Dasman Bilingual School Profile

Who are we?
Why us?
We give you the international
experience in a safe home type
environment
Top Accredited Bilingual School
in Kuwait enriching the lives of
its students, their families, and
the community.
Do you want to be part of a special
school?
Dasman Bilingual School
Educational excellence and timeless values
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The school
Since 1996, Dasman Bilingual School in the Kuwait City has been enriching the
lives of its students, their families, and the community by providing high quality,
bilingual education in a safe and positive learning environment which fosters the
academic, social, spiritual and moral development of each child.
Our diverse student body comprises of children from different countries benefit
from a progressive, modern and congenial school setting designed to foster
academic achievement. We are committed to internationalism and seek to
promote interculturalism. Additionally, our mission serves to encourage global
citizenship with the understanding that learning is challenging, connected and
never ending.
Through rigorous, innovative and meaningful learning experiences, we encourage
the scholastic achievement of our students as well as the development of their
social lives so that they become life-long learners in the global community.
At Dasman Bilingual School, we strive to develop the whole person.
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We would like to welcome you to the DBS family
Dasman Bilingual School students participate in a challenging, preparatory
curriculum from preschool to grade 12, with ample opportunities for individual
attention and personal growth.
The school is investing in the use of technology in classrooms to enhance the
learning experience of our students. Our teachers use smart boards and overhead
projectors to enhance the learning of our students.
Wholesome education:
In addition, the school takes advantage of the
community resources that are available in Kuwait. Educational trips provide
students and teachers with opportunities for learning and teaching beyond the
classroom. Students often embark on educational field trips to Scientific Center,
IMAX, National Museum, Kuwait Zoo, Kuwait Airport, Kidzania, Porsche Early
Childhood Road (3-7 Years), Mini Golf Field, Kuwait Fund For Economics, Fire
Station, Police Station, Weather Station, Dickenson House Museum, Dental
Center, the Dairy Farm, Magic Planet, Cars Museum, Tareq Rajab Museum,
Scientific And Natural History Museum, Aviation Museum, Rawda Library
(CDC + KG) and Diabetes Center.
Students participate in Arabic/Islamic competitions organized by the Kuwait
Ministry of Education. Our school also hosts competitive football, volleyball and
swimming activities where students from other schools participate in inter-school
tournaments.
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The DBS ‘Sharks’ (school
mascot) compete with our
local
and
international
schools in Kuwait.
Dasman students, in all
divisions, also participate in
art exhibitions held in
Kuwait.
High
School
students
actively participate in the
Model
United
Nations
Debate where students get
the opportunity to interact
with other students across the
Gulf region.
Through strategic partnerships with Kuwait's business and education sectors, and
with the help of qualified and dedicated volunteers, INJAZ delivers educational
programs on entrepreneurial and leadership skills aimed at inspiring and
educating future generations.
This well balanced, in-depth approach to education ensures every student gains
the tools necessary to be a success in our fast paced and ever changing world.
Community service:
At DBS, community service is an
integral part of each student’s
education. Not only do our students
develop brilliant minds in their
academic coursework, but they also
nurture brilliant hearts in their service
to others.
Some activities conducted over the
year are:
a) Student Council raised funds and bought jackets for the custodians working
in the school.
b) School collected funds from students and staff to send to the earthquake
devastated country of Haiti.
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c) The Middle School department is involved with Operation Hope. Operation
Hope is a non-profit, grassroots humanitarian outreach program that is
committed to helping the local and international community. It supports the
underprivileged and migrant workers in Kuwait. It is a well-established
program that is school-focused and can easily get the students involved.
d) Elementary, Middle School and Special Needs students undertook the
Read to feed project. Through this initiative, students helped children
around the world who needed medication and care.
The insight gained from such hands-on experience helps to strengthen students’
characters and make them thoughtful citizens of the world. In the words of
Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by
what we give”.
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Campus
The school has been constructed to meet
the latest principles of educational
design.
It boasts excellent facilities including
five computer labs, parent meeting
room, large well lit open plan library
and multi-media center, music facilities,
auditoriums, gymnasiums, clinics, café,
art rooms in each school section.
