What Questions Should I Ask My Child’s Teacher About Their Progress? – A Guide for Parents in The UAE

31/05/2025 / Private Tutoring

Understanding how your child is performing at school can sometimes feel like trying to read between the lines of a report card. In the UAE, with its diverse range of school systems, teaching styles, and student populations, it can be even more challenging to know where your child stands. It is not uncommon for parents to leave a parent-teacher meeting still feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, wishing they had asked better questions or understood the answers more clearly.

This guide is written for parents like you—whether you are new to the education system in the Emirates or have been part of it for years. It walks you through the essential questions to ask, when to ask them, and why these conversations matter so much in shaping your child’s learning journey.

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Understanding the UAE’s Schooling Landscape

The UAE offers a rich and varied educational environment, accommodating families from across the globe with a diverse range of schooling options. Schools in the region follow several international curricula, including British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Indian, and the UAE’s own Ministry of Education curriculum.

Each system comes with its own method of instruction, terminology, and standards for evaluating academic progress, which can vary considerably. For this reason, it is important to first understand the educational framework your child’s school adheres to. This foundational knowledge will not only help you interpret school reports more confidently but will also enable you to ask informed and meaningful questions during discussions with your child’s teacher.

British international schools, in particular, are highly popular among expatriate families in the UAE. These schools typically follow the National Curriculum for England, often culminating in qualifications such as the IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-levels. One of the strengths of the British system is its structured key stages, which clearly outline learning objectives and assessment standards for each age group.

Many British schools also offer pastoral care programmes, house systems, and a strong emphasis on character education alongside academics. If your child attends a British international school, you might want to become familiar with terminology like “year groups”, “attainment targets”, and “progress scores”, as these will likely come up during teacher meetings. Teachers in these schools often provide both qualitative and quantitative feedback, using data from standardised assessments, classroom work, and teacher observations to paint a holistic picture of each pupil’s development.

In terms of governance, schools in Dubai are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), while those in Abu Dhabi fall under the remit of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). These bodies oversee educational quality across all types of schools and provide guidelines related to curriculum delivery, student outcomes, and reporting practices. Many British international schools are also inspected by organisations like The Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO) or the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), which uphold standards that align closely with those in the United Kingdom.

Becoming familiar with these regulatory frameworks and academic structures can significantly enhance the quality of your conversations with your child’s teacher. It allows you to frame your questions around specific benchmarks and understand how your child’s progress aligns with broader educational expectations. Whether your child is attending a British, American, IB, Indian, or local curriculum school, a little groundwork goes a long way in supporting their academic journey.

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The Value of Regular Communication with Teachers

Establishing regular communication with your child’s teacher is one of the most valuable steps you can take to support their education. While scheduled parent-teacher conferences provide a formal opportunity to discuss progress, they should not be the only touchpoint between home and school. Education works best as a partnership, and children benefit immensely when their parents and teachers are aligned in their expectations and strategies.

Building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher encourages more open and honest conversations. It also sends a strong message to your child—that you are genuinely interested and involved in their school life. Teachers generally appreciate parents who are proactive and engaged. Something as simple as a friendly email, a quick word at school pick-up, or attending school events can go a long way in nurturing this connection. Such ongoing communication helps create consistency between what a child experiences at school and what is reinforced at home.

It is important, however, to consider timing. Many parents wait until formal meetings to raise concerns, but this can sometimes delay the support a child might need. If you notice signs that something may be amiss—such as reluctance to go to school, difficulties with homework, or changes in mood—it may be worth reaching out earlier. These small signs could indicate larger issues that are best addressed sooner rather than later.

Fortunately, schools in the UAE are increasingly supportive of flexible communication. Most teachers are open to receiving emails, arranging quick check-ins, or scheduling meetings outside of the regular reporting periods. Just be mindful of their time and workload. A respectful approach, with a clear purpose for the meeting, will be more likely to result in a productive and helpful exchange. In the end, maintaining an open line of communication is not just about resolving problems—it is about working together to give your child the best possible chance to succeed.

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Preparing for the Conversation

Before speaking with your child’s teacher, spend some time gathering your own observations. Consider your child’s homework habits, their mood after school, and any comments they have made about lessons or classmates. Having a clear idea of what you want to learn will help you stay focused during the discussion.

Some useful topics to think about beforehand include your child’s strengths and areas for development, their engagement in class, social relationships, and how they manage their workload. Writing down a few questions in advance can also ensure that you do not forget anything important in the moment.

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Asking the Right Questions

It is important to ask open-ended questions that invite detailed responses. For example, instead of asking “Is my child doing well?”, try asking “What are my child’s strengths and where do they need to improve?” This gives the teacher an opportunity to provide a fuller picture, rather than a simple yes or no.

You might also consider asking:

• How is my child progressing compared to the expected level for their age or year group?
• Are there any particular subjects where they seem to excel or struggle?
• How do they participate in class discussions and group work?
• What kind of support is available if they find a topic difficult?
• Have there been any noticeable changes in their behaviour or attitude?

These types of questions not only provide insight into academic performance but also help you understand your child’s overall wellbeing at school.

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Exploring Subject-Specific Progress

When discussing your child’s progress in specific subjects, it is worthwhile to go beyond surface-level questions about marks or grades. While assessments provide a snapshot of performance, they do not always reveal the full picture of how a child is learning, thinking, and applying knowledge. A more fruitful approach is to explore how your child engages with the subject matter on a deeper level.

