Arbor Enrichment Experience

Students can take part in activities before school, during lunchtimes and after school, with opportunities spanning sport, outdoor activities, academic interests, leadership, performance, creative subjects and specialist programmes. 

The Arbor Enrichment Experience (AEX) provides a framework for these opportunities across all age groups. As students progress through the school, they can try new activities, develop existing skills and take part at increasingly specialised or competitive levels. 

Seven Strands of Enrichment 

AEX is organised across seven strands: 

1. Arbor Competes – Sport, physical challenge and competition 
2. Arbor Explores – Outdoor activities and experiences 
3. Arbor Inquires – Academic enrichment and inquiry 
4. Arbor Inspires – Leadership, service, entrepreneurship and student voice 
5. Arbor Performs – Music, drama, dance, presentation and performance 
6. Arbor Creates – Art, design, making, innovation and creative problem-solving 
7. Arbor Extends – Personalised pathways, mentorship and further opportunities in particular areas of interest 

Together, the strands provide students with access to activities across different areas of school life, whether they are trying something for the first time or developing an existing interest or skill. 

Discover, Prepare and Pursue 

AEX activities also sit within one of three participation pathways. These reflect the level of experience, commitment and challenge involved rather than the age of the student. 

Discover introduces students to activities and gives them opportunities to try different interests and develop initial skills. 

Prepare provides more structured development for students who want to build their skills, consistency and readiness for greater challenge. 

Pursue provides specialist, higher-commitment pathways for students who want to develop an interest or talent in greater depth. 

Students can participate at different levels across different activities. For example, a student may be working at Pursue level in one area while joining a Discover activity in another. 

Ecoliteracy, Wellbeing and Culture 

Ecoliteracy, wellbeing and culture inform opportunities across the Arbor Enrichment Experience. 

Depending on the activity, students may work with different communities, spend time in natural environments, encounter different cultures and perspectives, develop their physical and emotional wellbeing, or take part in service and environmental initiatives. 

This allows these aspects of an Arbor education to be reflected in enrichment as well as within the curriculum. 

Activities Throughout the School Year 

AEX activities take place before school, during lunchtimes and after school. The wider programme also encompasses competitions, performances, leadership roles, service projects, trips and residential experiences. 

Activities are delivered by Arbor staff, specialist practitioners and selected external partners, with the programme changing throughout the year. 

Before registration opens each term, families receive information about the activities available, including timings, eligible age groups and any associated fees. 

Alongside music within the curriculum and the Arbor Enrichment Experience, Arbor works with the Centre for Musical Arts to provide individual instrumental music lessons during the school day. 

For further information, please contact reception@thearborschool.ae