Primary Stage
at BDIS
Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning
A Nurturing Primary Journey
At British Dubai International School, our Primary Stage provides a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive environment where every child develops a love for learning. From Foundation Stage through to Year 6, we build strong academic foundations while fostering creativity, confidence, and character.
Our British curriculum is enriched with the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, ensuring that every student develops the skills, attitudes, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Primary at a Glance
- FS1-FS2 Foundation Stage (Ages 3-5)
- Years 1-2 Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7)
- Years 3-6 Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11)
- HPL High Performance Learning
- 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
Foundation Stage
FS1 (Ages 3-4) & FS2 (Ages 4-5)
Our Foundation Stage provides a warm, welcoming, and stimulating environment where our youngest learners begin their educational journey. Through play-based learning and structured activities, children develop essential skills in a nurturing setting.
Foundation Stage Curriculum
- Communication & Language – Developing speaking, listening, and understanding
- Physical Development – Gross and fine motor skills, health, and well-being
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development – Building confidence, relationships, and resilience
- Literacy – Early reading and writing through phonics and storytelling
- Mathematics – Number sense, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving
- Understanding the World – Exploring people, places, and the environment
- Expressive Arts & Design – Creativity through art, music, and imaginative play
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Learning Through Play
Our Foundation Stage is built on the belief that children learn best through active exploration and play.
- 🎨 Creative expression
- 🔍 Curiosity and discovery
- 🤝 Social interaction
- 🌟 HPL values
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Building Foundations
Key Stage 1 is where children develop the essential skills and knowledge that form the foundation for all future learning.
- 📖 Reading and writing fluency
- 🧮 Mathematical thinking
- 🔬 Scientific curiosity
- 🌟 HPL mindsets
Key Stage 1
Years 1 & 2 (Ages 5-7)
Key Stage 1 marks the transition from play-based learning to more structured academic studies. Children build on their Foundation Stage experiences and develop greater independence, confidence, and academic skills.
Key Stage 1 Curriculum
- English – Reading, writing, grammar, and speaking & listening
- Mathematics – Number, measurement, geometry, and problem-solving
- Science – Plants, animals, materials, and seasonal changes
- Computing – Digital literacy and basic programming
- History & Geography – Exploring the world and past events
- Art, Music & PE – Creative and physical development
- Arabic & Islamic Studies – UAE culture and heritage
Key Stage 2
Years 3-6 (Ages 7-11)
Key Stage 2 is a period of significant academic growth and personal development. Students deepen their knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and become more independent learners, preparing for the transition to Secondary School.
Key Stage 2 Curriculum
- English – Advanced reading, writing, grammar, and oracy
- Mathematics – Multiplication, fractions, decimals, and algebra
- Science – Living things, materials, forces, and earth & space
- Humanities – Ancient civilizations, geography, and global issues
- STEAM – Integrated science, technology, engineering, arts & math
- Arabic & Islamic Studies – Language, culture, and values
- PE & Well-being – Sports, health, and personal development
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Preparing for the Future
Key Stage 2 students develop the skills and confidence needed for success in Secondary School and beyond.
- 💡 Critical thinking
- 🤝 Collaboration
- 🎯 Goal setting
- 🌟 HPL advanced cognitive skills
High Performance Learning (HPL)
Empowering our primary students with the skills, attitudes, and values to become high-performing learners and confident individuals.
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HPL in Foundation Stage
In FS1 and FS2, HPL is woven into our play-based learning through:
- Curiosity – Encouraging exploration and questioning
- Resilience – Building confidence to try new things
- Collaboration – Developing social skills through group play
- Creativity – Expressing ideas through art and imaginative play
- Reflection – Thinking about learning experiences
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HPL in Key Stage 1
In Years 1 and 2, HPL develops foundational cognitive skills:
- Critical Thinking – Asking “why” and “how”
- Problem-Solving – Finding creative solutions
- Communication – Expressing ideas clearly
- Growth Mindset – Embracing challenges
- Self-Regulation – Managing emotions and behavior
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HPL in Key Stage 2
In Years 3-6, HPL develops advanced cognitive skills:
- Analytical Thinking – Breaking down complex problems
- Creative Reasoning – Generating innovative ideas
- Metacognition – Understanding how they learn
- Leadership – Taking initiative and inspiring others
- Global Perspective – Understanding diverse viewpoints
The HPL Framework
High Performance Learning develops the Advanced Cognitive Performance characteristics (ACP) and Values, Attitudes, and Attributes (VAA) that enable students to become high achievers.
Advanced Cognitive Performance (ACP)
- 🧠 Analytical – Breaking down information
- 💡 Creative – Generating original ideas
- 🔍 Critical – Evaluating and reasoning
- 📊 Strategic – Planning and problem-solving
- 🧩 Metacognitive – Understanding learning
Values, Attitudes & Attributes (VAA)
- ❤️ Empathy – Understanding others
- 🌟 Resilience – Overcoming challenges
- 🤝 Collaboration – Working effectively with others
- 💪 Confidence – Believing in oneself
- 🌍 Global Awareness – Making a positive impact
Why HPL in Primary?
HPL in Primary develops:
- 🎯 Early cognitive skills
- 🌟 Positive learning habits
- 💪 Resilience and confidence
- 🤝 Collaboration skills
- 🚀 Readiness for Secondary
Start Your Child’s Journey Today
Book a tour of our Primary Stage and discover how BDIS nurtures young minds through our British curriculum and High Performance Learning framework.