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Dunya School

Azerbaijan, Baku

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Arabic
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, German, Russian
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction

Dunya School is an International Baccalaureate World School in Azerbaijan offering the IB PYP, MYP and DP. The school operates across Baku and Sumgayit and is affiliated with Khazar University, drawing on university resources and an international network. Instruction is delivered in Azerbaijani, Russian and English, with Azerbaijani language classes embedded in the PYP and a multilingual approach across the MYP and DP. The DP core comprises Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service, with six subject groups including Languages, Sciences, Mathematics and The Arts; students typically undertake a mix of Standard Level and Higher Level courses (SL 150 hours; HL 240 hours). Facilities include extensive laboratories, a large sports complex, an Art Studio, a library with multilingual holdings, and cultural spaces such as Nailəxanım Museum and Inciçiçəyi hall. A distinctive element is the FIRST Robotics Competition participation, alongside service learning and community engagement for students worldwide.

Bakı şəhəri, 9 Ajami Nakhchivani, Baku, Azerbaijan

The Essentials

Dunya School has 1,300 pupils, instruction in Arabic.

Location
The Dunya School is in Baku, Azerbaijan, at 9 Əcəmi Naxçıvani Avenue. The Baku campus is part of Khazar University Dunya School. There are additional campuses in Gəncə (Ganja) and Sumqayıt.

Stages
Preschool, primary and secondary education. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

Type
International IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme; affiliated with Khazar University.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Around 15 nationalities represented among students; a mix of local and international students.

Country affiliation
Azerbaijan
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school has no dormitory.

Uniform Requirement
The students are required to wear a school uniform.

Food Options
The school has a canteen where meals are prepared and served. The school adheres to food-handling and hygiene standards.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Khazar University.
Academics

Dunya School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Dunya School offers Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP is for ages 5–11 (Grade K–4) and uses a student-centred, inquiry-based approach to learning. PYP includes Azerbaijani language instruction, with Azerbaijani classes twice a week in Grade 1 and three times weekly in Grades 2–4. The MYP comprises eight subject groups and requires at least 50 hours of teaching time per group per year; English is the language of instruction, with additional languages offered for Language Acquisition (German, French, Russian, Azerbaijani). The DP comprises a DP core (Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, Service) and six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; The Arts); students take Standard Level and Higher Level courses, with SL 150 hours and HL 240 hours. The DP was authorized to be offered on January 16, 2009.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes vary from 15 to 20 students. Each class has a full-time homeroom teacher.

Exam Results
Graduates achieve high exam results and go on to study at leading local and international universities.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to study at top local and international universities.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented students are identified as having high general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, or talents in visual/performing arts, sports, or creative thinking. They are mainstreamed in general education with differentiated instruction for deeper rigor and challenge. The school collaborates with parents to source platforms and opportunities for these students to unleash their talent and to participate in local, national and international activities and events.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional development through school-based counselling available to all students and a nurturing social–emotional environment. The counsellor addresses emotional, social, academic, and spiritual concerns, and sessions may be held individually or in groups. The process for addressing concerns involves staff referrals, a Student Support Team, and the development of an Individual Learning Plan when needed. Staff receive training to support inclusive education and differentiation to meet diverse learning needs. The programme aims to foster personal and social development and a supportive school culture.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides support for students with learning and/or special educational needs and support for their teachers. Learning support requirements are identified early, assessed, and provided, with accommodations and opportunities communicated to families. For students with particular physical or learning needs, admissions are reviewed individually and entry may be refused if the school cannot meet those needs. An Individual Learning Plan is developed in collaboration with the Student Support Team when appropriate, with progress tracked and reviewed with parents. The school differentiates instruction and uses resources to support learning diversity, including English-language support as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Additional English support classes are provided to students with language support requirements. English is the language of instruction.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health issues are recognized as possible learning support needs. Counselling addresses emotional concerns and aims to develop mental resilience, supporting personal and social development within a confidential process that may involve individual or group sessions.

Safeguarding
Bullying and racism are addressed as social concerns within the inclusive framework. The school maintains confidentiality and storage of counselling records to protect student privacy. Staff are trained and assigned responsibilities to raise awareness, provide resources, and report concerns to safeguard students.
Parent Experience

History
World School was established in 1998 under Khazar University by its founder, Professor Hamlet İsaxanlı. In the subsequent development phase, it was re-founded by Hamlet İsaxanlı and Nailəxanım İsayevə. The school was awarded School of the Year in the 2012-2013 academic year by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Instruction at the school is delivered in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English. The school's staff and teachers have trained in various countries and apply international experience in education and teaching. The school's graduates study at renowned universities around the world. Since September 2016, Dünya Məktəbi has also operated in Sumqayıt. In both Baku and Sumqayıt, the school prioritizes teaching students to think rather than simply teaching a large amount of material, and the learning process is organized accordingly.

