DESS PRIMARY OUD METHA
WELCOME
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, we take pride in being a school where happy children thrive.
As the oldest British school in the UAE, we’ve spent over 60 years building a legacy of excellence rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.
Our not-for-profit status gives us the freedom to invest everything straight back into enhancing our school facilities and educational provision for the children. Rated Outstanding by both the KHDA and British Schools Overseas inspectorates, DESS is a place with a proven track record of educational excellence.
Our focus on personalised learning, inclusion and wellbeing means that every child learns that there is no limit to their learning. And our commitment to a rich extra-curricular programme of activities and opportunities to discover new interests, gives us a chance to nurture independent, confident and resilient learners beyond the classroom. Being distinctively DESS is about so much more than wearing our Outstanding badge. We look beyond academics, results or performances to focus on what truly matters – children. With values of respect, compassion and trust at our core, we foster a happy, close-knit community where every child can flourish academically, physically and emotionally.
We are also committed to securing your child’s education beyond primary school, providing every child with a guaranteed place at DESS College. This rite of passage means continuity in your child’s education, from their very first steps in Foundation Stage to when they leave Sixth Form ready to make their mark on the world.
As you explore this brochure, I hope you get a sense of the vibrant and welcoming community, exceptional opportunities and fabulous facilities that define our school. Every aspect of DESS is designed to ensure that your child leaves us with the confidence, joy and skills to flourish in life.
So, please visit us, take a tour, meet our teachers and children, and live the legacy of our very special school – the place where every day begins with a smile and ends with limitless possibilities.
Tony Clarkson Head of School
WELLBEING
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at DESS. Research consistently shows that developing wellbeing strategies from a young age has a lasting positive impact as children grow. Learning to manage emotions, embrace challenges and build healthy relationships early in life fosters greater mental resilience and emotional intelligence - critical characteristics for navigating the complexities of adulthood.
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, we recognise this crucial link, which is why we place such importance on wellbeing and the holistic development of each child. By embedding wellbeing practices into our daily routines, such as mindfulness, and explicitly teaching these strategies through our WeShine curriculum, we aim to nurture balanced, resilient young people.
Our children explore various techniques to manage anxieties, build adaptability and maintain a positive mindset. These lifelong skills are essential in supporting their overall wellbeing, equipping them to navigate challenges both now and in the future.
Wellbeing at DESS Primary Oud Metha also extends into the community through our DESSCares initiative. Through local and international philanthropy projects, our children develop a deeper understanding of the world and its challenges. But, most importantly, they learn about how their own contributions – no matter how big or small – can work towards a brighter future for
LEARNING & TEACHING
We believe that all great learning begins with building trusting and meaningful relationships between teachers and children. Our highly skilled and experienced staff are selected not only for their expertise but for their ability to nurture and inspire children to become the very best versions of themselves. They understand children as human beings first, not just as learners, and place children’s character development at the very centre of their teaching.
Irrespective of their individual starting points, learning is made challenging for every child. Adept at catering to a wide range of needs, our teachers actively encourage all children to embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes and understand that learning can be developed through grit, hard work and perseverance. This philosophy aims to activate children as agents of their own learning, in that they make choices about what they learn, why it’s important and how they learn best. Skilful guidance and expert support from teachers ensures that every child receives the personalised instruction they need to make excellent progress.
Whilst we have a proud history of achieving excellent academic results, our children’s success is measured against the content of their character. At DESS Primary Oud Metha, our children learn that kindness, human decency and social responsibility have equal footing with academics. They learn to develop an awareness of, and respect for, diverse cultures and perspectives. But, above all, they learn that emotional intelligence is the foundation for building healthy relationships, improving personal wellbeing, navigating life’s challenges and achieving excellence across multiple disciplines.
CURRICULUM
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, we are always pushing boundaries. Our curriculum, rooted in the British Curriculum, stretches the imagination, encourages meaningful discussions and challenges children to question what is important or true. We believe that every child has the right to be challenged, and our unique approach ensures that learning is both dynamic and innovative.
Each term, children’s learning will take on one of three themes: Invent, Explore or Inspire (IEI). Within these themes, the children develop essential academic skills as well as a chosen set of personal qualities, such as thinking flexibly, adapting to change and speaking up. Whether they’re inventing solutions for real-world challenges, exploring the natural world through firsthand experiences or drawing inspiration from changemakers past and present, learning is designed to be exciting and engaging for everyone.
At the heart of the IEI curriculum is our authentically child-led commitment, in which the voice of every child matters. Teachers tune into what excites and captivates each learner, carefully crafting learning experiences that build on their natural interests and passions. These experiences are underpinned by our 6Cs programme, ensuring that children’s skills of Critical Thinking, Compassion, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Curiosity are developed in parallel with their academics.