Start by asking the teacher how your child applies classroom concepts in real-life situations. For example, do they show curiosity and ask thoughtful questions during lessons? Are they able to connect what they are learning to the world around them, or to other subjects? This kind of insight can reveal how well your child is internalising information, rather than just memorising it.

In literacy, you may wish to explore more than just whether your child is reading at grade level. Ask about reading fluency—do they read smoothly and with expression? Are they able to infer meaning from texts and discuss themes or characters with confidence? Comprehension is just as crucial as decoding words. For writing, inquire about sentence structure, vocabulary, punctuation, and their ability to organise ideas coherently. You could also ask how your child responds to different writing tasks, such as storytelling, persuasive writing, or factual reports.

In mathematics, instead of focusing only on whether your child gets the right answer, ask about their conceptual understanding. Do they understand why a method works, or are they relying on rote steps without grasping the underlying principles? How do they approach a new or unfamiliar problem? Do they persist and try different strategies, or do they give up easily? Teachers can often provide examples of how your child reasons through mathematical challenges, which can offer a clearer sense of their strengths and areas for development.

If your child is bilingual or learning English or Arabic as an additional language, it is essential to ask specific questions about language acquisition. Is your child developing the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation expected for their age and stage? Are they able to follow instructions and contribute to discussions in class? It is also important to understand whether your child receives targeted support, such as EAL (English as an Additional Language) sessions or Arabic language assistance, and how this support is monitored and adjusted over time.

Asking these detailed, subject-specific questions allows you to gain a much more holistic view of your child’s academic journey. It also shows the teacher that you are committed to understanding and supporting your child’s individual learning style and needs, which can strengthen the parent-teacher partnership and lead to more tailored support in the classroom.

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Understanding Assessment and Reporting

It is perfectly normal for parents to feel confused or even overwhelmed when faced with assessment reports that are peppered with acronyms, grading codes, and performance levels. These documents are intended to offer a detailed snapshot of a child’s academic standing, but they are not always written in the clearest or most accessible way. If you find yourself unsure about any part of a report, do not hesitate to ask your child’s teacher for clarification. Teachers understand that parents may not be familiar with educational terminology, and most are more than willing to explain what the results actually mean in plain language.

When you speak with the teacher, ask for an overview of how assessments are designed and what purpose they serve. In particular, find out how often your child is assessed and whether the assessments are formative or summative. Formative assessments are carried out throughout the school year and are used to monitor a pupil’s understanding, provide feedback, and shape future lessons. These might include quizzes, classroom observations, homework tasks, or short written reflections. Summative assessments, on the other hand, are typically end-of-term or end-of-year tests used to evaluate how much a child has learned against a set of expected standards. Knowing the difference between these two types of assessment will help you better understand where your child is excelling and where they may need additional support.

It is also worth asking how these results are used within the school. Are they used to group children by ability, to tailor lesson planning, or to decide who might need extra help? Understanding the purpose behind the data can help you make sense of the numbers and levels you see on paper.

Another important aspect to explore is how your child’s progress is tracked over time. Many schools, particularly those following international curricula, use digital tracking platforms to document learning objectives, assessment results, and teacher comments. These systems often allow parents to log in and view their child’s performance across subjects, as well as receive updates on assignments and upcoming tests. If your child’s school offers such a platform, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with how it works. Knowing how to navigate this kind of system allows you to stay engaged throughout the academic year, rather than only reacting to report cards or scheduled meetings.

Furthermore, ask the teacher how they determine whether your child is meeting age-related expectations. Is your child progressing steadily, exceeding expectations, or showing signs of difficulty in certain areas? If there are concerns, what interventions are in place, and how will you be kept informed of any changes?

In the case of British international schools, you might encounter references to ‘attainment grades’, ‘progress scores’, or terms like ‘working towards’, ‘expected’, or ‘greater depth’. These can vary not only between schools but also within year groups, so ask for concrete examples of what your child’s level of performance actually looks like in practice.

Ultimately, assessment should not be a mysterious or intimidating process. It is a tool designed to support learning, not just to rank students. The more you understand how it works, the more effectively you can support your child’s academic development, encourage good study habits at home, and work alongside the school to address any challenges early on.

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How Principal Tutors Can Support Your Child’s Progress

If after your teacher meeting you identify areas where your child would benefit from additional support, Principal Tutors is here to help. We understand the structure and demands of the British curriculum, which is followed by many international schools across the UAE. Whether your child is in Key Stage 1 and developing early literacy and numeracy, or working towards GCSEs and A Levels, we offer expert one-to-one tutoring that is entirely personalised.

Our UK-qualified tutors are experienced in helping children navigate each stage of their educational journey. From building foundational skills to preparing for entrance exams or improving coursework, our tutoring is designed to support your child’s individual learning needs and pace. Lessons are delivered online, making it easy to fit around busy family schedules, no matter where you are based.

If your child needs help catching up, stretching further, or preparing for a critical transition, our tailored approach can make a meaningful difference. We work closely with parents to ensure that our support is aligned with school expectations and your child’s goals—fostering confidence, motivation, and real academic progress.

To find out more or to arrange a tutor, call us on 0800 772 0974 or fill in our short tutor request form online.

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