High School Curriculum: Individuals and Societies
Business and Management
Aims and philosophy
Business and Management is a discipline that examines business decision-making processes
and how these decisions impact on and are affected by internal and external environments.
It is a study of both the way in which individuals and groups interact in an organization
and of the transformation of resources.
The course aims to help students understand the implications of business activity
in a global market and give them an international perspective of business by promoting
cultural diversity through the study of various topics. It aims to encourage the
appreciation of ethical concerns and issues of social responsibility with ideals
of international cooperation and responsible citizenship being promoted.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 10-11: Edexcel IGCSE Business Studies (4330)
The IGCSE Business Studies course aims to enable students of EIS-J to be able to
distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative
data in order to help build arguments and make informed judgments. It aims to be
able to apply their knowledge and critical understanding to current issues and problems
and be able to appreciate the perspectives of a range of stakeholders in relation
to the environment, individuals, society, government and enterprise.
Business Studies provides a core curriculum for students in grades 10 and 11. As
students progress through the course they are introduced to new ideas and concepts
while continuing to use and reinforce previously learned concepts and skills. The
areas of content include: Business Activity, Human Resources, Accounting and Finance
and Production. Students are entered at either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier.
Grades 12-13: IBDP Business and Management
IBDP Business and Management provides a core curriculum for higher level (HL) and
standard level (SL) students consisting of five topics with common content and learning
outcomes taken over two years. These include: Business Organization and Environment,
Human Resources, Accounts and Finance, Marketing and Operations Management. HL students
are expected to complete extension areas of study, in all five topics and one extension
topic, Business Strategy. Assessment for HL and SL students consists of both external
assessment (75%) and internal assessment (25%)
Outside the classroom
Students at EIS-Jumeirah live in a country where business and economic activities
are running at a frantic pace. Not only do they experience it each day when they
travel to school, but local and international media coverage on these issues cannot
escape their attention. Dubai's business world has given business people and students
the opportunity to listen to successful entrepreneurs and experience many cultural,
sporting and artistic events. Business and economics are alive and well in the UAE
and students in EIS have ample opportunities to experience it first hand.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Mr. Walter Besselaar
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 268 or Email: wbesselaar@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Economics
Aims and philosophy
Economics is a social science in which the concept of scarcity and the problem of
resource allocation are studied. The course aims to develop in students an understanding
of economic concepts and an ability to apply these concepts to real life situations.
It encourages them to be able to interpret and evaluate economic data, develop an
awareness of economic change and understand economic issues, problems and possible
solutions. Economic theories can be applied to real-world examples so this should
not be seen as a purely theoretical subject.
Economics can be described as an integrated subject as it incorporates elements
of history, geography, psychology, sociology, political studies and other fields
of study. A scientific approach is observed and can be summarized as a progression
from problem identification, through hypothesis formation and testing, arriving
finally at a conclusion. Through these economic theories, students are taught to
consider the view of different individuals, nations and cultures in the world economy.
It may inspire a lifelong interest in the promotion of international understanding.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 10-11: Edexcel IGCSE Economics (4350)
IGCSE Economics provides a core curriculum for students. As students progress through
the course they are introduced to new ideas and concepts while continuing to use
and reinforce previously learned concepts and skills. Students are entered at either
Foundation Tier or Higher Tier. There are four areas of content: The Market System,
Business Economics, Government and the Economy and The Global Economy.
Grades 12-13: IBDP Economics
IBDP Economics provides a core curriculum for higher level (HL) and standard level
(SL) consisting of five topics with common content and learning outcomes taken over
two years. HL students are expected to complete extension areas of study, in all
five topics. These include: Introduction to Economics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics,
International Economics and Development Economics. Assessment of students consists
of external examinations (80% for HL and 75% for SL) and internal assessment (20%
for HL and 25% for SL).
