Key Stage 3 & 4 (Secondary Phase)
Preparing Learners for Secondary
Al Diyafah High School Secondary phase (Years 7–11) builds academic depth, confident communication and the discipline needed for strong GCSE and post-16 outcomes.
Key Stage 3 & 4 (Years 7 to 11)
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) Curriculum
Key Stage 3 encompasses the first three years of secondary education and caters to students aged 11 to 13. It is divided into three year groups: Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9. Our Key Stage 3 programme reflects the school's commitment to delivering a high-quality British curriculum within an international context. To achieve this, we integrate the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum with the National Curriculum for England, ensuring students benefit from a broad, balanced, and culturally relevant educational experience.
National Curriculum Subjects for Key Stage 3
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Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) Curriculum
The Key Stage 4 Programme of Study follows the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum. Beginning in Year 10, students embark on a stimulating and academically challenging two-year IGCSE journey, building seamlessly on the knowledge and skills developed during Key Stage 3.
Students study a combination of compulsory core subjects and optional subjects, allowing them to develop both breadth and depth in their learning while pursuing their individual interests and strengths. All courses are completed over two years and culminate in externally assessed examinations leading to internationally recognised qualifications.
We offer IGCSE qualifications through two leading examination boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel, providing students with a strong foundation for further education and future academic success.
National Curriculum Subjects for Key Stage 4
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Our academic curriculum is complemented with a blend of co-curricular programmes to nurture the holistic development of students. Some of the activities are:
- Personal Enrichment Programme
- STEM Programme
- Peter Jones Foundation
- Duke of Edinburgh Programme
- Service-Learning Programme
Key Stage 3
Our Year 9s participate in the Diyafah Career Connect which is a friendly competition where students are divided into teams and they research on various trending and future careers in the 21st century and present it to their fellow year group and Year 8 students.
The Diyafah Career Cafe is a platform that provides the Year 9 students with the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and to learn about their career choices and experiences. Adapted from the speed networking format, Career Cafe allows students to engage and learn from the industry professionals from diverse backgrounds covering entrepreneurship, engineering, finance, media, education and many more!
Key Stage 4
Leading international and local university representatives meet Key Stage 4 students to brief them about the various courses available at their universities, for example, scholarships and are eligible.
The students attend International University Fairs and an Annual Career Fair where representatives of universities from popular destinations for higher education such as US, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and UAE (and many more!) participate. The aim is to provide students with an opportunity to meet admission officers from various Universities, get first-hand information on course choices, career prospects and the campus environment and help them make decisions regarding subjects and programs offered by the Universities which align with their career goals.
Students also get the opportunity to learn about topics such as personal branding, business etiquette, assertive communication, cyber-security, public speaking and presentation skills which are crucial skills that students need to successfully navigate through their professional lives.
In today's competitive world, one of the most important and crucial factors that determine the future of our Key Stage 4 students is Internships. Internships provide a glimpse into the real world. At Diyafah we strive to offer a front seat towards a possible career choice by supporting students to find meaningful hands-on learning experiences. Internships help them to decide whether they are suited for a specific career within a particular industry or if they should consider other professions.
Catherine Marion Samuel the Career Counsellor, can be contacted for any questions relating to careers, qualifications, or higher education, please email her at careercounsellor@diyafahschool.com.
Assessments:
At the end of each term students have assessments covering the material that has been taught over that period. These exams are done under exam conditions. The final grade for each term is calculated by taking into consideration the continuous assessments and the term exam grade.
Extra – Curricular Activities
For the holistic development of our students, the teachers offer a wide variety of activities for the students to choose from. Students can enhance their skills or choose something new to explore and learn. These activities are offered once a week in term 1 and term 2.
Career Counselling Programme
A fully supported programme of career guidance is an essential part of our work with students at Diyafah. If we are to develop highly qualified, inspirational young adults, they must be able to make informed University choices after they leave us.
