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The Westminster School Sharjah

ParentsHandbook, 2013-2014
Updated 4/3/14
Welcome to the WSS-GEMS family! This Handbook aims to give you some useful information to help
you & your children settle happily & successfully into life at WSS. Please note that we have an open
door policy, so if you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact the PRE for an
appointment to meet us, & we will be happy to help.
Please note that our policies and practices are reviewed regularly, and are therefore subject to change.











FS PE Lesson
Activity-based learning
Ready for learning Teamwork!










Lets do our best So what do you think? World Citizenship We love our school!











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WSS teaching, policies, events & procedures are grounded in GEMS four Core Values:


Global Citizenship
We Believe
in promoting diversity and
building communities

Growing by Learning
We Believe
Continuous Learning is the
fuel for continual growth
Pursuing Excellence
We Believe
Great just isnt good
enough

Leading Through
Innovation
We Believe
The world needs more
innovators

Contact Us:
sharjah.com - www.gemswestminsterschool Website:
Role Name Contact number
Principal Ms. Valerie Thompson Please email the Principals PA
or call her on mily.s_wss@gemsedu.com at Ms. Mily
06 5426323
Head oI Primary Ms. Suchismita Das suchismita.d_wss@gemsedu.com
Parents Liaison Executive
(PRE)
Ms. Rama rama.f_wss@gemsedu.com
Manager School Operations
(MSO)
Mr. Ranjit 06 5426323
Registrar Ms. Andrea 06 5426323
BBT Bus Transport Customer
Care Executive (CCE)
Mr. Zubair zubairbbt.ae
055 2378382 800 STSS (7877)
Threads UniIorm Located near NMC Hospital, Al Nahda area Dubai. Store open 10am-7:30pm.
www.threadsme.com Tel: 8008473237








MOE Social Communication Sites (01/11/12)
Twitter https://twitter.com//MOEEducationUAE
Facebook www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEducationUAE
Youtube www.youtube.com/user/moeaevideos?feature=watch
MOE www.moe.gov.ae
Phone Toll free: 80051115



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Photos of WSS















Important Dates 2013-2014

Dates for Your Diary Please note, all dates are subject to MOE change:
Date Details
Term 1 dates Sunday/Monday 8/9 September-Thursday 12th December 2013
Term 2 dates Sunday 5th January 2014-Thursday 27th March
Term 3 dates Sunday 13th April-Thursday 19th June (last day TBC)







Classroom
Covered Playground
Reception Area
Classroom
Main Entrance
WSS From the front

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Our School Vision















































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WSS A-Z Information!


Absent Students
We request you to inform school (email or call) if your child is absent. However, if you are unable to contact the
teacher our policy is to contact the parents of any absent children on day one.
Activities & Events
Activities and events vary each year & will be informed to you. These are some that your children may
enjoy:

Month Event Parent Support
October Investiture Leaders Student
s start Programme (ASP) Support and Activity
-Welcome as guests for Award assembly
- Read letter and sign up for the ASP.
October-
November
Teacher meetings) - y during Parent (usuall s Bookfair
- variety of books at a discounted price
- purchasing books is not obligatory
-Visit the Bookfair yourself
-Check child's Planner for any reading activity
requirement
November-
December
s National Day Celebration
-cultural show
-open day, dress-up day for charity
-visit the school
-bring friends and family

January Achievement Assembly (Termly)
-Certificates for Class Championship Points, House Cup, Academic
Achievement, Reading Achievement, Star Child and Class
Champions Award
Open Day
-exhibition of class/school activities
-Welcome to the assembly
-Bring a friend along
-meet other parents
-See how your child is learning and growing
February ys Sports Da
-Inter House sporting events
-every child participates
-bring family friends along
-motivate your child to participate
March Citizenship Week & International Day
-A week of activities related to school service & community projects
& charity (all collections optional)
Mothers Day or Family Day Celebration
-participate by visiting the school
-bring friends and family along

-Celebrate with your child
April, May Concerts and Shows, Talentastic Show
-musical concert/play
- Purchase costume
-Attend Shows
May Transition Day
-students introduced to the next year group, meet teachers & learn
about expectations
- Discuss with your child about his/her experiences,
concerns & expectations.

November,
February and
April
Trips
- Tem1,Term 2 & Term 3 (subject to MOE approval)
-keep updated by daily checking Planner & website
-sign & return permission slips & payment promptly
Throughout
the year
House competitions
-Library, Handwriting, Arabic Calligraphy and Quran Recitation,
Break time matches and races
Class Assemblies Weekly
-be informed
-encourage participation and practice at home
-Join us!








