DUBAI // There were screams and hugs from the returning pupils at Dubai International Academy, while the new arrivals went quietly to orientation with their parents.
At just after 7.20am, the corridors began to fill with nervous and excited schoolchildren. They crowded around a noticeboard with A4 pages listing their homerooms for the year.
Among them was Vijayendra Vittal, a Year 12 pupil from India, who said he was ready to "step up his game".
"I'm checking which class I'm in then going to my homeroom with friends," Vijayendra, 16, said. "The great thing about this school is its diversity and encouragement from teachers."
He hopes to study aeronautical engineering in India before getting a pilot's licence.
Malika Khamidova, a final-year pupil from Russia, said the first day was "usually this crazy".
"People are always excited and teachers are happy to see us," said Malika, 18. "I'm looking forward to seeing friends."
Poonam Bhojani, the director of the school, said it prided itself on an education that created leaders.
"First day back is always fun," Mrs Bhojani said. "We have a waiting list every year because the learning and teaching doesn't stop at academics."
The school, with 1,850 students of more than 80 nationalities, opened in 2005. It was the first in Dubai to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and was awarded an accreditation from the Council of International Schools this summer.
New students from KG1 to Year 13 began the day at orientation classes and parent-teacher sessions.
Mahfrin Wadia, from India, was among them. She said she chose the school because of the IB curriculum.
"I'm nervous but also excited. I only know one person," Mahfrin said.
Renu Murali, from India, accompanied her daughter to her first day.
"She is new, in Grade 11," Mrs Murali said. "I enrolled her because my son learnt to prepare for the real world here," Mrs Murali said.
Brian Cochrane, from Canada, is a Year 1 teacher who is also new to the school. Sitting in the middle of a colourful room on a bright red chair, Mr Cochrane said working with young children was rewarding because of their "enthusiasm for learning".
"I have 26 students from 17 nationalities and watching their growth is rewarding," he said. "Our first and second day will concentrate on hopes and dreams with the parents."
Tania Klesc, from Indonesia, said she was happy with the progress her sons, aged 17 and nine, had made.
"I've enrolled them since the beginning," Mrs Klesc said. "They're involved in activities outside the classroom, which is part of the IB programme. My eldest son wants to help maids seeking help at the Indonesian consulate to learn English."
melshoush@thenational.ae
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Company%20Profile
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Company%C2%A0profile
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
The%20specs
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