Job Discussion Forums

[SaharaDesert]

Does AAES and Al Dhafra Private School have an
international student body ?
Are there lots of Emirati students ?

Which school has the better salary/benefits ?

[Tom Le Seelleur]

I can only comment on AAESS as my kids went there last year and I was on the board of governors.
The salaries are cometitive.
The teaching staff are committed and they are raising their standards.
The number of Emirati students is low as it is one of only a few international schools available
It will be opening a brand new block shortly
The life in Al Ain is a lot slower but there is plenty to do and see
Tom

[SaharaDesert]

Does this mean they will need to hire more teachers in the new block ?

Are they expanding ?

[Tom Le Seelleur]

All AAESS vacancies are advertised on TES (Times Educational Supplement)

[Sunburnt Individual]

Al Dhafra is about 25% Emirati. The student body is mostly Arab, but there are some North Americans. Almost all non-Arab westerners seem to send their kids to Al Ain English Speaking.

I'm under the impression that AAESS pays better.

[Zoot]

You know there is not a shred of comparison between these two, don't you? One is a typically middle-eastern run school and the other at least bears some shred of evidence of being run like a western school though the quality still bears no resemblance to one in my experience.

[Sunburnt Individual]

I work for Al Dhafra and so far my experience is positive. If you're looking at it as a parent, I would be satisfied. It is one of the better schools in Al Ain. Professionally, I am satisfied and am enjoying my time.

[ardiles81]

Have to beg to differ on salaries at AAESS Tom - depending of course on your understanding of competitive salaries are not brilliant. It is one of the main reasons for the revolving door in the staff room.

BTW the new primary block has just opened and looks OK.

[Iamherebecause]

I think AAESS pays better than other international schools in Al Ain if you are an overseas hire and fully qualified. But it compares unfavourably with the top schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (where you have the big city cost of living as well as a better work environment). No idea how it compares with any of these PPP, al Gaad etc options.

AAESS Primary School is good; the secondary school has had its ups and downs but is apparently on the up at the moment.

Al Dhafra has a reputation for students getting good exam results (they used to do British exams, don't know if they still do) without the, how shall I put it, idiosyncrasies of the Sabis/Choueifat system.

[Bklyngrl]

My children go to AAESS and I interviewed there. I love the school, am extremely pleased with the education my children are receiving and think it would be a great place to teach. The head of primary, Rachel R (MOD edit), is the most professional and kind principal I've known. I wanted to take the job just to work for her. I opted for an advisor position with Nord Anglia instead. Partly for the salary discrepancy, but mainly because I was ready for a change professionally--working in education but in a different capacity. The salary at AAESS is fixed and on par, if not slightly better than the other international schools in Al Ain.

(MOD: please avoid using names)

[Sunburnt Individual]

Al Dhafra is British curriculum until grade 8. From grade 9 you have to choose if you want American or British. Both courses are certified from their respective countries.

I would say it's one of the better schools, but that could be because it's huge. There are over 2,000 students, so it's got a few more options than some others. They've decided recently that they can't expand anymore, so I suspect entrance may become a bit more competitive in the future.