcraft, cooking, first aid and how to manage themselves safely in challenging environments such as the UAE mountains and desert.

But DofE is about more than skills - it’s about people.

On expedition, students work in teams, carrying everything they need and trekking up to 16– 18km a day. They face heat, fatigue and unfamiliar terrain - but it is here that character is revealed. Teamwork, positivity, resilience, and problem-solving become essential, as students learn to support one another and succeed together. Of course their physical fitness is tested too as the routes are rigorous.

This year, a particular strength was the students’ growing awareness of others. It was inspiring to see them look beyond themselves—ensuring every team member not only coped but felt supported and valued throughout the challenge.

DofE is demanding. It is rewarding. And it stays with them for life.

‘If you had told 5-year-old me, the kid obsessed with Dragon Ball, Ben 10, and all that stuff, that one day I’d be standing on a stage delivering a TEDx talk, I would’ve laughed in your face and said, “Don’t lie.” Back then, I genuinely thought my future involved fighting Vilgax or throwing hands with Jiren.

Fast forward 12 years, and instead of saving the universe, I was fighting something way scarier: GCSE mocks. After getting a 3 in Geography, I had a choice; accept defeat or lock in. I chose the second option.

In my TEDx talk, I spoke about the idea of “connecting the dots”: how setbacks, pain, and failure aren’t there to destroy you, but to shape you into who you’re meant to become.

TEDx felt surreal and terrifying at times, exhilarating at others, and honestly the closest I’ve ever felt to one of those dramatic anime speeches where the music swells and suddenly everyone believes in you.

What it taught me is this: growth isn’t about avoiding the hard moments. It’s about going straight through the chaos, the mess, and the painful dots that eventually connect into something extraordinary.

And honestly? Inspiring people from a stage isn’t a bad ending either’.

TEDx Speaker – Siraj Butt

‘Organising TEDx became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life - not because of the stage itself but working with the people behind it. Working alongside a devoted team, listening to the stories of remarkable speakers, and sharing the journey with teachers and students I genuinely admire, reminded me that the most powerful ideas are often built through human connection’.

TEDx Lead for 2025/26 – Zunaira Faraz’

‘Being part of TEDx over the past two years has been a highlight of my school experience. In 2024–2025, I stepped onto the stage as a speaker, definitely nerve wracking, but an unforgettable moment that helped me find my voice. This year, I swapped the spotlight for a new challenge: bringing in external speakers and hosting as the MC. From coordinating three incredible guest speakers to keeping the audience engaged throughout the event, I got to experience TEDx from a whole new perspective.

Whether on stage or behind the scenes, it’s been an experience full of growth, energy, and ideas worth sharing’.

Deputy Head Girl – Bashayer Al Alawi

DIS Rebel Racers F1 2026 Finalists

This has been an outstanding year for STEM Racing, marked by dedication, teamwork, and exceptional student achievement. Following a highly competitive round of qualifiers across the UAE with over 160 schools participating, we are proud to share that all three of our teams successfully secured their place in the National Finals.

Our teams Nitro Nova, Rebel Racers, and Velox demonstrated excellent skill, innovation, and commitment throughout the competition process. Their hard work has earned them the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Yas Marina Circuit, where they will represent the school on a national stage.

This achievement reflects not only the students’ determination and teamwork but also the strength of the STEM and Design & Technology provision within the school.

We look forward to supporting the teams as they continue to refine their designs and performance ahead of the finals, and we wish them every success in the next stage of the competition.

Mr Mo Ullah Design Technology Teacher

New World Youth Championship 2026 Our Y12/IB1 Economics students proudly participated in the Inaugural International Business & Economics Video Competition organized as part of the 140th Anniversary celebrations of Anglo-Chinese School, Singapore. The competition, titled Project: New World Youth Championship 2026, challenged students to explore global economic issues through innovative and solution-oriented thinking.

The students created a compelling video on the Economic Impact of Pollution in New Delhi, India, focusing on the economic concept of negative externalities. Their project examined how industrial emissions, vehicle congestion, and stubble burning in neighbouring states create severe air pollution and impose external costs on society, including rising healthcare expenses, lower productivity, environmental degradation, and reduced quality of life.