The latest technology to support a
contemporary approach to learning are
available in all classrooms and to all
students. Our students have access to
fully equipped science labs and up-todate equipment, while younger children
will begin their journey at a dedicated
Child Development Centre.
The school also has outdoor sports facilities, music rooms, indoor swimming
pool and two football pitches.
The campus has been built
as a nurturing environment
for students, as well as the
next generation of athletes,
statesmen and musicians.
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Accreditation
Dasman Bilingual School received the ten-year re-accreditation award from CIS
and NEASC in Nov., 2014. DBS is also a member of the Near East South Asia
Council of Overseas Schools (NESA), College Board, KFSAC affiliation, IAN
(the Informal Administrators Network) affiliation, ASDAN and EDEXCEL
which gives recognition to all our students in various fields.
Faculty
Hiring and retaining top quality teachers is key to DBS’s continued growth and
reputation. There are 476 faculty members, including 91 US & Canadian citizens,
60 Europeans, 225 Arab and Kuwaiti citizens and 43 third-country nationals.
DBS is very selective in the hiring process and receives over 700 unsolicited
applications each year.
The Board of Directors is committed to providing a recruitment package in line
with top tier international schools:
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Monthly Salary 705 KD (2432 $) + 10 KD (29 $) for years of experiences
– up to 20 years.
Ticket upon arrival + return ticket by end of year (end of June).
50 KD (173 $) baggage allowance.
Private Health Insurance
Furnished accommodation or cash allowance 165 KD (570 $) for singles
and 200 KD (690 $) for married.
Indemnity ( payment for period stayed at DBS) as per Kuwaiti labor law
(15 days for first 5 years & 26 days for the following years – total
indemnity should not exceed 18 months’ salary.
2 months (60 working days) probation period from the start of contract.
Free transportation for teachers and child living in school apartment.
Perfect attendance 100 KD (290 $) for full attendance or 80 KD (276 $) for
one day absent or 60 KD (207 $) for two days absent.
Special bonus 200 KD (670 $) after completing 3 years and renewing for
the 4th year.
Sick leave as per Kuwaiti labour law.
Attendance from 7a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Free crèche placements for staff with a child in KG.
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 100% discount on school fees for first child and 50% discount for second
child.
 Training & development.
 Promotions (career development).
DBS promotes a collaborative and professional ethos of continued growth.
Teachers collaborate, co-plan and actively engage in school programs and
initiatives. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development (PD),
whether on the DBS campus or abroad; PD programs are dynamic and offer
weekly opportunities for participation and growth.
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Vision
 To strive to be a leader in bilingual education serving a wide range of skills
and differentiated abilities;
 To create opportunities for students to develop a sense of and respect for
internationalism as well as interculturalism; and
 To educate our students for the rapidly changing world of the 21 st century
by developing analytical and problem solving skills, technological
capabilities and critical thinking.
 To expand the adult education program which provides alternative
vocational training;
• To become the leading bilingual school in the Middle East that serves the
interests of students with different learning abilities.
• To establish franchise schools in the Middle East region.
• To establish a gifted program at the Dasman Bilingual School for students who
are high achievers.
• To establish a special needs college in Kuwait that serves older students who
require a special program.
Mission
Our mission is to provide a high quality bilingual education in a safe and positive
learning environment, which fosters the academic, social, spiritual and moral
development of each student. Within our school community, we are committed
to Internationalism and seek to promote interculturalism.
Additionally, our mission serves to encourage global citizenship with the
understanding that learning is challenging, connected and never ending. Dasman
Bilingual School continues to lead the way in Kuwait by offering educational
programs to a diverse student body. Through rigorous, innovative and meaningful
learning experiences, students become life-long learners in the global
community.
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Dasman Bilingual School endeavors to…..
Provide problem
solving education
Increase awareness
regarding cultural
diversity
Enhance self-esteem
and build mutual
respect for others
DBS teachers
Parent and
Community
Involvement
Provide quality
education
Insure availability of
resources
Providing real life
experiences
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Did you know?
