Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- Swiss International Scientific School Dubai has joined the global family of schools under Nord Anglia Education, further expanding the organization’s presence in Dubai.
- With a strong emphasis on STEAM education and being one of the top International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Dubai, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai offers a premium K-12 day and boarding education.
- The school’s connection to its Swiss heritage is reflected in its language offerings and extracurricular activities.
- Nord Anglia Education now boasts 84 premium schools in 33 countries worldwide, including four schools in the UAE.
Introduction
Nord Anglia Education, a leading international schools organization, has announced that Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) has become a part of its global family of schools. SISD, founded in 2015, is now the second Nord Anglia school in Dubai, joining Nord Anglia International School Dubai. Both schools have earned recognition in the prestigious Spear’s Schools index as top private schools worldwide.
Strengthening Nord Anglia’s Global Network
Nord Anglia Education’s global network now comprises 84 premium schools in 33 countries worldwide, with the addition of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. This expansion in Dubai reinforces Nord Anglia’s commitment to providing quality education in the UAE, with four schools now operating in the region.
A Premium Swiss School in Dubai
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai is a private premium K-12 day and boarding school. It holds the distinction of being the largest Swiss school outside of Switzerland, with 2,150 students, including 100 boarding students. The school’s Swiss heritage is evident through its language offerings and extracurricular activities, allowing students to stay connected to their cultural roots.
Located in Dubai’s Al Jaddaf district, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai has a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. It is renowned as one of the top International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Dubai and stands out as one of the few boarding schools in the city.
As a full IB day and boarding continuum school, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai offers the IB programme from ages 3 to 18. The school provides three learning streams from Pre-K to Grade 10: an English-French bilingual programme, an English-German bilingual programme, and an IB English STEAM programme. The Grade 11 and 12 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Career-related Programme (CP) are taught in English, offering students the opportunity to obtain a bilingual or advanced bilingual diploma.
Graduates of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai have gone on to attend prestigious universities worldwide, including King’s College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, University of California San Diego, Georgia Tech, McGill University, University of British Columbia, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, the Glion Institute of Higher Education, University of St Gallen, the Paris Institute of Political Studies, EDHEC Business School, and ESSEC Business School.
The Synergy Between SISD and Nord Anglia Education
Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, expresses the organization’s commitment to bilingualism and its alignment with Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. As the world’s largest provider of the International Baccalaureate, Nord Anglia Education places a strong emphasis on bilingual education. The cultural and educational fit between SISD and Nord Anglia Education is evident, and the organization is delighted to welcome new students, families, and colleagues to its global family.
Ruth Burke, Principal of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, considers the shared educational philosophy a key factor in the school’s decision to join Nord Anglia Education. She believes that becoming a part of Nord Anglia Education is a significant milestone in the school’s history and looks forward to the incredible opportunities it will create for students and staff.
Omar Danial, Founder of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, expresses his pride in the achievements of the school community and sees joining Nord Anglia Education as an opportunity to enhance the next era of development for SISD. Being part of Nord Anglia’s global network will further solidify the school’s legacy for generations to come, leveraging the organization’s expertise in multilingual and boarding education.
Exceptional Academics and Facilities
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai boasts exceptional facilities on its world-class 70,000m2 campus in Dubai. The campus features state-of-the-art boarding houses, computer labs, science labs, and numerous sports and music facilities. Notably, the school has an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, padel tennis courts, a multi-use sports hall, dance studios, a full gym/cardio suite, and a full-sized football pitch surrounded by a 400m athletics track. Additionally, the campus includes a first-class auditorium with seating for 600.
The school is also recognized for its commitment to ecological sustainability. It has the region’s first purpose-built infrastructure meeting Minergie standards, which represent Switzerland’s highest standard for energy-efficient buildings. In recognition of its energy efficiency, the school received the DEWA Conservation Award in 2018 and the Public Health & Safety Standards Award in the same year. In the upcoming year, the school has partnered with Yellow Door Energy to equip the car park with solar panels that will produce clean energy, covering 25% of the school’s energy consumption.
Benefits for Students and Teachers
As part of the Nord Anglia family of schools, students and teachers at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai will gain access to exclusive opportunities and experiences. Students will benefit from collaborations with world-leading institutions such as UNICEF, The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and IMG Academy. They will also connect with thousands of classmates globally through technology-enabled learning via the Global Campus platform. Unique experiences await them, including global expeditions to Tanzania and Les Martinets in Switzerland, as well as regional events.
The school’s teaching staff of over 300 colleagues will have access to world-class professional development through Nord Anglia University, training programs through Nord Anglia’s collaborations, and the opportunity to pursue anExecutive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai into Nord Anglia Education’s global family of schools marks an important milestone for both institutions. With its focus on STEAM education and its reputation as a top International Baccalaureate school, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai brings exceptional academic offerings and facilities to the partnership. Nord Anglia Education’s commitment to bilingualism and its extensive global network provide valuable opportunities for students and teachers alike. Together, they will continue to empower students and foster a culture of excellence, ensuring a bright future for Swiss International Scientific School Dubai as part of Nord Anglia Education.
