Dunecrest American School 

Curriculum
At Dunecrest American School, we meticulously map the curriculum collaboratively using Rubicon Atlas and ManageBac, harmonizing it with Common Core AERO and NGSS standards. Our emphasis lies in setting an academically challenging learning environment and fostering inquiry skills to nurture critical thinkers and future leaders. The curriculum undergoes frequent collaborative development, ensuring regular reviews, updates, and enhancements, all geared towards providing our students with an ever-evolving, exceptional learning journey. Rooted in skill development and addressing real-world challenges, the curriculum maximizes interdisciplinary opportunities, empowering students to be risk-takers that make positive contributions to both the local community and the wider world.

Data-driven Instruction
At Dunecrest, we rigorously analyze and continuously monitor assessment data. We triangulate external and internal assessment data against what we see in the classroom so that data is used effectively to skillfully plan and influence learning outcomes, which ensures all students make progress. Teachers have an in-depth knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of individual students because they use the data provided and collaborate closely with specialist support departments; this enables teachers to provide differentiated personalized challenges and support to students of determination.

Teaching & Learning
At Dunecrest, we require teachers to be up to date in their subject knowledge, and expertly apply that knowledge to their professional pedagogical practice by providing imaginative lessons and inspiring teaching. Students must know what their lesson objectives are and be challenged with differentiated success criteria. Students are encouraged to follow their passion, achieve their aspirations and enjoy learning. We enable students to be innovative and enterprising learners who are enthusiastic and take responsibility for their own learning in sustained ways. We give students the opportunity to interact and collaborate through a wide range of opportunities that connect areas of learning to a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Well-being
A cornerstone for the personal development and success of Dunecrest students is the fundamental concept of wellbeing that promotes an individual’s overall health, happiness, quality of life and success, in a supportive, safe, positive and thriving community. Students and staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of safe and healthy living, and make good choices in this respect. We expect a high level of self discipline and determination. Students are sensitive to others’ differences and show empathy and respect to all, including an appreciation of Islamic values and the heritage and culture of the UAE. Staff and students’ social contributions have a positive effect on the wider local and world community.

Leadership & Culture
At Dunecrest, leadership is effectively delegated through the school, building capacity for sustained improvement and empowering individuals to be highly successful. The school is fully compliant with regulatory requirements. Leaders at all levels demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum and best practice in teaching & learning and assessment. Leaders establish a purposeful learning culture that is inclusive and focused on student and staff outcomes. At Dunecrest there is an ethos of collective responsibility with a clear understanding of what needs to be done to innovate and improve the school. Student leadership and cooperation is nurtured and encouraged through robust extracurricular opportunities guided by the community-centered CREST principles of creativity, respect, excellence, service, and teamwork, which are aligned to the IB Learner Profile.