The video also explored the wider economic consequences of seasonal stubble burning, such as respiratory illnesses, school closures, transport disruptions, and reduced economic activity. Students proposed solutions including stricter environmental regulations, subsidies for sustainable farming practices, investment in public transportation, and greater public awareness.

Through this experience, students demonstrated excellent research, collaboration, communication, and analytical skills while successfully applying economic theory to a real-world global challenge.

DIS

on Tour 2025

Kenya Community Service Project In October, students from Year 10-IB1 geared themselves up for a life changing adventure to Kenya. Through Camps International, students immersed themselves into the local community of Tsavo where they helped build elephant deterrent fences, classrooms and a firm favourite, de-wormed goats! They showed resilience, determination and enjoyed a well-earned day on safari. DIS students spirits were infectious and there was never a dull moment.

Here’s what our students have to say; “Kenya really changed the way I see everything. I went thinking I would help others but instead, I was the one who learned what strength, gratitude, and what real humanity looks like, seeing how people live with so little yet carry so much warmth and resilience truly stayed with me and it reminded me how powerful kindness and perspective can be. My time in Kenya opened my eyes to a different reality, but also to a deeper appreciation for resilience, community, and the small things we often take for granted. I met people who had almost nothing, yet gave so much in spirit and kindness it completely reshaped how I understand happiness.” Tala Bushnaq (Yr11)

“Our Kenya trip was unreal. We worked with local communities, tried loads of new things, and got a glimpse of a different way of life. Playing football with the kids and the food were easily the best parts.

Overall, a trip we’ll never forget!!”

Joelle Karam (Year 11)

“Our trip to Kenya was truly unforgettable, filled with new experiences, valuable lessons, and so much fun.

The most meaningful moment was giving necessities and stationery to the children, which made the trip feel really special. Overall, it was an incredible experience and a trip to cherish.”

Rashida Kothambawala (Year 11)

Barcelona Culture & CAS

This year our IB students were lucky enough to visit beautiful Barcelona!

During the trip the students toured the famous Camp Nou stadium, visited theme parks and even saw the Sagrada Familia. Aswell as this they had some great first hand experiences, taking part in a cooking class, a salsa dancing lesson and a painting lesson.

Unsurprisingly, the students loved having the chance to visit the various shopping districts and areas around Barcelona, spending quality time with each other while they explored. It was a fantastic trip where students enjoyed the independence, sight seeing and experiences they were offered.

Germany Berlin & Munich Curriculum Inquiry From 10–15 December, a group of 19 Year 10 students took part in DIS’ inaugural history trip, to Munich, Nuremberg, and Berlin, designed to deepen their understanding of the rise of Nazism, the impact of the Second World War, and the tensions of the Cold War. The trip began in Munich, a city closely associated with the early development of the Nazi movement. Here, students explored key sites linked to the early activities of the Nazi Party, such as the Burgergraukeller and Odeonsplatz, helping them to understand why Munich became known as the birthplace of the movement and how political instability in the Weimar period contributed to extremist ideologies gaining support.

The group then travelled to Nuremberg, where the scale and power of the Nazi regime were brought into sharper focus. At the Nuremberg Rally Grounds, students were able to visualise the mass rallies that played a key role in Nazi propaganda and control, reflecting on how architecture and spectacle were used to influence public perception. This experience was complemented by a visit to the Kristkindl market and the old town of Nuremberg, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

In Berlin, students were able to connect their knowledge of Nazi Germany with the later division of Europe during the Cold War. Visits to the Berlin Wall Memorial and surviving sections of the Berlin Wall provided a powerful insight into the physical and ideological separation between East and West. At the DDR Museum, students explored everyday life in East Germany, gaining a clearer understanding of how Cold War tensions affected ordinary people. The group also visited Check Point Charlie and saw the Brandenburg Gate – key sites in the division of this city. Walking tours across the city highlighted how Berlin’s landscape is shaped by layers of history, from the Nazi era to its role as a focal point of Cold War conflict and eventual reunification.

Throughout the trip, students demonstrated maturity and engagement, particularly when encountering sites of significant historical sensitivity. They asked thoughtful questions, made connections between different periods of history, and showed a strong awareness of the importance of learning from the past. The experience of visiting these key locations in person reinforced classroom learning and allowed students to better understand the complexity of Germany’s twentieth-century history, from the rise and fall of the Nazi regime to the division and reunification brought about by the Cold War. It was truly a pleasure to have them on this tour. See you next year!

