Dubai British Foundation School

The EYFS framework at DBF encompasses both prime and specific areas of learning to ensure holistic development. The prime areas include Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, which are foundational for children’s learning and future success. The specific areas build on these foundations and include Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design. Our balanced approach ensures that each child receives a well-rounded early education, tailored to their individual needs and interests.

Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning

At DBF, our EYFS framework is guided by the characteristics of effective teaching and learning, which include Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically. These characteristics encourage children to engage with the world around them, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm. By promoting hands-on experiences, perseverance, and problem-solving skills, we help children become confident and capable learners, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities.

At DBF, we prioritize the holistic development of our students, recognizing the vital role that wellbeing plays in their overall growth. To ensure that every child thrives emotionally and socially, we utilize the Leuven scales, developed by Dr. Ferre Laevers, to closely monitor their wellbeing and involvement throughout their time with us. By tracking these key indicators, we can tailor our support and interventions to meet the unique needs of each child, creating a nurturing environment where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

At DBF, our bespoke Singing for Learning program is led by our performing arts and Arabic teachers. Each day, the children gather as a year group for 15 minutes to sing a variety of songs with actions in both English and Arabic. This program offers numerous benefits:

• Happiness and Success: Singing releases endorphins, making children feel happier and more successful learners.
• Calm and Relaxation: It also releases oxytocin, a natural stress reliever, helping children feel calm and relaxed.
• Physical Health: Deep breathing during singing acts as a ‘workout’ for children’s lungs and promotes good posture, boosting their confidence.
• Community and Wellbeing:  Singing as a group fosters friendships and a sense of safety and well-being.
• Cognitive Development: It supports the development of concentration and memory.
• Language Acquisition: It helps our EAL children learn English quickly and assists all children and staff in learning Arabic.
• Knowledge Retention: Singing aids in remembering useful facts, such as the names of the seven Emirates of the UAE.
• Performance and Memories: Singing provides opportunities for performance, creating fond memories that will last a lifetime.