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Mr. Walter Besselaar
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 268 or Email: wbesselaar@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Geography
Aims and philosophy
The course aims to understand the inter-relationships between people and the environment,
the differences between places, the diversity of cultures and landscape, and the
constant changes in environment, economies and societies.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 - 9:
The aim during grades 7-9 is to offer an introduction to the nature of Geography
as a discipline, building upon the range of work undertaken in the Primary/Junior
School. The courses are set within a spiraling curriculum, which provides students
a good background for the study of the subject at IGCSE and IBDP level.
The program of study encompasses the need for the development of knowledge, skills
and understanding of places, patterns and processes, and environmental change and
sustainable development.
Grades 10-11: Edexcel IGCSE Geography (4370)
While studying Geography at the IGCSE level, students acquire and develop a wide
range of skills, including those of selecting and extracting data from different
sources, interpreting maps, photographs, satellite images and graphs, and the use
of ICT. Areas of study include People and the Natural Environment (studies of water
and hazards), People and Work (studies of production, development, migration and
urban environments) as well as Global Issues (studies of fragile environments, globalization
and human welfare). A major element of IGCSE is coursework; data is collected by
students and the coursework is written during the term. Edxcel IGCSE in Geography
has two tiers of entry, Foundation and Higher.
Grades 12-13: IBDP Geography
In contemporary society, issues of urbanization, population, development and environment
quality are increasingly important. IBDP Geography examines the spatial processes
and perceptions of humans, as well as the interrelations between the human and natural
environments. Throughout the course, a wide range of skills are enhanced, including
those of literacy, numeracy, observation, analysis, map work and ICT. The syllabus
includes aspects of Physical, Social and Economic Geography and the skills necessary
for the practice of geographical investigation.
Outside the classroom
At IGCSE and IBDP levels, one day field trips are conducted. Students are taken
to the local beaches in order to study the beach profile and to the shopping malls
to carry out surveys.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Jaqui Isherwood
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 231 or Email: jisherwood@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
History
Aims and philosophy
History fires students' curiosity about the past. They consider how the past influences
the present, what past societies were like, how these societies organized their
politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people's actions. As they do
this, students develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant
events and people. What they learn can influence their decisions about personal
choices, attitudes and values. They find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own
conclusions. To do this they need to be able to research, sift through evidence,
and argue for their point of view – skills that are prized in adult life.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 – 9:
In grades 7-9, the aim is build on the skills and knowledge learnt in the Primary/Junior
School, and prepare students for further study at IGCSE and IBDP levels. The program
of study for these years includes the study of basic historical concepts such as
chronological order, timelines, the variety of historical sources and identification
of bias. The topics taught span across Ancient History, to the Middle Ages, to Modern
History, and include the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, the Afro-Americans,
the Russian Revolution and the First World War.
Grades10-11: Edexcel IGCSE History (4380)
The Edexcel IGCSE History course is designed as a two-year course which allows students
to study the main themes and periods of history of the 20th century. This course
has two tiers of entry, Foundation and Higher. The themes taught at the Foundation
Tier are USA 1917-1941, and the Rise of Fascism in Italy and Germany. The Higher
Tier paper covers Weimar Germany and its Challengers, while a common paper to both
the tiers covers the Work of the United Nations.
Grades 12-13: IBDP History
The IBDP History syllabus requires the candidates to study a selection of 20th century
topics such as the causes, practices and effects of war and the rise and rule of
single-party. In addition to these, the higher level students also study the regional
option, Europe. All the candidates undertake an in-depth study on one chosen historical
subject. Focus is on document analysis and extended response in writing traditional
essays.
Outside the classroom
A History-Geography combined trip is organized for Grade 7 to The Children City
at the Creek Park. The IGCSE students are taken to the Dubai Financial Market to
study the working of the stock market, in order to better understand the onset of
the Great Depression in 1920s in USA.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Jaqui Isherwood
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 231 or Email: jisherwood@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Aims and philosophy
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department provides the highest
quality information technology infrastructure and services to Emirates International
School- Jumeirah (EIS-J) students, faculty, and staff. ICT at EIS-J aggressively
supports and promotes the effective and innovative applications of technology, and
provides high quality education and development in the field of Information and
Communication systems. The programme aims to give students a sound understanding
of the fundamentals of Information and Communication systems and to gain practical
experience of system and software design. The ICT department is committed in providing
quality service by treating each student as a valued client.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 – 9:
The curriculum is designed to develop basic competencies in a variety of ICT applications
and to gain a broad, practical introduction to work-related ICT skills. General
principles and procedures introduce the PC and cover essential skills and concepts.
