Key Stage 3 represents the initial three years of secondary education, catering to students aged between 11 and 13. This stage is divided into three distinct year groups: Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9. Our approach in Key Stage 3 aligns with the school’s commitment to delivering a British curriculum tailored to meet the needs of an international context. This involves harmonizing the curriculum provided by the UAE Ministry of Education with the National Curriculum for England.
The Key Stage 4 Programmes of Study follow the IGCSE.
Year 10, the beginning of Key Stage 4, marks the start of a challenging and stimulating two-year IGCSE journey for our students, transitioning seamlessly from Year 9. Student will follow a combination of 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) and Pearson Edexcel.
Our academic curriculum is complemented with a blend of co-curricular programmes to nurture the holistic development of students. Some of the activities are:
A fully supported programme of 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 informed University choices after they leave us.
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. Professional 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 Al Diyafah High School assists students to discuss their concerns about career and educational options through a range of methods.
Students have bespoke sessions 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.
In addition to this, students are also supported through the application processes for admissions to undergraduate degrees across the globe. Our students have been accepted into world renowned universities like The University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, York University, Loughborough University, Carleton University, Newcastle University, University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham and many more.
Our Year 9’s participate in the Diyafah Career Connect which is a friendly competition where students are divided into teams and they research on various trending and future careers in the 21st century and present it to their fellow year group and Year 8 students.
The Diyafah Career Café is a platform that provides the Year 9 students with the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and to learn about their career choices and experiences. Adapted from the speed networking format, Career Café allows students to engage and learn from the industry professionals from diverse backgrounds covering entrepreneurship, engineering, finance, media, education and many more!
Leading international and local university representatives meet Key Stage 4 students to brief them about the various courses available at their universities, fee structure, scholarships students are eligible.
The students attend International University Fairs and an Annual Career Fair where representatives of universities from popular destinations for higher education such as UK, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and UAE (and many more!) participate. The aim is to provide students with an opportunity to meet admission officers from various Universities, get first-hand information on course choices, career prospects and the campus environment and help them make decisions regarding subjects and programs offered by the Universities which align with their career goals.
Students also get the opportunity to learn about topics such as personal branding, business etiquettes, assertive communication, cybersecurity, public speaking and presentation skills which are crucial skills that students need to successfully navigate through their professional lives.
In today’s competitive world, one of the most important and crucial factors that determine the future of our Key Stage 4 students is internships. Internships provide a glimpse into the real world. At Diyafah we strive to offer a front seat towards a possible career choice by supporting students to find meaningful hands-on learning experiences. Internships help them to decide whether they are suited for a specific career within a particular industry or if they should consider other professions.
Krupa Gathani the Career Counsellor, can be contacted for any questions relating to careers, qualifications, or higher education, please email her at careercounsellor@diyafahschool.com.
