The curriculum followed in our first three schools, The Pearl Primary School , Al Muna Primary School and Al Yasmina all age (3-18) school will be the National Curriculum for England, with additional lessons in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies to meet the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education. The National Curriculum defines four 'key stages', Key Stage 1 through 4. In addition to offering education from Key Stage 1 through 4, ALDAR ACADEMIES schools will offer Foundation and Reception classes for 3 to 4 year olds and Post 16 provision for 16 to 18 year olds.

	Kindergarten (Foundation & Reception)	Compulsory Education				Post 16 Stage
		Key Stage 1	Key Stage 2	Key Stage 3	Key Stage 4
Age	3-5	5-7	7-11	11-14	14-16	16-18
Year Groups	F1-F2	Y1-Y2	Y3-Y6	Y7-Y9	Y10-Y11	Y12-Y13

The Foundation stage is for children aged three to five, and covers the Foundation and Reception years. This is recognised as a distinct stage of learning, when children learn best through active play which builds on their individual needs and interests.

Young children will have a wide range of different experiences, skills and interests when they join at age three, four or five. They need a well planned and resourced curriculum to take their learning forward and to provide opportunities for all children to succeed in an atmosphere of care and feeling valued. The Foundation Stage prepares for all future learning by supporting, fostering, promoting and developing children.

On completion of the Stage 4 phase, students take examinations in a range of subjects at the level of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The GCSE is a single-subject examination set and marked by independent examination boards. Students usually take up to ten (there is no upper or lower limit) GCSE examinations in different subjects, including mathematics and English language.

After taking GCSEs, students may go on to study the International Baccalaureate program which gives excellent access to universities worldwide.

Throughout the key stages the National Curriculum core subjects are: English, mathematics and science. Foundation subjects are design and technology; information and communication technology; history; geography; modern foreign languages; music; art and design; physical education and citizenship. Due to Ministry of Education regulations in the United Arab Emirates, Religious Education is not taught. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught as per UAE Ministry of Education guidelines.

Further information will be provided at parent meetings to be held at the beginning of the academic session, where teachers will explain the areas of learning and assessment strategies in place for each year group.

Staff plan on a weekly basis within the framework of the school's long and medium term planning. Lessons are carefully differentiated to ensure challenge and pace for every child.

A Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme runs throughout the school year aimed at developing our pupils as active, responsible citizens promoting an ethos of self esteem and respect for others with an understanding of global issues. The topics include fitness and health education and will equip pupils to become confident and healthy individuals.