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Key Stage 4 (Year 10 & 11) | Age 14 -15

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Head of Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 - Curriculum Guidelines

The Key Stage 4 Programmes of Study follow the English National Curriculum model. Students will follow a combination of core, compulsory subjects and optional subjects. Courses are two years in length and end with an external UK certified board exam. We offer board exams from the following boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel and Oxford International AQA Examinations (OxfordAQA)

Subjects Offered

Students must pass a minimum of 5 IGCSE exams for the equivalency certificate in year 11 with a minimum grade of 3 or D.

Compulsory subjects at Key Stage 4

English
Maths
Science
Arabic (Native Arab Speakers)
Islamic (Muslim Students)
Moral Education
PE

Optional subjects at Key Stage 4

Please click this link to view or download the Options Booklet

IGCSE Subjects	Examination Board
First Language English	CAIE
English as Second Language	CAIE
Foreign Language Arabic	CAIE
First Language Arabic	CAIE
Computer Science	AQA
Environmental Management	CAIE
Food and Nutrition	CAIE
ICT	CAIE
Global Perspectives	CAIE
Global Citizenship	Edexcel
Mathematics	Edexcel
Accountancy	Edexcel
Art & Design: Fine Art	Edexcel
Business Studies	Edexcel
Design & Technology	Edexcel
Economics	Edexcel
History	Edexcel
Psychology	Edexcel
Spanish	Edexcel
Physics	Edexcel
Chemistry	Edexcel
Biology	Edexcel
Science Double Award	Edexcel

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 (PEP)

For the holistic development of our students, the teachers offer a wide variety of activities for the students to choose from. The students can enhance their skills or choose something new that they would like to explore & learn. These activities are offered once a week in term 1 and term 2.

Career Counselling Programme

A fully supported programme of impartial career guidance is an essential part of our work with students at Diyafah. If we are to develop highly qualified, aspirational young adults, they must be able to make outstanding progress after they leave us, as well as while they are in our care.

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. Proper 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 Diyafah International School assists students to discuss their concerns about career and educational options through a range of methods.

Students have 1:1 session with the Career Counsellor where a personal analysis of their ideas, 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.

Gifted & Talented

Discover the bespoke educational support provided by our Gifted and Talented (G&T) Department, tailored to meet the distinctive learning needs of exceptional students. We understand the importance of an environment that not only challenges but also nurtures individual strengths. Recognizing the diverse academic, cognitive, leadership, and creative talents within our student body, we utilize online assessments such as CAT4, GL, and NGRT to identify academically gifted individuals.

Our G&T services extend beyond identification, encompassing comprehensive acceleration and enrichment programs. These initiatives involve subject acceleration and leadership opportunities within school clubs, including but not limited to literacy, sports, and music. Additionally, students actively engage in ASDAN, ADHS GATE Program (Gifted and Talented Enrichment Programs), showcasing their talents in various school events and competitions like ADPIQ and Dubai Scholars Cup.

Our G&T students are not just participants; they take on roles as contributors to the school community by writing for the school newsletter, crafting concert scripts, and more. We encourage their intellectual curiosity further through participation in Massive Open Online Courses and the pursuit of additional IGCSE subjects, providing a platform for continuous academic growth and exploration.

Inclusion - Special Education

Student Support Services are available for all students at Al Diyafah High School LLC. The Inclusion Team is committed to helping our students be emotionally balanced & academically successful. The Inclusion Team consists of School SENDCo, School Counsellor, G&T Coordinator, Special Educators, Career and Guidance Counsellor and couple of specialist teachers who double up as subject teachers.

ASDAN (Award Scheme
Development &
Accreditation Network)

ASDAN program, tailored to meet the unique educational needs of both Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) students and those identified as Gifted and Talented. At our school, we believe in providing a learning environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of every student.

Our ASDAN program is designed to offer a structured and inclusive approach to learning, ensuring that each student, regardless of their learning profile, is given the opportunity to excel and grow. For SEND students, our program focuses on personalized support, addressing individual challenges, and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

In parallel, for our Gifted and Talented students, the ASDAN program provides avenues for intellectual stimulation and enrichment. It encourages these students to explore their potential fully, guiding them in developing skills that extend beyond the conventional curriculum.

Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program (GATE) at our school, where excellence meets opportunity. GATE is more than an acronym; it's a gateway to unlocking the full potential of our exceptional students. Designed to cater to the unique needs of gifted minds, GATE goes beyond the conventional curriculum, providing a platform for intellectual exploration and enrichment. As an integral component of our Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program (GATE), we are offer our students a diverse array of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) tailored to their individual skills and ambitions. At our school, we recognize that each student is unique, possessing distinct talents and aspirations. In alignment with our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and exploration, GATE provides a platform for students to engage with MOOCs that align with their specific interests and academic goals. These MOOCs are carefully selected to not only complement the standard curriculum but also to challenge and expand the intellectual horizons of our gifted students. Whether their passion lies in science, technology, literature, or any other field, our curated MOOC offerings aim to provide enriching content that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.

By participating in MOOCs through the GATE program, students have the opportunity to delve into advanced topics, interact with experts in the field, and collaborate with peers who share similar interests. This not only enhances their knowledge base but also cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for lifelong learning.

We believe that offering MOOCs within the GATE program empowers our students to pursue their academic passions, explore new horizons, and lay the foundation for a future marked by intellectual curiosity and achievement. Join us in embracing the boundless possibilities of learning through our GATE program and the exciting world of Massive Open Online Courses.

Model United Nations (DISMUN)

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 debates, fostering a deeper understanding of international relations and diplomacy. Participants assume the roles of UN delegates representing different countries, and they 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 2021 and 2022. 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 DISMUN 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 DISMUN

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.

The Duke of Edinburgh's
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 age 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 to 24, 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 contribute positively to their communities. It provides a structured framework for personal growth and is widely recognized for its impact on youth development.