Students at Grade 7 should be able to handle the mouse and keyboard confidently
and have a sound grasp of the core file and disk management techniques. All students
in Grades 7-9 study components such as Communication- introducing the World Wide
Web, E-Mail, Search engines and the Internet Explorer; Documentation- explaining
basics of word-processing with examples from MS-Word; Data Manipulation– introducing
spreadsheets using Excel; Publishing- looking at the DTP concept, page layout skills
and other features of MS-Publisher; Presentation software–designing a presentation,
animation concept, picture import and other features of presentation using MS Power-point;
Database operation- introducing key concepts and skills for working with databases
using MS-Access; Web Designing- teaching students to create web pages using HTML,
Frontpage containing text, images, frames and hyperlinks using text editors and
a browser.
Grade 10-11: Edexcel IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (4385)
The Curriculum is designed as a two-year course in Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) with extension work in computing. It aims to encourage the exploration
and study of ICT in a variety of contexts: home, community, business, industry,
recreation and education. Students will be given the opportunity to acquire competence,
ability and critical skills through the implementation, use and evaluation of a
range of ICT systems. Students can develop their interests in, enjoyment of, and
critical reflections about ICT as an integral part of modern society.
Grade 12 – 13:
The ICT Department offers two different courses at IBDP level.
Computer Science
Computer Science (CS) may be studied at either higher level (HL) or standard level
(SL). The aims of Computer Science are to develop an understanding of the range
and organization of computer systems as well as the use of computers in a variety
of disciplines, applications and contexts. This course enables students to assess
the effectiveness of computer-based solution and develop an awareness of common
errors, problems, and limitations of computers. In this course, students will study
the fundamental aspects of programming and computer science. They will learn programming
concepts using the Java programming language. Students will complete a variety of
class activities and programming assignments and a Program Dossier (PD) to facilitate
their understanding of the course material.
Information Technology in a Global Society
Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) is the study and evaluation of
the impact of information technology (IT) on individuals and society. It explores
the advantages and disadvantages of the use of digitized information at the local
and global level. The course requires students to research the latest information
relating to the use of IT through magazines, newspapers, and the internet. The students
use a variety of application software such as Database, Spreadsheet, Presentation,
Graphics, and Multimedia Software. The ITGS Syllabus at SL and HL is divided into
three sections namely Social and Ethical Issues in which students analyze the social
impact and ethical considerations of IT, IT systems in a Social Context where students
study issues relating to the use of software, hardware and related information systems,
and Areas of Impact which provides the topic areas for case studies.
Outside the classroom
Each year the ICT Department takes the IBDP ITGS and CS students to the annual GITEX
exhibition held in Dubai. Every two years, the ICT students and faculty members
organize and host EIS-J's own IT exhibition which allows students to showcase projects
they have been working on. Other schools are also invited to participate and exhibitors
are invited to display their latest products.
Further information is available from:
Subject Leader, Mr. Manoj Nicholas
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 230 or Email: mnicholas@eischools.ae)
Head of Department, Mr. Walter Besselaar
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 268 or Email: wbesselaar@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Islamic Studies
Aims and philosophy
Islamic Studies is a compulsory subject for all Muslim students in the UAE and students
follow the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus from Grade 7 to13. The aims of this
programme are as follows:
- To acquaint the student with the uniqueness of the Islamic concept of Allah and
how it affects man's relationship with Allah, with his fellow man and with the creation
in which he lives.
- To familiarize the student with his Islamic rights and obligations and to present
a clear and authentic picture of how they may be fulfilled.
