FAQs

• Does the ECA allocation policy (one to two ECAs per term) also apply to year-commitment ECAs?

Yes — the general guideline of one to two ECAs per term still applies, even with year-commitment ECAs. Each student can participate in a minimum of one ECA per term and a maximum of two. However, further places might be considered, subject to ECA availability and lead staff member agreement.  

• Do paid ECAs count towards the two-ECAs-per-term limit?

No. Paid ECAs do not count towards the maximum of two ECAs per term. You may register for as many paid ECAs as you wish, depending on availability.

• Is sports training considered an ECA? 

No. At DBIS, sports training and ECAs are managed separately. Students selected for school sports teams will be automatically added to the relevant training groups in SchoolsBuddy — no sign-up is required.  For sports-specific enquiries, please contact the PE Department directly.

• What's the difference between ECAs and Clubs?
  ECAs are designed to provide students with a broad range of experiences and opportunities to explore their interests across each term.

Clubs, however, are often linked to prestigious international awards or specialist programmes (e.g. AYP, and Y5-6 Debate). These may require a year-long commitment, specific entry criteria, and are typically led and managed directly by the organising staff.

For more details, please visit the Clubs tab or contact the relevant staff member directly.

• How does the Join Request work?

If your child missed the initial ECA sign-up or joined the school late, you can use the Join Request function via SchoolsBuddy.

1. The Join Request feature will remain open throughout the term.

2. Submitting a request does not guarantee a place.

3. Allocations will be reviewed based on availability, and places will only be offered if space becomes available.

4. You will receive a confirmation email if your child is successfully added to an activity.

We kindly ask for your patience, as requests will be processed periodically throughout the term, starting from August 11th.

• When can I sign up tp Duke Awards?

After we return from the summer, a communication email regarding Duke Award sign up will be sent to Foundation Stage and Primary students.