EK - Kids School

[tdk90]

A cursory glance at schooling in Dubai appears like they are way oversubscribed, for example the JESS schools have 800+ on waiting lists in each school.

How does it work with EK when you bring your kids over? My wife won't come unless the kids schooling is worked out in advance..Looks like a problem.

No place for your kid in Dubai's top schools - Emirates 24/7 (http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/no-place-for-your-kid-in-dubai-s-top-schools-2011-04-10-1.378772)

[flaphandlemover]

It seems you answered your question yourself...

What do you suggest us to do for you?

[CAYNINE]

Also keep in mind that many parents register their children in several schools at once when they are born to hedge their bets and so get to decide which one they will go to when the time comes. Most times the numbers change dramatically when the new year starts..... but still we had to register our kids when the were only months old.

JESS schools have an EK debenture in place that gives you some priority.

[CAVnotOK]

I wouldn't get too excited about getting priority with JESS.

I personally know people who have had their kids on the waiting list for 4 years.......so far.

Cav.

[halas]

Emirates have debentures in many schools, so discuss it with them.

Now what are the lists like in the non-kids schools? :}

halas

[harry the cod]

Do what all the rich Indians and some locals are doing now....buy your way in. Wonder if the school directors are getting a few tasty backhands?

Jess isn't the school it was 10 years ago. The number of non British passport holders has increased dramatically. A few years ago you could have been dropping off at any village school in the UK. Now there are prayer rooms (built recently thanks to 'donations' I suppose from the owners of the heavily tinted Range Rovers with their double digit plates). There are compulsory extended arabic lessons and a plethero of Indian kids being dropped off by their 'drivers' on the zebra crossing every f@*%*g morning. :ugh:

Harry

[Left Coaster]

Holy crap Harry...and your company is paying for the schooling too? Dear God, how do you manage? All these people from different countrys and cultures ruining your lifestyle...don't put up with it I say, move your kids to an all white all British private school so they won't ever learn anything about how the outside world really works...and grow up just like you! :rolleyes:

[mini cooper]

Harry has a point, many people want to get their kids into a typically English school as they perceive them to be the best partly due to the structure, the standards, the curriculum, the sports, the teachers etc. In the past some English schools (rightly or wrongly) only let you join if you had an UK passport. That in reality kept the school free from outside influences as everyone there was thinking along the same lines.

Now there seem to be lots of 'English' schools but they are less restrictive about who joins, hence a large number of children from rich arab families and rich sub continent families who join. Once in however the families seem to want to change the English schools structure, the standards, the curriculum etc to reflect their cultures and backgrounds which seems at odds to the schools fundamental principles. (It happens like this in the UK too - but that is too massive a topic to touch on now!). Some schools I would say are more affected i.e. JPS, JESS some less so i.e. English College, Dubai College.

Obviously we all want the best for our kids but it is strange that traditional Arabic families do not send their kids to traditional arabic schools with the standard arabic curriculum and likewise the Indian families do not like the standard Indian schools and their teaching methods. One can only summarize that they want better schooling for their kids, it is a pity though they can't leave the schools alone to do the job they are supposed to do!
(ps Arabic is still compulsory I think in the primary schools.)

[vfenext]

I didn't go to an English school, but I did learn to spell xenophobia.

[BigGeordie]

I don't see the problem with what Harry is getting at. If you are British and planning on returning to the UK at some point your children will have to go to shcool there. If they have been to an "English" school in Dubai surely that will make the transition easier?

[vfenext]

He wasn't talking about English schools, just JESS.

[XIVIL4DEP]

Wow .... Such resentment to "non-English" children attending your kids schools!

I am not English but I can speak English and I agree with the earlier post .... The word "Xenophobia" springs to mind mate.
:=

[vfenext]

Obviously we all want the best for our kids but it is strange that traditional Arabic families do not send their kids to traditional arabic schools TOSH!
Mini Cooper, good old English brand. But isn't it owned by BMW now? Oh dear upstaged by the dreaded Germans again. Isn't there a factory in China? On crap upstaged by the Chinese too. How did it all come to this? Bring back the Empire. NOT.

[harry the cod]

We don't need to bring back the empire my friend....there are enough people out there desperate for a taste of best of Britain.That's why the Krauts bought the brand, including RR and Bentley. It's why the jinglies own Jaguar/Land Rover and the Chinks own MG brand. Kraft have Cadburys, Carnival cruise line own Cunard and so the list goes on and on........

And it's why so many non British passport holders want to get their kids into JESS. An English curriculum school with British teachers. And as for the reference to 'all white kids', there's a difference between being xenophobic and racist. For the record, i'm neither but if I wanted to send my kids to a heavily mixed race school, I would have sent them to Bradford in North England. Only problem is they don't speak Urdu. :mad:

By the way coaster, my kids are probably more educated regarding cultures, foreign travel AND how 'the real World works' than the millions of US kids who think the Middle East is somewhere East of the Mid West. And as Emirates kindly allows me to make a contribution so that I feel part of their education, I shall decide by whom and where that 'education' takes place.