Our curriculum is enhanced by specialist subjects, such as PE, Computing, Performing Arts and Languages, all taught by experts in their field. Irrespective of their starting points, our bespoke and inclusive curriculum ensures that every child is heard and understood, and discovers their unique talents across a range of curriculum areas.
Our vibrant extracurricular programme, comprising of over 90 free clubs each term, offers an impressive range of opportunities for every child. From sports and the arts to robotics and environmental projects, these activities ensure that children’s passions are nurtured and new interests can be explored.
FOUNDATION STAGE
In both FS1 and FS2, our approach is rooted in Continuous Provision, which aligns with our whole school IEI curriculum, allowing children to explore, play and learn at their own pace in environments that encourage independence and creativity. Through structured play and immersive learning experiences, we ensure that early learning is both challenging and relevant, sparking a sense of awe and wonder in every child.
Our curriculum is grounded in three prime areas of learning: communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. This means that our children learn to recognise feelings, develop a sense of self and others, become physically engaged through their senses and movements and learn to understand and communicate compassionately with others. As well as this, our children acquire the foundations of early reading and writing, develop numerical fluency and pattern recognition skills and explore the natural world in which they live.
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, we actively encourage children to explore their own interests, take risks, make mistakes and embrace challenges. It is with this philosophy that we build the foundations not only for academic success, but the skills and confidence necessary for your child to flourish in school and the world outside of it.
Driving our philosophy is the belief that learning is a shared journey. Our teachers form meaningful connections with every child, ensuring they feel seen, heard and valued. By fostering positive relationships and creating a supportive environment, we empower each child to believe in their potential and take their first steps toward a bright future.
PE & SPORT
Our PE and Sport programme prioritises the development of children’s character, as well as their physical capabilities, such as their coordination, speed and endurance. From the moment they dash onto the field, court or poolside, children learn the values of fair play, respect, identity, teamwork and perseverance. They learn to work together towards common goals, to support their teammates and to handle both victory and defeat with grace and humility.
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, our mission is for every child, regardless of their background or ability, to find joy and success in physical activity. Our expert PE teachers and sports coaches are highly skilled in catering to children’s diverse needs, interests and skill levels, and ensure that children leave every sporting experience feeling safe, included and proud of their efforts.
Whilst our sports teams have achieved excellence in both national and international competition, our success is not characterised by results alone. Instead, it is rooted in a deep sense of pride and belonging for every child. Wearing the DESS badge represents more than just a uniform; it’s a symbol of their community identity and the values of respect, inclusivity and responsibility that underpin it. By representing DESS, our children understand that they are part of something bigger - something that affords them a sense of purpose, demands strength of character and cultivates a collective team spirit like no other.
PERFORMING ARTS
With every note played and every performance given, our Performing Arts curriculum focuses on developing children’s creativity, confidence and self-expression. Expert teachers encourage children to discover new ways to communicate and collaborate through an exciting programme of Dance, Music and Drama. Children are exposed to a wide range of musical styles, genres and cultures, ensuring that they leave primary school with an appreciation of different types of creative performance.
We offer exceptional opportunities for children to master a wide range of instruments through music lessons and our peripatetic instrumental music programme. From piano and guitar to drums, harp and saxophone, expert guidance is provided during weekly private lessons, and many children go on to take exams with respected boards such as Trinity, ABRSM and LAMDA. Our unique orchestral programme is designed to allow every child to develop their instrumental skills and feel the joy of music.
All children take part in large scale productions, engage in cross-curricular performances and enjoy areas including ensemble playing, solo performance and choral singing. The stage is alive with opportunities to perform, whether it’s in one of our choirs or bands, or through an exciting range of extracurricular activities including Samba Drums, Dance Squad and Rock Band.
LIBRARY
The DESS Primary Oud Metha library is at the very heart of our school’s learning culture. We believe that books open worlds of imagination, knowledge and possibility, helping children to develop creativity, empathy and curiosity.
Our library boasts over 16,000 works of literature, from timeless tales to modern-day masterpieces. This vast and diverse collection ensures that every child can find something that resonates with their interests and serves to broaden their perspectives and deepen their appreciation of the world around them.
Reading at DESS Primary Oud Metha is also central in supporting children’s wellbeing. Our library is a peaceful and reflective space where children can escape into stories, relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading.
Our highly experienced librarians play a crucial role in helping children to navigate the world of literature, foster a deeper appreciation for storytelling and develop important research skills that will serve them in life beyond school.
OUR FACILITIES
From gardens to open fields, and from shaded playgrounds to nature trails, every corner of our campus is designed to bring children closer to the outdoors and the world around them. We believe that the right environment, especially one that connects children with nature, ignites their curiosity and allows them to make important links between their learning in the classroom and the real world. Our outdoor spaces encourage exploration, imagination and hands-on discovery, ensuring that learning is inspired by the natural world and takes place beyond the walls of the classroom.
