Curriculum Overview

United Private School – Al Amera (UPS) is an American curriculum school that follows the California State Standards. The school delivers a balanced, standards-based curriculum that promotes academic excellence, cultural identity, innovation, and holistic student development.
For Arabic, Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies, UPS implements the curriculum prescribed by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE). English Social Studies topics are carefully adapted to ensure cultural relevance while maintaining academic rigor and alignment with international standards.
United Private School – Al Amera proudly serves the communities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, offering a high-quality educational experience that prepares students for future academic and personal success.

Academic Framework

UPS adopts internationally recognized standards to ensure high-quality learning outcomes:
• Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English and Mathematics
• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science
The curriculum is skills-based and content-rich, focusing on developing students’ knowledge, competencies, and personal growth. It is clearly aligned with the school vision, Emirate priorities, and UAE national goals.

Curriculum Design and Enrichment

The UPS curriculum is designed to be broad, well-balanced, and supported by enriched and supplementary programs. It is regularly reviewed based on students’ achievements, aspirations, and national priorities.
Students are encouraged to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and apply learning to real-life contexts. In Mathematics and Science, learning is enhanced through project-based approaches that promote inquiry, innovation, and problem-solving.

Arabic and National Identity Subjects

In Arabic subjects, UPS follows MoE standards enriched with a skills-based approach to meet students’ diverse abilities and learning needs.
Students actively engage in group work, writing for comprehension, role-playing, and presentations to demonstrate understanding.
Islamic Education and Social Studies promote understanding of UAE culture, values, and Islamic principles through exhibitions, special events, and collaborative projects.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Cross-curricular links are innovatively planned and effectively managed to enhance the transfer of learning across subjects. All teachers are required to prepare at least one integrated lesson that links two or more subject areas.
This approach supports deeper understanding, creativity, and real-world application of knowledge.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teachers employ a wide range of student-centered and active learning strategies to ensure high levels of engagement and achievement, including:
• Flipped Learning
• WebQuest and ICT-based learning
• Micro-teaching
• Mind Mapping
• Discussion and Debate
• Storytelling and Role Play
• Learning by Doing (KWL, 5Es, and Kagan strategies)
• Fun-based learning for KG and early years
ICT is used effectively to enhance learning, encourage collaboration, and improve student engagement. Critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and independent learning are embedded across all classrooms.

Extracurricular Activities

The planned curriculum is enriched by a wide and stimulating extracurricular program that supports students’ talents, interests, and personal development, including:
• Art, drama, and music
• Sports such as football and chess
• Science, environment, and reading clubs
• Educational visits, science fairs, and scientific trips
• Debates and public speaking activities integrated with English, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies

Assessment and Student Progress

UPS has a clearly defined assessment policy designed to monitor progress and support continuous improvement:
• Formative and Summative Assessments
• Assessment for Learning (AfL) strategies
• Baseline assessments at the beginning of the academic year
• Detailed teacher feedback focusing on next steps for improvement
The school operates across three terms, with summative assessments conducted at the end of Term 1 and Term 3. Formative assessments contribute to end-of-term results.
Students also take MAP assessments to benchmark their performance internationally.

External and International Assessments

-Grade 12 students take EmSAT for admission to UAE universities.
-Grade 12 students also take SAT and IELTS to support international university admissions and global academic pathways.