Student Leadership

Student Leadership Team 2025 ‘Our student leadership team this year has been nothing short of exceptional. They have worked endlessly to implement many key initiatives to benefit the school holistically. From large scale renovation projects such as the ‘IB Café’, to hosting prestigious ceremonies including Graduation and Annual Awards, and even their remarkable efforts in achieving the Green Flag Award to cement our school’s exceptional sustainability practice - our SLT has exhibited collaboration, dedication and synergy. These are just a few examples of the commendable feats that the team has accomplished, underscoring their unwavering commitment to lead with excellence and contribute to the DIS community’.

Zuhair Noorani - Head Boy 2025

DIS School Council OUR MISSION The Student Council aims to represent the voice of the student body, strengthen communication between students and staff, and create a more inclusive and engaging school environment.

Through collaboration, initiative, and leadership, we work to turn student ideas into meaningful action and positive change.

Taisiia Pustovoyto

MEET THE TEAM

Year Group Representitives

LEADERSHIP & IB REPRESENTITIVES

BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT - IB CAFE RENNOVATION BEFORE

AFTER

“The council took student voices seriously and worked toward meaningful outcomes.”

Hadi Hemraj (Yr 13) “”It felt good knowing our voices were genuinely valued.”

Omar Dassouki (Yr 10)

The Green Flag Award Student Leadership sits at the heart of life at DIS, empowering our young people to take direction in all areas of school life and in the issues that matter most to them as individuals, global citizens, and future leaders. Sustainability is one area that particularly resonates with our Gen Z community. Our students care deeply about the world they live in and the legacy they will leave behind. They demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility for protecting the environment and educating others on how to care for the planet we share. We recognise that small actions can create meaningful change.

Within our own community, students have led beach clean-ups, promoted the reduction of singleuse plastics, and actively engaged in the Green Flag Award process. Through this initiative, students have designed and implemented projects focused on biodiversity, waste management, school grounds, and water conservation.

Watch this space as we work towards raising the Green Flag, in collaboration with Eco-Schools UK, celebrating our collective commitment to sustainability, student leadership and environmental stewardship.

Scarlett Keyworth

Whool School Assistant Headteacher for Student Experinece “Doing sustainability properly” in a school setting goes far beyond policies, checklists, or awards. At DIS, what we’re really aiming for is an embedded culture of sustainability. That means being sustainable isn’t treated as a bolt-on topic, a single unit in a curriculum, or the responsibility of one team. Instead, it’s something that all staff and all students, from 4 to 18, naturally think about in the decisions they make every day.

Forest School plays a key role in this culture. Through regular, meaningful time outdoors, students develop a stronger connection to nature, alongside curiosity, collaboration, resilience, and practical life skills. When children learn to observe carefully, work together, and solve real problems in a natural environment, sustainability stops being abstract, it becomes personal and motivating.

Crucially, at DIS, we also recognise that simply being “sustainable” is not the end goal. Sustainability is a foundation, not a finish line. We want students and staff to feel empowered and passionate about pushing beyond “doing less harm” towards ideas of regeneration, abundance, and shared prosperity; a society where both people and the planet can thrive. In that sense, doing sustainability properly means nurturing informed, hopeful changemakers who believe they can build something better, not just maintain what already exists.

Dan Kilsby Associate Assistant Headteacher for Science, Sustainability, and Outdoor learning

The Alliance for Sustainable Schools Joining The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS) has provided DIS with a structured framework to better align our existing sustainability efforts. At this early stage of our membership, it serves as a 'North Star,' helping us move toward a more consistent approach across the whole school.

By connecting with a wider community of educators and students around the world, we are beginning to share best practices and look at how we can make more deliberate, long-term changes to our communities here in the UAE. For DIS, this partnership is about ensuring our commitment to the environment is collaborative and focused on steady, meaningful progress within our local community.

