Transcending the Ordinary
Welcome from the Principal Choosing the right school to bring out the best in your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. At Raha International School, a member of the Taaleem family of schools, we believe that a successful education is all about inspired, imaginative teaching, centred on the learner as an individual. We nurture students not only to achieve academic success but also to become true global citizens. Raha is an International Baccalaureate World School catering for all grades from Early Years 1 to Grade 12. Our school community is made up of over 2,000 students from over 80 nations who collectively speak 45 mother tongues. We pride ourselves on being a big school but a small family! Raha is the first school in Abu Dhabi to achieve accreditation in the full IB curriculum. The IB is internationally acclaimed and respected for its relevance to today’s multicultural and increasingly global society. We are also one of only three schools to be awarded the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) highest rating of “Outstanding”, an amazing achievement for our staff and students. Our programmes feature an inquiry approach that aligns student interest with what they learn, thereby enriching their natural curiosity and promoting a love of learning. Our team of internationally-experienced, skilled and passionate teachers model the attributes of the IB Learner Profile and encourage students to “respect themselves, others and the world around them”. A strong sense of common purpose pervades our learning community. We believe that trust and strong parental participation are an integral part of a quality education and we see parents as our partners in their children’s learning journey. Thank you for your expression of interest in Raha International School and look forward to welcoming you and your family.
Iain Colledge
About Taaleem Taaleem was founded in 2004 in Dubai and is one of the largest education providers in the United Arab Emirates. Taaleem’s main activity is the development and management of early childhood, primary and secondary schools. Taaleem, which means ‘education’ in Arabic, is committed to inspiring students and helping them to identify and develop their passions and talents. Taaleem recruit the best international teachers who are capable of delivering our international curricula in a creative and engaging manner. Taaleem seeks to raise the educational standards in the region. The combined experience of its core team of senior education leaders in international education policy, operations and global management best practices means Taaleem is well positioned to ensure the creative of truly exceptional schools that satisfy the most comprehensive and exacting education developmental requirements.
Opened in Abu Dhabi
First Graduating Class
First fully accredited International Baccalaureate World School in Abu Dhabi (for PYP, MYP and DP)
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by ADEK
Fully accredited by CIS
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by ADEK for a second time
Why
is the IB ideal for students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners? In our dynamic and nurturing Early Years children are given opportunities to construct and expand their knowledge and understanding through shared experiences, play and discovery in an organised, safe and stimulating environment.
The Primary Years Programme focuses on the development of the whole child by addressing social, physical, emotional, cultural and academic needs for learners. It is designed to build upon the natural curiosity of the child and to develop individuals who are both independent learners and international citizens.
The Middle Years Programme aims to help students develop their personal understanding, emerging sense of self and responsibility in their community. It provides a framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers.
The Diploma Programme is a two-year, academically challenging, rigorous and balanced programme that prepares students for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of young adults. It also prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society.
Learn more at ibo.org
Facilities Raha International School is situated on 14 acres of beautifully landscaped property with world-class facilities
Primary Library
Auditorium
Swimming Pool
Main Football Pitch
EY Playground
Science Laboratory
Art Studio
Gymnasium
School Life Osrah
Arabic for ‘family’, the aim of our ‘Osrah’ system is to provide our students with a sense of belonging, spirit and purpose at Raha International School. It encourages team motivation and ensures all our students aspire to achieve as fully rounded young people, both inside and outside of school. Students will have a sense of ownership for their ‘Osrah’ through a range of sporting and cultural events and competitions.
Raha Ambassadors
The Raha Ambassadors are a group of student leaders who serve as representatives of each grade in the MYP and DP. Students selected to be ambassadors demonstrate strong leadership qualities, interpersonal skills and school spirit. The Ambassadors support, promote and represent Raha at various school and community events. In their role as liaison between students and the pastoral team, the Raha Ambassadors work with the school’s Counseling Department on a number of well-being projects such as raising awareness of mental health, developing resilience and fostering a flourishing Raha community.
Language Support At Raha we offer an ‘English as an Additional Language’ (EAL) support programme. The purpose of this programme is to assist students whose first language is not English. The EAL students’ progress is monitored, and they can enter and exit the programme as needed. Flexible support options are available depending on the needs of each student.
Inclusion
The inclusion programme is offered to students who have learning difficulties. Our dedicated team of specialists support children with personalised intervention and support delivered through either in-class support, individual or small group teaching.
Extra - Curricular Programme
Raha has always placed a huge emphasis on its Extracurricular Programme (ECP). It is often said that shared activities outside regular scheduled school hours create the strongest memories, and with this in mind the activities offered by the school are many and varied. A sample of activities on offer include: Be a Banksy club, Creative Writing, Choir, Robotics, Yoga, Golf, Arabic Calligraphy and much more.
Our Extra-curricular Programme activities run term-toterm.
Competitive Sports Programme
Raha’s competitive sports programme is run separately to the extra-curricular programme. Competitive sports team tryouts take place at the start of each term. Students on a sports team will train at least once per week either before or after school and will also attend a fixture once per week. Raha International School is a very active member of the Abu Dhabi International School Sports Association (ADISSA) through which our tournaments and competition are organized.
Special Events
Raha and the Parent Team host several events throughout the Academic Year to celebrate our community, including: International Day, National Day, the Global Explorers Scavenger Hunt, Raha’s Got Talent and much more.
Raha Graduates Our Diploma Programme graduates have gone on to attend some of the top universities all around the world, spanning 20 countries across 5 continents. Even more importantly, approximately 90% of Raha graduates are accepted to their top choice university. The amazing diversity in world destinations is reflected from our students’ chosen careers in medicine, engineering, sciences, law, economics, business, education, nursing, fashion, hotel management, politics, and art. Raha students will be making a global impact and contributing to numerous industries around the world in the years to come. A full list of university acceptances is available at www.ris.ae A list of country recognition statements that outline the specific recognition considerations of the Diploma Programme for each country is available at www.ibo.org
The Parent Team Raha’s Parent Team supports the school in many ways. The Parent Team’s aims: • To foster communication and cooperation between Raha International School, students and parents. • To build a sense of community for the benefit of the school, the students and their families by organizing defined events. • To serve as an umbrella organization for the parent support activities, working in close cooperation with the appropriate members of the school administration, faculty and staff. • To welcome parents to RIS and build awareness of activities and opportunities for their involvement.
School Advisory Board Raha’s Student Advisory Board is comprised of the Principal, representatives from the teaching and support staff, parents, the Parent Team, and a Taaleem representative who work together in a non-binding advisory capacity to ensure Raha students receive an exceptional education. The SAB meets on a regular basis throughout the year. Some of the items the SAB discusses includes: • • • • • •
School Policies Academic Achievement levels School Action Plan Recruitment Parking and Facilities Parent Team activities and growing the school community
Raha’s Exceptional Journey In 2015/2016 and 2017/2018, Raha was awarded the top ADEK rating of Outstanding. As a school which always seeks to move forward, we have been working on how the school moves from Outstanding to ‘Exceptional’. This is not an ADEK rating but a personal milestone to continue improving. Our goals are set below:
Admissions We invite you to apply to join us at Raha International School by visiting our website
www.ris.ae Applications open in September for the following academic year. Tours are available on request. Fees are available on our website.
+971 (0)2 556 1567
admissions@ris.ae
Raha International School Raha Gardens, Khalifa City Abu Dhabi, UAE