Learning Through Doing Developing Literacy Developing Observation Skills Sharing Ideas

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Admission (student)
Student admission is as per MOE & GEMS rules. School has a set procedure for admissions:
1. Parent registers child online & gets an Id. Number
2. Parent visits WSS, meets Accountant & pays Registration fee of AED500.
3. Parent meets the Registrar to schedule interview &/or entrance tests (English & Maths for Y1+, interview
for FS)
4. Student sits entrance tests.
5. Registrar will contact partent within one working week to inform parent about test results.
6. A student who fails the entrance test may resit, & may request a test portion to help prepare.
7. Following successful entrance test, parents may confirm admission with payment of first Terms school
fees. This would be refundable if the child does not join.
8. Term fees must be cleared before any student is admitted into school (old or new).

Assembly
Parents are invited to join us for their childs class assembly & other events. Assembly days are as
follows:
Day Timings Grade
Sunday
Monday 7:45-8:30am Y5-9 Girls
Tuesday 7:45-8:30am FS
Wednesday 7:45-8:30am Y5-9 Boys
Thursday 7:45-8:30am Y1-4


Usual Assembly Programme (subject to change)
Standing:
1. UAE National Anthem
Sitting
2. Recitation of the Holy Quran (arranged by the Islamic Team)
3. Birthday Wishes
4. Programme by a class
5. Address by SLT
6. School Song

Assessment and Reports
Teachers will use the most suitable assessment tools to help them to gather the best evidence for the
subject based Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes learning outcomes. Students progress is measured against
the English National Curriculum Level Framework
(see www. http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/sflcurriculum for details). Students Progress Reports
are issued at the end of every Term (subject to clearance of Terms fees).










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Assessment Profile

















Weighting for Reports

End of Term Exams Continuous Assessment
Term 1 Y1-4
Y5-9

100%
50% exams, 50% Continuous assessment
Term 2 Y1-4
Y5-9

100%
50% exams, 50% Continuous assessment
Term 3 Y1-9: 50%

Y1-9: 50%
FS:100%
Year ending promotion Report Final Report Grade = Term 2 + Term 3 2

Subject Attainment Grading System
Effort Grades:
% Comment
1


2

3
4
5

Extremely Conscientious


Consistent effort

Satisfactory effort
More effort/support required
Little evidence of effort
A* 96-100% Outstanding
A 90-95% Very Good
B 75-89% Good
C 60-74% Acceptable
D 50-59% Weak
F <50% Fail
FA Failure Due to Absence


Policy for missed exams:
Y5+
If a Y5+ child misses an exam/test but brings a medical certificate, or has a parent letter approved by Principal,
we will give the student an average mark for the term based on continuous assessment
If there is no medical or approved parent letter, we do not give any marks instead of the exam. They lose those
marks.
Retests only for failed T3 promotional exams
Exams will not be rescheduled
Classroom Interaction
Student Participation and
Involvement

Individual Tasks
Small Group Activities
ActivitiesDiscussions
Standardized Tests, External Exams,
Benchmarking
Year Group Common
Tests/Exams
Class Quizzes
Performance
Paper &
pencil or
online
Tests
Demonstrations
Experiments
Drawings
Personal
Commun--
ication
Observation
and
Perceptions
Role play
Projects

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Y1-4
Same policy as Y5+ for missed T3 Promotional exams
If any Y1-4 child is absent for a mid-year continuous assessment tests, the child may take the exam on return.

Attendance
The MOE requires that students attend a minimum number of school days.
Being punctual to school teaches the students the lifelong value of punctuality & time management.
Registration time is from 7:45am to 8:05am.
Students arriving after 7:45am will be marked Late.
As part of our discipline policy students who are often late will be issued warning letters and parents
will be called.
A record of absent and late days is maintained by the teacher in the Students' Planner (the students'
communication diary).
Please send a letter/medical certificate for any leave/absence.
Please inform the Principal in writing of any long leave during Term time (more than 2 days).
For medical-related or family emergency leave we suggest that you meet the teacher in advance to
discuss the academic work that will be missed. The teacher will provide some work for the student to
complete during the long absence. HW Worksheets & Curriculum Letters will be available on GLG as
usual
On the first day of uninformed absence, school will contact you.
If a Y5+ student is absent for any mid-year exam & for all T3 Promotional exams, it is mandatory
to submit a medical certificate in order for the test/exam to be rescheduled.

