FAQs

Who is SABIS^®?

SABIS^® is a global educational network with a long history that dates back to 1886. Today, SABIS^® schools are present in 21 countries, on 5 continents, providing students with a top-quality international education through the implementation of the SABIS^® Educational System, a 360° approach to education that places students on the path to success. Students educated in the SABIS^® Network have a long track record of acceptance to top universities worldwide.

 

What is the SABIS^® educational philosophy?

The SABIS^® Philosophy is based on three important tenets. SABIS^® believes that:

• A university education should be accessible to almost all students, not only a select few.
• Admission to any SABIS^® school should be conducted through a non-selective admissions process.
• The success of a school should be measured by the value it adds to each student.

 

What are the SABIS^® Core Values?

The SABIS^® core values support the achievement of high standards and include:

• Practicing Honesty and Integrity
• Upholding Our Principles at All Costs and at All Times
• Continually Improving and Never Becoming Complacent
• Emphasizing Quality at All Times
• Making a Difference
• Recognizing and Rewarding Efficiency, Loyalty, and Commitment

 

What is the SABIS^® Educational System?

As a member of the SABIS^® Network, ISC-Dream City follows the SABIS^® Educational System, a comprehensive, college-preparatory program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to reach their full potential and become successful, global citizens.

The SABIS^® Educational System has proven itself over the past 135+ years (since 1886) and is built on 6 important pillars: the SABIS^® Curriculum, the SABIS^® Book Series, the SABIS^® teaching methods, the SABIS^® Testing and Monitoring, the SABIS^® Follow-up and Support, and the SABIS^® Student Life Organization.

 

Can you tell me more about the first SABIS^® pillar: The Curriculum ?

Students in SABIS^® schools follow a dynamic, rigorous, international curriculum that gives them the strong foundation of knowledge and skills they will need to achieve future success.

The curriculum is aligned to both national and international standards and prepares students for local as well as internationally recognized standardized examinations, such as the American-based Advanced Placement^® (AP^®), TOEFL, and SAT as well as the British-based IGCSE and AS/A Level exams. This allows students to apply to local universities as well as international universities around the world.

 

Can you tell me more about the second SABIS^® pillar: The SABIS^® Book Series?

Students in all SABIS^® schools use books that have been specifically written and developed for them. This allows them to follow a natural, sequential progression as they build their knowledge base.

The SABIS^® Book Series is specifically tailored for every grade level and subject and is aligned with national and international requirements, effectively preparing students for a wide range of external examinations.

The SABIS^® Book Series includes over 2,800 titles in both electronic (E-books) and traditional formats. The electronic format allows our students to use the technological systems to improve their learning in and outside of school.

 

Can you tell me more about the third SABIS^® pillar: The SABIS^® Teaching Methods?

Teachers in all SABIS^® schools deliver their lessons using the SABIS^® Point System of instruction, which is a proven instructional method that keeps students engaged and learning efficiently, through the use of interactive flipcharts, paced content, and the Integrated Learning System (ILS).

Every instructional period has distinct learning objectives to be met and includes opportunities for students to work independently and in groups under their teacher's guidance.

 

Can you tell me more about the fourth SABIS^® pillar: Testing and Monitoring?

SABIS^® schools use regular assessments to help students build a solid foundation of knowledge, particularly in the subjects of English and math. In SABIS^®, what we teach in one week, we test in the next.

Informative and summative examinations occur regularly throughout the school year, mainly AMS and Periodic exams. Exams are generally computer-based, using the SABIS^® Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL).

 

Can you tell me more about the fifth SABIS^® pillar: The SABIS^® Follow-up and Support?

The progress of every student is continuously monitored through a series of regular tests. In addition to praise and encouragement, students are given the support they need. All available means are used to help students who fall behind. Students are advised on study techniques, motivated by the academic staff, and encouraged by receiving help from peer tutors or teachers.

 

Can you tell me more about the sixth SABIS^® pillar: The SABIS^® Student Life Organization?

Students in SABIS^® schools are encouraged to take an active part in their school and lead an engaging and meaningful social life. This is done through the SABIS^® Student Life Organization or SLO, which is the beating heart of every SABIS^® school.

Through the SABIS^® SLO, students benefit from many opportunities for academic, emotional, social, and moral growth. Students also develop essential 21^st-century skills through real-life experiences.

When did ISC-Dream City open and for what grades?

The International School of Choueifat - Dream City (ISC-Dream City) first opened its doors in September 2012 to students in Kindergarten through Grade 1. The school currently accepts students from KG 1 to Grade 4.

Once our students complete Grade 4, they can easily transfer to ISC-Erbil, which is another SABIS^® school located near our campus, to continue the same top-quality, world-class SABIS^® education all the way through Grade 12.

 

Why should a parent choose ISC-Dream City?

