Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13)

Suzan Al Sakkaf is a dynamic and resilient individual driven by a passion for tackling new challenges. She maintains a steadfast commitment to excellence in every pursuit, infusing a positive outlook and creative flair into her work. Suzan seamlessly blends her artistic talents with an insatiable ambition for acquiring various skills, embodying the spirit of continual learning. In addition to her current position as the Head of the Art Department at Diyafah International School Abu Dhabi, Suzan serves as the Key Stage 5 Coordinator since December 2023. Furthermore, she has held roles as an Art Department Specialist at Reach British School in Abu Dhabi and as Head of the Art Department at Elite Private School.

In addition to these positions, Suzan currently holds the role of Director at UK University Specialist in London, England. Under her leadership for the past two years, the institution has experienced unprecedented success. Through this role, she exercises strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, making considerable contributions to the educational landscape. Suzan is currently enrolled at Keele University pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management. She holds a Higher National Diploma, First-Class grade in BA (Hons) in Art and Design, and a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from The University of Bolton. As a former lecturer at Bolton College in the United Kingdom and a teacher at BOLTON MUSLIM ACADEMY TRUST, she demonstrates a strong dedication to education and artistic expression. In essence, Suzan is both a seasoned education professional and a creative force committed to nurturing learning and artistic expression. She has dedicated herself to excellence throughout her career, making her a valuable asset to the field of education.

Suzan Al Sakkaf

Sixth Form Coordinator

Sixth Form Curriculum (Years 12 & 13)

In August 2020 Diyafah International School opened its doors to the first cohort of Sixth Form Students. Our 2024-26 AS & A-Level programmes include pathways for higher education and careers in: business, engineering, medicine, science, IT, human resources, teaching, sustainability, finance, international relations & diplomacy, journalism, digital media, entrepreneurship, anthropology, marine sciences, eco-sciences, biosciences, law and languages.

What to expect when you enroll for the AS & A level course at DIS:

• An open and spacious campus with the state-of-the-art facilities set in a multi-cultural environment;
• Critical thinking and learning beyond the classroom facilitated by qualified and experienced faculty;
• Pastoral care and personal attention in a caring and nurturing environment;
• Small class sizes;
• One to one University and Career Guidance aimed at helping you make informed career, country and university choices; Click here to know more about College & Career guidance at DIS.
• Enrichment Programs that will help build your profile to university

Our vision for our Sixth Formers is woven into our curriculum. We aspire for our graduates to leave DIS as:

• Responsible, positive, happy, confident, and conscientious independent learners who will be mindful and sensitive in contributing towards a sustainable environment.
• Leaders with integrity and resilience in dealing with challenges that come their way.

A Level Subject Options

Sixth Form is a continuation of the English National Curriculum - AS & A level General Certificate Examination. Our A level qualifications are accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE) / Edexcel (Pearson) or Oxford AQA, UK. Students take three / four AS & A level subjects based on their performance in the IGCSE/GCSE examination. The following subjects are offered for the AY 2024 -26.

Introducing BTEC Level 3 International Awards – is a Skills Based Approach to Success. New for the 2024-25 academic year, the BTEC Level 3 International Award is a UK qualifications programme that offers the same high standards of A Levels without the pressure and stress of examinations. Assessments are carried out internally through coursework. These assessments are moderated by Pearson, the awarding body.

The BTEC Level 3 qualifications are officially recognised by the Ministry of Education of the UAE (Ministerial Decrees 40 + 41, 2023) and are recognised by universities worldwide, including: the UK, USA, UAE, Australia, Jordan, Canada, Turkey, Spain.

In 2024-25, we will be offering 3 x BTEC Level 3 qualifications: 1. Business (Marketing focus) 2. Creative Media (Visual Image and Media focus, linked to BTEC Business/Marketing); and 3. Sport. Students can choose a variety of education pathways and, if necessary, a mix and match of BTEC Level 3 International Award and A Levels is possible. For example, a student interested in a future in animated graphic design could choose A Level Art + A Level ICT + BTEC Creative Media. Or a student interested in Sports Physiotherapy could choose BTEC Sport + A Level Biology. There are numerous permutations and opportunities. We believe that this unique combination allows our students to benefit from an extensive range of opportunities leading to further education, higher education and direct employment.

Mandatory Subjects

In addition to the optional courses above, all Sixth Form students take Mandatory Courses required of the Ministry of Education, UAE.

Arabic Language

1. Arabic A - Compulsory for all Arab students
2. Arabic B - Compulsory for all Non-Arab students

Islamic Studies

1. Islamic A - Compulsory for all Arab Muslim students
2. Islamic B - Compulsory for all Non-Arab Muslim students

Physical Education

A Level Entry Requirements

A Levels is a rigorous and demanding course that is well regarded by universities globally. To secure good A level grades that would allow you to proceed to higher education, the minimum IGCSE/GCSE requirements in the chosen subjects is A* – C/ 5 -9. Personalised guidance interviews are available on request.

Click here to refer to the Subject Options Booklet AY 2024-26.

Assessments

We follow a three-term school year. Apart from the internal formative and summative assessments, students of Year 12 and 13 appear for the Board Examinations accredited by CAIE, Edexcel or Oxford AQA in May/June. Please refer to the Options Booklet for details regarding the subject specification for the subjects offered.

Extra-Curricular Activities (Personalised Enrichment Programme)

Our students’ success matters to us. We recognise that universities also require experiences outside academic qualifications. Our Enrichment programs are calendared events. The sessions are designed to prepare our students to explore academic and career interests and discover different options for future pathways. The activities designed to support our students are:

• Life Skill Sessions – Communication Skills, Time Management, Computer Literacy, Interview Skills, Leadership, CV Writing, Team Building & more.
• Work Experience Opportunities / Internships
• Career and College Guidance
• University Fairs
• Community Outreach Programs
• Field Trips
• Sports - football, volleyball, basketball, swimming, badminton
• Ambassadors for Inclusion