Michael Taylor Primary Assistant Headteacher

'Our Sustainability Council worked together to create a more sustainable school environment through shared responsibility and collaboration. As a team, we focused on key areas including biodiversity, energy, global citizenship, healthy living, litter, marine conservation, school grounds, transport, waste, and water, with each member leading a specific focus area. Throughout the year, we turned ideas into action through a variety of initiatives such as awareness assemblies, studentled campaigns, competitions, talks, a sustainability fashion show, and a beach clean-up. We also met weekly every Monday lunchtime to plan, reflect, and develop our projects as a team. Through consistent effort and teamwork, we have made amazing progress towards the Green Flag Award and continue to build a more environmentally conscious school community'.

Bashayer Al Alawi Deputy Head Girl and Green Flag Lead This year, the Sustainability Council grew into one of the school's largest student-led initiatives, hosting weekly meetings to drive collaboration and progress. Working towards the prestigious Green Flag Accreditation, members took charge of key focus areas including marine conservation, school grounds, and energy management, gathering evidence and implementing initiatives to position our school as a recognised leader in sustainability.

Rohan Rengith - Head of the Sustainability Council 2025

Whole School

ELL

Sarah Te Hiko ELL Head

At DIS, we are proud that we speak many different languages from all over the world!

This year, our ELL (English Language Learner) students have truly embodied the spirit of growth, resilience, and community. Through determination and confidence, they have made remarkable progress in their English language journey while enriching our school with their diverse cultures, perspectives, and talents.

Beyond the classroom, our ELL students embraced every opportunity to participate fully in school life. They competed enthusiastically in schoolwide sports events, showing teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Others proudly represented the school in local Maths, dance and sporting competitions, proving that language is never a barrier to talent, creativity, and determination. Many students also strengthened their communication and academic skills through our British Council English classes, where their dedication and progress were truly impressive.

What has stood out most this year is the confidence our ELL students have gained — whether speaking up in class, joining new activities, making new friends, or taking on leadership opportunities. Their willingness to challenge themselves and support one another has inspired both their peers and teachers alike.

We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved this year. Their success reminds us that diversity makes our community stronger and perseverance opens doors to endless possibilities. We celebrate each student’s journey and look forward to seeing all they will continue to accomplish in the years ahead.

Eleanor Hickey Head of Inclusion

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at DIS. Our teachers, students, parents, and wider community are united in fostering an environment where every learner is empowered to grow, succeed, and achieve their full potential, regardless of their needs or abilities. Students come to school feeling happy, safe, and valued, experiencing a strong sense of belonging that underpins our work as educators.

Throughout the year, we proudly demonstrate our commitment to inclusion by marking key events such as Dyslexia Day, Down Syndrome Awareness Day, and Understanding Autism Week. Our dedicated Inclusion Ambassadors work closely with staff to raise awareness of SEND, playing an active role in cultivating a community that not only embraces differences but celebrates them.

The Library Primary students have enjoyed spending their time in the primary library this year, making good use of over eighteen thousand books, in addition to our online reading resources.

Students have learned how to browse for books that are appropriate to their reading and interest levels. The most exciting part of the library lessons have been our reading competitions – Champions League, where classes compete against each other for a trophy, weekly Reader of the Week, and the most prestigious one of all: The Millionaires’ Club. Over 70 primary students have read more than one million words so far this year! It is a number higher than any of the previous years, proving how much our students love reading for pleasure!

Another great literary event this year was a visit by the famous Rob Biddolph, whose stories and illustrations have become a great hit after his visit at our school. The author visit was secured with the help of our wonderful IB volunteers, who created and submitted a successful video bid to the Emirates Festival of Literature. In November, the primary library hosted the annual ‘Bookworm’ book fair, which gave our students and parents an opportunity to explore the latest publications. In Term 2, it was followed by another book fair, this time organised by Magrudy’s.

The library has continued to be a calm and safe space, with a primary objective of developing and supporting reading for pleasure and instilling a love of reading in all our students.

Michaela Magdolenova - Primary Librarian

is year, the library was more than just a place to borrow books—it was a hub creativity, connection, and surprises. We added fabulous new titles to the elves and connected our ebook system to the national library's online llection, giving you access to more stories than ever before. For those eding a break from screens, our retro game relaxation sessions became a loved escape—proof that sometimes the best fun doesn't need a charger.

ook Week, of course, was a standout. We celebrated a student author's debut d watched the halls come alive with incredible costumes—not just inflatable nosaurs (though there were plenty of those), but also some of the most genious homemade outfits we've ever seen. And to top it off, you turned our ils and jewellery into the winning clues for "Guess the Book & Teacher". Who ew such small details would become your biggest detective tools?

ank you for another unforgettable year of reading, creating, guessing, and aking the library your own. Keep turning pages—and keep surprising us.