We know that a successful career programme does more than prepare students for the future; it helps them make the right choices in school and encourages them to engage with their studies to reach their career goals. Professional career guidance should ensure that our students leave Diyafah with the employability and career-management skills that they need to thrive in their professional lives and be ready to take on the challenges that are presented in today's world of work.
The Career Counsellor at Al Diyafah High School assists students to discuss their concerns about career and educational options through a range of methods. Students have bespoke sessions with the Career Counsellor where a personal analysis of their talents, feelings and choices is done. These sessions help students to assess their interests and abilities, explore the new and diverse trending career options and ultimately choose the best-fit career pathways for themselves.
In addition to this, students are also supported through the application processes for admissions to undergraduate degrees across the globe. Our students have been accepted into world renowned universities like: The University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, York University, Loughborough University, Carleton University, Newcastle University, University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham and many more.
Model United Nations (ADMUN)
Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation that replicates the proceedings of the United Nations. In Diyafah International School, MUN provides students with a platform to research global issues, develop diplomatic skills, & engage in debate, fostering a deeper understanding of international relations and diplomacy. Participants assume the roles of UN delegates representing different countries and work collaboratively to draft resolutions, negotiate, & address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, human rights, & peacekeeping.
The very first DISMUN was organized solely for the students of Diyafah in 2022 and some. With great efforts and time, in the following year, 2023, its doors were thrown open to other schools in the UAE.
The benefits of participating in ADMUN are multifaceted. It enhances critical thinking and public speaking skills as students articulate their viewpoints and defend their country's position. It also cultivates research abilities, negotiation skills, and teamwork, as students must collaborate with peers to reach a consensus. Additionally, MUN promotes cultural awareness and empathy, as participants learn about diverse perspectives and international issues. It encourages confidence and leadership, helping students become proactive and responsible global citizens.
The theme for this year's ADMUN is "Securing Tomorrow: Redefining Peace in an Uncertain World", it emphasizes the need to adapt our understanding of peace in the face of evolving global challenges. It calls for innovative approaches to conflict resolution, emphasizing diplomacy, mutual understanding, and cooperation. In an era marked by rapid technological advances and unpredictable geopolitical shifts, redefining peace means fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable solutions to ensure a peaceful and secure future for all.
We are excited to announce that this year we are reaching out to a greater number of schools in the UAE while reaffirming our commitment to provide an intellectually and creatively challenging platform for our delegates.
DISMUN is a non-profit MUN conference, organized on the UNA-USA model of MUN. As it grows, it will become creative by the year, and continue to create global-minded, forward-thinking citizens.
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE)
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a youth awards program that encourages personal development and community involvement for young people from the ages of 14.
Overview
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was established in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and has since expanded to 144 countries. The programme aims to recognise adolescents and young adults for completing a series of self-improvement activities that help them develop essential life skills and confidence.
Structure of the Award
The DofE program consists of three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level has specific requirements that participants must complete, which include:
- Volunteering: Contributing to the community or environment.
- Physical: Engaging in physical activities to improve fitness.
- Skills: Developing new skills or hobbies.
- Expedition: Planning, training for, and completing an expedition (required for all levels).
- Residential (Gold only): Participating in a shared activity with others in a residential setting.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the DofE program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Personal Development: Participants gain confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
- Social Skills: The program encourages teamwork and communication, helping young people make friends and build networks.
- Career Readiness: The skills developed through the DofE are recognized by employers and can enhance CVs and university applications.
Eligibility
The DofE is open to all young people aged 14 years, regardless of their background or abilities. It is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, allowing participants to choose activities that align with their interests.
Conclusion
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a valuable program that empowers young people to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and make a positive contribution to their communities. It provides a structured framework for personal growth and is widely recognized for its impact on youth development.
Book a School Tour
You can call our admissions team from
7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
- Email id: registrar@diyafahschool.com
- +971 4 2671115 Ext. No - 223 / 214