 That DBS is honored with three full accreditations which guarantee our
high standard of education.
 It is the only private school in Kuwait to offer a variety of programs-Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School alongside Special
Needs and Vocational education.
 Being a bilingual school, it offers the best of both worlds following the
American curriculum for all English subjects, the British ASDAN and
EDEXCEL curriculums for Vocational subjects and Kuwait Ministry of
Education curriculum for Arabic subjects.
 The Special Needs Division has the services of fully trained speech
therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapist, counselor and
educational psychologist on site.
 The school employs teachers of the highest caliber from all over the world.
 DBS firmly believes that teaching and learning is enhanced by the physical
environment, and aims to provide buildings and grounds that are clean,
safe, attractive, pleasant and functional.
 Upon graduation from year 12, immediately most of our students get
accepted to universities in the United States, Canada, and the United
Kingdom in addition to being accepted at Kuwait University.
 The extracurricular programs offer opportunities for participation in
academic games and academic support. The programs also provide
opportunities for participation in organized sports teams, leagues, art and
music.
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Kindergarten Department
DBS-The best foundation for a great future
Early Childhood Education Program is designed to help develop positive selfconcept, enhance creativity, and enrich each child's life socially, intellectually
and emotionally. We will create and maintain a developmentally appropriate
environment for learning while empowering families to participate in and
enhance their children’s education. Dasman Bilingual School will strive to
provide the children with those components needed to build a solid foundation as
each child evolves into a lifelong learner.
The Kindergarten Department consists of three groups:
CDC (Child Development Centre), KG1 and KG2.
Dasman Bilingual School offers Early Years students a quality program which
uses a Thematic Approach that provides a challenging but achievable curriculum
that engages children in thinking, reasoning, and communicating with others.
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It combines a curriculum that is
stimulating, creative and integrated.
Throughout the department, the
emphasis is on learning through
structured, purposeful play.
Each class has a full-time qualified
teacher and assistant. The work is
planned carefully around a central
theme and may be teacher directed,
group- orientated, or a free choice
activity.
This approach is used to introduce students to language activities, Mathematics,
Science, the arts and social skills. All students have Arabic studies in line with
the bilingual educational policy of the school.
In addition, specialist subject teachers offer music, art, computer and physical
education. The entire department meets together regularly for an assembly and
classes visit the school library. In this way, kindergarten students are quickly
nurtured into the school routine in a secure friendly environment.
The aim for CDC students is to successfully integrate them socially with their
teacher and peers, building self-reliance and independence. This is the child’s
first encounter with school and we strive to make this an enjoyable experience.
In KG1, the pre-school skills in reading, writing and number are developed
according to each individual child’s ability. In KG2, the American program
extends the skills base in reading, writing and number, so that students have the
ability to converse in simple English sentences. This is necessary for them to be
able to be promoted to Grade 1. Students are encouraged to be independent
learners, who can mix easily and make friends.
Extracurricular activities offered for Early Years departments include arts &
crafts, ballet for girls, swimming and karate. The school also offers other clubs
such as Math Hands On, Board Games, Drama Club, Lego Club, Physical
Activity, Walking & Running Club and Reading Club.
Assessment: The homeroom teacher will assess every student individually at
the end of each term (4 times), to follow up the progress and development of
the student. Formal report cards are sent home at the end of each term (4times a
year). Detailed records are kept of student progress in all subjects.
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Elementary Department
DBS-Learn together, grow individually
At Dasman Bilingual School, we believe that all children can and will learn.
The Elementary Department provides a nurturing environment for positive
self-esteem.
All students are challenged to reach their maximum potential by learning at their
functional level to provide a solid foundation of skills, knowledge and values.
This foundation enables each student to become a well-educated, productive
global citizen, able to cope with an ever changing world.
Curriculum and staff:
The Elementary Department
offers a bilingual program
for students in grades 1 to 5.
It is taught by fully qualified,
experienced teachers.
They work closely with our
equally well qualified Arabic
staff to provide a balanced
curriculum and excellent
learning opportunities for
each child.
