Our calendar for next academic year has been approved by the KHDA. The Calendars section in the information hub on the Parent Bulletin Home Page has been updated to include this, which we hope is helpful to families at this stage in planning for 2026-27.
I would like to take a moment to recognize and praise Charlotte from Grade 6 for her initiative and commitment to Service as Action during Term 3. Despite the current situation and the challenges it presents, Charlotte thoughtfully found a meaningful way to continue her service.
She independently arranged to read stories to children at SRI. In her own words, she shared that this experience brought her a sense of joy and pride, and she felt that the children she read to shared that same positive feeling. She also provided evidence of her work.
Charlotte’s ability to adapt, take initiative, and continue contributing to her community under these circumstances is truly commendable. She is a wonderful example of the spirit of Service as Action in practice. I find this very inspiring, and we will be exploring whether we can initiate a similar opportunity for our current Grade 6 students to read to younger students at Dwight too.
Sherine Elaarag | Chemistry Teacher and Service as Action Coordinator
As we continue to navigate Distance Learning together, we would like to thank you for your continued support throughout. It has been encouraging to see some strong engagement across many classes, with students actively participating and teachers adapting their practice to maintain high-quality learning.
We recognise that Distance Learning presents challenges for students, teachers and parents. Please be reassured that we are monitoring provision closely and making adjustments where needed to support the best possible experience for all.
We greatly value your feedback. Whilst we continue to gather student opinion through our weekly Distance Learning surveys, we also encourage parents to share thoughts and suggestions with your child’s Parent Representative ahead of next week’s Parent Rep meetings.
For Grade 10 and Grade 12 families, we understand this is a significant and demanding period. Please refer to the latest updates from our DP and MYP Coordinators, Peter Atkins and Katherine Filkins, shared below.
Thank you again for your continued support. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions.
Rachel Smyth | Vice Principal & Head of Upper School | rsmyth@dwight.ae
Grade 12 Next Steps Letter
Please see the attached letter here from Peter Atkins with an update on the next steps towards Grade 12 DP completion and graduation, which was shared with parents on Wednesday.
Grade 10 MYP Update and Guidance Letter
Please see the attached letter here from Katherine Filkins with an update on the next steps for Grade 10 towards MYP completion, which was shared with parents on Friday.
Distance Learning and Assessments
As we continue with our online learning format, we want to assure you that our plan to proceed with the end of year assessments remains intact. We understand that this term has presented unique challenges, but we believe that providing the same learning opportunities is important even if the delivery may look different.
The assessments provide a valuable opportunity to gauge each student's understanding and mastery of the curriculum. They help us identify areas of strength and those needing improvement. In addition, the outcomes from these assessments will guide our instructional planning for the next academic year. They help us tailor our teaching strategies to better meet the needs of our students.
For Grades 9 and 11, the IB examinations play a crucial role in fostering student responsibility for their own learning. These assessments establish clear benchmarks for students to aim for and provide valuable insights into the format and expectations of their final assessments. This preparation will help them be more fully equipped for the upcoming academic year.
This year, there will be an assessment window where all Grade 9, Grade 11, GL Progress Tests and Etqaan Arabic and Islamic Assessments will take place from Grade 6-9 and Grade 11. Please find the Assessment Week Timetables:
If we are back to in-person learning, these assessments will take place in the auditorium, however, if we are still online, we will use online invigilation tools to ensure the validity of the assessment. Further details and expectations will follow closer to the assessments.
GL Progress Tests (English, Maths and Science)
Preparation for the GL assessments is integrated into the curriculum. To support preparation, teachers will provide the necessary materials through home learning and during their normal class activities. There will not be additional revision material specifically for GL assessments, as the curriculum being assessed already aligns with the content students are already studying in class. However, teachers will offer resources during home learning and study periods that will support the preparation for the GL Assessments.
Etqaan Arabic and Islamic Benchmark Test
Preparation for the Etqaan assessments is integrated into the curriculum. To support students in this preparation, teachers will provide necessary materials through home learning and during regular class sessions. There will not be any additional revision materials specifically for Etqaan assessments, as the curriculum being assessed aligns with the content students are already studying in class. However, teachers will offer resources during home learning and study periods to enhance students’ readiness for the Etqaan assessments.