- To develop in the student a realization that Islam is built on firm, clear, logical
principles and that it is not merely a collection of irrelevant cultural practices
handed down from earlier generations.
- To identify and build an Islamic character in the student through the study of Islamic
Ethics which is, no doubt, an essential component of any Islamic Education curriculum.
- To acquaint the student with the meanings of the final book of revelation, the Qur'an,
and their relevance to daily life, as opposed to the ritual recitation of the Qur'anic
text without any realization of its meanings whatsoever.
- To acquaint the student with the life of the prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)
and the history of Islam.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 to 13:
The Islamic Studies department is made up of two sections; one section is for Arabic
speaking students, who study the subject in Arabic following the MOE syllabus from
Grades 7 to 13. The other section is for non-Arabic speaking students, who learn
the subject in the English Language. In this section, books approved by MOE are
used for Grades 7 to 13.
The Islamic Studies syllabus covers the following major areas of study:
- Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism)
- Qur'an with tafseer (commentaries)
- Hadeeth (The Prophetic Traditions)
- Fiqh (Islamic Law)
- Sirah (the Prophet's life) and Islamic history
- Tahzeeb (Islamic Ethics & Etiquette)
Discussion of each topic is encouraged among the students and reasoned explanations
are given to their questions, where possible. As students develop from Grades 7
to 13, they cover all areas of the study topics listed above in increasing depth
in accordance with their mental, emotional and intellectual development.
Grades 10 and 11: Edexcel International GCSE Religious Studies
Full Course (2481), Units D (5567) and K (5581)
In Grades 10 and 11, students can follow a two-year GCSE course covering the main
points of the subject, with reinforcement of the above topics and discussion of
many controversial issues.
Outside the classroom
The Islamic Studies department has had many successful Umra trips to Mecca and it
is planned to have similar ones in future. Speakers from the community are invited
to talk with students, especially during the Holy month of Ramadan. Out of the belief
of building strong bonds among the EIS-Jumeirah community, many Iftar parties are
organised and take place every year during the Holy month of Ramadan for both the
students and the staff.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Mrs. Laila Diaa
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 229 or Email: ldiaa@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Life Skills
Aims and philosophy
TThe Life Skills programme aims to develop and enhance the skills and characteristics
needed for students to reach their full potential. The Life Skills programme is
designed to be a fun, educational experience that builds self-confidence and motivates
young minds to explore their own inner potential. They learn the importance of personal
organisation, communication, goal-setting and problem solving. The programme will
equip then to face challenges in both their personal and academic world.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 - 9:
Students attend Life Skills lessons once a week, where topics such as health and
hygiene, personal relationships, emotional management, academic achievement, and
social development are considered. Below are some of the issues that are covered
in these lessons.
- Health and Personal hygiene
(Healthy lifestyle, eating habits, and need for exercise)
- Transition
(Coping with peer pressure, assertiveness training)
- Interpersonal Skills
(Interacting and working in groups. Develop empathy, courtesy, friendship, cooperation
and teamwork)
- Positive thinking
(Replacing negative thoughts with positive)
- Team Synergy
(Co-operation and healthy competition)
- Emotional Quotient
(Anger management techniques, overcoming anxiety and depression)
- Effective communication
(Verbal and non-verbal)
- Academic skills support
(Organizational, study and test-taking skills, learning style assessment)
- Conflict resolution and management
(Mutual trust and respect. Accepting responsibility )
- Setting SMART goals
(Short-term and long-term goals)
- Understanding values
(Character, integrity, diligence, honesty)
- Leadership skills
(Influence)
- Problem solving and decision making
(Solving problems reasonably and strategies)
- Career Roadmap
(Career awareness and the world of work)
- Self-awareness & enhancing self-esteem
(Self respect and self-discipline)
- World citizenship
(Buddy system, fairness and justice, thinking globally)
Further information is available from:
High School Counsellor, Dr. Rose Kamath
(Tel: +971 4 3489804 Ext. 234 or Email: rkamath@eischools.ae)
Grade 7-9 Academic Coordinator, Ms. Sarah Colgrove
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 286 or Email: scolgrove@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Physical Education
Aims and philosophy
The Physical Education (PE) Department believes that all students at EIS-J have
the right to be healthy, happy and safe; valued and respected; and to have high
aspirations for their future. This vision drives the work of the Physical Education
Department through school sport and physical development. Every child matters and
every child has the right to enjoy and participate in high quality physical education
and school sport within and beyond the curriculum, regardless of their age, ability,
gender and background.
