Welcome to the GEMS FirstPoint 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.

What qualities and characteristics would you say define your school?

At GEMS FirstPoint School, we believe that effective learning takes place when children and young people take
responsibility for their own learning and development. Embedded into the curriculum is “deep learning” opportunities
as well as a cross curricular emphasis on Enterprise Education. In this way creativity, innovation, problem solving and
collaboration are key features of teaching and learning in all classes, in all subject areas.

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

We offer an extensive range of support & developmental activities and some of our facilities include: 25m Swimming Pool, Learners Pool, Multi-purpose Sports Hall, Climbing walls, Cricket Ground nets, All-weather sports field, Netball Courts & Tennis Courts.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students?

Yes, we have two Cafeteria’s for students.

If yes, does it serve hot food?

Yes, the Parent Relations Executive shares the Cafeteria’s menu on a weekly basis.

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

FS1: 7:45am - 11:55am (Sunday to Thursday)
FS2 - Year 2: 7:45am - 2.15pm (Sunday to Wednesday)
Y3 - Year 13: 7:45am - 3:05pm (Sunday to Wednesday)
FS2 - Year 13: 7:45am - 12:55pm (Thursday)

Is there a school uniform?

All students are required to wear a school uniform that is available for purchase from the designated supplier or school
Main Reception. There is also be a designated uniform for Physical Education which students are also required to wear.

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

GEMS FirstPoint School fully recognises the central role that parents play in their child’s progress and attainment. Each student is given a Journal and this is used daily to record Homework as well as exchange information between school and home.

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

We want parents to feel involved and informed. Half-termly progress reports are distributed and we regularly welcome parents to come and meet with their son or daughter’s teachers as well as senior staff.

Is Arabic taught as both a first language and second language in your school?

Yes.

Do you have a dedicated prayer room/s for the Muslim students?

Yes.

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

Foundation Stage 1 - One piece of work will be given out each week. This may be a craft activity or a maths activity linked to the current theme. The piece will then be used as a ‘Show and Tell’ activity in class.

Foundation Stage 2 - One piece of work will be given out each week. This may be a craft activity or a maths activity linked to the current theme. The piece will then be used as a ‘Show and Tell’ activity in class.

Year 1 and Year 2 - Children will be given short weekly home learning activities of phonics and maths. In addition, children will be given a home learning challenge each half term linked to current topics. For this, children will select from a range of tasks and subject areas an activity of their choice to complete every 2 weeks.

Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 - Children will be given short weekly home learning activities of spelling, grammar and punctuation and a maths activity.
In addition, children will be given a home learning challenge each half term linked to current topics. For this, children will select from a range of tasks and subject areas an activity of interest to them to complete every 2 weeks.

Key Stage 3 - 3 home-works will be set per evening. Students should spend approximately 30 minutes on each homework per evening; therefore a student should spend between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per evening doing homework.

Key Stage 4 - The number of subjects per night varies depending on option groups. At least 3 subjects will be set on any one night. Students should be spending about 2 hours each evening in Year 10 and in Year 11, build up to 3 hours each evening towards the end of the GCSE courses.

Key Stage 5 - The requirement is at least 6 hours per subject area per week. This may be divided between several subject teachers.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Yes.

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?

GEMS FirstPoint School is an inclusive school and our commitment to inclusion is an essential part of what makes FirstPoint School a distinctive, progressive and unique community. There are many children at FirstPoint School with specifically diagnosed learning difficulties. We are rapidly developing a highly-effective and professional Inclusion Support Team to ensure that all students are able to access the curriculum and perform to the maximum of their capability

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

We have an active Parent Council. This Council meets regularly to celebrate school successes as well as raise issues of both concern and interest to the Executive Leadership Team.

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

Yes, we host Post 16 Information Sessions for parents and students interested in A Levels. Anyone can RSVP to attend. We also host Foundation Stage events such as "Teddy Bear's Picnic" for nurseries in the area as well as parents looking to enrol.