With a diverse and global community, the richness of language learning remains an important feature of our school. Offering five language options in addition to English and Arabic, our children can choose from one of four additional languages from Year 3 of the Primary phase. In primary we offer French, Spanish, German and Mandarin. In secondary, students choose 2 languages with Italian being added to these options. These languages are taught as a second language but we do try to accommodate first language learners.

All of our language programmes aim to improve the students’ language learning skills by developing their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, writing and performing whilst harnessing the diversity of the student body. There is a direct link to global and cultural awareness as part of the school overarching curriculum and our language programme further supports the possibilities for cultural exchange and overseas trips.

Sports

Hartland International School offers a variety of competitive and recreational sporting opportunities for all students. We strongly promote the virtues of an active lifestyle, not just for the physical benefits, but for the qualities that it instils such as resilience, teamwork and self-discipline. Whether enjoying one of our many exciting enrichment activities such as Skiing or Horse Riding or representing the school on the sports field, there is something for everyone.

Competitive Sport

The school sports calendar in Dubai is split into three terms, with different sports and leagues taking place in each. Students begin their competitive sporting journey in Year 3 (u8 level) and continue through to Year 13 (u19 level). Training sessions take place during enrichment time after school, although for some sports, students will train in the morning before lessons begin. Competitions and fixtures take place after lessons, with schools hosting and travelling to games. The competitive sports season begins in mid-October as the weather cools and concludes in July.

Hartland International School currently competes in the following sports:

Team

• Football
• Basketball
• Rugby
• Cricket

Individual

• Biathlon
• Cross Country
• Athletics
• Swimming
• Golf

Recreational and Non-Competitive Sports and Activities

Through the school enrichment programme, there are also several non-competitive wellbeing and sporting activities for students to select from. Some of these activities take place out with the school, taking advantage of some of the incredible facilities and opportunities offered within Dubai. Current activities on offer include:

• Dance
• Yoga
• Sailing
• Skiing
• Martial Arts
• Gymnastics
• Circuit Training

In a fast paced world, it is crucial that we develop and explore technologies across the curriculum.  Whether that is through the specialist delivery of Design and Technology from Year 2 or through Computational Thinking from Year 1, our students are encouraged to think beyond limits. Innovation forms part of the UAE Vision 2021 and as part of the National Agenda, we promote innovation through meaningful learning opportunities with elements of research, exploration, risk taking and critical thinking. The application of skills throughout the curriculum in this way, ensures that our children are ready for the change in the world that is inevitable with new and exciting technologies.

At Hartland, we know that the learning experience does not begin and end in the classroom. We thrive to make ensure that the school experience is as varied, diverse and interesting as possible, introducing students to many different facets of life.  Trips and visits play an ever increasing role in the education of our young people and support the curriculum and social development of our children.  Such trips can range from visits to local sights of interest, attendance at innovation conferences or overnight stays at desert camps.  A range of overseas trips are also on offer for older children with recognized school tour operators.

Community service is one of Hartland’s core values and we strive to ensure that all children are aware of the importance of helping others and making a difference. With privilege comes responsibility and we encourage all of our children to act responsibly as citizens of Dubai, the UAE and the wider world. Whether your Enrichment choices find you in our “Random Acts of Kindness Club”, in “Rights and Responsibilities Club” or in our Environment Club, as a Hartland student you will become aware of your indebtedness to society and the change that you can bring to the world for the betterment of all.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, operating in over 160 countries and territories around the globe. Since the award was launched by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh 65 years ago, over 13 million young people have participated in the Award.

It is a prestigious award, highly valued by universities and employers alike, as it requires an individual to demonstrate a well-rounded set of skills that they have gained outside the classroom. Students gain hard and soft skills that they might not have previously been exposed to such as navigation, cooking, camping, perseverance, independence, confidence, self-sufficiency, and an opportunity to experience something new.