Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
Number of students |
716 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
28 |
Most common nationality |
British |
Ratio of local students to international students |
3% local : 97% international |
Languages
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
No |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic and French |
Classroom
Max. number of students per class |
FS1 and FS2: 20 Year 1 to 6: 24 |
Average number of students per class |
22 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is part of everyday learning at DESS and is used to enhance the curriculum programme. iPads are used by our pupils from Years 1 to 6. Our interactive classrooms encourage children to become familiar with technology from an early age and are used to present to our pupils. Computing is a core subject taught at DESS, a syllabus complemented by a well-equipped, dedicated computing suite. |
Academics
External examinations or assessments available |
SATS examinations are taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6). |
Results in these examinations |
Results are in the top 5% of UK schools |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Home Learning is assigned each week however it is not compulsory. |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
Student support
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
DESS has a Learning Support Department, consisting of four Teachers and two Teaching Assistants. They support the needs of pupils who have moderate difficulties in learning. DESS does not have the resources to cater for children with severe learning and/or behavioural difficulties. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Yes |
Admissions
Entry evaluation for students |
All children are required to pass our assessment criteria. Assessments are age appropriate. |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Assessments differ depending on Year Group. Please see our Admission Assessment Charter on our website: http://www.dess.org/index.php/admissions/admissions-guidance.html |
Waiting list |
Depends on individual Year Group |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Differs depending on Year Group. Please see our website: http://www.dess.org/index.php/admissions/admissions-guidance.html |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes - provided it is before the Ministry of Education's admissions closure date for that academic year (this applies to all schools in Qatar). |
School day
School start time |
FS1: 7:20 am
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School finish time |
FS1: Sunday to Thursday: 12:45 pm
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Supervised care before/after school |
After School Club is available |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
No |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Children can choose from a wide range of extra-curricular activities including: athletics, basketball, chess, choir, cricket, dance, drama, Environmental Group, football, gymnastics, playball, pottery, sailing, science, School Council, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, and individual instrumental lessons. |
Sports activities included |
Physical education, athletics, netball, football, basketball, cross country running and swimming. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes - we take part in QPPSSA and the BISQ Games |
Facilities
Sports facilities at the school |
Swimming pool (20m), two equipped gymnasia, tennis courts, basketball/netball courts, grass football pitch |
About the school
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
At a recent inspection by Penta International DESS was awarded the highest grading of ‘Outstanding’. The grading allows DESS to be easily compared with other UK and overseas independent schools. Students leave DESS well-prepared for the prestigious UK independent schools, grammar schools and local schools they then go on to attend.
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Teaching approach of the school |
DESS delivers the English National Curriculum through UK qualified teachers. The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides every child with the best opportunity to develop academically, socially, morally, physically and creatively. The English National Curriculum is split into three different stages, according to a child’s age, Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
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