How Distance Learning Works
Our Approach
Every phase uses a balanced blend of three kinds of learning, adjusted to the age of the children:
- Live sessions with teachers and classmates, at set times in the day, for direct teaching, questioning and discussion.
- Structured independent tasks that consolidate what has been taught live, or prepare for the next session.
- Offline activities that give children time away from the screen.
We ensure equitable access through printed materials or device support where needed, and use flexible assessment, such as formative checks and project-based tasks, so that teachers can see how each child is getting on and give regular feedback.
The Learning Day
We aim to make provision in line with current Ministry of Education guidance. Daily learning time includes live sessions, follow-up tasks and offline activities, not time in front of a screen.
| Phase | Daily learning time | Live sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Prep | About 2.5 hours | 3 to 5 short sessions a day, up to 15 minutes each |
| Prep | About 3 to 3.5 hours | 3 to 4 a day (Year 1) or 4 a day (Years 2 to 6), 15 to 20 minutes each |
| Senior School | About 4.5 hours | The normal timetable, each lesson finishing five minutes early |
All times on this site are UAE time.
Platforms at a Glance
Each phase uses the platforms your child already knows. Microsoft Teams is our approved platform for live lessons across the school.
| Phase | Live lessons | Work and resources | Updates for families |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Prep | Microsoft Teams; the link is shared ahead of time and stays the same for each teacher | Seesaw, using your child’s own student login | Email for formal communication; Seesaw for the day ahead, including session links |
| Prep | Microsoft Teams, with breakout rooms used to adapt learning | Seesaw, plus the distance learning pack, The Good Morning Club, Times Tables Rock Stars and Spelling Shed | Email for formal communication; Seesaw for the day ahead |
| Senior School | Microsoft Teams, from the Teams calendar or the Class Team | Teams: meeting chat, class channels, the Shared tab and Teams Assignments | Teams year group updates and email |
Devices
Every student has a school-managed device. Where a family does not have the technology needed, the school will consider lending a device where circumstances permit. Please talk to us early.
Technical support
Our IT team, under the Director of Operations, will issue protocols for getting help. If a problem stops your child joining, tell their class teacher or tutor so work can be shared another way.
Weekly updates
The Principal will send a weekly update to the whole community throughout any period of distance learning.