Welcome to the Italian International School Abu Dhabi 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?

Three strengths of the school are the highly professional team of educators, the happiness of the students in our care, and the experienced school leadership.

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

We have ample space for all children to apply and register in our school.

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

Our school is a happy, progressive place of learning where all students are offered learning opportunities that challenge them to engage and develop their critical thinking skills.

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

We have mostly Emirati families at the moment, however, we have families and staff from 13 different countries.

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Our student composition is mostly Emirati.

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

Please see previous question in this regard.

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.

Our search for staff reaches all nationalities. We have preference for staff who have experience with the IB curriculum.

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

We currently offer CAT4 testing, TIMSS, and IBT testing.

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?

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

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Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

Ours is a hand on, inquiry based approach fostering the love of learning within our students.

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

We currently have a no homework policy for students in grades PreK to Grade 5.

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

We have PE lessons for every grade level, House Team activities, and ECAs after school.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

We encourage all students to participate in assemblies where we complete different exercises, as well as PE and extra curricular lessons.

How do you promote healthy eating?

We have a private Chef who carefully plans our menus with our school Principal to ensure optimal offerings for learning.

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

Yes. Please see above.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

20 AED

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

Start time 8:00 am, End time 3:00 pm

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

Please advise on your discipline policy?

We have a clear policy on discipline. We follow ADEK policy 50.

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

We provide parents with regular reports on student progress, run three way and student led conferences.

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

Formal reports are provided twice yearly.

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

We teach English, Arabic and Italian.

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

Yes.

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

Yes.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Yes.

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?

We can offer support at the mild level.

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?

No.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

In process.

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 frequently have parents assist in different aspects of school life.

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

Unsure.

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

We have a handbook which we explain many aspects of school life that is provided to parents.