Aspen Heights British School has officially opened it’s doors in Abu Dhabi and is, quite literally, the new kid on the block! Located in the Al Bahya area, close to Yas Island, the school aims to nurture a new generation of eco-minded leaders for the future. We caught up with Emma Shanahan, new appointed Principal of Aspen Heights British School to find out more…
Q: How does Aspen Heights differentiate itself from other British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi?
A: We called the school ‘Aspen Heights’ to reflect our vision, and to show that we have high expectations and aspirations for all of our children. We nurture children to become responsible leaders of the future by facilitating hands-on, active learning, inspiring children to engage with one another and reflect on global environmental issues, facilitating an empowered and motivated learning community. Families are integral to our work; as an Aspen Heights family you will be actively engaged in the life of our school, and have the opportunity to learn about how to support your children’s learning through our family workshops and open events.
Q: What is unique about the school? Are there any interesting subjects that are being taught?
A: Our curriculum is unique, and centred around using innovative, enquiry based learning to facilitate children’s mastery of skills and concepts, and giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their ‘mastery’ by applying these skills in a new, unfamiliar and meaningful context. Our location gives us the opportunity to utilise the incredible natural features of Abu Dhabi to enhance and support children’s learning.
Q:What is the school aiming to achieve?
A: AHBS aims to create an environment that teaches and empowers children to think, collaborate, problem solve and develop essential 21st century learning skills. We want to create a busy and involved learning community of children, staff and families who work collaboratively to ensure their children make remarkable progress in all areas; academic, social, physical and emotional.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled? How many grade levels are there?
A: We are looking at starting term with around 100 children from FS1 (age 3) to Year 5 (age 11).
Q: When does the school expected to be open by and what is the student capacity of the school?
A: We are opening on Sunday 10th September at 7.45am with an overall capacity of 1800 when we have opened all year groups.
Aspen Heights 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 to meet the needs of the international cohort of students. 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.
