Welcome to the Safa Community 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?

No, but admissions are tight and parents need to apply early as they year groups do fill very quickly. Spaces are more widely available into FS1, FS2 and Y12.

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

A genuine family through school with a huge academic and extracurricular offering catering for all abilities and all interests. The strong pastoral care system underpins all structures and ensures happy and motivated students.

Every child seems to find a niche at SCS. This ensures that academic result are excellent, and the over 130 sports teams have a reputation for top results while also allowing a chance for everyone. The technologies, arts, performing arts and music are strongly evident and help to create a genuine all round educational offering at SCS.

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

Over 75 well spread across the globe. This is a school for everyone.

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

None dominate, but UK nationals make up 30% with large numbers of South Africans, Indian subcontinent, Arabic communities from the region and North Africa and Europeans. A growing number of South Americans and those from Asian subcontinent.

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

12:1

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

GCSE

IGCSE

BTEC

A-Level

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

Over 80% aim to go to universities. Entrance into UK, USA, UAE and world universities are supported through an extensive careers programme.

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

SCS believes in giving every child a chance to shine. Our teaching and educational philosophies and strategies reflect this in style, character and in breadth.

Throughout the school children and students have a broad choice of subjects and opportunities and are able to experience specialist teaching from a young age.

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

Independent learning is supported in all lessons and in home study. Homework expectations vary dramatically according to age group.

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

The school has a sport for all approach, but also a competitive one. Over 90% of all children take part in a sporting ECA each week, over 130 teams (A-D in each age group) operate, and PE lessons are varied, vibrant and enjoyed by all. The range of sporting and physical activities on offer is exceptional.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

The school has an exceptionally strong wellbeing focus, and this is complemented by a healthy eating philosophy at SCS. Student, parent and staff voice is a very strong and regular component at SCS, and this ensures that the health and wellbeing of the entire Safa Family is considered as a priority.

How do you promote healthy eating?

All food is prepared on site and all food is fresh. Salt, sugar and calorie contents are closely monitored and displayed.

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

It has many and they are all adapted to suit the age ranges they serve.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

15-20AED

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

This varies greatly according to the age range. The website has all the details.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

Please advise on your discipline policy?

The school operates a positive reinforcement policy with firm and fair protocols for all students.

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

Student receive regular grade cards and reports, and daily use of Seesaw in primary. Children up to Year 2 are dropped off at the classroom doors, affording parents and carers ample opportunity to engage with staff. Each year group enjoys multiple parent consultation evenings each academic year.

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

Reports and grade cards vary depending on year group from 3 per year to 8 per year.

Parent/Teacher meetings: 5 per year.

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

French, Spanish, German, Mandarin

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?

We have a MAGT programme at SCS. This is generic and subject specific.

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?

The school will always asses if we can meet the learning needs of the individual and therefore if we have the support to address their needs.

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?

Yes

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

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

Yes

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

Yes