An overview of Foremarke School in Al Barsha

Words by BSBG Media Team, Thursday 07 August 2014

Emulating the template of this well established, independent British preparatory school, Foremarke UK is now seeking to continue its educational excellence in the UAE.

“Foremarke School is like every child: unique and proud to be so.”

The very first Foremarke School, which was set up in England in 1940, began with only eight male pupils, however by the end of the Second World War over 100 boys were attending. Since then the school has grown, not only physically and in (male and female) numbers, but also in its reputation as one of the leading co-educational day and boarding schools in the UK.

Making a mark on Dubai

As the first Foremarke School to be built in Dubai, high standards were expected from the very beginning. So far, with construction and fit out well underway, the quality of the building has become very much apparent.

The Phase 1 Foundation School building is already completed, having opened in September 2013, and at the time of going to press the Phase 2 Junior Building is 95% complete. In addition to the Junior School building, Phase 2 also includes a central courtyard with two mini football pitches and a separate netball court, as well as rooftop tennis courts and cricket practice areas. There is great excitement from pupils, staff and parents alike in anticipation of this completed educational nirvana for the children, which will benefit them educationally, physically and socially.

External campus

With circa 225,000 ft² of built up area completed for Phases 1 & 2 (excluding the Junior School roof where tennis and cricket areas are located), a further 18,000 ft² is planned for Phase 3. This will see the addition of a new two-storey dining hall for the Foundation School, an amenities building which will house changing and shower rooms with direct access to two new grass sports fields, as well as two purpose-built swimming pools for both age groups. The pools will benefit from a heating and cooling system, providing all year round access for swimming classes and events.

External floodlights are planned for the netball court and sports fields which will allow for morning, daytime and after school use. The netball court, both pools and open air viewing gallery on the amenities building roof will each be sufficiently protected from the elements by fabric canopies, thus ensuring pupils can participate comfortably and parents are able to watch sporting events from the comfort of a shaded seating area.

As sports play a key part in the physical development of all children, the school has provided the best possible opportunities for all pupils with a range of top class facilities throughout the school, including the following:

- A 25 metre length competition standard pool for the Junior School children;
- A smaller pool for Foundation children to learn in;
- Three netball courts and tennis courts (the majority of which are located on the roof and surrounded by protective netting);
- Two junior cricket fields, one with a grass wicket and the other located on the rooftop;
- Two mini football pitches within the central courtyard;
- Two larger grass pitches proposed as part of the Phase 3 works.

Internal layout

Internally, there are three multipurpose sports halls, one studio for a variety of events, and an indoor cricket practice area. There is a huge emphasis placed on physical activity and team sports by Foremarke, who know that their children can learn valuable lessons both from winning as a team, but also by experiencing the disappointment of losing in competitive events.

Client feedback

The following is an extract from the school’s own website, and quoting directly from the end user of any building is generally a perfect way to gauge the functionality and performance of any project:

“We have provided exceptional facilities for academics, extra-curricular activities and sports. Each building is designed and built specifically for the age group it will house. The Foundation School building is totally segregated from the Prep School building and has its own entrance and car parking.

"We believe the building is second to none in Dubai; no expense has been spared on the finish and the school has been built to last. We have very large classrooms and spacious circulation areas, which combined with a low pupil to teacher ratio, allows us to provide the very best educational experience for all our pupils.” ~ www.foremarkedubai.org

As the school nears completion, and with Phase 3 due to commence shortly, the signs so far are extremely positive that the future of their children is in very safe hands.

BSBG Media Team

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