The homeroom teacher will
teach each of the core academic subjects, following an American curriculum:
English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition, students have
specialist subject teachers for music, Arabic, computer, art, and physical
education. Our elementary students are also taught Mathematics in Arabic up to
grade 2.This complements the requirements laid down by the Ministry of
Education for Arabic, Social Studies and Islam studies.
ESL program: Students slightly below grade level in English competency will
be enrolled in our English Second Language (ESL) program. This program is run
by experienced staff, who have had additional training in ESL. It aims to provide
the extra help needed to help a student reach grade level.
Assessment: Homework is considered to be a natural extension of the program
taught in school. Newsletters are sent home weekly basis with upcoming topics
that will be covered as well as assessments. Each child’s progress is assessed
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continually throughout the year. It is necessary for pupils to pass in order to be
promoted to the next grade. Report cards are sent home four times a year, at the
end of each term. Parental conferences are held at the end of each term. All
parents are expected to attend these conferences in order to discuss their child’s
progress. Appointments to see teachers can be made at other times throughout the
year by contacting the department secretary.
Extracurricular activities: Elementary department also offers a range of extracurricular activities to support student needs such as Study Clubs for all grades,
Sports – football, swimming, basketball, ESL Club and Writing Club.
Middle School
DBS-Challenging minds, fostering talents
Dasman Bilingual School provides a safe and nurturing environment and a core
curriculum that is rich and rigorous that respects the diversity of all students’
learning styles.
Middle School students will be
prepared to become educated,
responsible, and contributing
citizens, who can read, write,
communicate, and calculate with
clarity and accuracy using current
technologies and resources. The
school community is committed
to developing students who are
resilient and adaptable, equipped
with knowledge, skills and
dispositions to continue their
education and become personally
fulfilled, interdependent, socially responsible adults.
Curriculum and staff: The Middle School is comprised of grades 6, 7, and 8.
we have a low teacher/student ratio that uses a rich blend of American and
Kuwaiti materials and techniques to expose the student to multi-cultural learning
experiences. All courses taught are subject-based with a specialty teacher for
each class. Subjects taught in our Middle School include Arabic language,
Arabic Social Studies, Islamic Studies, English Language Arts, English Social
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Studies, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Computers, French, and Physical
Education.
Assessment: End of term exams are conducted at the end of each term. Students
are also tested on their knowledge of all subject areas on the semester exam
which is taken at the end of semester 2 and 4.
Learning difficulties: Students with a diagnosed learning difficulty are enrolled
in the Learning Support Unit classes. The small classes size and additional in
class support help the students to learn the subjects that are offered in the larger
mainstream classrooms. Students with a mild learning difficulty may get support
from Resource Inclusion inside the mainstream setting.
Extracurricular activities: Academic excellence is the priority in the middle
school, but many opportunities exist for students to succeed outside of the
classroom. The middle school offers a variety of extracurricular activities,
including the following: French Club, Spanish Club, Math Club, Math Booster
Club, Book Club, Academic Games, MS Newspaper, Membership in KSAA
Athletic Association: football, basketball, volleyball, track and badminton.
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High School
DBS-Rooted in tradition, looking forward
University preparatory program: The High School comprises of grades 9
through 12. The High School curriculum offers parents and students a university
preparatory program that is accepted world-wide. When a student graduates from
our school he/she has achieved the level of performance that is accepted not only
in universities in Kuwait, but internationally.
Most of our students get
accepted to universities in the
United States, Canada, and the
United Kingdom. This level of
performance is studied in a
truly bi-lingual atmosphere that
enables the student to graduate
with fluency in two languages:
A rich blend of Kuwait and
American curriculums give the
student an exposure to multicultural approaches of learning.
Our program is superior to most national and foreign schools inside Kuwait in
that the student, upon graduation, will have satisfied both the Sciences and Arts
entrance requirements for universities in North America.
Curriculum: Subjects taught in our High School include Arabic Language,
Arabic Social Studies, Islamic Studies, English Language Arts, History,
Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus), Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Art, Music, Computer,
and Physical Education.