This year, the library was more than just a place to borrow books—it was a hub of creativity, connection, and surprises. We added fabulous new titles to the shelves and connected our ebook system to the national library's online collection, giving you access to more stories than ever before. For those needing a break from screens, our retro gaming relaxation sessions became a beloved escape—proof that sometimes the best fun doesn't need a charger.

Book Week, of course, was a standout. We celebrated a student author's debut and watched the halls come alive with incredible costumes—not just inflatable dinosaurs (though there were plenty of those), but also some of the most ingenious homemade outfits we've ever seen. And to top it off, you turned our nails and jewellery into the winning clues for "Guess the Book & Teacher". Who knew such small details would become your greatest detective tools?

Thank you for another unforgettable year of reading, creating, guessing, and making the library your own.

Keep turning pages—and keep surprising us.

Victoria Green - Secondary Librarian

World Book Week Across the school, DIS celebrated our love of reading through World Book Week.

During the week, each class in Primary focused on their own book, each linked to its own Sustainable Development Goal, and showcased their learning through amazing corridor displays! The children enjoyed visits from three incredible authors: Charlotte Jones, Angela Soudi and bestselling author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph, who conducted an amazing drawing workshop for our students!

The children also dressed up as their favourite reading heroes and enjoyed browsing at the Book Fair for their new favourites, where they were able to meet one of our own upcoming authors, Tommy Ramdhan, who took time to sign copies of his book, “A Champion’s Mindset” and ran his own session to inspire the children in both their academic and reading journeys! During the week, we also held workshops, where parents could come and understand more about what their child learns in school and bond with them over reading, and we also had amazing success hosting the Year 5 Dubai Literacy League event, which our very own boys won!

Abigail Gardiner - Primary English Lead

Our secondary students break the mould when it comes to Book Week engagement – we are so proud to have a cohort of enthusiastic readers who proudly share their love of literature. Not only did we have some wonderful and creative costumes of students’ favourite book characters, we witnessed students discussing their favourite novels and discovering their next reads – in the library, in English classrooms and across the school in pockets of conversations with their teachers and friends.

It was also a joy to see students weaving through the corridors and around the school grounds over Book Week completing the scavenger hunt, figuring out through riddles and clues which teachers had recommended their favourite books. Syrene and Laith were our overall winners, getting 100% on the hunt. Additionally, our speech writing competition had some of the highest quality entries yet, with students using their brilliant reading and research skills to write passionately about topics from equality to environmental issues. Sai and Zunaira came first in the KS3 and KS4 competition respectively with their impassioned writing and thoughtful ideas.

We even had our very own published author, Omar in Year 9, deliver a reading from his novel, no doubt inspiring our Year 6 students to pick up a pen and unleash the authors in themselves. Every Book Week feels bigger and more impactful than the last, and that is down to our students’ constant engagement, collaboration and positive attitude to reading.

Kate Jago- Secondary English Teacher

Tolerance and Diversity Day Tolerance and Diversity Day is a special opportunity for our whole school community to come together not just to be in the same place, but to truly celebrate who we are. At DIS, we are made up of so many different cultures, languages, traditions, and stories, and this day is about embracing that variety and recognising the strength it brings to our community.

Tolerance and diversity aren’t just words we talk about they are values we live by. When we respect one another’s differences, act with integrity, collaborate across cultures, and strive for excellence together, we become more than just individuals. We become one united community, connected by our uniqueness rather than divided by it.

This day perfectly reflects our core values reminding us that our differences don’t separate us, they enrich us.

To celebrate our international community, we’re able to share a series of fabulous performances that showcase the cultures, talents, and traditions.

Each performance is a reflection of the diversity we’re proud of and the unity we stand for as we celebrate the incredible global family that is DIS.

Pink Souk

The Year 12 BTEC students played an active and integral role in the Pink Souk event as part of their assessed coursework. As part of this enterprise project, students were challenged to design, launch, and manage their own business ventures, applying theoretical knowledge to a real commercial setting.