Babysitting (Paid) (FS students only, 12-2pm)
To ensure the safety of your child in school, we request that you pick up your FS child from the classroom at
12pm promptly, & your Y1+ child from the Playground at 2pm. If you arrive earlier than 12pm/2pm, kindly
wait at the Reception. If you are later than 12:10pm please collect your FS child from the Late Room. If you are
unable to collect or bus your FS child home at 12pm, there is paid Babysitting available until end of the school day
(2pm).
1. Parent takes a Babysitting form from PRE & completes it
2. Parent pays at Accounts & brings the signed form back to PRE (who will also sign it)
3. PRE will ensure it goes to the teacher before 12pm
4. Tr. will sign it & file it in the student Portfolio.
5. Tr. will ensure child goes to Activity Babysitting as per dates on form.

Behaviour Policy; WSS Code of Conduct

We have a stepped approach to discipline management, involving rewards and consequences. This is to
encourage self-discipline & problem-solving, as well as to ensure a safe, happy & productive learning
environment for all our children. All members of WSS are expected to model the schools Code of Conduct (&
GEMS Core Values), as well as model & respect local norms, culture & values.

WSS Code of Conduct October 2013
It is the right of every individual and group at WSS to feel safe, have opportunities to fulfill their academic and
social potential, and to have a peaceful, dignified existence, without their learning or person being disturbed by
the behaviour or attitude of others. Therefore, it is essential that every member of the school community models &
supports our Code of Conduct:
Fab. 5 Rules This means:

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1 We do
our best
I am hardworking.
I am ready for lessons & assessments, with HW, revision, classwork & projects completed
on time, having the necessary books, Planner & materials
I am punctual; I arrive to school & class on time
I wear smart, correct uniform to school
I clear-up after lessons, snack and Break
2 We
respect
others
I respect others right to a peaceful, dignified existence; making sure that my words and
actions do not hurt, disturb or offend others.
I am Tolerant. I value, respect & accept others differences
I avoid shouting, sarcasm, teasing, insults, swearing and offensive language.
I respect authority, the rights & property of others.
I am honest & trustworthy.
I do not take things that dont belong to me.
3 We listen
to learn
I follow staff directions promptly
I listen when the teacher is talking.
I listen politely to classmates
4 We are
safe and
sensible
I am accountable, reliable and responsible for my choices & actions
I make sensible choices considering my own & others safety & learning
I move in an orderly way & walk safely in corridors
We use the washroom responsibly
I put my rubbish in a bin to keep my classrooms & school clean & healthy
5 We work
together
I support our school motto Excellence Through Teamwork; Success For All
I co-operative with staff, students and parents to improve my own and others learning
I negotiate to problem-solve with helpful words, not anger, fists or feet
I am polite, courteous, considerate and helpful
I work positively with others in groups, pairs & teams.

Fab. 5 Classroom Rules
Every classroom throughout the school displays, follows & promotes our Fab. 5 Classroom Rules:
1. We do our best
2. We respect each other
3. We listen to learn
4. We are safe & sensible
5. We work together

Examples of Rewards & Consequences:

Good actions & Positive reinforcement Misdemeanor & Suggestions for appropriate action


Picking up litter, Using the bin
Student given Class Championship Points
(CCP), praise or star sticker
Littering
Student clears up class at end of day, loss of Class
Championship Points, litter patrol in playground
Cleaning class
Student given Class Leadership role, and
Class Championship Points
Writing on desk
Student cleans desk

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Working well in a group
Student encouraged to take over as group
leader
Students receives verbal & written positive
remarks
Too much talking. Not listening when required
Moved to another part of the room for some time. Given
extra meaningful work. Involved in discussion through
Q&A, loss of Class Championship Points
Being polite and respectful
Earns Student of the Month, makes more
friends
Joins House Council
Rudeness
Writes a correct letter of apology.
Gives a full verbal apology.
Verbal warnings & Incident Slip
Reading and sharing stories
Appointed as class buddy, reads to other
teachers & Phase Leader.
Being disruptive
Excluded from class activity for a set, short time. Break
detention. Verbal warnings & Incident Slip. Meets Student
Counselor. Parents called in.
Reading more books, Using cursive
handwriting
Earns Class Championship Points
Forgetting books
Remain in at break until the correct books are brought in.
Working neatly and independently
Work displayed and shown to other classes
and teachers & Phase Leader
Incorrect Uniform
Minus Class Championship Points to play on team spirit.
Cleaning up after eating
Participates as break time teacher's helper &
break time Prefect.
Running or shouting in corridor
Sent back and asked to walk sensibly
Excels in academics, projects etc.
Receives Commendation Certificates
Joins ASP, Student Leadership team
Swearing: Break detention
Bullying, fighting; meet Student Counselor. Parents called
in. Suspension
Following School Code of Conduct
Stays safe and becomes the star child of the
month!
Disobedience to class rules and school code of conduct
Student behavior monitored by teachers through On Report
Form with negotiated targets. Using the code of conduct
guidelines.