Grade 9 End of Year MYP Assessments
The Grade 9 End of Year MYP Assessments are structured to provide students with valuable experience of completing assessments in the format of their external MYP Assessments in similar examination conditions. Whilst these assessments alone will not determine a students end of year final year grade, they will contribute to it.
To determine the final grade, teachers will consider all assessments completed throughout the year. Each subject assessment will last up to 2 hours, each subject teacher will provide specific guidance on the assessment format to aid student preparation. Additionally, teachers will supply targeted revision materials leading up to the assessments to ensure the students are well prepared, and you can access revision tips here.
We will be holding a Grade 9 Online Parent EduTalk (Meeting link here) on Tuesday 21st April from 4pm-5pm for further information on Grade 9 assessments.
Grade 11
End of Year DP Assessments
The Grade 11 End of Year examinations follow the same format as the external DP examinations. Each subject will have its own unique examination style, and students have been familiarised with these formats throughout the year. Revision tips and guidance for students can be found here.
BTEC PSA
Pearson Set Assignments (PSAs) are designed to assess students’ understanding and application of business concepts in a practical, real-world context. They provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through applied tasks that reflect authentic business scenarios.
These assessments are completed under supervised conditions, meaning that while students are expected to work independently, they must do so within a set timeframe and in line with specific Pearson guidelines.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their work, ensuring it is their own and meets the required standards. These assessments contribute significantly to the overall grade for the BTEC qualification.
Teachers will support students throughout the preparation process, ensuring they feel confident, well-prepared, and ready to perform to the best of their ability.
It is important to note that the end of year examination results will not solely determine the final DP1/CP1 grade. The overall grade will also consider internal assessments and other coursework requirements. While these examinations will play a role in informing university predictions, they represent just one aspect of the assessment process.
University predictions will be based on a combination of factors, including:
The end of DP1 grade and/or BTEC grade
Quality of internal assessments completed to date
CAT4 target grades
Students' work ethic and responsiveness to teacher feedback
Their overall progress during the course
Larissa Milne | Assistant Principal & Head of Teaching, Learning & Assessment | lmilne@dwight.ae
A Note from the Upper School Student Council
During distance learning, staying connected really matters for our wellbeing and feeling like we belong.
We want to remind our peers to stay in touch with their friends, whether that’s through messages, calls, or just spending a bit of time online together. These small connections can make a big difference. Try to keep up with school updates and routines for a sense of structure.
We’d love to hear any ideas or suggestions from parents and students on how we can keep our community feeling close, supported, and connected during this time! Please reach out to us using the following email: tellsomeone@dwight.ae
Thanks to our Student Council for creating these tips for students during Remote Learning.
Helping Students Stay Focused and Active During Remote Learning
As we continue with remote learning, a few simple routines at home can make a real difference to students’ wellbeing, comfort, and focus throughout the school day. We encourage families to help students set up a quiet, comfortable workspace with a supportive chair, a desk or table at the right height, and a screen positioned at a comfortable distance and as close to eye level as possible. Having water nearby and access to healthy snacks can also help students stay alert and energised during lessons. During breaks and lunch, it is beneficial for students to step away from their screens, rest their eyes, move around, and recharge rather than spending additional time on iPads or other devices. Small habits such as keeping a consistent routine, getting enough sleep, and taking regular screen breaks can all help make the remote learning experience more healthy and positive.
To support this further, our Upper School Student Council has taken the lead this week in sharing some simple movement activities to help students stay active during the day. These activities are linked in the Upper School Student Bulletin and are designed to encourage students to get up, stretch, and move between lessons. They can be repeated throughout the day and across the week, giving students easy ways to build gentle and enjoyable movement into their routine while learning from home. We are grateful to our Student Council for leading this positive initiative and helping to promote healthy habits during remote learning.