Harry

[vfenext]

Harry, always nice to hear logic from a broad minded white supremacist. Your kids must be very proud. The sun set on your kind a long time ago.

[Left Coaster]

Please be advised that the class system so beloved by those who have a need to feel entitled and superior died in the Post Victorian era...for most...there are still a few out there who feel it's a good thing to place people beneath them so as to feel better about the inbreeding and shallowing of their gene pool by the xenophobic and racist class system they so love. Having said that, time will tell who wins this little spat over "my kids are better n your kids" because along with a good education for our children, goes good parenting, you know, setting a good example...sadly, your offspring may end up with a slanted view on the real world and no doubt will be left behind by those who actually understand real culture, not the xenophobic rubbish spouted here...I seriously wish you good fortune raising your family, from what I see they're gonna need it...

[glofish]

I think you're barking up the wrong tree, Harry has a point.

Nothing racist or xenophobic here.

If you want a British curriculum, that's what you should get, nothing more but nothing less.

Try implementing Christian religion class in an Arabic school, or try treating and grading all pupils equally, through all casts, in an Indian school.

You'll be in for a surprise.

I am not criticizing any system, but as Harry, I'd like to get what I ordered.

The choice is yours, but it basically needs to represent what's on the label and stay that way.

[BigGeordie]

I agree with glofish. Harry isn't saying he doesn't want "non-white" or "non-British" kids in his school (well, I don't think he is!), he just wants the education system he paid for. His money, his choice. Can't see a problem.

[harry the cod]

That's exactly what i'm saying. Varmint, where did I mention that certain nationalities were uneducated or unworthy to attend the school? The school's major requirement was for a British passport holder. It was based on giving priority for British families so that in the event of a family returning home, their children could intergrate into the UK education system. What's unfair or bigoted about that? Now, more of these sought after places are being taken by people with some serious money who are buying their children a place into the school at the expense of children who are probably higher up the waiting list! Maybachs, Rolls Royce dropheads, Panamera turbos...... no brit passport holders driving these cars my friends.

The reason why the school is so popular is based on its 'outstanding' grading from the school inspectors. I don't care what colour children go there, just so long as it's fair. Please, do not put words into my mouth, misquote me or think for one minute my children are bigoted. They are far from it and neither me nor my wife would allow it. EVER!

Judging by the replies, you wonder who are the real racist and xenophobic posters amongst us. As the Victorian era ended many years ago, is it not time that some of you removed those large chips that you still carry around? :suspect:

Harry

[vfenext]

So using terms like Jinglie, Chink and Kraut are not signs of a racist? You do live in a strange world Harry, and wherever it is I don't want the passport.
FYI under the terms of use on Pprune you are way out of line. Here's an extract. You may not use....
.Strong, vulgar, obscene or otherwise harmful language,
Racially, ethnically or otherwise, objectionable language,

[harry the cod]

No, they are not a sign of racism.

They are slang terms for describing nationalities based on many years of observations. We are all guilty of occassionally using them but most of us are educated enough not to use these terms when in the company of such people. Unless it's a bit of banter on a forum such as this. If you claim to have never used any of these terms before..... I'll tell you to your face that you're a liar so stop trying to **** stir and be so bloody PC.

PAKI is short for Pakistani, black Americans can still refer to themselves as niggers, white Americans can't. Spics are Hispanics, Welsh are taffs, Brits are referred to as poms by the Aussies, Limeys by the yanks and roast beef by the French. We return the compliment by calling them frogs. And so it goes on.

We're taking about Schools here so please stop the thread creep and answer my question regarding the fairness of people buying their way in.

Harry

[Machspeed]

So I'm heading to Dubai next week for the stage 3, final EK interview. Coming with me is my wife and both young kids. One of the #1 factors will be the schools. We are going several days early to tour some of the schools and evaluate the where and how.

I've heard that there is a waiting list for English schools. We might not be bringing the family over full-time until there is a slot open for our kids.

Are there any suggestions of schools we should check out while we are there?

:confused::confused:

[vfenext]

PAKI is short for Pakistani, black Americans can still refer to themselves as niggers, white Americans can't. Spics are Hispanics, Welsh are taffs, Brits are referred to as poms by the Aussies, Limeys by the yanks and roast beef by the French. We return the compliment by calling them frogs.
I would love to be there next time you use these insulting terms to somebody's face. But not only being a racist but a coward too, I doubt you'd have the balls. Try calling your next hispanic crew member a Spic and see what happens. If they report you it's the door, simple as that and deserved too. Harry, when you're in a hole stop digging and stop trying to justify being a complete idiot.

[Machspeed]

Thanks Varmint,
That helps a lot!!:)

[Wizofoz]

vfe,

I'd love to see YOU make THOSE remarks to Harrys face.

Coward?

Pot, Kettle, Black......

[vfenext]

I have no problem making them to his face. Question is which face? Maybe both of them!

[harry the cod]

vfenext

If you read my post you'll see that I would never use any of these terms directly. I think you've decided to make an issue of this when one doesn't exist. You obviously have some kind of hang up or issue which you feel i'm perpetuating through my use of 'innapropriate terminolgy'. I'm not prepared to continue this pointless argument so feel free to get the last word word in.

