Welcome to the The Arbor 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?

Registration is open.

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

The Arbor School is an ecological school which provides modern, adaptive facilities consistent with our educational aspirations on a campus area of 30,000 m2. The buildings include climate-controlled atria, a bio farm, learning gardens — and six biodomes (three large and three mini), in which students can regularly interact with soils, flora and fauna as a fundamental part of their educational experience. Our facilities also include a specialised science laboratory, a food technology lab, art rooms, an auditorium that seats 340 people, as well as an associated black box, libraries, canteen areas, and a parent cafe. In addition to these, our sports facilities is also well resourced and includes a football pitch, multi-purpose hall for indoor sports, a variety of outdoor courts and a specially designed swimming pool.

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

58

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

We will endeavour to keep them at no more than 20, but our classes have a capacity to accept 24. Taking into account the qualified learning support assistants support that teachers. Ratios are 10:1 and 12:1 respectively.

All classrooms are equipped with breakout spaces for work with individuals and smaller groups both inside the classroom and in adjacent hallways.

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

We believe that children learn best through real-life projects and themes that provide meaningful context and purpose allowing for project-based, cross curricular topic approaches in which independent learning flourishes. Our school is built around core ethics of ecoliteracy, sustainability, and environmental justice, and delivers the National Curriculum for England.

How do you promote healthy eating?

The Farmhouse at the Arbor School creates a link between the wellbeing of students and the direct farm-to-table experience. Providing organic, low carbon footprint lunches and snacks, we provide our children with the highest quality food, created in a sustainable kitchen.

With the aim of more closely aligning our food operations with Arbor's core pillars of ecoliteracy, sustainability and environmental justice, we are very pleased to introduce "The Farmhouse at Arbor", an aspiring "farm-to-fork" canteen concept that makes full use of school-grown produce in the provision of food to students, complemented by the careful sourcing (where possible) of seasonal ingredients from local and sustainable suppliers.

Spearheaded by accomplished cook, baker and restaurant operator Chef Anna Maria Herreras, "The Farmhouse at Arbor" offers fresh, healthy and delicious meal plans to students from FS1 through Year 8.

During the pandemic, we will continue to provide a meal service to our students. Lunches and snacks will be freshly prepared on-site, hygienically packaged and individually boxed. Lunch and snack packs will be delivered directly to students in the classroom.

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

The Farmhouse at the Arbor School creates a link between the wellbeing of students and the direct farm-to-table experience. Providing organic, low carbon footprint lunches and snacks, we provide our children with the highest quality food, created in a sustainable kitchen.

With the aim of more closely aligning our food operations with Arbor's core pillars of ecoliteracy, sustainability and environmental justice, we are very pleased to introduce "The Farmhouse at Arbor", an aspiring "farm-to-fork" canteen concept that makes full use of school-grown produce in the provision of food to students, complemented by the careful sourcing (where possible) of seasonal ingredients from local and sustainable suppliers.

Spearheaded by accomplished cook, baker and restaurant operator Chef Anna Maria Herreras, "The Farmhouse at Arbor" offers fresh, healthy and delicious meal plans to students from FS1 through Year 8.

During the pandemic, we will continue to provide a meal service to our students. Lunches and snacks will be freshly prepared on-site, hygienically packaged and individually boxed. Lunch and snack packs will be delivered directly to students in the classroom.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

AED 20 per day.

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

All students shall be expected to be at the school no later than 7:40 AM. and shall leave at the following times:
• 1:50 PM for Foundation Stage and;
• 2:50 PM for Key Stage One and above;
These timings do not include the enrichment programme at the school, which is an expected element of study. The school day finishes at 4:00 PM after the enrichment programme finishes.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

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

French and Arabic.

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

Yes we do.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

We have a very unique personalised education approach that supports all of our students, including the gifted, able and talented students.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Yes, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive school with ample provision to support children of all levels and needs, including gifted and talented.

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 Arbor School is a fully inclusive school. We review students on a case-by-case basis to evaluate individual needs where placement is appropriate

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, we have a full-time educational psychologist and counsellor at the school.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

Yes. We have our Friends of Arbor.

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 have many opportunities where parents can engage in supporting the learning and events within the school.