Curriculum Overview - IHS Al Garhoud
DSIB Very Good - Curriculum Design
DSIB Very Good - KG Teaching & Assessment
CBSE | Al Garhoud | Dubai
Our Curriculum is designed for every child’s world
IHS Al Garhoud follows two interconnected curriculum frameworks across Pre-KG to Grade 4 - both developed or adopted by CBSE and fully compliant with UAE Ministry of Education requirements. Each framework is designed for the specific developmental stage of your child.
Pre-KG - KG2
Starting point
Play-based, inquiry-led learning. CBSE adopted from 2023–24. Covers literacy, numeracy, creative arts, physical and social development.
Grades 1 - 4
Al Garhoud Campus
Transition to more structured learning. For grades 1 and 2 - textbooks introduced alongside play and discovery. Core CBSE subjects begin. Grades 3 & 4 - Fully formal CBSE curriculum. Structured subject learning, NCERT-aligned content, external assessments.
Grade 5 and
Upward
Pathways ahead - The Indian High School, Oud Metha campus (IHS OMC) & The Indian International School, Dubai Silicon Oasis (IIS DSO)
Foundation Stage - Pre-KG to KG 2
Ages 3 to 6 | CBSE aligned National Curriculum
DSIB: The warm and nurturing classroom climate in KG fosters children's engagement in learning.
KG Teaching & Assessment: Very Good
Foundation Stage - Pre-KG to KG 2
Our Foundation Stage curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundation Stage (NCF-FS), adopted by the CBSE. At this stage, learning is rooted in play, inquiry and real-world exploration — because research consistently shows this is how children aged 3 to 6 learn best.
Every activity is purposefully designed. Every interaction builds something. The goal is not to rush children into formal learning — it is to build the deep foundations that make formal learning easier and more meaningful when it begins. At every stage, our parent community is closely involved in nurturing the growth of every child at IHS AGC.
Six learning domains
The NCF Foundation Stage organises learning across six interconnected domains.
Literacy & communication
Mathematical thinking
Understanding our world
Personal & social development
Health & physical development
Creative arts & expression
Primary - Grades 1 to 4
Ages 6 to 10 | MOE compliant CBSE Curriculum
DSIB: Very Good learning skills across Primary. Good attainment in English, Mathematics and Science
Primary - Grades 1 to 4
From Grade 1, children transition into the full CBSE curriculum framework – built on CBSE guidelines and UAE Ministry of Education requirements. The shift from Foundation Stage to Primary is gradual and carefully managed, ensuring children feel confident. At this learning stage, a wide range of extra-curricular activities , student wellbeing programs and creative and performing art events ensure that students develop social emotional skills while also focusing on the academics.
Across Grades 1 to 4, smooth year-on-year progression is built into our planning. Extended learning opportunities stretch students who are ready. Assessment-informed teaching ensures no child falls behind unnoticed.