Curriculum

NAIS American program is student centered and offers a broad- based program from Kindergarten to High school falling into four strands:

Kindergarten Years [KG1 and KG 2]
Elementary Years [Grade1-Grade 5]
Middle Years [Grade 6- Grade 8]
High School Years [Grade 9 – Grade 12]

North American International School follows the Common Core Standards for English and Mathematics. All other subjects are based on the California State Standards. Arabic and Islamic Education are based on the Ministry Standards. UAE National Education is incorporated into our Social Studies curriculum.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL [Grades 1-5]

The NAIS Elementary School program aims:

To lay a solid base of learning at the elementary stage. At this stage the program supports a co-operative approach to inquiry and problem-solving through interaction. It also attempts to develop knowledge and an understanding of the world.

A diagnostic test is held in each subject early in the academic year to identify areas of strength and weaknesses. Thereon formative assessments are used to track the progress of the child. These assessments are also graded and contribute towards the final grade in the Report Card. There are no formal exams, except for end of year assessments. MAP exams will be held every year and these are compulsory for all students.

An Orientation for parents is held in September to introduce and guide the parents on how to support their child’s progress. A formal PTA is held 3 times a year. Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with their child’s teachers through the school portal.

The subjects taught are:

Arabic as first or second language
Islamic Studies
English
Mathematics
General Science
Social Studies
Information & Communication Technology
Foreign Language – French [Grade 5 upwards]
Physical Education & Health
Visual Art
Fine Art

HIGH SCHOOL (GRADE 9 - 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADE 6 - 8)

This is a time of transition; physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. At this stage the emphasis is on building pupils’ self-esteem and confidence and to encourage them to become independent. Pupils will follow a common curriculum, providing a broad-based education with which to proceed into further studies in high school.

A diagnostic test is held in each subject early in the academic year to identify areas of strength and weaknesses. Thereon formative assessments are used to track the progress of the child. These assessments are also graded and contribute towards the final grade in the Report Card. There are 3 formal exams, end of each term in December, March and June. MAP exams will be held every year and these are compulsory for all students.

The subjects taught are:

Arabic as first or second language
Islamic Studies
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Information & Communication Technology
Foreign Language – French
Physical Education & Health
Visual Art / Fine Art

Elementary

Middle School

High School

The NAIS High School Curriculum helps to develop critical thinking and analysis. It will also enhance the intellectual and creative potential, personal confidence and social competence and physical and social well- being of the pupil. Students are given opportunity to make choices and accept responsibility for their actions and decisions.

A diagnostic test is held in each subject early in the academic year to identify areas of strength and weaknesses. Thereon formative assessments are used to track the progress of the child. These assessments are also graded and contribute towards the final grade in the Report Card. There are 3 formal exams, end of each term in December, March and June. MAP exams will be held every year and these are compulsory for all students.

Career counseling is given to parents and students.

High School students at NAIS must complete a minimum of 24.5 credits, complete 40 hours of Community Involvement Activity and 60 hours of work experience.

SAT 1 (Minimum score of 440 in Math section)

and TOEFL Examinations

(Minimum score required in:

Paper based exam – 400
Computer based exam – 173
Internet based exam – 61)
Or IELTS (Academic) – (Minimum score of 5.5)

EmSat- As per ministry requirement

KINDERGARTEN (KG1 & KG2)

The Kindergarten Department at NAIS is a wonderful place for your child to grow. We focus on their holistic needs while providing an exemplary education. Students learn new concepts daily, while making friends and focusing on their social, emotional, and developmental needs. We follow the Carolina National Standards in all subjects and encourage your child to work towards their best potential. At NAIS, we recognize that each child is an individual and there is no one educational system that works for them. We pride ourselves on getting to know our children so that we understand their specific needs, likes, and dislikes. We hope to see you and your child's smiling faces in our classrooms.

An enormous amount of learning takes place in the first few years of life, and it is at this time that the greatest care must be taken to ensure that learning and development happen in the right direction. The NAIS KG program underpins all future learning by supporting and fostering in students:

Personal, social and emotional well-being
A positive attitude towards learning
Attention skills and the quality of perseverance, language,
Literacy, numeracy and communication skills
An appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the world around them; sound physical and creative developments.

An Entry Assessment is taken at the beginning of KG1 and KG2 to identify areas of strength and weaknesses. At the end of the academic year, an Exit Assessment is undertaken to determine the readiness of the student to progress to the next level. Ongoing observations are recorded to track progress.

An Orientation for KG parents is held in September to introduce and guide the parents on how to support their child’s progress. A formal PTA is held 3 times a year. Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with their child’s teachers through the school portal.