TAKING SHAPE :
DREAMS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THE FUTURE OF LEARNING IS COMING TO LIFE.
GUARANTEEING A GATEWAY TO EXCELLENCE
BY MATTHEW COTGROVE, HEAD OF SCHOOL, DESS COLLEGE
One of the most compelling benefits for families considering a place at our new Primary School, is the guaranteed pathway it provides into DESS College.
Consistently ranking among the top British curriculum schools in the UAE, DESS College students are immersed in an environment that emphasises not only academic success but also the development of essential life skills. Knowing that a place at DESS Primary Academic City secures this quality of education offers an increasingly rare peace of mind.
As with DESS Primary Oud Metha, the close relationship between our new Primary School and the College will enable DESS Primary Academic City students to make a culturally seamless move into a Secondary environment with shared values, which means they will be able to focus immediately on their learning and growth without the typical adjustment period.
With small class sizes, tailored support and world class resources, DESS College students can excel in both core and extracurricular activities and continue to grow in an environment that champions their individual strengths and potential. Our students go on to attend top universities around the world, equipped not just to succeed, but to excel in a fast-changing world.
Throughout the DESS family, we have always viewed education as more than academics. It is about character, resilience and preparing children and students to make a positive impact in the world. The continuity from DESS Primary Oud Metha and DESS Primary Academic City to DESS College will reinforce this approach, providing a stable environment where students can develop both as scholars and as individuals.
Although the British curriculum is offered widely across the UAE, each school’s interpretation can differ. Within DESS, collaboration across our school leadership teams ensures students experience a consistent approach to learning. It is like being on the same train, on the same track, just travelling through different areas of the curriculum. The view might change over time, but the vehicle remains familiar and constant throughout the journey. Our students know what a great DESS lesson looks and feels like, and they can trust that they are in familiar territory. This continuity not only reinforces academic consistency but helps reduce the typical anxieties children face when transitioning to a new school.
Though the new school has rightly been grabbing headlines, students joining DESS College from any other primary school are, of course, also welcomed into the fold - and with equal enthusiasm.
A place at DESS College from anywhere is an invitation to join a community that supports each student’s journey through to the world’s top universities and beyond. Students can feel confident that they will be prepared not only academically, but also as thoughtful, globally minded citizens.
To help achieve this, we actively encourage new students from primary schools outside the DESS family to join new friendship groups, and our House system is designed with inclusivity in mind, bringing everyone together. Teachers play a special role in supporting students by encouraging collaboration and ensuring that new students quickly feel part of the community.
Looking to the future, we appreciate that having two DESS primary schools feeding the College will likely limit spaces available for students from outside the DESS family. We never take for granted the privilege of leading a very popular College, but at the same time, it is tough knowing we cannot say yes to everyone.
BAHAAR & OLIVER ON THE BIG MOVE
For Bahaar Srivastava and Oliver Griffin, the prospect of moving from Oud Metha into Year 6 at Academic City next September, understandably holds many mixed emotions.
Excited, curious, eager and raring to go, they also clearly feel a sense of apprehension as they prepare to say goodbye to a place they’ve come to know and love since Foundation Stage.
Bahaar, a self-proclaimed bookworm, is particularly excited about the new library. “I practically live in our amazing library here at Oud Metha and can’t wait to see if the new school’s library is the same as the pictures of it that we’ve seen on the posters,” she laughed. “It’s going to have to be incredible if it’s going to compete with my favourite spot at Oud Metha!”
Bahaar is also looking forward to the super cool classrooms and the new netball courts and is happy that her close friend Emily will be joining her at the new school. She adds: “It’ll be a fun way to explore together, though we might need a map to find our way around at first!”
For Bahaar’s family, the new campus brings another benefit. Her older sister Dhun is already at DESS College. “It’ll be nice to know she’ll be close by, and will also be much nearer to our home in Sports City for drop-off and pick-up, which I think Mum is secretly very pleased about.”
For Oliver, who lives in Meydan South, it was the plans and visualisations of the amazing new football pitches that first caught his eye. “They look fantastic in the pictures. We’ll all feel like proper players,” he said. Younger sister Imogen, currently in Year 2 at Oud Metha, will also be making the move to Academic City next year. “It’ll be nice to still have my little sister with me - even though I’ll probably have to keep an eye on her as usual!”
While he’s eager to explore the new campus, Oliver admits he’s a bit sad too. “It’s weird that I’m excited but also a bit upset that not all my friends and teachers will be moving with us. But that’s okay. In a way it’ll be like being at two schools at the same time –me at one and my friends at another. And anyway, there’s so much new stuff to check out - it’ll probably take us ages to find our way around!”
For students like Bahaar and Oliver, the shift to DESS Primary Academic City is more than just a new school location; it’s a monumental change that brings a wave of emotions. And it’s this kind of feedback from the children themselves that’s guiding how we communicate key messages about transition to families, children and staff.
