Same Cambridge curriculum. A fraction of the fees.

Cambridge IGCSE Science subjects include a practical assessment component. DIS prepares students for the Cambridge Alternative to Practical (Paper 6 or equivalent), which assesses practical skills through written questions and data analysis rather than a physical lab. This route is a recognised Cambridge pathway and is available to independent candidates and online school students worldwide. Teachers walk students through experimental design, data interpretation, and method-evaluation skills across the full course — the same skills examined in the written practical paper. Students are not disadvantaged on their final grade by studying online, as the Alternative to Practical pathway is fully equivalent in the Cambridge grading system.

Yes. Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications are accepted by UAE universities, including those under ADEK and KHDA oversight, as well as universities across the UK, US, Europe, and the wider GCC. The qualification is issued by Cambridge Assessment International Education, not by the school — so the route of study, whether campus or online, does not affect the certificate. DIS students receive the same Cambridge certificate as any other candidate worldwide.

DIS students in the UAE sit their Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level examinations at approved Cambridge exam centres, including the British Council Dubai. DIS itself is not a Cambridge registered centre; the exam registration process runs through those approved centres. The DIS academic team guides students through the registration process well in advance of each exam series so there are no administrative surprises.

DIS classes run Monday to Friday on Gulf Standard Time, mirroring a standard UAE school week. The timetable is structured around GCC school hours, so there is no early-morning or late-evening compromise for families based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or elsewhere in the UAE. All 100-plus DIS teachers are GCC-based, so time-zone alignment is built into the model, not added as an afterthought.

DIS employs more than 100 postgraduate-qualified teachers who are based in the GCC. All hold relevant postgraduate qualifications, including PGCE and equivalent credentials, and are trained in Cambridge curriculum delivery. Class sizes at DIS run to 4 to 6 students per live session, which means each teacher engages with every student in every class. The student-to-teacher ratio at DIS is structurally smaller than in a typical campus school classroom of 24 to 28 students.

Yes. DIS accepts mid-year enrolments. The team will review your child's current year group, subject choices, and any Cambridge coursework already completed to align the transition as smoothly as possible. Because DIS follows the Cambridge syllabus from the same starting points as campus schools, a student moving from East Point Indian International School or any other British or Cambridge-aligned school can typically pick up their subjects without repeating material. Contact us to discuss your child's specific year group and timeline.

Cambridge IGCSE Sciences at DIS are taught by subject-specialist teachers across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The practical assessment is delivered through the Cambridge Alternative to Practical pathway. This involves written papers that examine students on their ability to plan experiments, interpret data, and evaluate methods — the same core skills required in a physical lab context. DIS teachers use structured problem sets, virtual simulations, and past-paper practice to build these skills over the full course. The Alternative to Practical is a standard Cambridge option and does not restrict a student's final grade band.

DIS charges AED 500 per month for Cambridge IGCSE-level programmes and AED 800 per month for Cambridge A-Level programmes. Both fees cover all subjects — there are no per-subject charges, no registration add-ons, and no separate resource fees. Students get full access to live classes on a fixed timetable, the DIS learning management platform, a resource library, assignment tracking, and direct instructor messaging. There is no lock-in contract, and families can cancel at any time.

Social development at DIS happens in two ways. Inside the classroom, live sessions with 4 to 6 students create a close-knit group dynamic — students interact with their teacher and peers in every class. Outside school hours, DIS students live in the same UAE communities as any other child and can access in-person clubs, sport, arts, and community activities without restriction. Because the DIS school day ends without a commute, students typically have more real after-school time for in-person activities than peers at campus schools.

Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level certificates are issued by Cambridge Assessment International Education and carry the same weight regardless of whether the student attended a campus school or studied through an online school such as DIS. UK universities, US colleges via the Common App, and universities across Europe and the GCC all accept Cambridge qualifications on their standard entry requirements. DIS provides predicted grades and academic references in the UCAS format for students applying to UK universities.

Students need a reliable broadband connection, a laptop or desktop computer with a working camera and microphone, and a modern web browser. A tablet can supplement but is not recommended as the primary device for live lessons. DIS classes run on the proprietary DIS platform, which is browser-based and does not require additional software installation. The DIS team provides a setup checklist at enrolment and can troubleshoot connectivity issues before the first live session.

Yes. Students who have studied at DIS can transfer to a physical school at any point. Because DIS follows the Cambridge curriculum and issues standard academic records, predicted grades, and Cambridge exam results, the transition to a brick-and-mortar school is straightforward. Many families use DIS for a specific period, such as the IGCSE years, before transitioning to a campus sixth form, or vice versa. DIS can provide any documentation a receiving school requires.