Welcome to the Arcadia School 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?

Not at the moment we are open for 22/23 admissions.

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

The Arcadia School aims to combine the best of the traditional values of a British primary and secondary education, in a forward-looking international environment. Our pupils will benefit from:

- Teachers from the UK who have taught the British Curriculum and been educated by the British Curriculum

- A teaching team recruited by the Leadership Team, including the Principal, CEO and Chairman.

- Buildings designed by Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) an award-winning Architectural and Interior Design

- An area of 16m squared for every child, in line with expectations of a premium plus school

- Indoor Multi-Purpose Sports Halls including stage lighting and Audio Visual capabilities that will allow performances with the special effects of a West End show

- Integrated ICT systems, utilising the most up-to-date technology exclusively using Apple products being the first Apple distinguished primary school in the Middle East

- Music rooms for group and single-use including Apple workstations and integrated instruments.

- All year round (heated and cooled) 25 metre length learners swimming pool in Primary school and a semi Olympic swimming pool in the Secondary school with touch timers and diving boards.

- Beautifully designed canteens serving food with a focus on healthy eating

- Maximum of 25 pupils per class

- School-based at the heart of the JVT community

- An extended day (8am to 4pm) with an enrichment learning programme integrated into the timetable of every child.

- Bespoke learning programmes woven into the student timetables focusing on performance pathways. For example, Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, developed through the Junior MBA Programme in Primary and CEL (Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership) in Secondary.

- School Uniforms included as part of the fees.

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

71 nationalities

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

32.31% British Nationality

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

The ratio is 1:11 as an entire school. Class sizes do not exceed 25 and these include an assistant teacher per class up to year 4 and in FS1 a 3rd adult being a class helper.

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

We assess children in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum for England.

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

Arcadia's approach to education is founded on the key vision of 'nurturing lifelong learning'. In essence, it is deeply enriching the learning experiences of every child to accommodate their leaning preferences, abilities and interests and exposing them to challenges which will build their thinking and behavioral skills necessary to enter the world of higher education or work, as and when they are ready.

Arcadia is an inclusive school, which in turn, drives the approaches that teachers use to maximise student potential. Out teachers know their students very well indeed and adapt their practices to ensure every child feels they can achieve and be happy in their learning.

Arcadia follow the EYFS framework and students then move through the National Curriculum for England programme from Key Stages 1 to 5 culminating in terminal assessments of iGCSEs and A Levels. We do, however, provide alternative pathways and programmes of study for students of varying abilities, needs and preferences, such as the ASDAN programme for more high functioning Students of Determination, the Arcadia Creative Avenues Programme (ACAP) and BTEC (Business and Technology education Council) awards for post 16 students who feel A levels are not the right pathway of choice.

Teachers use technology, as part of our Apple Distinguished School programme, to enhance learning through collaboration and creative design thinking, whilst enriching the experiences through live feedback and communication.

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

Homework complements and re-enforces learning in school. Activities at home will range from sharing a reading book in the younger years to project work in the older years, however, homework is set by the teacher and supported by the teacher to complete during school hours. Homework is set for home from Year 7 upwards.

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

The physical education curriculum is based upon the National Curriculum for England (NCfE); ranging from the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework through to the end of key Stage 1-3 expectations.

The school features state-of-the-art sports facilities including rooftop swimming pools, indoor sports halls, multi-use games area and a primary sports area (5-a-side) synthetic turf (20m x 34m). Specialist PE teachers will deliver our PE curriculum. A full-size sports field for Rugby and football at Arcadia Secondary School and a series of climbing walls for Rock climbing.

A high-quality PE curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It will provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way that supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.

All pupils will also be given the opportunity to take part in an enrichment learning program in a wide range of activities during school hours that are included in the fees.

Arcadia hosts a sports academy which not only encourages a 'sport for all' philosophy, but also provides additional services for exceptional performers who wish to compete outside fo the school programme. Links are provided to external coaching organisations in the 'core' areas of netball, football, rugby, athletics, swimming, basketball and racket sports and in-school pull-out sessions are provided for sport scholars within their timetabled day free of charge.

Arcadia compete in all age groups as part of DASSA and DAPSA (Dubai school sport leagues) and also the BSME Games.

Children in FS1 to Year 2 receive a swimming lesson, PE lesson and Sport enrichment lesson every week, from Year 3 to Year 6 a swimming lesson, a PE lesson and a double games afternoon and from Year 7 to Year 11, a double games lesson, a PE Lesson and an enrichment sport option. In addition to these provisions, early morning (6.45am to 7.45am) and post school (4-5pm) school squads train all through the year.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

The school will provide a balanced diet by offering a healthy food selection in the school canteen. We will also promote the importance of a balanced diet for parents who provide packed lunches for their children. We encourage healthy eating for our staff, parents and pupils which includes many outdoor spaces for children to move and play.

