Welcome to the Smart Vision 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?

yes

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

Smart Vision School is an innovative and creative school: our vision is to create a centre of excellence that completes with the best in Dubai.

SVS uniquely offer a combination of 3 things:

 Challenging Curriculum of England

 Islamic Values and UAE Customs

 Social Responsibility.

The purpose of the school is to support and magnify the aims and vision of Dubai, and provide support to our wise rulers. In particular we believe in the inspiring leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Al Maktoum’s vision (‘We have to be number one in everything’).

The tried and tested English National Curriculum challenges and prepares SVS students of all nationalities to be global leaders, whilst retaining a love of Dubai and the UAE. Our students develop the skills and competencies essential for success and emphasize leadership in the emerging creative economy of Dubai and the UAE. We expect and confirm only the best of habits and social principles, such as respect for elders and parents, truthfulness, honesty, good manners and modesty.

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

45

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

no

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1/4

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

PIRLS, TIMSS, GL CAT, GL Progress Test

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

Homework policy is an essential part of the SVS program, as it is important for every student to practice independently newly taught skills, review mastered skills, develop study habits, confidence and self-discipline to work on their own. Our homework policy takes into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. Homework assignments vary in accordance to the needs of the class and relate to classroom instruction. Our teachers engage students in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class through: revision and critical thinking activities, applying knowledge and skills in new contexts, investigating, researching, writing, designing, collecting relevant information, projects, etc.

Currently our school does not have a fixed homework timetable with time allocated for different subjects on different days. Students learn to manage their time so that they do some homework every day. We consider that homework must be realistic in length and difficulty given the students' abilities to work independently. Homework is assigned in all academic classes on a daily or long-range basis. The amount of homework might lie between 1 and 2.5 hours per day (20-45 minutes per course) based on the grade level, so the optimal amount of homework per week is around 5-12.5 hours for different grades.

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

SVS give much attention to Physical Education. All students attend PE lessons twice per week; additionally we provide a lot of extra-curriculum activities and afterschool sport clubs (aerobic, football, basketball, zumba, swimming, etc.) The school conducts Family Sports’ Days and actively involves parents, students, and teachers in sport activities.

SVS has amazing sport facilities:

 3 sport fields with quality surfaces and facilities

 a four lane 20 meters swimming pool with separate learner pool

 a small swimming pool for FS section

 Gymnastics Room.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

Smart Vision School is one of the first approved by Dubai municipality Eco-Friendly School in Dubai. We actively promote healthy lifestyle between our students. We offer activities allowing development of different competencies and different aspects of global health (physical education, cooperative games, extra-curricular activities, sports, training, and leisure activities). The school has all needed facilities for involving kids in physical activities and we adopt a policy for healthy nutrition.

How do you promote healthy eating?

SVS believes that healthy eating is an important aspect of student well-being. The school aims to ensure that all students and staff are provided with the support they need to achieve a healthy life style. We regularly discuss with the kids the importance of healthy food. School policy and education emphasis that ‘junk’ food must be replaced with more fruit, vegetables, and meals prepared with nutritious ingredients. Menu of school canteen contains only healthy food.

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

No

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

FS1: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

FS2 - Y6 : 8:00 am – 2:15 pm

After school activities: 2:45 pm – 3:30pm

Is there a school uniform?

yes

Please advise on your discipline policy?

SVS supports and actively uses positive discipline because of following reasons:

 It motivates. You never use violence and instead role model values and behaviors that children aspire to acquire. While doing so, you provide a clear indication of rewards and consequences for choices.

 It aims to empower children. You help children take responsibility for making good decisions by providing them with the skills and environment to freely explore ideas.

 It is child-centric. You consider all issues from a child’s perspective and calculate all your responses based on how they will help children learn from their mistakes.

 It is democratic. You tolerate different ideas and even mistakes if they may lead to constructive learning. Your aim is to create workable rules that are mutually beneficial.

 It values and respects individuality. You accept that all of us are individuals with a variety of views and priorities. You welcome these differences.

 It supports long-term development. Your approach is based on nurturing the development of the whole child over a long period of time.

Any type of punishment applied in SVS is made against bad actions not against students.

 Corporal punishment is always degrading and has no place in our schools.

 SVS declares a zero tolerance of all forms of violence. It provides students with a system that helps them succeed and grow as they learn healthy and acceptable social behaviors. This system is informed by compassion and derives its vision from the belief that children need guidance, not retribution. In this system, mistakes are an opportunity to teach rather than humiliate.

Positive discipline helps children learn self-discipline without fear.

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

Based on daily summative assessment (tests, quizzes) results, parents get notes from the teachers with the marks obtained. Class teachers have strong connection with the parents and inform immediately if the students has problem in some subject area in order to interfere in time. Students’ attainment are usually supported with thank you letters, certificates, or celebrated during Morning Assembly.

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

All parents get formal reports at the end of each term and at the end of the year. The reports cover Academic Performance and Personal, Social and Emotional Development of each student. In case of parent’s request, the Upon Request Report Card can be provided in the middle of term.

Parent/Teacher meetings are conducted monthly.

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

Arabic, French.

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?

SVS support gifted and talented students. During the lessons the teachers use differentiated approach and provide such children with above level tasks. We actively involve the students in research, presentations, and projects preparation by giving them more advanced tasks which demand critical thinking. Also school provide after school subject related classes.

The school has variety of extra-curriculum activities which help all our students to develop and show their talents, as we are sure, that there are no people without talent. Annually we conduct a big event ‘Smart Vision School Has Got Talents’ which helps to show talents of all our students.

Additionally the school proposes many clubs and after school activities where each student can realize himself.

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?

moderate learning 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?

We conduct orientation meeting with the Principal and teachers for new parents.