Head of Senior School

Repton Al Barsha , which was originally launched as a prep school, currently caters for just under 600 children from Nursery (FS1) to Year 8. Due to its success, it is now extending to become an all-through school, for students aged 3 to 18, with an eventual capacity of around 1,200. Repton Al Barsha is owned and operated by Evolvence Knowledge Investments (EKI).

Alongside Repton Al Barsha, EKI’s school portfolio comprises Repton Dubai, Repton Abu Dhabi and Dovecote Nursery. Their schools and nurseries all enjoy world-class facilities and a commitment to hiring and developing the best academic talent to support the development of the whole child and prepare them for the challenges of higher education and the exciting, yet complex world beyond.

Repton Al Barsha enjoys state-of-the-art facilities and is situated at the heart of ‘New Dubai’ in the Dubai Science Park. Its expansive range of facilities support its rich and specialised curriculum with dedicated science labs, language rooms, art workshops, and music and dance studios. The sporting facilities include both a learner and a 25 metre swimming pool, cricket pitches, tennis and netball courts and numerous indoor and outdoor multi-purpose areas. Repton Al Barsha offers academic rigour within an inclusive family environment. The school is built on the twin foundations of academic excellence and the highest standards of pastoral care. It combines the traditional values of its partner school in the UK, Repton, with the vibrancy of international life in the UAE. This enables its pupils to leave Repton Al Barsha fully prepared for a fulfilling life ahead.

The prep school follows the UK National Curriculum enhanced with elements of the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) curriculum. Active learning, scientific progress tracking and individualised teaching are the cornerstones of the curriculum. These are set within the modern context of key skills, for example digital literacy. At Repton Al Barsha, pupils are prepared not only to pass assessments but also for an enriched and productive adult life; most importantly they leave with a love for learning for its own sake. Traditional values such as manners and appropriate behaviour are promoted, set within the modern context of key skills, for example digital literacy. As the school extends into the senior year groups, year by year, students will be prepared for IGCSEs and A-Levels, and the school will continue to deliver the highest academic standards and rigour.

The school’s pastoral care system is based on the premise that a balanced curriculum emphasises the children’s moral, social, intellectual and physical well-being and development. In the prep school, the class teacher is central to the pastoral care system and is the main advocate for their pupils. The pastoral system is interwoven into the daily life of the school and is led by the Assistant Head, Pastoral, who supports and guides teachers in all aspects of pastoral care. The atmosphere that the school seeks to nurture within its community is one of mutual respect between adults and children. Regardless of when a child joins the school, they are quickly welcomed into the Repton Al Barsha family.

The strong House system (Merriman, Jackson, Davies, Brewster, Theobald and Thomas) not only provides pupils with the opportunity to compete in various academic and sporting competitions, but also fosters a sense of belonging, unity and support. Allegiance and loyalty to your House runs deep at Foremarke.

Inclusion lies at the heart of Repton Al Barsha’s vision. The school provides a fully inclusive environment that welcomes all children. All children are treated as valued members of the school community and the school inspires excellence in all of them, whatever their age, ability, gender or background. The Inclusion Department works in close partnership with parents to ensure teaching is suited to all individual needs, providing a personalised education for every child.

Repton Al Barsha places emphasis on sports, music and the arts, as well as exceptional academic performance. Competitive sports allow students to develop their team-work skills, communication and sportsmanship. The school provides a wide range of sporting opportunities and has a very successful track record competing with schools across Dubai. The focus on the arts allow students to express themselves and develop their confidence and creativity. Pupils are provided with numerous opportunities to perform and showcase their work, both to the pupil body, the parents and the wider Dubai community. The school participates in initiatives such as the Dubai Art Festival, which allows them to exhibit their impressive creations and encourages them to develop a sense of pride in their achievements.

An education embracing innovation is a fundamental pillar of a Repton Al Barsha education. Through discrete computing lessons and by embedding digital literacy across the curriculum, children are taught to use new technologies, to think critically about digital content, to collaborate with their teachers and peers, and to present their learning across platforms. The school is equipped throughout with Apple technology and iPads (1-1 from FS2) and is very proud to be an Apple Distinguished School.

Repton Al Barsha offers a range of excellent opportunities for outdoor education and extra-curricular activities. Learning and adventure is not restricted to the confines of the classroom or the formal curriculum and so, whether on top of a mountain in the French Alps, camping in the desert, or facing a fast bowler on the cricket pitch, all the activities and events offered are designed to build confidence, character, resilience and grit. The Outdoor Education Programme links to the core ethos of what Repton Al Barsha is; creating independent learners and creative thinkers. Extra-curricular activities are essential to developing a broad and far reaching education.