Melanie Holmes | Drama Teacher & Head of Pastoral and Wellbeing | mholmes@dwight.ae
Dwight Moves and Minds
The PHE team have created a community padlet that can be used to keep people moving and updated each week, also featuring some video intros from the PHE team.
This will be updated on a weekly basis and we encourage students and families to engage and upload their evidence and reflections.
Robert Mathews | Head of PHE | rmathews@dwight.ae
Join our school wide Strava!
Compete against yourself, friends, family and others in the school community! Compete as a family or an individual, parents are welcome too!
Log all your activities on the app (running, walking, cycling, swimming, netball, football etc).
You can take part anywhere in the world - weekly prizes for the most activities, best photos and the most creative route maps!
Join the Dwight Lions Group by clicking this link and make sure to follow Mr Munro for access to the weekly challenge!
www.strava.com/clubs/DwightLionsDubai
Alistair Munro | PE Teacher | amunro@dwight.ae
This year's Careers Day will not take place in person on April 15th as previously communicated. Rather, as we are working remotely, our intent is to provide three individual Wednesday online sessions from 4-5pm over three consecutive weeks.
These sessions, will focus upon industry professionals sharing insights into their academic journeys and career paths. You will also gain a deeper understanding of workplace culture, key skills and the study and career options that can support your future development.
Confirmed dates, links and flyers to be shared next week.
David Turner | Career and College Counselor | dturner@dwight.ae
Quest and Counseling Parent Online Coffee Morning
(with Dr Neha Sharma & Ms. Prabha Raman)
During these challenging and uncertain times, we recognize that both students and families may be experiencing a range of emotions and concerns. To support our Dwight community, the Quest Department and School Counselor would like to invite you to attend an online counselling session designed to provide guidance, strategies, and a space for open conversation.
What to expect:
When everything feels scary our children, look to us for safety. Join this supportive and practical session to empower you in guiding your child through anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.
This session will provide parents with:
How to recognize signs your child may need additional support
Age-appropriate ways to talk about scary events
How to co-regulate effectively
Parents will also:
Have space to ask questions and raise personal concerns
Share experiences in a supportive environment
Feel held by the community during a stressful time
We welcome your questions in advance so we can address them during the session. Please email them to nsharma@dwight.ae or praman@dwight.ae.
We warmly encourage you to join us for this supportive and informative session. Your wellbeing, as well as that of your children, remains our top priority. We look forward to seeing you.
RSVP: Please complete this form by 10th April.
Neha Sharma | Assistant Principal & Head of Quest (Inclusion) | nsharma@dwight.ae
Prabha Raman | School Counselor | praman@dwight.ae
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has developed a parent guide entitled “Supporting Your Child During Distance Learning.” Please find the guide here in English and Arabic.
The purpose of this guide is to provide parents with clear and practical advice to help you support your children during periods of distance learning. It focuses on maintaining continuity of learning, supporting student wellbeing, and reinforcing effective communication between home and school, while recognising the diverse circumstances and needs of families. We encourage parents to review and make use of the guidance provided to support your children at home.
Please note that this guide is not intended to place additional expectations on parents. Rather, it aims to support you with practical guidance that builds confidence and clarity, and contributes to a more stable and effective learning experience for students.
The school continues to carry full responsibility for planning learning, monitoring student progress, and providing the necessary academic and pastoral support.
German
DP German - Ewelina Kowalska
In DP German, students have been exploring Topic 2: Erfahrungen (Experiences). As part of this unit, they were tasked with creating a podcast about a tradition of their choice. Based on a given scenario, students shared their experiences in an IB-style format. We warmly invite all German speakers to listen to their podcast and enjoy their work.
Spanish
Spanish Emergent - Ms Puentes
Grade 6 Spanish students are currently learning about seasons and weather. Students have shown strong engagement by using their favorite season as their screen background, which they described orally during speaking activities and explained in writing through the chat. They have also practiced key vocabulary to describe the characteristics of each season, demonstrating active participation and enthusiasm throughout the lessons.
