Specialist Subjects

Our Specialist Subjects

Our specialist provision includes:

• Physical Education
• Swimming
• Music
• Art (from Year 1)
• Computing (from Year 1)
• STEAM & Spark (from Year 1)
• Spanish (from Year 3)
• Arabic
• Islamic Studies

Physical Education & Swimming

Our Physical Education programme develops physical literacy, teamwork and resilience from Foundation through to Year 6. Pupils benefit from structured progression in fundamental movement, games and competitive sport.

Swimming forms a core part of our curriculum, ensuring pupils build water confidence, technique and personal safety skills within a carefully sequenced programme.

Music and Art

Specialist teaching in music and art encourages creativity, technical skill and self-expression. Pupils explore composition, performance and visual techniques while developing confidence in presentation and critique.

These subjects play an important role in developing cultural awareness, collaboration and imagination.

Computing & Digital Literacy

Computing at COA develops digital confidence, logical thinking and responsible online behaviour. Pupils build foundational coding knowledge, understand digital systems and learn to use technology creatively and safely.

Spanish

Spanish is introduced in KS2 as a modern foreign language to broaden linguistic awareness and cultural understanding. Pupils develop foundational speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through structured progression and interactive learning.

Our aim is to nurture confidence in communication while fostering curiosity about the wider world.

Arabic Language

Arabic is a valued and respected subject within our curriculum. Pupils develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through structured progression, enabling them to grow in linguistic confidence and cultural understanding.

Our aim is to ensure that pupils not only achieve academically, but develop pride and competence in the Arabic language.

Arabic holds a central place within our curriculum and within the cultural context of the UAE. Our aim is to ensure that pupils develop not only linguistic competence, but confidence and pride in their use of the language.

Through structured progression and engaging lessons, we support pupils to strengthen their speaking, reading and writing skills while deepening their appreciation of Arabic heritage and expression.

Language is identity, and we approach its teaching with both rigour and respect.

Mirna Hamie Head of Arabic

Islamic Studies

Islamic Studies supports pupils in developing knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Islamic principles, values and traditions. Lessons encourage reflection, moral reasoning and respectful dialogue within a safe and structured environment.

We approach Islamic education with care and professionalism, ensuring it is meaningful and relevant to pupils’ lived experiences.

Islamic Studies is provided for pupils of Muslim faith in accordance with UAE Ministry of Education requirements.

STEAM & SPARK

In Year 1, pupils are introduced to innovation through SPARK — an early foundation for future STEAM learning. SPARK encourages curiosity, creativity and structured problem-solving through hands-on exploration and guided design challenges.

This early introduction builds confidence in experimentation and collaboration, preparing pupils for more advanced STEAM learning as they progress through the school.

From Year 2 onwards, pupils engage in dedicated STEAM lessons, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics through applied projects and enquiry-based learning.

STEAM lessons encourage pupils to think critically, test ideas, refine solutions and communicate their reasoning with clarity — bridging knowledge and real-world application.

Frequently Asked Questions