It’s important to acknowledge both the excitement and the inevitable apprehension that comes with moving from a familiar campus to a brand-new one. In many cases, children leaving DESS Primary Oud Metha are leaving behind classrooms, friendships, and routines they’ve known for years. Pausing to capture and acknowledge these feelings helps us better understand what our children need - whether it’s a familiar face, reassurance about keeping in touch with friends, or the anticipation of exploring the new school’s state-of-the-art facilities.
By listening to the voices of children like Bahaar and Oliver, we’re reminded that the change we’re implementing isn’t only about logistics or facilities - it’s about preserving the culture and connections that make DESS such a special community.
DESERT DREAMS : SHAPING A SCHOOL WITH SPIRIT AND SURROUNDINGS
From locally sourced materials to architectural elements inspired by iconic desert symbols like palm trees, every decision was made with Dubai’s climate and character in mind. Open-air courtyards and shaded walkways channel airflow to keep spaces cool, while thoughtful scale adjustments create child-friendly spaces tailored to a young learner’s perspective.
Graphite’s innovative approach also shines in their commitment to sustainable, interactive spaces. Gardens and green spaces are designed to foster a sense of responsibility in children, while interior spaces invite nature indoors, transforming corridors and classrooms alike into vibrant environments for learning and play.
Creating a new school in the heart of Dubai’s desert isn’t just about designing a building - it’s about crafting a space where learning and the environment have a chance to thrive together.
For Graphite International’s Lead Interior Designer Fatma Elfeki, the mission was clear: blend DESS’s warm, inclusive culture with the striking natural beauty of its remarkable natural surroundings.
As seasoned consultants for the built environment, Graphite brings a wealth of expertise to every project, particularly in the education sector. Known for their ability to balance aesthetics with functionality, they specialise in tailoring designs for diverse spaces that resonate deeply with their inhabitants.
“Developing ideas for this school wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was about bringing a vision to life,” says Fatma. “Our approach to the DESS project exemplified this ethos, combining local cultural nuances with sustainable design for an educational space that we are all confident will inspire and energise everyone from the moment they arrive outside and then step inside.
We were determined to capture the DESS spirit while honouring the desert landscape that frames it and spent many months deep in discussion with the DESS leadership teams to be certain that the core values would be reflected in every corner of the campus.”
In a nod to local culture, the team’s designs infused Islamic classrooms with heritage-inspired patterns and shapes, creating a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. From classrooms to corridors to the courtyards, each area is a living and learning space.
By bringing the outdoors inside, Graphite has crafted the blueprint for a school that celebrates both education and environment - a true oasis of learning in the heart of the desert.
FROM EMPTY HALLS TO THRIVING HUBS
Behind every new school sits a team working tirelessly to procure everything needed to transform empty spaces into vibrant learning environments. At DESS, much of the responsibility falls to Lee Cooper, Operations Manager.
When you think about equipping a new school, your mind might naturally drift to the big-ticket items: desks, chairs or technology.
But for Lee Cooper and his team, supporting the planning of a fully functional campus from scratch means thinking far beyond furniture and flat screens.
“The chance to innovate is big but exciting, and each procurement decision about the new school must strike a balance between quality, cost and functionality,” he explained.
“It’s not about changing things for the sake of change but rather supporting the DESS’ function leaders to incorporate the latest research and best practices to create flexible, engaging spaces for our students.
“Of course, there’s a lot of discussion with our key stakeholders before we even get close to the actual procurement stage. In particular, understanding the leadership team’s thinking and requirements for furnishing, fixtures and equipment, means looking closely at everything from seating options that support collaborative learning to modular furniture that adapts to different activities and teaching styles. Some items, like soft furniture for breakout spaces or floor-level seating, may seem unconventional but they support our commitment to giving children the freedom to learn in environments that suit them, whether that’s in a traditional desk or sitting comfortably on the floor.”
However, it’s not just classrooms that need to be outfitted. From sports pitches to teacher accommodation and theatre spaces, each area of the new school will reflect the expertise of the DESS department heads. Only when Lee’s team knows what they need can they start managing suppliers, timelines and budgets.
Balancing the need for high-quality resources with budget constraints, while working closely with colleagues to adopt the latest trends, isn’t easy. To overcome this, Lee’s team leverages a strong network of local and international suppliers, sourcing everything from everyday essentials to the occasional unexpected item, like a remote-controlled boat for the science department.
And they don’t just focus on buying - they work on fostering relationships with suppliers and ensuring seamless deliveries. Effective procurement is about more than just the actual transaction; it’s about timing, risk management and aligning with DESS’ educational vision. The team benchmarks costs, evaluates suppliers and manages timelines to ensure the school receives its resources on time and within budget.