Working collaboratively in teams, each student rotated through the role of Team Leader, allowing them to experience first-hand the responsibilities of leadership, decision-making, and accountability. Students demonstrated a high level of creativity and resourcefulness, independently planning their operations, managing budgets, and marketing their products. Many teams showed a strong willingness to take calculated risks, choosing to self-fund their ventures in order to maximise control and potential returns.

The range of enterprises on display reflected both imagination and strong commercial awareness. These included classic fairground-style games, such as knocking down cans to win prizes, alongside product-based businesses selling homemade cookies, handmade bracelets, and other creative items. Students adapted their offerings in response to customer demand, showcasing flexibility and problemsolving in real time.

Every team achieved notable success, not only in terms of profit generation, but more importantly in developing transferable entrepreneurial skills such as teamwork, leadership, financial management, communication, and resilience. These experiences have since been directly applied to their coursework, strengthening their understanding of enterprise concepts and enhancing the quality of their assessed work.

Clinic

The School Clinic at Deira International School is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Managed by a dedicated team of experienced nurses and a full-time physician, the clinic delivers high-quality medical care in accordance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) guidelines.

Beyond providing first aid, emergency care, and daily medical support, the clinic actively promotes preventive healthcare and wellbeing across the school community. Students take part in engaging health education sessions on topics such as hand hygiene, nutrition, personal safety, and healthy lifestyle habits, empowering them to make informed choices from an early age.

The clinic also leads a range of impactful health initiatives, including immunisation programmes, routine health screenings, and awareness campaigns. Extending beyond students, we organise blood donation drives and breast cancer screening campaigns for staff and parents, fostering a strong culture of community health and early detection.

At DIS, the School Clinic is moreover a place of care, education, and support, working closely with students, staff, and families to build a healthier, more informed school community.

Dr Rinda Samayam

Going the Distance When learning moved into our students' homes, our children responded with remarkable independence, resilience and grace. From kitchen tables to quiet corners, from sunlit balconies to shared family spaces, they showed up, settled in, and continued to excel.

What struck me most was the tremendous commitment of our students.

Headphones on, books open, our students carried themselves with a maturity and self-direction that did them enormous credit. They asked thoughtful questions, supported one another across lessons, and kept their curiosity alive through every challenge.

This year has reminded us that learning lives wherever our children are, and that the habits we build together at DIS travel well. Thank you to our students, families and staff for going the distance, together.

Michael Taylor Primary Assistant Head Teacher

DISPA This year, DISPA has continued to bring parents together while supporting and contributing positively to our school community and the experiences of our families and students.

A key focus has been promoting wellbeing through a series of meaningful wellness initiatives. DISPA marked important health awareness events including Breast Cancer awareness Month in October helping to encourage education, support, and community engagement around vital health topics.

DISPA also brought families together through enjoyable community events such as our much-loved Family Beach Day, providing opportunities for connection, relaxation, and shared experiences outside the classroom.

In addition, the association proudly supported our students during key school events. At Sports Day, DISPA members helped keep our students energised and hydrated by distributing fresh fruit and vegetables, reinforcing the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Through these initiatives and many more, DISPA has remained committed to fostering a strong, supportive, and engaged school community. We look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.

Thank you, DISPA, for your continued support and contributions to our school community.

Rachel McCann

Head of University and Careers Counselling

It has been fantastic to be back on site with students this term, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing their enthusiasm and engagement continue to grow as they begin to shape their future pathways.

Our IB1 students recently took part in a Personal Statement and Applications Workshop, where we explored what makes a strong application, why personal statements are so important, and how requirements differ across countries. For example, UK applications focus heavily on the personal statement, while US applications require additional components such as the Common App essay. Students are now working towards completing their first draft by 15th May, after which they will receive individual feedback.

This early preparation is key in reducing pressure in September, particularly for those considering early deadlines from October, and allows students to refine their applications over the summer with confidence.

I also recently had the opportunity to visit universities in Madrid, including IE University, ESCP Business School, and Saint Louis University Madrid Campus. These visits were incredibly valuable, offering first-hand insight into academic delivery, student experience, and campus life. Madrid itself stood out as a vibrant, safe, and studentfriendly city, with strong international communities, excellent career connections, and a growing reputation for business, finance, and international relations programmes.