Learning difficulty: Students with a diagnosed learning difficulty are enrolled in
the Learning Support Unit classes. The small class size and additional in class
support enhances student learning and enables the teacher to focus on the
individual educational needs of each student. Students with a mild learning
difficulty may get support from Resource Inclusion inside the mainstream setting.
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Special Needs
DBS-Potential made possible
The mission of the Special Needs Department is tailored to address the needs and
abilities of our student population. The Special Needs Department endeavors to
provide every student the opportunity to gain basic academic skills, as well as,
social and emotional well-being, despite the student’s learning difficulties.
The Special Needs Department strives to foster students’ development into
productive members of society by imparting basic life skills.
Curriculum and staff: DBS has an extensive educational program for students
with a diagnosed learning difficulty. Our Special Needs program is fully licensed
by the Kuwait Public Authority for the Disabled.
All classes are staffed with qualified teachers who are certified to teach Special
Needs students. The Special Needs classes are self-contained, which deliver an
individual educational program to smaller groups of primarily developmentally
delayed students. Work is
planned from a modified
curriculum, which has been
based on that currently being
used in the UK and US.
Promotion to the next grade
level is based on each individual
student’s progress and their
educational needs.
The grade levels in the Special
Needs Department correspond to
age level in comparison to
mainstream classes, and not
academic level of mainstream
classes.
While success is important to our students, it must be stressed to parents that
grades achieved within the Special Needs program are awarded within the
context of the student’s personal achievement and potential. Students will take
the following subjects in the program: English, Math, Science, Social Studies,
Life Skills, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Computer.
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Admission team: We consider each application individually. Initial admission to
the Special Needs Program is based on tests conducted by the school
psychologist, admission screening, assessment and classroom observation. Team
members involved in this process are: the Special Needs Principal, School
Psychologist and Classroom Teacher. Input from a Specialist is required to assess
and determine student needs. A recommendation is made to the Superintendent,
who makes a final decision of admission based on the recommendation of the
team. DBS is able to offer placement to students who can function within an
integrated setting. Acceptance of students with special needs at Dasman, depends
on the student’s degree of independence and the ability to successfully function
within an academic program.
Once students complete the Special Needs program, they will be assessed and
placed in a suitable program in the Vocational department.
Vocational Department
DBS-Empowerment for the future
The Vocational Department is an educational structure based on the fundamental
principles of providing learners with
instructional and learning opportunities and
practical work experiences that match their
needs and trigger their potential. The
Vocational Department is designed in such
a manner to erect bridges between the
classroom and the real world.
Curriculum: Our Vocational Training
Program is an extension of our Special
Needs program and is designed to meet the
needs of students over the age of sixteen
who wish to focus on the acquisition of job
skills. They follow a UK certification based
program
and
obtain
recognized
qualifications on completion of the course
at their own skill level. We currently run
licensed and certified courses through
ASDAN and EDEXCEL.
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Individual Educational Plans: Students falling under the remit of the Special
Needs department have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This document
identifies personal educational and possibly socially developmental goals for the
student, which is planned in collaboration between parents and teacher and
involve input from therapists where relevant. IEP’s are written at the beginning
of the school year by the class teacher after an initial period of getting to know
the student, and updated during the year as needed.
Arabic and Islamic Studies Department
DBS-Opening cultural dialogue
At DBS we take pride in our bilingual program and believe that we provide the
‘best of both worlds’. The Arabic and Islamic Studies Department ensures that
our students reach high competency in their native language and learn about the
culture and history of their country. The Arabic and Islamic Studies Department
at DBS is one of the largest of the school departments.It includes KG through
Grade 12, as well as Special Needs and Vocational Departments.
The curriculum being followed by the Arabic and Islamic Studies Department is
set by the Ministry of Education.
A group of efficient,
experienced
teachers
teach the Arabic and
Islamic subjects, and are
qualified to carry out this
mission fully.
Furthermore, they use
technology to further
enhance the learning
experience
of
our
students.
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