Before you do, consider this. If I were a true bigot and a racist, would I not be holed up in some green place that was forever England? Would I have really given up a well paid left seat career to join an Arabic airline? To live in the Middle East? To work and socialise alongside over 120 nationalities? To send my kids to a school in Dubai when they could board in the UK? Would I allow my children to have their African, Indian, Singaporean friends over for sleepovers? Would we have dinner parties with their parents? Would I use those terms to their faces? The answer is no to everything. Don't paint me to be something i'm not.


If I have offended anyone by my slang, than I apologise. For the majority who are less sensitive, can we please get back to the subject.

Harry

[Left Coaster]

Whoa! Easy there Fack5...wouldn't want to see you drown in all that "foam"! :ooh:

[Saltaire]

Best of luck trying to avoid folks from India and Pakistan in Dubai ! The owner of the Gems operation is Indian...Not that I completely disagree with Harry, some nationalities, see above, do tend to buy their way into a better life. ( Can you blame them ) I think a boarding school back home is likely the ultimate solution Harry. Dubai is getting bigger and the good ole days of exculsion at JESS, Dubai College and the like, with vast majority british caucasion is long gone. However, I think a healthy balance is still available in most Dubai schools today.

As left coaster knows the pendulum can swing too far; just try and enrole your kids in the west side of Vancouver.... ESL ( english as second language ) can reach 70% of the population. Rich chinese buying up all the property and sending their kids to school... the changing face of a great city. Slow measured immigration is good, but too excess is problematic. If you could afford it leftie, would you send them to Magee with 7 of 10 chinese kids? Something to think about before you sound off...

But I do agree with L coaster, in that a racial balance is healthy. Keeping in mind everyone speaks the same language. When the balance swings too far, Vancouver west, and the UK example of Northern England for arguement sake, then you have some good reason to question immigration policies and completely agree. Living as an expat in Dubai? Accept the changes or move on, just like our management tell us !

Good advice from Varmint....JESS, GEMS, some of the independants and the American schools are all good choices. In some cases the extra money is worth the price of admission. I still think Dubai schools offer a very good education. Good luck.

[Left Coaster]

Thanks Salty...(you're on to me!) Worrying though, about Harry's judgement..he left a left seat in Blighty to join EK? I know I'll hear bout this later, but why leave a job there for the stress of living here Harry? The idea makes me curious...at any rate, Harry is free to think his way and I am free to think mine, it's what makes this a free world. It's the public expression of racist thoughts and ideas that needs addressing. There are protections in place to limit hateful actions in many countries including the UAE and the UK. Choices allow, for those who can afford it, to place their children into a better school than others if they feel it to be an advantage...it's what any parent who cares about the education of their child would do. If Harry or others here can afford it, they are free to make that move as well. To complain and point fingers at those who choose to improve life and then call it unfair is simply sour grapes. Saltaire knows what he's talking about, yet I need to say that the schooling (even in that part of the west) is public and paid for by taxes, they cannot pick and choose who attends. It's worth remembering that the country I come from was populated by many Asian and South Asian families long before many of us were even a glint in our Daddy's eyes...it has a lot to do with how our country was built...LC

[hercrat]

“yet I need to say that the schooling (even in that part of the west) is public and paid for by taxes, they cannot pick and choose who attends.”
.......................

Actually, there are numerous independent schools on the west side of Vancouver - one of the reasons why Asians(who can afford it) choose the west side.

And for those Canucks that may eventually return to this part of the world with school age children here is the 2009/2010 year Fraser Institute school ratings:

Compare academic rankings and ratings of British Columbia schools (http://britishcolumbia.compareschoolrankings.org/secondary/SchoolsByArea.aspx)


..............

I am curious. How does DESS fit into the mix these days? Our youngster attended DESS in the mid/late nineties. But Dubai was a much different place then.

[White Knight]

Well said Harry.......................................

And now; Jerusalem. My favourite hymn:ok::ok:

[BYMONEK]

Left Coaster

Slightly off topic again but something you commented on. Personally, I can't see what the big deal is over leaving a left seat to join another airline right seat. Plenty of people have done it and have successfully transitioned back to the left seat later .It comes down to a simple matter of two things. Job security and quality of life. Why stay at a Company, regardless of what seat you sit in, if either of the above is a major issue and other options are available?

Staying put and remaining unhappy for the next 25 years would be the poor judgement. I don't know the specifics or reasons why others leave but in my case, joining EK was the best decision I made. And it was from the UK too!

[millerscourt]

Well you were ex Orion so no surprise there:p

[Left Coaster]

BYMONEK.
Obviously it will be a personal choice to leave any job and country and live overseas...my point is only do it if you feel you have to...chasing tin and lifestyle works for some but not most, as evident on this website (Careful what you wish for.). It worked for us, but it was a longer road...glad it worked for you.

[Macrohard]

Dubai schools (http://www.dubaifaqs.com/schools-dubai.php)

Some of the info is old, but it gives you the contact details etc

[NorthCountryBoy76]

The website speaks of a contribution towards school fees. Can someone let me know what this figure is and how far it gets you as a contribution.
Many thanks