As the world becomes more and more competitive, parents are more aware than ever of the importance of choosing the right school for their children. By choosing ISC-Dream City, parents can rest assured that they have chosen a school that is committed to providing a top-quality education that helps all students achieve their full potential.

ISC-Dream City will offer your children an international education in a safe and nurturing environment. Our curriculum follows the local education regulations and international requirements, offering a fully integrated international program that allows students to choose to go to university locally or abroad.

For parents looking for a school that is close to home, our convenient location in Dream City allows a short commute. After completing Grade 4, our students can transfer to the nearby ISC-Erbil to continue their education through Grade 12. Parents can rest assured that their child will receive the same top-quality education through the same SABIS^® curriculum and teaching methodologies.

 

What type of education does ISC-Dream City offer?

ISC-Dream City is a non-selective, co-educational, independent, English-medium day school that offers the world-class SABIS^® education to its students. It is a top-quality, international education that prepares students for university both domestically and internationally.

 

What is the academic calendar adopted at ISC-Dream City?

ISC-Dream City adopts an international academic calendar, whereby the academic calendar starts in September and ends in June. It covers approximately 35 weeks spread across 3 terms. Each term has End-of-Term summary academic results.

 

What does ISC-Dream City campus include?

ISC-Dream City is located on 100 Meter Street in the Dream City neighborhood in Erbil, Kurdistan, making it easily accessible inside the city and a short drive for many parents.

Our purpose-built campus provides students with the perfect setting to learn and grow. Our facilities include modern classrooms, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a cafeteria, a football pitch, a well-stocked library, a ballet room, science and computer laboratories, and a well-appointed indoor infant playroom.

 

Do students make use of technology at the school?

Students at ISC-Dream City have meaningful experiences with cutting-edge methods and technologies used to enhance the learning process, improve outcomes, and challenge the boundaries of traditional learning environments.

Information Technology is one of the main components of the SABIS^® Educational System that infiltrates every aspect of the ISC-Dream City school life. Examples of technology used by students on school premises include E-books, smart screens and accompanying lessons, tablets, and computerized exam halls.

 

Are international students well-integrated with other students?

Every student at ISC-Dream City is treated the same way regardless of their nationality, race, or gender. Opportunities are offered to all students, which support them tremendously when engaging in the local habits, culture, and language.

We believe everyone is part of our school community. Consequently, we work effectively to integrate every member equally. There are many activities and events that support this environment, and our SABIS^® Student Life Organization (SLO) makes sure of all that.

 

What are the regular security measures applied on campus?

We are very keen on keeping high standards of security and safety on our campus and we take the needed measures to ensure the well-being of our students and staff. Security guards are placed on all main gates 24/7, and security cameras are installed in areas where there is a need for surveillance (i.e. hallways, stairwells, entryways, outside areas, and other areas open to public view).

Students are not allowed to leave the school campus for any reason without the approval of the Administration. Parents wishing to pick up their children before the end of the school day must submit a request in advance. Students leaving early have to be collected by a pre-approved person assigned by their parent/guardian.

 

Who is the teaching staff comprised of ?

ISC-Dream City is an equal-opportunity employer, and our teaching staff is comprised of a diverse, international group of dedicated professionals. Every member of our teaching staff meets the requirements of the Ministry of Education.

Why is it important to register children in early education?

Our school prepares students for a bright future from the beginning. Registering students in Pre-KG and KG allows for a solid foundation for their linguistic and social development. From an early age, they learn how to be active and communicate. Doing so in a stuctured, fun environment gives them the best chance to succeed in school and beyond.

 

How does ISC-Dream City accommodate students' language needs?

We have an intensive language program that helps students develop their language skills within their proficiently level. Based on the results of their diagnostic tests, we will engage them on the path they need to improve as fast and as efficiently as possible through intense support within the classroom or pullout lessons.

Our curriculum enables students to develop fluency in English as a first language, and Kurdish/Arabic as a second/third language.

 

Is the academic curriculum at ISC-Dream City overloaded?

The SABIS^® curriculum adopted at our school is well-structured and comprehensive, and is aligned to national requirements and international standards. Right from the moment they step into school, our students enter a learning space that nurtures their sense of discovery. They engage in stimulating lessons and real-life expreiences that broaden their learning perspectives, enhance their academic performance, and challenge the boundaries of traditional learning environments.

The SABIS^® way of teaching in class, which is called the SABIS^® Point System, is an interactive and highly efficient step-by-step teaching method ensuring that all students are active participants in class, and not just spectators. In addition, it allows teachers to detect gaps and make sure that students reach mastery of every concept taught.

Students learn interactively rather than just listening to a teacher explaining a lesson. In each lesson, students have opportunities to work independently and in groups under their teacher's guidance, which helps keep them engaged and learning efficiently.

