The Power of After-School Activities in Primary School at SISD

We believe after-school activities (ASAs) are an essential part of a well-rounded education. Here is what that looks like in our Primary school, and why it matters for your child.

What Are After-School Activities at SISD?

Our ASA programme has two parts, and each one opens a different door for your child.

Internal SISD ASAs

SISD teachers lead these activities. They are free, although some activities may ask for a small contribution towards equipment. Each student can join up to two SISD ASAs a week, and they run from Tuesday to Thursday in Primary.

External ASAs by STRYX Clubs

These run on campus, and external providers from STRYX Sports lead each session. They carry an extra fee, and students can join as many as they like.
Together, they give your child a free, teacher-led starting point, with more choice if they want it.

Why After-School Activities Matter in Primary

Primary school is when children start to explore their interests. After the last lesson, they get space to try something new, at their own pace, with the right guidance and support.

They make friends too. Clubs bring together students from different grades, so your child meets new faces and builds friendships beyond their own class. That sense of togetherness helps every child feel part of the community.

At SISD, we encourage every child to aim for excellence. When a child enjoys what they do, they want to get better at it. Teamwork, patience, problem solving and confidence follow, and children carry them back into the classroom the next morning.

Something for Every Child

Walk through our Primary school after the last bell rings, and you will find a club for every child. Some head for the stage, some for the STEAM clubs, and others for a quiet space to slow down. Every club builds developmental skills and incredible experiences – both in and beyond our IB programmes – nurturin the character and skills our students need to thrive. 

• Arts and performance
  Juilliard Juniors and Juilliard Seniors introduce children to music, dance and drama. We designed them in collaboration with the Juilliard School, and no experience is needed. Children who prefer quieter creativity can join Smart Sketchers, where they follow step-by-step drawing videos. The drawings get more challenging over time, so children build listening skills, self-management and confidence as they improve.

• STEAM and thinking skills
  The STEAM and Innovation Club has children explore science, technology, engineering, arts and maths. Mathletes turns puzzles, challenges and games into stronger analytical thinking. Brain Builders uses board games to teach memory, teamwork and resilience. In Debate Club, older Primary students practise public speaking, critical thinking and how to make their case.

• Languages and reading
  Bilingualism is part of everyday life at SISD, and Dubai is home to many languages. Our clubs reflect both. In Mini Authors (French), children write and illustrate their own story. The French Theatre Club has them act out scenes, and the German Reading Club builds a love of books. Arabic support clubs help both fluent and non-fluent speakers. Each one builds the communication skills children need to speak, read and write with confidence
  
  
• Wellbeing and life skills
  Our mindfulness clubs teach children simple breathing and calming habits. Inside Out helps older Primary students recognise their emotions, express them safely and use calming tools when things feel hard. Garden Club gives children hands-on time growing plants. These clubs add to our pastoral care and support student wellbeing every day.

• Sport and Competitive Teams
  For children who love to compete, the story continues out on the field. From Grade 2, students can try out for competitive teams led by SISD staff. They train regularly, play in inter-school competitions and represent SISD. Selection is by trial, and the commitment is high.

A Head Start on the IB Journey

SISD offers a complete IB education from Pre-K to Grade 12. ASAs are part of that journey.

In the IB Diploma, every student completes CAS, which stands for creativity, activity and service. The habits behind CAS start early. A child who performs, plays sport or looks after a garden is already building them.

Older students can also take on the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Open to Grades 8 to 12, it is a global framework that challenges young people to build new skills, improve their fitness, try adventure and volunteer in their community. Students who have spent their Primary years trying new things are ready for it.

How to Register

Current families can register for SISD ASAs through the SISD Parent App. Please download and set it up before registration opens. If you have trouble booking, email asa@sisd.ae.

Considering SISD for your child? Book a school tour and see our Primary school to start your journey with us.