Inclusion

INCLUSION - SPECIAL EDUCATION
Student Support Services are available for all students at Al Diyafah High School LLC. The Inclusion Team is committed to helping our students be emotionally balanced & academically successful. The Inclusion Team consists of School SENDCo, School Counsellor, G&T Coordinator, Special Educators, Career and Guidance Counsellor and couple of specialist teachers who double up as subject teachers.

LEARNING SUPPORT
We recognize that each child can learn but may learn in different ways and at different rates.
The ADHS Inclusion department is committed to supporting the individual educational needs of all students. Students experiencing difficulties in accessing the curriculum and learning are referred by teachers to the Team. The SENDCo, special educators, teachers & parents together draw up an individual education plan for each student based upon their observations & results of the psycho-educational assessment administered by external professional. This team ensures that students receive the intervention and accommodations that they need. Student’s participation and performance in weekly and term exams act as indicators of progress. The individual educational plan is then reviewed to set new goals.
Based on the learning needs of the referred student in-class and one to one intervention sessions are provided by the SENDCo, special educators and ILSA. The ILSAs work with an individual student or small group of students to provide intervention strategies to be implemented within the classroom.

SCHOOL SENDCO: ZAMZAM SHAH
Ms. Zamzam is a compassionate and dedicated professional with Masters Degree in Psychology and Bachelor degree in Education. She holds an MOE license as “Special needs specialist”. She is also a certified Mental-health first aider from “The Lighthouse Centre for Wellbeing, Dubai”.
She has worked with a diverse group of students with varied needs ranging from emotional difficulties leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, Autism, Learning Difficulties/Disabilities, Attention difficulties and non-compliant behaviour. Her years of experience have taught her the value of patience and encouragement in the special education classroom. She believes that love and encouragement can bring about a change in the most difficult situations be it academic or emotional.
She is of the opinion that collaboration and open communication between parents, teachers and the department is key to addressing the needs of students, as well as boost the success of each student both inside and outside the classroom.
You can contact Ms. Zamzam – School SENDCo for any Personal Learning support queries or concerns. @ zamzam.shah@diyafahschool.com or call 04 2671115 ext. 237

SCHOOL SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL COUNSELLOR: DR RACHEL THOMAS
A Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Dr Rachel Thomas has adopted a hands-on approach to guide and motivate her students by ensuring their mental wellbeing is a top priority. An ardent supporter of experience-based learning, she believes that social skills and values are important to the academic growth and well-being of students. Dr. Rachel’s goal is to help students equip themselves to handle challenges and to provide a safe environment to process their emotions. With her calm demeanour and ever-present smile, Dr. Rachel’s innovative approach to counselling psychology ensures that her students are at ease as they reach out for emotional support.

GIFTED & TALENTED
Discover the bespoke educational support provided by our Gifted and Talented (G&T) Department, tailored to meet the distinctive learning needs of exceptional students. We understand the importance of an environment that not only challenges but also nurtures individual strengths. Recognizing the diverse academic, cognitive, leadership, and creative talents within our student body, we utilize online assessments such as CAT4, GL, and NGRT to identify academically gifted individuals.
Our G&T services extend beyond identification, encompassing comprehensive acceleration and enrichment programs. These initiatives involve subject acceleration and leadership opportunities within school clubs, including but not limited to literacy, sports, and music. Additionally, students actively engage in ASDAN, ADHS GATE Program (Gifted and Talented Enrichment Programs), showcasing their talents in various school events and competitions like ADPIQ and Dubai Scholars Cup.
Our G&T students are not just participants; they take on roles as contributors to the school community by writing for the school newsletter, crafting concert scripts, and more. We encourage their intellectual curiosity further through participation in Massive Open Online Courses and the pursuit of additional IGCSE subjects, providing a platform for continuous academic growth and exploration.

ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network)
ASDAN program, tailored to meet the unique educational needs of both Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students and those identified as Gifted and Talented. At our school, we believe in providing a learning environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of every student.
Our ASDAN program is designed to offer a structured and inclusive approach to learning, ensuring that each student, regardless of their learning profile, is given the opportunity to excel and grow. For SEND students, our program focuses on personalized support, addressing individual challenges, and fostering a sense of accomplishment.
In parallel, for our Gifted and Talented students, the ASDAN program provides avenues for intellectual stimulation and enrichment. It encourages these students to explore their potential fully, guiding them in developing skills that extend beyond the conventional curriculum.
GATE (Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program)
Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program (GATE) at our school, where excellence meets opportunity. GATE is more than an acronym; it's a gateway to unlocking the full potential of our exceptional students. Designed to cater to the unique needs of gifted minds, GATE goes beyond the conventional curriculum, providing a platform for intellectual exploration and enrichment.
As an integral component of our Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program (GATE), we are offer our students a diverse array of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) tailored to their individual skills and ambitions. At our school, we recognize that each student is unique, possessing distinct talents and aspirations. In alignment with our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and exploration, GATE provides a platform for students to engage with MOOCs that align with their specific interests and academic goals.
These MOOCs are carefully selected to not only complement the standard curriculum but also to challenge and expand the intellectual horizons of our gifted students. Whether their passion lies in science, technology, literature, or any other field, our curated MOOC offerings aim to provide enriching content that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.
By participating in MOOCs through the GATE program, students have the opportunity to delve into advanced topics, interact with experts in the field, and collaborate with peers who share similar interests. This not only enhances their knowledge base but also cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for lifelong learning.
We believe that offering MOOCs within the GATE program empowers our students to pursue their academic passions, explore new horizons, and lay the foundation for a future marked by intellectual curiosity and achievement. Join us in embracing the boundless possibilities of learning through our GATE program and the exciting world of Massive Open Online Courses.
 

