International Schools Partnerships (ISP), the UK-based growing global family of schools across the Middle East, Europe and Central America, today announced the expansion of its operations in the region and specifically the UAE with the opening of a new British-Curriculum school: Aspen Heights British School (AHBS). Located in the Al Bahya area on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, close to Yas Island, the school combines the best practice of the National Curriculum of England and Wales with the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) utilising environmental themes to enhance curriculum delivery, and adapted to meet the needs of the international cohort of students. It will be operational from this academic year and will open its doors on 10th September 2017 to provide FS1 to Year 6 education.
AHBS aims to develop in students an acute awareness of environmental sustainability and global responsibility in all aspects of learning, and creating eco-minded citizens who become productive and responsible stewards of our world recognizing the finite nature of the earth’s natural resources.
To achieve this, AHBS offers students a learning environment with an emphasis on enquiry based, collaborative learning, developing children’s independence and problem-solving skills. Students will study three core subjects – Maths, Science and English – and eight foundations subjects. In addition, the school will fulfil the requirements for Ministry of Education subjects – Arabic for both Native and Non Native speakers, Islamic studies and social studies.
Emma Shanahan, new appointed Principal of Aspen Heights British School, said: “The Abu Dhabi education market has grown over the past few years with high demand for the British-Curriculum in high demand. According to Colliers International, by 2025 Abu Dhabi is estimated to require an additional 172,000 to 230,000 seats in the private education sector, out of which approximately 39,000 to 52,000 will be for British Curriculum Schools.
“The opening of Aspen Heights British School is a response to the demand for the best in class UK educational model in the capital. Providing parents with more choice for their children’s education is important and with our new school we really want to offer something unique and different; the development of socially responsible leaders for our future.
ISP took the decision to expand its presence in the UAE came after the success of its first education establishment in the Gulf, Reach British School in Abu Dhabi. As part of the ISP family, students have unique access to international educational experiences with the chance of forging relationships globally.
Christine Simmonds, Director Of Schools in the Gulf at International Schools Partnership, said: “At ISP, we put the child’s learning at the heart of everything. We pride ourselves on the strong reputation we have built for our work with local communities and the education sector in different regions. Our expansion in the UAE was a natural choice due to its promising and expanding education market. Its wise leadership has made education one of the key pillars of the UAE’s vision 2021 moving the country towards a knowledge-based economy. It is this factor that drove our investments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi based on the needs of the children, students and schools. With Aspen Heights British School, we want to grow our new education philosophy of ‘Amazing Learning’ to nurture the next generation of eco-minded citizens and help the UAE achieve its ambitions.”
Aspen Heights British School will have a capacity of 760 students with 50 classrooms and 60 teachers. The school will offer a wealth of world-class, brand new facilities. These include science laboratories, gymnasium, cafeteria, IT rooms, design and technology areas, hall, dance studio, library, music rooms, food technology rooms, shaded outdoor play, and an outdoor five-a-side pitch and netball court. ICT will be widely used to enhance learning and teaching across the curriculum. The school has also plans to reflect its eco-theme with the development of a ‘garden to plate’ community vegetable garden, and ensure that caring for animals is embedded across all year groups.
Fees for the school start at 30K and a twenty per cent discount will be offered to its corporate partners for the academic year 2017-2018.
