Elementary School | Universal American School | Al-Futtaim, UAE

Elementary School

Grades 1 to 5 are where a love of learning begins. Our Elementary School blends the New York State Standards and the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum, taught through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Children inquire, investigate, collaborate and grow, ready for Middle School with the confidence to keep asking why. 

(Grades 1–5)

The Learner

Universal American School has been an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school since 2010. Through the PYP, students develop academically, socially, and emotionally, while strengthening international-mindedness and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. 

Learning experiences place strong emphasis on problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication.

Achieving depends on supporting the development of the whole child.

 

Teaching and Learning

As an IB Primary Years Programme school and an American school, learning incorporates the knowledge, skills, and concepts drawn from the New York State Standards (NYSS) and the UAE Ministry of Education standards and learning outcomes, all delivered through the PYP framework.

This approach allows the school to offer a rigorous and engaging curriculum that remains relevant to students, while providing a balanced international and American education that also recognises and celebrates the culture of the host country.

Families can explore this further through the UAS PYP Programme of Inquiry.

Our PYP Curriculum

Inquiry-based
Learning builds on students’ interests and prior knowledge, with a focus on how to learn. Students ask questions, investigate ideas, and make sense of new information. They are given opportunities to inquire into areas of interest and share their learning with peers and the wider UAS community.
Integrated
Units of inquiry bring together multiple subject areas while exploring local and global issues. This integrated approach helps students make connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of key concepts, supporting learning that is meaningful and transferable.
Individualised
Children develop at different rates, and each student brings individual strengths and needs to the classroom. A range of assessment strategies is used to build a clear learning profile for each student, allowing teachers to design learning experiences that respond to individual needs.
Teacher helping students with classwork

 

The Learning Community

A strong community plays an important role in student success. 

Students are encouraged to take part in After School Activities (ASAs), and families are invited to engage with school life through events and opportunities such as Back to School Night, Parent Conferences, Coffee Mornings, and workshops.

Participation looks different for every family, but when students, parents, teachers, and school leaders work together, the entire community benefits. 

Strong partnerships support learning, wellbeing, and a positive school experience for all.

 


Preparing for Middle School

By the end of Grade 5, students are ready for the transition to Middle School. They leave Elementary with strong academic foundations, familiarity with expectations, and the confidence to take on greater independence in their learning.
 

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