Welcome to the American School of Creative Science Al Layyah 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.

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

Yes.

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

The uniqueness of the program of studies offered by the American School of Creative Science lies in the integration of the two curricula offered at the school: The California Common Core Standards and the UAE Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social studies curriculum.

- Family Friendly

- Excellence rooted in Values

- Islamic Environment

- True American Education

- Building Inter-culturalism and Internationalism in our students

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

42

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

UAE: 20%

Jordanian: 17%

Syria: 13%

Egypt: 10%

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1:25

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

No.

Please provide details of how well your school did in its previous external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

Yes.

What percentage of your sixth form that take exams at 18 go to university, and where, in general, do they go?

Not as of now.

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

Our school provides a unique education that nurtures, cultivates and fosters creative and critical thinking skills, academic excellence with strong moral values to develop successful and contributing members of a global society. ASCS’s aim is to provide the very best of both the American and Arabic education.

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

We definitely encourage independent learning through homework, but we also take into consideration the time a student spends on homework. KG and Elementary students are expected to have constructive homework such as independent reading.

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

We have a PE program that runs from KG – Grade 4. We also offer sports as an elective, and ECAs promoting healthy activity.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

The school promotes healthy lifestyles by offering well-prepared healthy choices for hot-lunch at the school cafeteria. We also encourage parents to pack healthy lunches. Also, our nurses and clinic staff always run health campaigns to promote healthy life-style.

How do you promote healthy eating?

The school promotes healthy lifestyles by offering well-prepared healthy choices for hot-lunch at the school cafeteria. We also encourage parents to pack healthy lunches

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

Yes.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

Around 10 – 15 dirhams.

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

KG: 7:00am – 12:30pm

Elementary: 7:00am – 2:20pm

Is there a school uniform?

Yes. Parents can purchase the school uniform on school premises.

Please advise on your discipline policy?

Our Discipline Policy is designed according to MOE Rules and Regulations for acceptable behavior.

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

We give feedback to parents on regular intervals. Students are constantly aware of how they are doing in class both academically and behaviorally. Parents are informed both in writing (electronically and through progress reports). We also have regular Parent-Teacher Meetings during each term.

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

We issue mid-term progress report each term, and then hold parent-teacher meetings when we issue a formal report card at the end of each term as obligated by MOE.

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

None.

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

No.

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

Yes.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Through differentiated instruction in class, and offering extra-curricular activities to support the needs of gifted and talented students.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

As of now, our social worker and teachers work collaboratively to refer students to the right place and then in coming up with an IEP to help students in class.

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?

As of now, our social worker and teachers work collaboratively to help the students.

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

Yes.

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

Yes.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

No.

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, in parent orientation meetings, at the beginning of the year, we walk them through the procedures and policies at our school. We also inform them on how to help their kids in homework, with assessments, navigating online resources, and such.