Community
Social activities are an integral part of student development alongside academics. Social activities help reveal students' creativity and individual talents. Exhibitions, concert programs, projects, meetings with notable people, theatre performances, and charity events are valued for enriching students' character and education. The modern Inciçiçəyi hall provides a high-quality venue for these events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The School-Parent Association coordinates the relationship between the school and families and is the driving force in maintaining strong ties. Parents review the school's activity plan and work to align family and school work. Regular meetings of the School-Parent Association and parent-teacher conferences analyze students' academic performance, acquaint with the school's operations and concerns, and ensure timely and appropriate resolution of issues. Parents participate in all events and recognize the importance of their involvement. Taleh Veli oğlu Ibrahimov is the chair of the School-Parent Association. Email: [email protected]
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has spaces across multiple campuses including a library, laboratories, a large sports complex, a dining hall, and various arts and cultural spaces. The library offers materials in Azerbaijani, English, Russian and other languages, and provides an electronic catalog; it works closely with Khazar University's library and supports Sumqayıt and Ganja branches with literature and textbooks. Modern laboratories support practical learning in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Visual Arts and Chess. The sports complex includes a swimming pool, indoor courts for basketball, volleyball, mini-football, a dance/gymnastics hall and a wrestling/martial arts hall; outdoor courts enable basketball, volleyball, football and tennis. The school also features an auditorium called 'Inciçiçəyi' hall, an art studio with supplies for creating and exhibiting work, Nailəxanım Museum and a Heydər Əliyev corner, and a cafeteria providing two meals daily prepared by professional chefs under dietitian supervision.

Sports Facilities
The sports complex is extensive and active around the clock. It includes a swimming pool and dedicated spaces for basketball, volleyball, mini-football, artistic gymnastics and wrestling. The outdoor court provides open-air space for basketball, volleyball, football and tennis. All facilities are maintained for year-round use.

Academic Facilities
Laboratories are modern and well-equipped for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Visual Arts and Chess. These labs enable students to conduct experiments and apply theoretical knowledge. The library provides a reading room for independent study and hosts talks with poets and writers; it maintains close ties with the Khazar University Library and supports Sumgayit and Ganja campuses with literature and textbooks.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An art studio provides modern easels, paints, sculpting tools and craft materials for painting and sculpture; regular student exhibitions and art competitions are held, with participation from renowned artists. Nailəxanım Muzeyi celebrates Nailəxanım Isayeva's life and work and is open on weekdays 10:00–17:00; Saturdays may be opened on special request. Heydər Əliyev guşəsi is a memorial corner with photographs of Heydar Aliyev that students visit on special days. Inciçiçəyi hall hosts scientific conferences, concerts, ceremonies and performances; teachers and students use it year-round.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the Diploma Programme (DP). The DP curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups aligned to the IBDP framework. The core comprises Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service; the six subject groups are Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Students take at least three Higher Level courses and the rest Standard Level, with HL totaling 240 teaching hours and SL 150 hours.

Arts & Creative
The Art Studio provides facilities for visual art and various art forms with modern easels, paints, sculpting tools, and materials. Regular student exhibitions and art competitions are held, featuring student work and inviting participation from renowned artists and art professionals. The studio supports students' artistic thinking and creativity.

Cultural & Language
Foreign Languages Department emphasizes foreign language instruction to world standards. English is the second language of instruction, and German, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese are also taught. Languages are taught interactively, and speaking clubs are regularly offered; debates, language nights, performances, and festivals enhance language learning.

Social & Hobbies
Extracurricular competitions include chess tournaments, such as a 3rd-grade competition held to mark Victory Day. The school also participates in robotics via NASA's FIRST Robotics Competition, with students qualifying for the U.S. championship. These activities provide opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and shared passion beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Service as Action is a core component of MYP education, encouraging learning outside the classroom and connecting learning to students' communities. Students learn to relate academic content to society and develop their ATL skills, perseverance, and ability to tackle challenges. Students are expected to complete at least one in-school and one out-of-school project, supervised by a teacher or SA advisor, and to achieve seven learning outcomes through projects and activities.

Leadership & Professional
The School-Parent Association fosters the proper alignment of school and family life, with regular meetings and parent–teacher discussions to support students' academic life and school operations. Parents participate in events and understand their role as an integral part of the school community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school's sports complex is large and comfortable and is in operation around the clock. It includes a swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, a mini-football hall, artistic gymnastics, and a wrestling/digno sports hall, with an outdoor court for basketball, volleyball, football, and tennis. These facilities support students' health, physical development, and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the second language of instruction and is taught using foreign textbooks, and German, Russian, Spanish and Chinese are also taught. Foreign languages are delivered interactively, with Speaking Clubs regularly held to develop oral skills. Students' foreign language knowledge is assessed in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Debates, language nights, performances, and festivals in foreign languages enhance motivation and language-learning abilities.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply by submitting an application form.

2. Prepare the documents: a recent passport-sized photo of the child; a scanned copy of the child's ID card or passport; scanned copies of both parents' ID cards; and the latest report from the previous school.

3. After submitting the application form, the Admissions Office acknowledges receipt by email; the child will be waitlisted if a place is not yet available. For Grade 1, a short interview with the child will be arranged. Grades 2–10 applicants will undergo placement tests before a place can be confirmed. Status can be tracked at all times through the Admission Portal.

4. If accepted, a letter of confirmation with the start date and time is issued, followed by additional information about the first days of school. Entrance interviews and tests: Grade 1 interview about 15 minutes; Grade 2–10 placement tests on one date in April/May and one date in August; results are communicated by email and/or phone.

Waitlist
Applicants who meet the admissions criteria but do not have an immediate place are placed on a waiting list; when a vacancy becomes available, they are considered for the vacancy along with others on the waiting list in accordance with school-approved criteria.
School Events
The school has not added events
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