A British heritage and an
international perspective
Kings’ School Al Barsha
A British heritage and an international perspective
Kings’ School Al Barsha
learning
At Kings’ School Al Barsha, we treat every day as one step along a learning journey designed to inspire children to become effective, enthusiastic, independent and lifelong learners.
Our unique curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and Early Years Foundation Stage, but is influenced by current issues and local opportunities, and evolves to meet the specific needs and interests of our international community of children. Teaching takes a cross-curricular, theme-based approach, designed to immerse children in subjects and inspire them to make connections. There is a clear emphasis on teaching skills and concepts that challenge children at all levels. We also aim to inspire children with exciting hands-on learning experiences, imaginative teaching and educational trips.
The main curriculum is enriched by specialist teaching of French, Spanish, Arabic, PE, ICT, Swimming, Music and Islamic Education. Children also have access to an impressive level of technology, including iPads for all children, just one of the ways we equip and enthuse our pupils for lifelong learning.
Early Years
Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2 | Ages 3-5)
Our Foundation Stage offers a warm, happy and nurturing start to school life for children aged 3 to 5. Based on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our approach supports children’s learning through play, exploration and discovery, helping them to grow in confidence and independence.
Every child is recognised as unique. Teachers work closely with families to create an engaging, interest-led learning experience that supports children’s social, emotional and academic development. We believe that happy, confident and well-motivated children are successful learners. Our Foundation Stage provides a safe, secure and welcoming environment where children develop independence, confidence and a love of learning, laying strong foundations for the next stage of their education and beyond.
Our Guiding Principles within the Foundation Stage:
Primary
Our Primary School provides a stimulating and supportive learning journey for children aged 5 to 11, through Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6). Learning is engaging, purposeful and carefully designed to build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and wider curriculum areas.
In Key Stage 1, children are supported as they transition from the play-based learning of the Foundation Stage to more structured classroom routines. Learning remains creative and imaginative, with opportunities for collaboration, investigation and hands-on experiences that build confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
In Key Stage 2, there is a greater focus on independence, leadership and collaboration. Children are encouraged to think critically, take responsibility and develop resilience, while leadership opportunities help them grow in confidence and self-belief.
In the final two years, leadership is further developed, and children are expected to take on various leadership roles. The most prestigious and responsible are the elected positions of Head Boy, Head Girl, House Captain and Vice House Captain for each of the four Houses. These school leaders will play an integral role in the running of the school, planning and engaging in many events throughout the year.
Across all Primary years, learning regularly extends beyond the classroom through enriching experiences and real-world opportunities. Our Primary curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, nurture character and develop confident learners who are well prepared for the transition to Secondary School.
Secondary
Our Secondary School supports students aged 11 to 16 through Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). The curriculum is designed to be challenging, engaging and relevant, preparing students for academic success and life beyond school.
In Key Stage 3, students follow a broad and balanced curriculum that develops strong foundations across a wide range of subjects. Learning is concept-based and enquiry-driven, encouraging students to think deeply, make connections across subjects and develop curiosity and independence. Alongside academic learning, students are supported in developing personal, social and emotional skills, helping them grow into confident and responsible young people.
In Key Stage 4, students study a combination of compulsory and optional subjects in greater depth, leading to GCSE qualifications at the end of Year 11. Guidance is provided to help students make informed choices, including pathways that contribute towards the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), supporting future university and career aspirations.
Throughout the Secondary years, students are encouraged to think critically, take responsibility for their learning and develop the skills, resilience and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly complex world.
Students can sit up to 10 GCSEs. It is also possible to gain qualifications that form the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), a performance measure recognising students with a C or Level 5 grade or higher across several core academic subjects: English, Maths, History or Geography, Sciences, Languages and Computer Science. The subjects have been identified by Russell Group universities in the UK as the preferred subjects for entry to degree courses.
Our Guiding Principles within the Secondary Stage:
Academic Excellence
Farhan Zeb Kabeel
Highest marks in the world Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science
Sara Al Louzi
Highest marks in the world Pearson Edexcel GCSE Language A
Ryaan Saad Abdalla
Highest marks in the world Pearson Edexcel GCSE History
Petr Ivannikov
Highest marks in the UAE Pearson Edexcel GCSE Design & Technology
Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form curriculum is designed to prepare students for success at university and beyond. Students study a carefully selected range of A-Level subjects, enabling them to build depth in their chosen disciplines while keeping future options open. Many of these subjects are recognised by Russell Group universities in the UK as preferred subjects for entry to degree courses.
Teaching is subject-specialist and academically rigorous, developing independent study skills, critical thinking and intellectual confidence. Students are supported in making informed subject choices, ensuring their programmes align with university requirements and long-term aspirations.
Alongside academic study, students receive structured guidance throughout the university application process, including support with course selection, personal statements, admissions assessments and interviews, both in the UK and internationally.
Beyond the classroom, Sixth Form life places a strong emphasis on leadership, responsibility and student voice. Students take on meaningful leadership roles across the school community, acting as mentors and role models for younger pupils and contributing to wider school initiatives.
A broad enrichment programme supports personal development, encouraging students to engage in volunteering, community projects and wider co-curricular opportunities. These experiences help students build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose, complementing their academic studies.
By the end of Sixth Form, students leave Kings’ School Al Barsha as confident, capable and well-rounded young adults, prepared for the demands of higher education and the opportunities that lie beyond school.
Our Guiding Principles within the Sixth Form:
Inclusion
At Kings’ Education, inclusion is at the heart of how we teach, support and care for our students. We are committed to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and able to succeed.
