GC Prospectus (1) 1

Relationships | Excellence | Aspiration

Gard Cam

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We Grow People These three words are our guiding statement at Raha International School. They shape our decisions and drive everything we do and do not do. Our goal is to create an environment that empowers all our community members so they can contribute creatively by discovering and utilising their unique talents. As a school, we are committed to your individual growth and development.

We are excited about the possibility of you joining Raha and we hope you feel the same.

PLANTING ROOTS IN RELATIONSHIPS, GROWING GREATNESS IN EXCELLENCE, AND REACHING HEIGHTS WITH ASPIRATIONS

2015 Raha is ‘Outstanding’.

2021 Raha wins best IB School in the UAE.

Our History: A Legacy of Excellence From opening our doors in 2006 our children have been outperforming world averages in the IB Diploma Programme for nearly 20 years. Our story is one of ambition and accomplishment. Whether it’s our students being accepted into top universities or making global impacts through service projects, we continue to aim high. Each milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to relationships, excellence, and aspirations.

2023 Team Hermes places 12th in the world for F1 in Schools.

2011

2006

First class graduates from Raha

Raha International School opens.

2025 15 years of graduates.

2017 Raha PYP choir performs on the world stage at the opening of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi in front of 9500+ people.

2019 Raha is awarded ‘Best IB School’ at the UAE Top School Awards.

Our Values A Foundation for Success At Gardens Campus, everything we do revolves around our core values of Relationships, Excellence, and Aspirations. We don’t just talk about these values; we live them daily. It’s what helps us get things done, create meaningful experiences, and shape well-rounded global citizens.

We Support Community Gardens Campus is a diverse international school in Abu Dhabi, where many students speak English as a second language. Parents and staff choose Raha for its inquiry-based curriculum and caring, supportive community. Everyone in our school community— whether parents, staff, or students—shares high aspirations to become leaders in their chosen fields.

While our campus is big, our sense of community makes it feel like a close-knit family.

Every student matters, every culture is respected, and every voice is heard.

AS A PARENT FOR MANY YEARS, I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE CARING AND SUPPORTIVE CULTURE AT RAHA Sarah, 2019 Parent

Our Secret Sauce? Relationships At Gardens Campus, our strength lies in our community, where relationships come first. If you join us, you will hear this often, mainly because it is true. Our relationships are the cornerstone of Raha's culture, making it a great school for children to learn, grow, and discover who they want to become.

At Gardens Campus, we understand that our strength lies in our community and the connections we build. Relationships aren’t just about emotional bonds but are the actions that ensure our children know they matter and are given the tools to find their brilliance. So, at Gardens Campus, our educators understand: Every child matters (and they sometimes do not always know it).

Our job is to find brilliance in each child.

We cherish, celebrate, and tell the stories of our children's successes.

Our children should aspire to be leaders in whichever field they play.

Our measure of success is our children knowing they are successful.

The basics matter. We get them right—every day. Children form positive relationships with adults when they trust they will do the right thing.

Each sentence above applies to adults, too.

Our teachers work hard to find and celebrate the unique strengths of every student, crafting an environment where success is measured by the growth and confidence of each child.

Why We Love the IB We are passionate advocates of the International Baccalaureate (IB). We are an IB Continuum School, meaning we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The IB Continuum is a model that doesn’t just educate but transforms through: Inquiry-led learning so children ask questions and explore to guide their learning.

A Whole-Child Focus that supports social, emotional, and academic growth.

Global Awareness emphasising an understanding of diverse perspectives.

Big Ideas focus on deep understanding across subjects rather than rote memorisation.

This approach means our children grow to be globally minded, compassionate, and active learners, ready to make a difference beyond the classroom. The IB isn’t just a curriculum here; it’s a belief system that drives us all to think deeply, act responsibly, and connect with cultures worldwide.

The IB At Gardens Campus Early Years – Where Wonder Begins In the Early Years, part of the PYP, learning begins through play, discovery, and relationships. Children explore the world around them through hands-on, inquiry-led experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence. Purposeful play supports the development of empathy, language, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Primary Years Programme – Understanding Through Inquiry The PYP nurtures students’ natural curiosity and encourages big thinking. Through transdisciplinary themes, children explore real-world concepts across subjects, learning to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others. They grow as learners and global citizens—reflective, responsible, and engaged.

