The Swiss International School Dubai is one of the only boarding schools in the Middle East and recorded growth in number of boarders
Swiss International School Dubai (SISD), a unique IB, bilingual boarding school based in the heart of Dubai, has seen the number of boarders attending the Al Jadaf site rise by nearly 100 per cent this academic year.
Some 20 per cent of the boarding cohort of pupils are weekly boarders, spending weekends at home. One of Dubai’s youngest schools, recently ranked as one of the world’s top 100 schools and SISD has seen a significant growth and level of interest this year in boarding – of nearly 100 per cent growth year-on-year – and still growing.
There are several reasons why boarding has increased in popularity – but the main attractions include the school’s world-class facilities, teaching excellence and the rich, multilingual repertoire of both academic and pastoral care provided on site.
Boarding students with a passion for sports can enjoy the world-class facilities and training sessions including a Speedo Swimming Club and an Athletics Club before and after school easier, without having to rely on early mornings and mum’s taxi.
Parents are relieved of the burden of driving the kids to and from school early in the morning and later in the evening after normal school hours.
And with more time for sleep, and less stress in the logistics of taking part in extra-curricular clubs, SISD sports students and teams tend to excel.
You might also like: SISD and the importance of sustainable living in school
The school’s Al Jadaf location provides easy access to Dubai international Airport, the world’s largest airport hub, and let’s not forget that Dubai always ranks among the world’s safest cities.
At the heart of the school’s boarding philosophy is a desire to always maintain the student/parent relationship, with parents encouraged to visit the students, and to take them out at the weekends if they are in Dubai.
From a pastoral perspective, every student has their own specific boarding tutor who is responsible for their general welfare, happiness, mental health and wellbeing.
Dedicated boarding counselling sessions are offered in three different languages and there is also a dedicated boarding nurse who attends to students’ medical needs.
Boarding activities don’t end at the weekend, either, with a host of local weekend trips, chosen by the students themselves including the likes of the ICCA culinary institute, the Emirati Centre for Cultural Understanding, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, and of course, the beaches and malls.
For further news about education in Dubai, visit Yalla Dubai