We recognise that students have different strengths, needs and learning journeys, including those with additional learning needs, or English as an additional language, and those who are high achieving or gifted and talented. Support begins at admission and continues throughout a student’s time at Kings’, with ongoing identification, monitoring and tailored provision.
Our inclusive practice combines high-quality classroom teaching with personalised support, intervention and specialist guidance where needed. Our Learning Inclusively at Kings’ (LInK) Teams work closely with teachers, families and students to ensure academic progress, wellbeing and independence. Together, our community works to create an inclusive environment where every child feels they belong and are supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
International Languages
At Kings’ School Al Barsha, language learning begins early in Primary School, building strong foundations in communication, curiosity and cultural awareness. Students are introduced to languages in an engaging and age-appropriate way, developing confidence and enthusiasm from the start.
As students progress through Secondary School, language learning becomes more structured and academically rigorous, leading to GCSE language pathways. Through the study of world languages, students develop a global perspective, deepen their understanding of different cultures and viewpoints, and strengthen skills that support success across the curriculum.
Our approach encourages a lifelong appreciation of languages while preparing students to communicate confidently and thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
Arabic Academy
Our Arabic Academy is an optional after-school programme open to students from Year 1 onwards, designed to deepen understanding of Arabic language, culture and heritage.
The programme is built around three core strands. Arabic Language sessions support both native and non-native speakers, offering engaging masterclasses that develop confidence and fluency beyond the classroom. Islamic Studies provides additional opportunities for students to explore faith and values, often through cross-curricular links with art and culture. Art and Culture allows students to engage creatively with the rich traditions of the region, including calligraphy, photography, pottery, textiles and craft.
Through the Arabic Academy, students develop language skills, cultural appreciation and creative expression, strengthening their connection to the UAE and the wider Arabic world.
Inclusion
Inclusion
At Kings’ Education, inclusion is at the heart of how we teach, support and care for our students. We are committed to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and able to succeed.
We recognise that students have different strengths, needs and learning journeys, including those with additional learning needs, or English as an additional language, and those who are high achieving or gifted and talented. Support begins at admission and continues throughout a student’s time at Kings’, with ongoing identification, monitoring and tailored provision.
Our inclusive practice combines high-quality classroom teaching with personalised support, intervention and specialist guidance where needed. Our Learning Inclusively at Kings’ (LInK) Teams work closely with teachers, families and students to ensure academic progress, wellbeing and independence. Together, our community works to create an inclusive environment where every child feels they belong and are supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
International Languages
International Languages
At Kings’ School Al Barsha, language learning begins early in Primary School, building strong foundations in communication, curiosity and cultural awareness. Students are introduced to languages in an engaging and age-appropriate way, developing confidence and enthusiasm from the start.
As students progress through Secondary School, language learning becomes more structured and academically rigorous, leading to GCSE language pathways. Through the study of world languages, students develop a global perspective, deepen their understanding of different cultures and viewpoints, and strengthen skills that support success across the curriculum.
Our approach encourages a lifelong appreciation of languages while preparing students to communicate confidently and thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
Arabic Academy
Arabic Academy
Our Arabic Academy is an optional after-school programme open to students from Year 1 onwards, designed to deepen understanding of Arabic language, culture and heritage.
The programme is built around three core strands. Arabic Language sessions support both native and non-native speakers, offering engaging masterclasses that develop confidence and fluency beyond the classroom. Islamic Studies provides additional opportunities for students to explore faith and values, often through cross-curricular links with art and culture. Art and Culture allows students to engage creatively with the rich traditions of the region, including calligraphy, photography, pottery, textiles and craft.
Through the Arabic Academy, students develop language skills, cultural appreciation and creative expression, strengthening their connection to the UAE and the wider Arabic world.
Kings’ Alumni
Discover how graduates from across our schools are making an impact – leading innovative companies, advancing scientific breakthroughs, shaping the arts, serving communities, and inspiring the next generation. Their journeys are diverse, but they all share one thing in common: a foundation built at Kings’ that continues to guide their success.
In Yasmin’s words: “I feel extremely lucky to have a Kings’ education behind me and to have benefitted from such strong support from the academic team. I was fortunate enough to have been awarded a dual sports and academic scholarship that presented further developmental opportunities and pushed me to work to the best of my ability. I was always interested in business and relished the opportunity to establish the Kings’ Enterprise Club. I carry with me great memories and friendships from Kings’ that will remain with me and continue to shape me as an individual throughout my career, and my life.”
Yasmin Kubba
A Levels: Biology, Business, Maths
In Michael’s words: “I have always been interested in aviation and aeroplanes, there’s something about being able to control, design, and improve what are essentially giant flying pieces of metal to this degree of accuracy and convenience that’s so alluring. I guess it’s also about the whole importance of the industry to the modern eceonomy and how relevant aviation is becoming in everyone’s lives. Engineers have lots of ethical responsibilities and can play a role in improving the world. For me personally, a potential route is to continue doing research.”
Michael Rizk
A Levels: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths
Millie McElroy
A Levels: English Literature, History, Spanish
In Juan’s words: “It was an amazing feeling to get the A Level results I hoped for and to be able to pursue my ambition. Preparation for the exams for extremely challenging as I had to travel to the UK for university auditions so the encouragement and support from the academic team was invaluable. Kings’ played a huge role in getting me to this point in my life. I was fortunate enough to receive a part scholarship when my parents moved back home to Colombia that enable me to continue my A Level studies and my teachers were incredibly supportive. behind the camera.”
Juan Salazar
A Levels: Drama and Theatre Studies, English, Economics