Middle Years Programme – Exploring Identity and Deepening Thinking The MYP provides space to explore complex ideas and develop a strong sense of self. With real-world connections and interdisciplinary learning, students build creative problemsolving skills and ethical awareness. They take increasing ownership of their learning and develop courage, voice, and perspective.

Diploma Programme – Learning for Life The DP is a two-year academic programme that prepares students for university and beyond. Through research, writing, and service, students become knowledgeable, principled, and open-minded. The core—Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service—shapes graduates who are thoughtful, balanced, and ready to make a difference.

WE SEND OUR CHILDREN TO RAHA BECAUSE NOTHING IS EVER ORDINARY Trina, 2022 Parent

Choosing Gardens: More Than Just a School Selecting the right school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. At Raha International School, Gardens Campus, we strive to create an environment where students are more than learners— they’re part of a community that values relationships, nurtures creativity, and inspires lifelong curiosity. Our campus is a place where diversity thrives, and we see the world through the lens of possibility.

What Sets Us Apart Our campus is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a vibrant learning space that supports growth and collaboration. Imagine libraries filled with light, art studios buzzing with creativity, and sports facilities that inspire excellence. From our purpose-built arts center to our eco-friendly wellness areas, every corner of our school is designed to empower our students to be their best selves.

Lee, 2018 Graduate

RAHA PREPARED ME FOR MORE THAN JUST UNIVERSITY; I FEEL PREPARED FOR LIFE

Raha Graduates: Shaping a Global Future Raha graduates don’t just attend universities—they thrive in them. With nearly 90% of our Diploma Programme graduates gaining acceptance to their top-choice universities, they carry the confidence, skills, and resilience cultivated here at Gardens Campus to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions across 20 countries and 5 continents.

But it’s not just about where they go; it’s about who they become. Our graduates are innovators, leaders, and changemakers in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering, law, business, education, fashion, and the arts. They are making an impact worldwide, applying their globally minded education and the values they’ve embraced at Gardens Campus to create meaningful change.

At Gardens Campus, we don’t just grow learners; we grow people prepared to excel, lead, and contribute to a better world.

The Gardens Day-to-Day At Gardens Campus, we are committed to making every aspect of school life seamless and supportive for our families. Below is an overview of key practical information to help you better understand daily life at Gardens.

School Hours

Monday to Thursday EY1: 7:45am - 1:00pm EY2: 7:45am - 2:00pm Grade 1–12: 7:45am - 3:00pm Friday All grades:

7:45am - 12:00pm

Uniforms

All students are required to wear the Gardens school uniform and PE kit, available for purchase from Magrudy’s. Uniform expectations are shared with families upon enrolment.

Technology Requirements

At Gardens, we integrate technology to enhance learning and creativity.

Grades 1–5: iPad required (keyboard case and stylus recommended for Grades 3–5) Grades 6–12: MacBook Air or Pro recommended. iPads with Apple Pencil are suggested for visual arts.

Transport Services

Gardens partners with an external provider for optional bus transportation. Service availability depends on your location.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECPs)

We offer a rich selection of after-school activities, ranging from creative arts and robotics to sports and academic clubs. Many activities are free of charge, with additional options offered by external providers.

A Message to Our Future Families Parents, we see you as partners on this journey. Trust and collaboration are key, and we work alongside you to ensure your child’s experience at Raha is meaningful and successful.

We value your insights, respect your perspectives, and invite you to be active participants in our school community.

Join Us: Be Part of the Gardens Family Our admissions process is simple but thorough. We want to get to know you and your child, to understand your needs and what makes your family unique. Applications open 12 months before the academic year begins, and the earlier you apply, the better! Every year is a fresh start for applications, so don’t wait to begin your journey with us.

Our Promise We’re here to help your child find their brilliance and grow in ways that matter. We focus on the basics every day, getting them right so that each student feels seen, heard, and celebrated. If Raha sounds like the right fit for your family, we can’t wait to welcome you with open arms.

Ready to Apply?

Visit our website to start your application. We’re excited to learn more about your family and see how we can help your child thrive. Our doors are always open for tours, and our team is ready to answer any questions you may have.

Make an Application: visit risgc.ae

Contact Us Have more questions? Want to book a tour or chat about your child’s future at Raha?

Reach out to us anytime. We’re here to make this process as smooth and welcoming as possible.

Email: gcadmissionsadmin@ris.ae Phone: +971 (0)2 556 1567

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Certified Cradle to Cradle® Silver