  

Counselling Career Guidance
 
In addition to providing individual counselling sessions for social & emotional needs the school counsellor assists students with course selection and college applications. The school organizes regular Career Guidance Interface and Career Fairs. While the Campus Career Fair is attended by students in Years 9 and above, the Career Guidance Interface (CGI) is aimed to equip the sixth-form students with information related to university options and help develop explicit employability skills. Parents attend the Career Fairs and Options Evening along with their child(ren) and benefit from these sessions. Students in the secondary and post-secondary phases are provided with ample internship opportunities, which give them a taster of actual work-life.
 
In the primary and middle school, there is a conscious effort to develop awareness to various professions. Students often engage in role-play, talks and dress-up days to widen their understanding of different professions. Enterprise related projects and competitions are inbuilt into the curriculum, allowing students to engage in business related activities.
 
KRUPA GATHANI

Ms. Krupa Gathani is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) from National Career Development Association (NCDA), USA and completed the ICCC Master-Level (Internationally Certified Career Coach by Mindler, India and Career Development Alliance, USA).
With over 10 years of extensive experience, she has worked as an education management professional in various roles with some of the top international schools (IGCSE & IB) in Mumbai, India. During this time, she earned post-graduate degrees in Business Management, Educational Administration and School Counselling.
She made the shift to full time career counselling in 2020. Her most recent experience has been working with students from schools across UAE & India as a freelance Career & College Counsellor and conducting group and individual sessions helping students navigate through their own self-discovery related to academics, career exploration, planning and application.
Her passion for career coaching stems from her personal early-career struggles, and she firmly believes that every student should have access to quality career coaching.

You can contact Ms. Krupa Gathani - Career Counsellor for any Career Counselling queries or concerns at careercounsellor@diyafahschool.com or call 04 2671115 ext. 212.

CAREER COUNSELLING PROGRAMME
A fully supported programme of impartial career guidance is an essential part of our work with students at Diyafah. If we are to develop highly qualified, aspirational young adults, they must be able to make outstanding progress after they leave us, as well as while they are in our care.
We know that a successful career programme does more than prepare students for the future; it helps them make the right choices in school and encourages them to engage with their studies to reach their career goals. Proper career guidance should ensure that our students leave Diyafah with the employability and career-management skills that they need to thrive in their professional lives and be ready to take on the challenges that are presented in today’s world of work.
The Career Counsellor at Al Diyafah High School assists students to discuss their concerns about career and educational options through a range of methods.
Students have 1:1 session with the Career Counsellor where a personal analysis of their ideas, feelings and choices is done. These sessions help students to assess their interests and abilities, explore the new and diverse trending career options and ultimately choose the best-fit career pathways for themselves.
In addition to this, students are also supported through the application processes for admissions to undergraduate degrees across the globe. Our students have been accepted into world renowned universities like The University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, York University, Loughborough University, Carleton University, Newcastle University, University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham and many more.
What we offer:
Key stage 3
Throughout the academic year, spotlight speakers are invited to speak to our year 9 students to speak about their careers which give an insight into their professional lives.
Students participate in the Diyafah Career Connect which is a friendly competition where students are divided into teams, and they research on various trending and future careers in the 21st century and present it to their fellow year group and year 8 students.
The Diyafah Career Café is a platform that provides the year 9 students with the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and to learn about their career choices and experiences. Adapted from the speed networking format, Career Café allows students to engage and learn from the industry professionals from diverse backgrounds covering entrepreneurship, engineering, finance, media, education and many more!
Key stage 4 and Sixth Form
Leading international and local university representatives meet Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students to brief them about the various courses available at their universities, fee structure, scholarships students are eligible.
The students attend the International University Fair and the Annual Career Fair where representatives of universities from popular destinations for higher education such as UK, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and UAE (and many more!) participate. The aim is to provide students with an opportunity to meet admission officers from various Universities, get first-hand information on course choices, career prospects and the campus environment and help them make conversant decisions regarding subjects and programs offered by the Universities which align with their career goals.
Students also get the opportunity to learn about topics such as personal branding, business etiquettes, assertive communication, cybersecurity, public speaking and presentation skills which are crucial skills that students need to successfully navigate through their professional lives.
In the sixth form, students participate in an interactive, student-oriented simulation programme that focuses on skill development by combines hands-on learning with practical, interactive workshops. The programme aims to support students reach their full potential through developing personal and career-related skills they need to make a positive contribution to their communities and broader society. The programme is designed to run during the school's Skills-16 period.
In today’s competitive world, one of the most important and crucial factors that determine the future of our Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students is internships. Internships provide a glimpse into the real world. At Diyafah we strive to offer a front seat towards a possible career choice by supporting students to find meaningful hands-on learning experiences. Internships help them to decide whether they are suited for a specific career within a particular industry or if they should consider some other profession.
Krupa Gathani the Career Counsellor, can be contacted for any questions relating to careers, qualifications, or higher education, please email her at careercounsellor@diyafahschool.com.