Our specialist art room allows children to engage with a multitude of natural resources and use the outdoors as creative inspiration for their artwork. Language learning in Arabic and French comes alive through immersive, collaborative experiences that place children in real-world contexts, allowing them to practice and apply their skills in meaningful, everyday situations. Physical and emotional growth are nurtured in our outdoor sports facilities, including a 25-metre swimming pool, real grass football and rugby pitches and expansive courts for netball and basketball.
In our computing lab, children engage with cutting-edge technology, whilst also exploring how to become responsible digital citizens. Performing Arts environments include a dance studio, music technology suite and rehearsal studios.
We also offer quiet, reflective spaces - like our wellbeing zones and library - that provide children with moments of calm, encouraging personal growth alongside academic achievement.
TEACHERS YOU CAN TRUST
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, our teachers combine passion, expertise and a commitment to excellence that elevates every child’s experience in school. Staff turnover is exceptionally low, providing consistency and stability for our children.
When needing to recruit, our process ensures that we attract the very best talent from the UK, Dubai and beyond. We seek out highly skilled educators who share our values and are dedicated to building the legacy that exists at DESS.
Hiring exceptional teachers is just the beginning. We’ve built a bespoke professional learning and coaching programme that ensures every new teacher at DESS embodies our educational philosophy and brings it to life in their classroom. From the moment they join us, they become part of a thriving, supportive community where continuous learning and personal growth become the cornerstones of their practice.
We believe that investing in our teachers is an investment in our children. That’s why DESS Primary Oud Metha is not only a school, but a hub of professional learning and development for staff too. Through bespoke training, coaching and leadership development programmes, we empower our teachers to grow, inspire and lead positive change. By nurturing their passions, we ensure that their contribution is valued and that their teaching remains at the cutting edge of contemporary pedagogy.
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and this extends to our staff. With a dedicated Wellbeing Team and in-house coaches, we support our teachers to be at their very besthappy, motivated staff inspire happy, motivated children. Positive relationships, trust and emotional intelligence form the foundation of our school culture, creating a safe, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP
Our commitment to building a strong partnership with parents is central to the success of every child. Our parents, teachers and children work together to nurture academic success, build character and promote wellbeing.
At DESS Primary Oud Metha, we know that children flourish when their families are involved in their learning. Higher levels of engagement, improved academic outcomes and stronger self-esteem are all linked to active parental engagement. This partnership is grounded in open communication and mutual trust, ensuring that teachers and parents work together as equals, each bringing their unique insights into the strengths, interests and needs of every child.
We actively encourage parents to be a part of the school community, participating in activities, leading on whole school events and supporting their children’s learning outside of school. This holistic approach helps children to feel a sense of belonging, knowing that their success is supported both at school and at home.
START YOUR JOURNEY WITH ADMISSIONS FROM DESS PRIMARY TO DESS COLLEGE
Securing a place at DESS Primary Oud Metha guarantees a seamless transition to DESS College – a truly Outstanding and much sought-after secondary school.
This guaranteed rite of passage offers families continuity in their child’s education, allowing them to remain in an environment in which they are familiar. DESS Primary and DESS College are unified in their core values, culture and pedagogy. This stability is key to maintaining positive momentum in your child’s learning and personal growth.
BUS SERVICE
Getting to school and back plays an important role in preparing for the day – and then settling back into home life after it.
For many children, using our school bus means enjoying time with existing friends and making new ones.
Powered by Maverick, a trusted provider since 2009, our door-to-door service spans the city, from The Springs to Wafi, with seamless pick-ups and drop-offs from Foundation Stage 1 upwards.
Safety is our top priority. Every bus is equipped with 3-point seat belts, GPS tracking, CCTV and a ‘no child left behind’ system, ensuring peace of mind for families. Meticulously maintained and expertly staffed, our buses deliver a smooth, reliable journey every day.
We are delighted that you are considering applying for a place at DESS Primary Oud Metha. Our admissions team will be happy to guide you through our process and answer any questions.
Our admissions office is located at DESS College, Academic City, Security Gate 2, Parent Services Reception.
To contact the team, please email admissions@dessc.sch.ae or call +971 (0) 4 360 4866.
When it’s time to apply, please ensure you have soft copies of the following documents for each child, ready to upload in PDF format:
• Birth certificate
• Passport copy
• Recent passport style photograph
• Most recent end of year academic report
• Most recent term/ interim academic report
• A CAT4 assessment within the last 12 months (if available). Please note that CAT4 results are only required for primary school applications. If your child has not completed a CAT4 assessment within the last 12 months, they may be required to attend a taster session (for local applicants).
• Emirates identity card (if available)
• UAE visa (if available)
• Where applicable, reports from outside agencies (e.g. speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, educational psychologist etc)
• If you are applying from overseas, a reference request may be required from a member of staff from your current school.