It is the only subject where the focus is entirely on the body, its movement and
physical development. Through improving physical competence, it positively enhances
self-confidence, self esteem, engagement and behaviour, and educational attainment
through more positive attitudes to learning. It provides the skills, understanding
and confidence for engagement in activity which is the basis for healthy, enjoyable,
active lifestyles. It contributes to integrated development of mind and body, and
enhances social and cognitive development.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 to 9:
A broad programme is provided which enables students to experience challenge, competition,
teamwork and the development of physical fitness. The lessons all follow the thread
of warm up, skill acquisition and game based activity. The students are taught in
single sex, mixed ability groups although there may be occasions when students are
grouped in accordance with their ability if safety problems become an issue. Sports
are taught in blocks of 6 weeks duration.
Grades 10 and 11: Edexcel GCSE Physical Education (1827)
The syllabus provides students with the opportunity to study both the practical
and theoretical aspects of Physical Education. It is also designed to foster enjoyment
in physical activity. The knowledge gained should enable the student to develop
an understanding of effective and safe physical performance.
Theory lessons cover factors affecting participation and performance; the relationship
between health, fitness and practical activity; basic anatomy and physiology; and
training methods and principles of training.
Practical lessons are taught within game situations and students have the opportunity
to choose which sports they enjoy the most. Students select four practical activities
from at least two of the seven categories in the syllabus reflecting the national
curriculum areas of activity. Students may choose two or three team games activities
such as football and basketball for example. They also select individual activities
such as athletics, swimming related activities or gymnastic activities such as trampolining.
It is also possible for the student to be assessed in practical activities that
are not taught in the GCSE curriculum such as horse riding as long as certain conditions
are met.
It is also an opportunity for students to assist with the organisation and leadership
of their chosen sport. Students are examined in both their practical ability and
knowledge of the theory behind sport.
Further information is available from:
Subject Leader, Mr. Peter Everett
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 235 or Email: peverett@eischools.ae)
Head of Department, Ms. Keda Zeat Kane
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 267 or Email:
kzeatkane@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Psychology
Aims and philosophy
This subject is taught al the IBDP level only. This course enables students to appreciate
the importance of Psychology and apply its underlying concepts to daily life. All
the topic areas within this subject aim to promote an awareness and respect for
human diversity, be it biological, social and/or cultural. Students gain insight
into relationships with other individuals and within themselves.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 12-13: IBDP Psychology
The course involves the study of the following components: Perspectives, Optional
Subject Areas and Research. The students at higher level are required to demonstrate
knowledge of all four perspectives which are, Biological, Cognitive, Learning and
Humanistic, while the standard level students learn the first three. The historical
and cultural development of each theory highlights the assumptions and methods that
each perspective uses to understand human behavior. Key terms are associated with
each perspective and students learn to understand the application of psychology
to the well being of individuals. Critical analysis enables students to develop
the evaluative skills necessary for the course and to provide a balanced and flexible
approach in understanding human diversity .
Out of seven optional subject areas, students at higher level are required to demonstrate
knowledge of any two and at standard level, one. Students at the higher level are
expected to demonstrate knowledge of research methodology and are required to carry
out one experimental study. The standard level students are expected to carry out
one simple experimental study.
Outside the classroom
Several lectures are arranged wherein lecturers from leading local universities
are invited to speak on the subject. Also, the students are taken to the local universities
to attend workshops.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Jaqui Isherwood
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 231 or Email: jisherwood@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)