Cutting-Edge Student Learning

As with any new school, a common concern among parents is the exclusivity factor. What makes the school unique and why should it be a parent's choice? To answer that question, it would suffice to say that life at Duncrest American School is virtually devoid of textbooks. Instead, they use more modern and innovative online resources for imparting education. 

The teachers use the latest technological tools to plan class lessons, and this digital curriculum is then supplemented with enjoyable projects involving experiments, presentations, class plays, living museums and music videos to help students learn. Where they cannot do without textbooks altogether – in mathematics, for example, they rely on digital programs together with student apps to substitute them as far as possible. 

The shift to technology as a means to tutor comes with its own advantages. Multimedia resources that are used by the school are not only easily accessible, they offer immediate feedback. This approach encourages greater student-teacher engagement. Besides, multimedia project presentations also teach children a range of skills from art and design to coding and media. From playing Minecraft to gardening on the rooftop, children are connected to real-world learning in a manner that cannot be accomplished by traditional textbooks. 

This shift from print to digital is indeed intentional, as the school believes in creating more exciting ways for both students and teachers to learn. It is clear that the school is exploring new methods of teaching while trying to provide a warm and caring community for its students and staff. 

To know more about the Dunecrest American School experience for your child, join their Open Morning on Wednesday, November 14th. Alternatively, you can attend one on Saturday, December 8th and Saturday, January 26^th, 2019. These events will include a presentation on their academic program and university preparatory focus, an interactive Q&A session and a tour of their newly inaugurated campus. Spaces are limited so registration is mandatory. 

About Dunecrest 

Dunecrest American School follows the US/IBDP curriculum delivered by highly trained American teachers. Their Principal, Mr. Bill Delbrugge confirmed that the school has officially got the nod to begin their International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Going forward, their teachers will imbibe the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) into the daily lessons the students will receive. 

According to Delbrugge, their focus in the first few months will be on developing 4-year educational plans with their students. For example, students in Middle School will have one-on-one goal-setting meetings with teachers and guidance counsellors. Based on this, an individual educational plan will be devised for each student including career choices, goals and personal aspirations. This exercise will be followed by periodic checks throughout the year to ensure the students are achieving those goals. 

Located just off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), the campus at Dunecrest is both expansive and modern. The classrooms are naturally lit and there is plenty of open space to encourage project-based learning, the very basis of the school. 

The school has a strong focus on sports which comes across in its high-quality sports facilities - dedicated playgrounds for primary & secondary, a shaded swimming pool, and a regulation-sized soccer field encircled by a professionally laid running track. In addition, their Performing Arts Department encourages students to participate in music and theatre, without which any academic program is incomplete. 

Dunecrest has a largely digital focus, evident in both the way they teach and in their promise to share all aspects of the school with parents and caregivers. You can expect to read stories about their curriculum, facilities, leadership and faculty on social media regularly. The school also intends to organize events throughout the school year should you wish to meet the team in person. 

About Esol Education 

Esol Education is the world’s largest operator of international American schools providing high-quality education to students in the Middle East and beyond. Schools that fall under the Esol umbrella enjoy the benefits of experienced leadership, dedicated teachers and state-of-the-art facilities. In September 2018, they opened their ninth international American school, the flagship Dunecrest American School at its campus near Al Barari in Dubailand, welcoming students for the 2018-2019 academic year.