Welcome to the American Gulf School Sharjah official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

If you have to highlight three strengths of your school, what would they be?

Multiple pathways for student success, quality IB education, world class facilities that support sustainable goals

What is the single biggest challenge your school is currently addressing?

Developing a reputation for excellence as a new school

Does your school have a waiting list? In which years?

No, we are a new school

What are qualities and characteristics that define your school and its students?

Critical thinkers, communicators, reflective and open-minded

How many nationalities are represented in your school? How international would you say your school is?

20 - growing in diversity

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Emirati

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1:3

Please describe your approach to teacher recruitment in terms of the balance of staff you seek in terms of nationalities and in terms of years of experience/ qualifications you look for. Please also provide details of how you use teaching assistants.

Strict policy of recruiting experienced IB teachers from very good and outstanding schools across the UAE and Europe. TAs are present in every class from KG to G5 and are part of our professional development with all academic staff.

Does your school measure Value Added data? Please provide details of how you measure, and current Value Added benchmark scores.

We compare MAP results termly to ascertain progress and attainment, we triangulate this against internal data and CAT4. We provide personalised support for all students regardless of attainment.

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

MYP eAssessment, DP External Exams and CP (BTEC Pearson). Personalized paths for SAT and EmSAT.

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

Holistic education model that offers opportunities for success for all students. We firmly believe in well-being, emotional intelligence and growth mindset being key to success. We share best practice and offer a comprehensive teaching and learning professional development programme to ensure teaching is exciting, creative and innovative.

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

We have a no homework policy however we provide additional opportunities for students to extend and support their learning on an individual basis when required.

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

PHE is compulsory for all students from K-10. We have regular seminars on healthy eating and well-being along with a healthy eating policy for the cafeteria.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students? How does it promote a balanced diet?

Healthy eating policy for the cafeteria.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

AED 12

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

Starting 7:45am and finish at 2:45pm (ECA from 3:00pm-3:45pm)

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

Please advise on your discipline policy?

Restorative practice

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

Bi-termly reporting cycle supported by termly PTC

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Bi-termly

Which languages are taught at your school - please detail any as a first as well as second language?

English and Arabic as First Language, Second Language Arabic and French

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

Yes we have a dedicated reading specialist and EAL team.

Do you offer a dedicated prayer room/s for students? For which faiths?

Yes one male and one female mosque on site.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

We have a full team dedicated to Gifted and Talented to ensure students are catered for

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

We have a full team dedicated to learning support.

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

We have an extensive support team, including reading and language specialists (English and Arabic) along with an inclusion team to support specific needs and extension.

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

Yes, we have an experienced team.

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

We have a school counsellor permanently on site

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

We have a parent committee that meets the principal on a monthly basis

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

Yes, we engage with parents regularly and encourage their support

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

We have a parent committee that meets the principal on a monthly basis