Key Stage 3 & 4 (Secondary Phase)
Preparing Learners for Secondary
Al Diyafah High School Secondary phase (Years 7–11) builds academic depth, confident communication and the discipline needed for strong GCSE and post-16 outcomes.
Key Stage 3 & 4 (Years 7 to 11)
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) Curriculum
Key Stage 3 encompasses the first three years of secondary education and caters to students aged 11 to 13. It is divided into three year groups: Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9. Our Key Stage 3 programme reflects the school's commitment to delivering a high-quality British curriculum within an international context. To achieve this, we integrate the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum with the National Curriculum for England, ensuring students benefit from a broad, balanced, and culturally relevant educational experience.
National Curriculum Subjects for Key Stage 3
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Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) Curriculum
The Key Stage 4 Programme of Study follows the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum. Beginning in Year 10, students embark on a stimulating and academically challenging two-year IGCSE journey, building seamlessly on the knowledge and skills developed during Key Stage 3.
Students study a combination of compulsory core subjects and optional subjects, allowing them to develop both breadth and depth in their learning while pursuing their individual interests and strengths. All courses are completed over two years and culminate in externally assessed examinations leading to internationally recognised qualifications.
We offer IGCSE qualifications through two leading examination boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel, providing students with a strong foundation for further education and future academic success.
National Curriculum Subjects for Key Stage 4
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Our academic curriculum is complemented with a blend of co-curricular programmes to nurture the holistic development of students. Some of the activities are:
- Personal Enrichment Programme
- STEM Programme
- Life Skills
- Duke of Edinburgh Programme
- Service-Learning Programme
Assessments:
At the end of each term students have assessments covering the material that has been taught over that period. These exams are done under exam conditions. The final grade for each term is calculated by taking into consideration the continuous assessments and the term exam grade for Years 7 to 10.
Year 11 students are assessed through monthly assessments and end-of-term examinations based on the IGCSE syllabus. In addition, mock examinations are conducted to familiarize students with board examination standards, strengthen exam readiness, and identify areas requiring further support prior to the final board examinations.
Extra – Curricular Activities
KS3 (Years 7–9) is a key stage where schools focus on developing life skills alongside academic learning, helping students aged 11–14 build practical and emotional competencies for everyday life. Core life skills include communication, time management, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and digital safety, all of which support students' personal growth during this formative period. Co-curricular activities—such as sports, clubs, drama, and volunteering—complement this by giving students hands-on opportunities to practise teamwork, leadership, and confidence-building outside the classroom. Together, life skills and co-curricular activities prepare KS3 students to become well-rounded, resilient individuals ready for both further education and life beyond school.
At KS4, the focus shifts from general life-skills exploration to targeted preparation for exams, careers, and adulthood. By combining counselling support, real-world simulations like mock interviews, and enriching experiences such as TEDx talks, debates, and treks, schools help students build the resilience, confidence, and practical skills needed to navigate IGCSEs and the transition into further education or the workplace.
Career Counselling Programme
A fully supported programme of career guidance is an essential part of our work with students at Diyafah. If we are to develop highly qualified, inspirational young adults, they must be able to make informed University choices after they leave us.
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. Professional 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 bespoke sessions with the Career Counsellor where a personal analysis of their talents, 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.
Model United Nations (ADMUN)
Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation that replicates the proceedings of the United Nations. In Diyafah International School, MUN provides students with a platform to research global issues, develop diplomatic skills, & engage in debate, fostering a deeper understanding of international relations and diplomacy. Participants assume the roles of UN delegates representing different countries and work collaboratively to draft resolutions, negotiate, & address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, human rights, & peacekeeping.
The very first ADMUN was organized solely for the students of Al Diyafah in 2017 and some. With great efforts and time, in the following year, 2018, its doors were thrown open to other schools in the UAE.
The benefits of participating in ADMUN are multifaceted. It enhances critical thinking and public speaking skills as students articulate their viewpoints and defend their country's position. It also cultivates research abilities, negotiation skills, and teamwork, as students must collaborate with peers to reach a consensus. Additionally, MUN promotes cultural awareness and empathy, as participants learn about diverse perspectives and international issues. It encourages confidence and leadership, helping students become proactive and responsible global citizens.
The theme for this year's ADMUN is "Securing Tomorrow: Redefining Peace in an Uncertain World", it emphasizes the need to adapt our understanding of peace in the face of evolving global challenges. It calls for innovative approaches to conflict resolution, emphasizing diplomacy, mutual understanding, and cooperation. In an era marked by rapid technological advances and unpredictable geopolitical shifts, redefining peace means fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable solutions to ensure a peaceful and secure future for all.
We are excited to announce that this year we are reaching out to a greater number of schools in the UAE while reaffirming our commitment to provide an intellectually and creatively challenging platform for our delegates.
DISMUN is a non-profit MUN conference, organized on the UNA-USA model of MUN. As it grows, it will become creative by the year, and continue to create global-minded, forward-thinking citizens.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE)
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE) is a prestigious, globally recognised programme that challenges young people to develop their character, broaden their horizons, and discover their potential.
The Award complements academic education by providing purposeful opportunities to develop leadership, resilience, independence, initiative, and service. Through sustained commitment and personal challenge, students learn to set goals, overcome obstacles, and take ownership of their achievements.
A Journey of Personal Growth
The DofE is offered at three progressive levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—with students undertaking activities across several areas:
- Volunteering – making a meaningful contribution to the community
- Physical – pursuing an activity that develops fitness, discipline, and wellbeing
- Skills – cultivating a talent, interest, or new area of expertise
- Expedition – planning and completing an adventurous expedition as part of a team
- Residential – at Gold level, developing independence and collaboration through a residential experience
Each element requires commitment and perseverance, encouraging students to move beyond their comfort zones while developing a greater understanding of themselves and others.
Developing Future Leaders
The DofE provides a valuable foundation for life beyond school. Students develop the ability to lead, collaborate, communicate, solve problems, manage challenges, and demonstrate initiative—qualities that are valued in higher education and beyond.
The Award also gives students meaningful experiences through which they can demonstrate initiative, commitment, service, and personal growth as part of their wider university and future applications.
More Than an Award
At its heart, the DofE is a journey of character and self-discovery. It encourages students to serve others, embrace challenge, pursue excellence, and become confident, responsible young adults.
The DofE empowers students to become not only successful learners, but well-rounded individuals prepared to make a positive contribution to their communities and are world ready.
Discover more about the DofE International Award at intaward.org
Book a School Tour
You can call our admissions team from
7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
- Email id: registrar@diyafahschool.com
- +971 4 2671115 Ext. No - 223 / 214