 

Why are ISC-Dream City students tested frequently throughout the year?

Continuous constructive assessments allow us to monitor student performance and pinpoint any gaps that need to be filled - this SABIS^® approach ensures targeted student support. Assessments serve as a learning process that develops students' ability to focus and sustain concentration for increasingly longer periods, while preparing them to successfully tackle difficult situations under pressure in university and beyond.

What is the SABIS^® SLO? How does it help develop the student's personality and skills?

The SABIS^® Student Life Organization (SLO) is a student-led mini-society that is the heart of every SABIS^® school and a main pillar of our Educational System. Through the organization's nine departments, students have the power to make a real difference in their school and their community.

SLO students at ISC-Dream City have the ability to organize academic and social events, host games and challenges, plan sports activities, explore new skills, help academic standards, start clubs, raise awareness on important subjects, stand up for important causes, and much more.

By taking on this active role, our students gain essential 21^st-century skills such as leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, independence, communication, teamwork, and many more. Through the SABIS^® SLO, students acquire and refine the skills, attitudes, and attributes that give them a huge advantage in the future.

 

What extracurricular activities does ISC-Dream City offer?

ISC-Dream City offers a variety of interesting extracurricular activities for all grade levels in conjunction with ISC-Erbil, including swimming, art, football, ballet, tennis, horseback riding, etc.

 

Why does ISC-Dream City place a high emphasis on school discipline?

ISC-Dream City is a caring community that strongly believes in the principles of respect, responsibility, and accountability. The goal of the disciplinary code is to foster future citizens of the world, who respect themselves and others and who are responsible members of our society. Our educational experience has shown us that, without structure and discipline, learning would become very difficult and not as beneficial.

 

What kind of events or trips are students involved in?

Throughout the year, ISC-Dream City holds a wide range of lively events. Our main annual school events include KG Fun Day, the Fall Festival, the School Concert, and more. Students also benefit from educational and recreational trips around Erbil.

Are students required to study at home? Does the school provide academic support if needed?

Daily study is an essential part of our curriculum. It is viral to do a daily revision of what has been taught during the school day.

If any learning gaps form, students are given the needed assistance through additional support channels at school. These channels include teacher-led study groups, peer tutoring, power study sessions, on-demand tutoring videos, and more.

 

How can parents keep track of their child's academic and non-academic progress?

Communication is integral to bind the students, parents, teachers, and administration into a team working toward a common goal. This is done through our school's free-of-charge digital apps and platforms: SABIS^® Digital Platform, SABIS^® Connect, and SABIS^® Parent app.

These tools are designed to help parents connect to the school environment and access comprehensive information about their children's timetable, academic performance, attendance and disciplinary records, and SLO contributions, while staying updated with the school's latest news, announcements, and events.

Parents are also encouraged to book an appointment with their child's Academic Quality Controller (AQC) for any important academic or non-academic matters, as the AQCs have a complete, objective, and impartial picture of all aspects of the child's life at school.

What happens after students complete Grade 4?

After our students complete Grade 4, they can seamlessly transfer to our nearby SABIS^® school, The International School of Choueifat - Erbil, where they will receive the same top-quality, world-class SABIS^® education all the way through Grade 12.

At ISC-Erbil, they will get to complete Middle School and High School and earn their High School Diploma, in addition to acquiring all the academics and skills they need for success in college and beyond.

Like all SABIS^® students, they will receive university counseling and be well-prepared to meet the admissions requirements of the most competitive universities, whether locally or abroad in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the rest of Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia.

 

What kind of universities are SABIS^® students accepted to?

Students educated in the SABIS^® Educational System have a long track record of securing acceptances and scholarships to some of the most prestigious universities worldwide. The sterling list includes Harvard University, Imperial College London, King's College London, McGill University, University of California, University of Toronto, and the University of Oxford, among many others.

How can I enroll my child at ISC-Dream City?

If you are interested in our school, we strongly recommend that you book an appointment to visit our campus, meet with our staff, and see our school in action. To book an appointment, please click here: Interest Form or contact our admissions team by phone at +964 750 373 9444 or by e-mail at admissions@iscdreamcity.sabis.net.

Once you have made the desicion to enroll your child, you will need to fill out an Application Form and provide required documents. For more details on the admissions process, please click here: Admissions Process

Upon the submission of the above documents, the school will then organize placement testing for Grade 1 and above.

 

Once my child is enrolled, do I have to re-register him/her passing to upper grades?

No, once your child successfully passes a grade based on their performance, they will automatically move on to the next grade level up until reaching Grade 4.

After Grade 4, if you wish to enroll your child in ISC-Erbil, which is another SABIS^® school located near our campus, we will help you in the process to have a smooth transition. There, your child will continue the same top-quality, world-class SABIS^® education all the way through Grade 12.