Registering our children to Saudi School - Registration Form at Mariya International School

Backdated post Dated : 3rd June 2015 (Wednesday)


So, we finally received our children's assessment result and alhamdulillah they have passed the test. So now, time to register. We went to school to get the registration form and seek the necessary information that we need to know with regards to the school, our children's needs, school requirements, etc. 


There are a few part of the form which as usual the Letter of Undertaking, parents and children's particulars, medical report, school bus (do not have to fill this up if the children is going to school by private transport i.e by parents etc.)


After all the information are ready, we then submitted the forms together with medical reports. I will share below the registration forms and what not for references. Will also share the medical procedures taken for school entry undergone by my children.


Lot's of Love,
Nor Farihan Mohd Yatim
Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Assessment Test for School Admission

Backdated post dated : 3rd June 2015


Since we are new to the school, my children had to be put under assessment test before they could enter any International school here in Saudi. After the result of pre-screening is out, then only the children will be allowed to register for the school.


We initially pre-select AL-Moattasem to send our children and wanted to book for screening test. But since their pre-screening test was supposed to be the week after. We then went to Mariya International school and get to book the screening test a few days after going there.


My children's assessment test at Mariya International School was scheduled at 10.50 am. Went out as early as 9.30 am from the house to make sure that we reached the school on time.  

Faiq was put thru Level 1 test even though he should by right be place for level 2. Why? because remember that we arrived end January and we get to have our Iqama in April. Since Faiq did not have any Level 1 school certificate, so he had to go thru Level 1 test instead. Schools in Saudi, similar to the ones in the UK starts in the Autumn around September each year.   

Fatini was put thru for Level KG3 (kindergarten 3) assessment test. Note also that children who is born after June will be put on higher level compared to  their peer who was born on the same year but before June. I am not sure is such rulings applies but that too took part on the selection of school children's level. In Malaysia school system starts in January and finishes around November each year. 


The differences between Saudi and Malaysia is the one that made Faiq loses 1 year. Well, if he is in Malaysia he is still the same as his peers since schools starts in September but unlike Fatini, she is advanced 1 year than her other peers of her same age in Malaysia. What the heck that I am mumbling about?! It is just levels. As long as the children gets to learn at school it is fine already, right? Which school, what level that they are admissioned into does not matter as long at the are doing OK and blends well at schools. 


Here is the scene at the screening hall and registration area. Parents were waiting outside for the children. I also observed that there are lot of Saudian parents at the registration area. It is good that most Saudis are more open now and start sending their children to International schools to tighten up the English.


Result are out the week after. If the children passes the test, then their parents could come to the Admission and Finance office for fees payment and register straight away. I will update in my next post on the registration part.


Lot's of Love,
Nor Farihan Mohd Yatim

Inside the screening test hall where Faiq and Fatini took their assessment test. 

Baby's 1st Day at Playschool - Smart Zone Jubail

Backdated Post Date : 3rd May 2015


The other day after her 1st shooling day at Smart Zone. Where's Faiq? Sleeping. And those scratches on her face was when she played with faiq. It was minor actually but my Fatini keeps on touching the area and the scar widened.


Was it hard for Fatini to go to her school? Yes, initially especially when her brother get to stay at home and she had to go to school. But later on as she enjoys her school, plus she get to play with schoolmates, learning new things; getting her up early for school is no longer difficult.


May you grow up to be independent, genius, pious, successful, knowledgeable leader dear child. Lot's of love from mommy.

Choices of International School in Jubail

Backdated post originally dated: 30th May 2015 (Sunday)


Amongst the school choices available which is near to us living in Jubail City is Al-Moattasem International School and Mariya International School. There are also many other international schools available here in Al-Jubail such as Pakistan international school to name a few and public schools too. But public Arabic school is definitely out from the equation as the medium is in Arabic. Amongst the famous international schools in Al-Jubail  are ISG International School and Al- Hussan International School (GIS) but these 2 school are located in Royal Commission area which is far from our home.



School fees varied depending on schools with ISG and GIS school having the highest school fees per student. And the fees may varied depending on the gender and which level the student is too. We do not get education coverage for our children in my husband's benefit package (since we do not know how huge the fees are like in Saudi, so we do not demand this). Normally those who sent their children to ISG or GIS are those with education coverage and their companies borne all education costs including stationeries etc. So lesson learnt here, please please please make sure that you insist for Education coverage when applying to work in Saudi or any international school if you are an expat working outside Malaysia. Education fees for international school especially here in Saudi are very high.


We settles down with either choosing Mariya Int. School or AL-Moattasem Int. school. as the school fees are reasonable Both schools are well known with quite a lot of Malaysian, Egyptions sending their children there too. Went to their admission office for enquiries about their system.


I will post about the screening system and registration for my children in separate post. 

Pictures at Al-Moattasem International School

Pictures of Mariya International School