These are excellent options for students considering studying in Europe.

While in-person events have been slower this term, this has certainly not limited opportunities for students. A wide range of online information sessions, webinars, and workshops continue to be available, and I would strongly encourage all students to take advantage of these. Engaging with universities directly is essential in helping students fully explore their options and make informed decisions about where and what to study.

Parents are also very welcome to attend these sessions, and I encourage you to keep an eye on the Careers channel on Microsoft Teams for upcoming events.

We have also continued to host our parent coffee mornings virtually, which will take place on a bi-weekly basis. These sessions provide regular updates, guidance, and an opportunity to ask questions, and it has been great to see such strong engagement from parents.

We also recently hosted a Virtual University Fair focused on institutions within the UAE. This gave both students and parents the opportunity to attend presentations and then move into breakout rooms to speak directly with representatives from leading universities such as American University of Sharjah, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai. These events are invaluable in allowing students to ask specific questions and gain a deeper understanding of local study options. As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions or for further guidance. We look forward to continuing to support our students as they take the next steps in their journey.

DIS School Leavers Graduates of 2026

Helen Wallis

Acting Deputy Headteacher Head of IB

Goodbye Class of 2026!

As we close this chapter, we say farewell to an extraordinary group of young people, our remarkable Class of 2026.

This goodbye is filled with mixed emotions. There is genuine sadness as we part ways with students who have shown such determination, creativity, and character, but there is also immense pride and excitement for all that lies ahead.

Your final weeks with us have been unlike anything we could have imagined. Completing your schooling through distance learning, away from classrooms, friends, and familiar routines, and facing the uncertainty of cancelled exams required resilience, adaptability, and maturity well beyond your years. You rose to the challenge with grace, proving that learning is not confined to a building and that success is not defined by exams alone.

During your time with us in DIS, you made lasting contributions to our school community, academically, creatively, athletically, and socially. You supported one another, embraced change, and showed compassion and perseverance during moments of disruption. These experiences have shaped you in powerful ways and have prepared you for a world that demands flexibility, courage, and empathy.

As you move forward into the next chapter of your lives, whether at university, in training, or pursuing new pathways, take with you the lessons learned here, especially during these final, defining weeks. Remember that challenges often arrive disguised as setbacks, but they are opportunities for growth. Stay curious, keep pushing boundaries, and never stop believing in your ability to make a difference.

You are innovators, leaders, and changemakers of the future. Your journey may have ended differently than expected, but your potential remains limitless and your future incredibly bright.

We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.

Once a member of our school community, always a member. You will always have a place here. Good luck!

Year 13 Leavers

Aadil

Abdul

Adam

Ahmad

Ahmed

Ali

Alia

Alina

Aman

Amira

Amna

Anaida

Anya

Aseel

Asma

Ayla

Year 13 Leavers

Bardia

Bashayer

Brianna

Burhanuddin

Camellia

Camila

Cyril

Dana

Danial

Dhaara

Diya

Eiad

Elham

Emily

Evan

Fadhil

Year 13 Leavers

Farida

Fatma

Feben

Hadi

Hamza

Haran

Haya

Hazem

Heybial

Hind

Hiranya

Hossein

Hussein

Izhaan

Jana

Joulina

Year 13 Leavers

Katja

Khadija

Koswatte

Lara

Mahdi

Mahir

Mahmoud

Manaal

Maria

Martha

Maryam

Michalina

Mikhael

Mira

Mohamed

Mohammad

Year 13 Leavers

Mohammed

Mohsin

Monish

Moustafa

Myra

Mzoon

Nada

Nadia

Nooran

Omair

Omar

Omar

Phillip

Pratham

Rafael

Rafay

Year 13 Leavers

Rama

Rashed

Rohan

Saif

Salma

Salma

Salma

Sanjay

Sarah

Sarah

Saron

Sayujya

Shaikha

Shaikha

Sarah

Savannah

Year 13 Leavers

Shamsa

Syed

Teema

Thani

Tiziri

Vahin

Vivaan

Yas

Yasmin

Yashwant

Yusen

Zaina

Zarina

Zeyd

Zuhair

Nadiv

Rebecca

ARTWORK BY VAHIN SOGYAL MOKTAN

YEAR 13 VISUAL ART STUDENT