High School Curriculum: Overview

Our aims at EIS – Jumeirah High School are to:

Educate and train our students to develop the skills of learning, such as those underpinning the learning characteristics identified in the IB Learner Profile.
To develop internationally minded students.
Ensure that all students achieve examination results relative to their ability.
Teach in a way that will interest and motivate students.

Grades 7-9

In Grades 7-9, students follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and they are building a foundation for the more rigorous curriculum offered in later grades within the High School.

The MYP (Middle Years Programme) provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to not only embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, but also to become critical and reflective thinkers.

The Grade 7-9 programme consists of eight subject groups integrated through five areas of interaction that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects. Our Grade 7-9 students take courses in Arabic, English and French languages, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (including Geography and History), Arts (including Visual Arts, Drama, Food Science and Music), Computer Studies, Physical Education and Health and Social Education. Arab nationals are required to undertake additional instruction in the Arabic language. Some students are assessed as needing additional instruction in the English language. Muslim students are required by the Ministry of Education to take the Islamic Studies course. All other students will receive extra lessons of Music and Physical Education.

Academic Guides for 2011 - 2012:

Further information is available from:

Dean of Studies - Grades 7 to 9, Ms. Robyn Spicer
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 286 or Email: rspicer@eischools.ae).

Grades 10 and 11

Students in Grades 10 and 11 follow the Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) courses which culminate with examinations in Grade 11.

A combination of IGCSE and GCSE courses are offered on a core plus options pattern. The core component comprises English (either first or second language), English Literature, Mathematics and Coordinated Sciences. The core courses are taught to ability sets. The options component includes: Arabic, French, Spanish and Italian; Geography; History; Business Studies, ICT and Economics; Art & Design, Drama; Music; Food Technology; and Physical Education. Muslim students are required by the Ministry of Education to take an Islamic Studies course occupying half the time of a normal option. All students receive Physical Education instruction each week.

Academic Guides for 2011 - 2012:

Further information is available from:

Dean of Studies – Grades 10 & 11, Mr. Steve Wellman
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 225 or Email: swellman@eischools.ae).

Grades 12 and 13

Grade 12 and 13 students undertake the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). Students may also qualify for a EIS – Jumeirah High School Graduation Diploma which is based upon internal assessment carried out over Grades 12 and 13.

Students receive the award of the IB Diploma provided they complete six courses over the full two years. All students must study one course from each of the following groups:

Language A1 (English and its literature)
Second Language (Arabic, English, French and Italian)
Individuals and Society (Geography, Economics, History, Psychology, Information Technology in a Global Society, and Business and Management)
Experimental Science (Chemistry, Biology and Physics)
Mathematics (Mathematical Studies, Mathematical Methods and Mathematics High Level)
Arts (Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Music or one, elective from either group 2, 3 and 4)

For the two years, each student chooses three courses at the Higher Level (240 contact hours) and three at the Standard Level (150 contact hours).

In addition to the six academic courses, all students are required to study Theory of Knowledge (an interdisciplinary course in critical reflection), to take part in the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme (CAS at EIS-J) and to submit an Extended Essay written on a topic from within one of their chosen academic courses.

External Academic Review Analysis 2010-2011