Dwight School Dubai

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:

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 11

Upper School

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 

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 

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 

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. 

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.