Raffles International School is committed to the successful learning of all our students. RIS offers the National Curriculum for England, which challenges students to meet internationally recognised academic standards. Students leave Raffles with a broad world view and the mental agility to pursue their dreams in an ever-changing global landscape.

Nursery, FS1 & FS2 (Pre-School)

Children in our youngest year groups all learn and develop through the UK EYFS curriculum which is personalised to meet every child's needs and support each individual child's developmental pathway. At RIS we celebrate the fact that every child is unique and we offer an individualised, holistic learning journey for our students. This approach enables our young learners to grow and develop in an age appropriate, sensitive and responsive manner.

An integral element of the EYFS curriculum is 'The Unique Child' which values and respects all children and families equally, and here at RIS this is woven into our core values as a truly international community of learners. Children in Early Years at RIS Early Years engage with our curriculum to facilitate 'Characteristics of Effective Learning' including motivation to learn, critical thinking and reasoning skills through explorative and investigative play based experiences. 

The areas of development encompassed in our curriculum are;

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development (including fine motor skills)
  • Literacy (including phonics, reading and writing)
  • Mathematics (including shape and spatial awareness)
  • Understanding the World (including science and technology)
  • Expressive Art and Design (including role play and imaginative play)

Primary School (Year 1 – Year 6)

The National Curriculum for England is the basis of the RIS Primary School curriculum, supplemented by UAE Ministry of Education curricula for Arabic and Islamic Education.

The Primary curriculum helps students become independent lifelong, creative thinkers and problem solvers by identifying and concentrating on their individual strengths and areas for development. From Year 3 onwards, Mandarin or French are language options, in addition to mandatory Arabic which starts in Foundation. Also, EAL support is offered from Year 1 for learners new to English language.

Secondary School (Year 7 – 11)

Learners entering the Secondary School in Year 7 will continue with the National Curriculum for England which leads into IGCSE options for Years 10 and 11. All RIS students must take English, Mathematics and Science courses at IGCSE and all Arab students must take Arabic Please change entirely to below:

Raffles International School is committed to the successful learning of all our students. RIS offers the National Curriculum for England, which challenges students to meet internationally recognised academic standards. Students leave Raffles with a broad world view and the mental agility to pursue their dreams in an ever-changing global landscape. Optional subjects include Additional Mathematics, Art and Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, EAL, Economics, French, ICT, Physical Education and numerous language options.

Sixth Form (Year 12 – 13)

RIS Sixth Form students choose 3 – 4 ‘A’ Levels or a single BTEC Business Studies option. Both courses are 2 years and provide students with university entry qualifications accepted worldwide.*

*BTEC is currently not recognised as an entry qualification for UAE nationals intending to study at government universities in the UAE and may impact scholarship applications for Emirati students studying overseas.

RIS Curriculum 2020-21 | PDF 51KB