PRIMARY YEARS | THE ARBOR SCHOOL DUBAI
Learning at Arbor
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Primary education at Arbor combines the English National Curriculum with ecoliteracy, project-based learning and direct experience of the natural world.
From Year 1 to Year 6, students develop secure knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects. Classroom teaching is complemented by specialist provision, outdoor learning and regular use of Arbor’s biodomes, Biofarm, learning gardens, science laboratories and creative spaces.
Our curriculum encourages students to examine ideas from different perspectives, make connections between subjects and apply their learning to meaningful questions. Three term-long projects each year bring together subjects including science, history and geography, culminating in an outcome shared with others.
As students progress through Primary, they encounter increasing levels of challenge and responsibility. Teachers use ongoing assessment to identify what each child understands, address misconceptions and determine the right balance of support and extension.
Alongside academic development, students learn to manage themselves, work productively with others, communicate clearly and make informed decisions. These shared learning skills support their progress through Primary and their transition into Secondary School.
Explore the Primary curriculum
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Why families choose Arbor Primary
- The English National Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6
- Ecoliteracy integrated throughout the curriculum
- Three term-long, interdisciplinary projects each year
- Specialist teaching across a broad range of subjects
- Structured development in English, mathematics and science
- Direct learning in Arbor’s biodomes, Biofarm, gardens and outdoor environments
- Seven shared learning skills embedded across lessons and projects
- Personalised support and extension through the Thrive Team
- Enrichment, leadership, competition and service opportunities
- Curriculum-linked day trips and progressive residential experiences
Ecoliteracy provides a distinctive context for learning throughout Arbor Primary. Students investigate relationships between people, communities and natural systems while developing knowledge across the English National Curriculum.
Six eco-themes provide progression from Year 1 to Year 6:
- Climate science
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
- Climate justice
- Resilience building
- Post-carbon economies
- Sustainable lifestyles
These themes are explored through age-appropriate projects, texts, investigations and first-hand experiences. Students might examine habitats in the biodomes, investigate food systems in the Biofarm, consider the social consequences of environmental change or develop responses to a real-world issue.
As their understanding develops, students learn to examine evidence, consider different perspectives and make informed choices.
Students complete three interdisciplinary projects each year, each structured around a significant inquiry question.
Projects begin with a launch that introduces the subject and establishes a context for investigation. Students then develop the relevant knowledge and skills through lessons, research, discussion and practical experiences.
Each project concludes with a meaningful outcome. Depending on the subject and year group, this might take the form of a presentation, exhibition, performance, designed solution or community action.
This approach enables students to connect learning across subjects, apply knowledge in context and communicate what they have learned to an authentic audience.
Arbor’s campus is designed to extend learning beyond the conventional classroom.
Primary students regularly use the school’s:
- Biodomes and ecolabs
- Biofarm and learning gardens
- Science laboratories
- Art and music spaces
- Food technology laboratory
- Library
- Swimming pools and sports facilities
- Outdoor classrooms and reflection garden
- Black box and performance spaces
Curriculum-linked day trips, fieldwork and residential experiences allow students to encounter different environments and extend their learning beyond the school site.
Year 2 students begin with an overnight experience on campus. From Years 3 to 6, students progress to off-site residential experiences that develop independence, teamwork and resilience.
Teachers use assessment throughout the learning process to understand what students already know, identify their next steps and provide the appropriate level of support or challenge.
Where a child requires additional provision, the Thrive Team works with teachers and families to develop a suitable pathway. This may include support for Students of Determination, English Language Learners and Accomplished Learners.
The aim is for every student to access the same broad curriculum while encountering an appropriate degree of challenge and complexity.
Visit Arbor to explore our Primary classrooms, biodomes, learning gardens and specialist facilities, and see how academic learning, ecoliteracy and project work connect across the school day.