“ “
When it comes to sourcing complex items like auditorium setups and athletic facilities, the challenge only grows,” added Lee. “It’s a very broad spectrum - everything from stationery to staff apartments!
SMART SCHOOLING:
LAYING THE DIGITAL GROUNDWORK
As we prepare to open our doors in September 2025, it is not just the bricks-and-mortar elements of the new school that are taking shape. Behind the scenes, a sophisticated IT infrastructure is being meticulously planned and built, setting the foundation for a world-class, technology-driven educational experience.
Driving the strategy is a belief that in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, technology is no longer a luxury but a fundamental aspect of teaching and learning. At DESS Primary Academic City, this foundation is being laid with an eye on the future, ensuring every student is equipped with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Strategic Vision for IT: Aligning Technology with Educational Goals
The journey begins with a clear strategic vision that positions technology as a core enabler of the school’s educational philosophy. Culturally, DESS is committed to nurturing students academically, creatively, socially, and emotionally. Therefore, the IT infrastructure is being designed not just to support traditional learning, but to enable a dynamic, interactive and personalised learning environment.
Our goal is to create a seamless integration between technology and pedagogy, ensuring that every digital tool is aligned with our teaching goals and enhances the learning experience.
-Malachy McGrogan Director of Technology & Assistant Headteacher “ “
Designing a Future-Proof Network: Scalability, Security and Resilience
One of the critical elements of the school’s IT strategy is designing a high-speed resilient network that is robust, secure, and scalable. It has also involved a collaborative effort with parents to explore device usage and make sure progress is balanced with wellbeing. By devising policies that support learning while addressing sensitivities around BYOD and screen time, the IT department has laid the foundation for a safe, tech-enabled campus that can adapt and grow as technology evolves and educational needs change.
We are also investing in advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain privacy. With increasing concerns globally over data breaches and cyber threats, the school is implementing best-in-class security protocols to safeguard both students and staff.
Integrating Smart Classrooms: A Hub for 21st-Century Learning
DESS Primary Academic City’s ‘smart classrooms’ will be hubs for interactive, engaging and collaborative learning. This involves outfitting spaces with interactive whiteboards and versatile furniture layouts that accommodate both individual and group work. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools add an extra layer of support for personalising learning paths, complementing teachers’ expertise in tailoring lessons to meet the individual needs of each student.
Sustainability and Green IT: Tech Choices for a Greener Tomorrow
In line with our commitment to sustainability, we are also making conscious choices to reduce our carbon footprint. This includes using energy-efficient hardware, implementing cloudbased storage to minimise the need for physical servers and adopting sustainable procurement practices that prioritise eco-friendly materials.
Sustainability is woven into the curriculum itself, with technology used to teach students about environmental responsibility. Digital tools will monitor energy usage in real-time, providing data that can be used in lessons to illustrate the impact of sustainable practices.
Safety and Data Security: A Safe Digital Environment for All
Creating a safe and secure digital environment is paramount. We are investing in comprehensive security measures, including firewalls, encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect the network and the sensitive data of students and staff. A dedicated team will regularly monitor the network for potential threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly.
In addition, digital citizenship will be a key focus, with initiatives aimed at teaching students about online safety, privacy and responsible digital behavior. This holistic approach ensures that all members of the school community are aware of and committed to maintaining a safe digital environment.
Equipping the School: Smart Choices for Hardware and Software
Selecting the right hardware and software is crucial for creating an effective digital learning environment. The choice of devices - be it laptops, tablets or interactive whiteboards - is driven by the school’s educational goals. The focus is on providing versatile, user-friendly tools that support both collaborative and independent learning.
For software, the school is investing in a robust Learning Management System (LMS) that will serve as a central hub for lesson planning, assignments, communication and collaboration. This LMS will be integrated with various other digital tools to provide a comprehensive, seamless learning experience.
Special emphasis is being placed on accessibility, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs, have equal access to technology. From voice-activated tools to specialised software, every effort is being made to create an inclusive digital environment.
Preparing for the Future: Continuous Upgrades and Future Planning
The IT strategy does not end when the new school opens. Recognising that technology is always evolving, DESS is committed to ongoing upgrades and improvements. The school plans to stay ahead of educational technology trends through regular reviews, feedback loops and partnerships with leading tech providers.
A key component of this plan is continuous professional development for teachers and staff. Regular training sessions will ensure that all educators are confident and competent in using new tools and technologies, maximising their potential to enhance teaching and learning.
Looking Ahead: Building a Digital Culture
As the school prepares to welcome its first students next September, the focus will shift to building a vibrant digital culture. This involves not only using technology effectively in the classroom but also fostering a mindset of curiosity, innovation and ethical digital use among students. From coding clubs to digital citizenship workshops, DESS Primary Academic City aims to create a community of digital leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
