Curriculum
A Curriculum Designed for the Individual — and the World Ahead
At Citizens School, our curriculum combines the strength of theBritish National Curriculum with a personalised, future-focusedapproach to learning. We believe education should meet learnerswhere they are, nurture who they are becoming, and prepare themfor a world that is constantly evolving.
Our curriculum is designed to develop strong academic foundationswhile supporting curiosity, resilience, wellbeing, and real-worldcapability, ensuring every learner is equipped not just for school, butfor life.
Building the Core:
Excellence with Purpose
Academic excellence is central to the Citizens curriculum.Learners develop strong literacy, numeracy, and subjectknowledge aligned with British curriculum standards andoverseen by KHDA in Dubai.
Alongside core subjects, learners study Arabic, ensuring alignmentwith the culture, values, and national identity of the UAE —supporting their development as respectful, globally awareindividuals.
Small class sizes and a strong mentor-to-learner ratio allow forpersonalised support, enabling educators to understand eachlearner’s strengths, needs, and learning style.
1:10 – 1:12
Mentor : Learner ratio
1, M2
A Wellbeing Centre dedicated to LEARNER welfare and success
Specialised
learning programs
The Curriculum
| Key Stage | Age of Entry | British National Curriculum Year Group |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation
| 3 years | Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) |
| 4 years | Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) | |
| Key Stage 1
| 5 years | Year 1 |
| 6 years | Year 2 | |
Key Stage 2 | 7 years | Year 3 |
| 8 years | Year 4 | |
| 9 years | Year 5 | |
| 10 years | Year 6 | |
Key Stage 3 | 11 years | Year 7 |
| 12- 13 years | Year 8 |
Beyond the Core: Preparing Learners for Life
While academic knowledge matters, it is no longer enough on its own. AtCitizens, learning goes beyond the core curriculum to focus on thedevelopment of mindset, wellbeing, and real-world skills.
This broader approach is brought together through the Citizens FutureFramework, which complements the British National Curriculum bysupporting learners’ personal growth, adaptability, and sense of purpose.
The Future Framework focuses on helping learners:
- Think independently and critically
- Develop confidence, resilience, and wellbeing
- Understand their role in the wider world
- Apply learning meaningfully beyond the classroom
(CTA button: Learn more about the Citizens Future Framework)
Learning in Action: How Learning Happens at Citizens 
Learning at Citizens is active, engaging, and purposeful.We use a range of research-informed approaches thatencourage learners to think, question, collaborate, andapply their learning in meaningful ways.
Project-Based Learning
Learners explore real-world challenges through cross-disciplinary projects that build problem-solving, creativity,and collaboration. This approach deepens understandingand helps learners see the relevance of what they arelearning.
Experiential Learning
We believe learners learn best by doing. Experientiallearning allows learners to explore, reflect, and apply ideasthrough hands-on experiences, discussion, and real-worldcontexts.
These approaches support learners in developingconfidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