Student Reflections on the IB Learner Profile:
Communicators (مُتَوَاصِلون) & Islamic Value: Good Speech (حُسنُ الحَدِيث)
As part of our ongoing focus on character education and student voice, our MYP students recently reflected on the Islamic Value of the Month, Good Speech (حُسنُ الحَدِيث), in connection with the IB Learner Profile attribute Communicators (مُتَوَاصِلون).
Through guided discussion and reflection activities, students shared thoughtful responses on how good speech influences their relationships, learning, and daily interactions, both inside and outside the classroom. This learning experience supported their ability to express ideas respectfully, listen actively, and communicate with empathy and purpose.
We have compiled the students’ reflections in 2 Padlets (Arabic B and Arabic A), where you can view their individual responses and insights. The Padlet highlights the depth of their thinking and their growing awareness of how Islamic values align closely with the IB Learner Profile.
Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these values at home. We are proud of our students’ engagement and maturity in reflecting on meaningful concepts that shape their character and communications.
Kira from Grade 4 is demonstrating the importance of kind speech through a lovely role-play activity.
A beautiful poster by Lika in Grade 4, highlighting the importance of kindness and respectful speech in a creative and meaningful way.
Arabic A PYP: Using Targeted Language
Grade 2 students had great fun taking photos of their own toys and placing them in different positions. They enjoyed describing where objects were using positional words such as above, below, next to, in front of, and behind, while building their writing skills.
Story Analysis in a Creative Way
Students creatively explored story elements by using fun visuals like a flower and a football. They enjoyed breaking down the story into characters, setting, and main ideas in an engaging and hands-on way.
Celebrating Our Amazing Students in Arabic B!
We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication during online learning. Through interactive activities, they have been actively building their language skills, practicing new vocabulary, and expressing their ideas with confidence. From matching pictures to words, forming sentences, and sharing their work, our learners continue to shine, even from a distance.
Thank you to our supportive parents for being wonderful partners in this journey. Together, we are making learning meaningful and fun every day. Keep up the great work, everyone!
The MUN team is looking forward to starting our MUN ECA next Thursday and welcoming our delegates back!
New and experienced students need to register through this link by Monday so we can assign everyone to the correct session. Registered students will receive their meeting link by Wednesday.
New videos will also be popping up on Instagram soon from our last conference as well as our next our in-house sessions so please follow us using the QR code below if you don’t want to miss out!
Victoria Gucel | Quest Teacher | EE Coordinator | MUN Director | vgucel@dwight.ae
Current House Point Totals
21,243
22,331
21,034
20,521
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to offer an adapted ECA programme for the interim period of online learning. Please see the ECA Page for more details.
We are aware that the recent extension of distance learning to the 17th of April has changed the location status for some of our families. Whilst we still recommend all students attend live lessons, where possible, we understand that for some the time-zone difference is significant and affects all or part of the school day.
We last sent out a location survey on 1st April.
If your circumstances have not changed since you last completed our survey, no further action is needed.
If your circumstances or location have changed since you last completed our survey, such as returning to or leaving the UAE, please complete this new locations survey at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and for your ongoing support.
Please click here to read this week's Parent Bulletin
Warm regards,
David Hutson | Head of School
Monday 30 March - Friday 17 April
Continuation of Distance Learning as per current government regulations
___________________________
Monday 13 April
Lower School Assembly Wake & Shake Challenge | 8.45 - 9.15 am | Online
(Students can upload a picture of themselves doing the Wake & Shake to Seesaw to gain 5 House Points!)
Tuesday 14 April
Online Quest Parent Coffee & Network Morning | 8.30 - 9.30 am | Information Link
Wednesday 15 April
Grade 8 MYP Subject Options Evening | 4:00 - 5.30 pm | Online Link will be circulated separately
Friday 17 April
Upper School Mathematics Exhibition | Video presentations to be shared in following parent bulletin
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April
Sparkathon | Spahn Innovation Hub | Information Link
Tuesday 21 April
EduTalk for Grade 9 Parents: End of Year E-Assessments- schedule, revision, IB format | 4:00 - 5:00 | Online Link
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