We are aware of the importance of pupils remaining hydrated throughout the school day; therefore, water dispensers will be accessible throughout the school.

Sports facilities are extensive throughout the school and the curriculum will teach Physical Education to all age groups.

Arcadia introduced an significant Wellbeing Programme in 2020 to increase the focus on physical and mental wellbeing for all stakeholders, including:

Students:

* Enrichment Learning activities, such as mindfulness and yoga

* Pastoral sessions led by the school nursing team on healthy eating and exercise

* Wellbeing Wednesdays to promote activities at home and in school

Teachers:

* Termly award assemblies for staff to showcase community engagement

* Free health and wellbeing screenings from the Medical Centre

* Professional Learning activities such as yoga, zumba and musical mindfulness

* Climbing and fitness classes for free

Parents:

* Monthly webinars focusing on family health, looking after your children and challenges of raising a child.

How do you promote healthy eating?

In addition to our commitment to Healthy Lifestyles, our staff will model healthy practices at all times. They integrate discussions and activities based on healthy eating through curriculum content and pastoral sessions and assemblies.

Our food provider offers nutritional options for all families with calorie counting and ingredient checklists.

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

Yes, we have a specially designed, purpose-built canteens where students can choose from a range of delicious and nutritious meals.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

AED27

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

FS 8-2.00

*KS1 8-4.00

*KS2 8-4.00

*KS3 8-4.00

We close at 2 pm every Thursday for the whole school

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, the uniform will reflect the British Curriculum and children will be expected to be smart at all times. Pupils will be provided with 4 sets of high quality uniform for free, every year. A tailor service will be available for adjustments.

Please advise on your discipline policy?

Arcadia has a Behaviour for Learning policy which is founded on the values of respect, tolerance and integrity. It strives to ensure that every student can learn, free from prejudice and distraction in a safe, kind and happy environment. Within this policy are a series of guidelines and actions based on a conditional tiered chart related to degree of severity.

Every educator is trained in positive behaviour management and can apply the correct approaches centered on restorative justice and sanctions according to the profile of Behaviour for Learning policy.

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

Parents will receive regular feedback to keep them informed of their child’s progress. This will be through a variety of ways such as Parent Consultations, written reports and daily/verbal feedback when appropriate. We also send daily information on a smart application and a weekly newsletter.

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

Parents will be informed regularly of their child’s progress and attainment. Teachers will meet with parents 3 times per year and written reports will also be shared.

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

Our wide range of high quality Modern Foreign Languages programmes of study include French & Spanish and will be offered as part of our extensive Enrichment Learning programme

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

The school will provide specific classes for the teaching of EAL to foster inclusivity. Specific EAL support classes will be established, and this will expand to an EAL class in each year group throughout the school. These classes will be small and provide targeted provision.

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

Yes, prayer rooms are available on all floors.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Pupils who are identified as exceptional learners as we feel all children are gifted and all children are talented will have access to tasks that differentiate, accelerate and extend their learning. We are a member of NACE "National Association for Able Children in Education". The school is committed in it’s mission to support the needs of all pupils so that they will achieve their full potential. Appropriate challenge will ensure that these children are being given access to extended learning where necessary.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

We have an "Head of Inclusion" leading a specialist team of teachers to train and develop other staff and provide appropriate support for children.

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?

World-class teachers will be employed and lessons will be challenged appropriately for every child. Each lesson will extend knowledge and skills to ensure the pace of learning is maintained. SEN learners will have additional support where appropriate and children for whom English is an Additional language receive free tuition at no extra cost.

Our SEN teachers will work with pupils both in and out of classrooms and where appropriate, parents may be referred to external agencies for further support.

In the secondary building, we have a therapy room and work with Neuropedia who provide free consultations and therapy within the domains of occupational, speech and language areas.

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

Our school promotes an inclusive education for all and is resourced to educate children with mild learning disorders.

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 will work with appropriate professional bodies where necessary and work closely with Neuropedia

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

We actively promote our Arcadia Parent Association (APA), which has a constitution and 5-person executive body. We encourage parents to join in our planned community events which are co-managed by the APA team, such as the Spring Fair and International Day. Please see our website for updates.

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

We encourage parents to visit the school for special events, performances and assemblies, as well as coffee mornings, organic fruit and vegetable markets, workshops...

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

Yes, parent representation will be available. Parents will have an elected representative on an appropriate board.

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

We endeavor to get children and their families settled into The Arcadia School as quickly and smoothly as possible. The website will be updated with upcoming events and activities.