Birthdays
Students may wear coloured clothes to school on their birthday.
A party can be arranged for FS students only. Parties can be arranged for Break/snack time only.
FS parents should write a note in the childs Planner/email Teacher.
Parties will not be held in classrooms, but in an option Room (or Music room, Dining room etc) at a pre-
arranged time only, so as not to disrupt teaching & learning time.
If parents arrive late, the party cannot be re-scheduled during teaching & learning time.

Blooms Taxonomy of Higher Order Thinking Skills
Boom identified 6 levels of higher order thinking, which we aim to reinforce through lessons, HW & activities:
Below Level Achievers Average Achievers High Achievers
1. Knowledge 2. Comprehension 3. Application 4. Analysis 5. Evaluation 6 Creating

Books & Resources
Books & basic stationary items are available from the school bookstore. Most of our textbooks come from UK.

Bus Transport
Bright Bust Transport (BBT) school buses are available, where feasible, to pick and drop students to/from their
homes, for trips, sports matches & competitions. BBT charges school for the use of buses, so charges must be
collected from the parents for trips as appropriate. Meet the BBT Customer Care Executive for details of available

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routes, cost & timings. Parents are requested to apply for transport at the same time as admission into school,
to ensure that transport requirements can be met (not all locations are available). Thank you.

Contact BBT:

BBT Bus Transport Customer Care
Executive (CCE)
Mr. Zubair 055 2378382
800 STSS (7877)

BBT Bus Transport Locations & Cost (Subject to change; September 2013)

Location Bus Fees
Ajman, Oud Al Muteena, Al Qusais 4,500
Sharjah 4,000
Umm Al Quwain, Mirdif 5,000

Bus Code of Conduct
Safety on the bus is essential. Dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated due to safety considerations. We
must be safe & sensible at all times:
Our 3 Bus Rules; 1) Sit Safely (Seatbelt if available) 2) Quiet please 3) Manners
General Bus Safety Rules:
Stay seated safely
Wear a seatbelt while seated
Follow directions given by WSS staff
Talk/play music quietly
FS-Y4 students must be met at the drop-off point by a designated adult with an Id card, or will be
taken back to school for parent pick-up.
Bring your Id. card each day
Being Safe & Sensible Behaviour on the Bus Means:
I behave sensibly so as not to distract the driver.
I stay sat down in our place with our seat belt on while the bus is moving.
I never throw items inside, or out of the bus.
I talk quietly, using polite, respectful language to all.
I are kind to others no bullying or fighting.
My litter goes in the bin, or stays in my bag.
I take care of the bus so there is no damage to the bus.
I am sensitive to others needs for space and quiet.
I am punctual, so the bus arrives at school, & leaves school, on time.
I bring my bus Id. Card daily

WSS Stepped Approach to Bus Behavior Management
Example of Behavior Action by WSS Staff

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For safety-related
behavioural issues:

Behaviour that is not safe
or sensible; troubling or
being disrespectful to
others, moving around out
of his/her place, not
listening to the Conductor,
distracting the driver,
potentially dangerous for
self or others.
1.Verbal warning by Conductor/Driver
2. Behaviour Record Log: WSS bus Conductor will record incidents in the Bus
Behaviour Log.
3. Student Planner; Conductor may write Planner notes to inform Parents of any
safety/behaviour issue for their support & follow-up.
4. Incident Slips; Serious or repeated incidents will be forwarded to CCE for
follow-up. These are filed in the students Portfolio
5. Repeated or serious safety-related behviour issues will result in a Temporary
Bus Ban, then Term Bus Ban, then Permanent Bus Ban.
6. Fighting or abuse of any other person on the bus will lead to immediate bus
suspension.

Cartoons
During student snack/break times teachers may put on a child-friendly, educational videos. However, we avoid
violent, inappropriate cartoons. Suitable options may include curriculum-related videos, CBBC (UK childrens
TV), Barney, Sesame Street, or National Geographic films.

Canteen/Snacks
Our canteen is planned for Y1+ for the future. Once open, the canteen will offer a range of snacks at Break times on
a cashless payment system. Parents can upload money online or pay the BBT cashier. Students/staff may visit the
canteen at Break times, before & after school. A packed lunch will still be required for all FS students.

Meanwhile, students need to bring a healthy packed lunch & a water bottle, so students stay active and bright.
While children are young, they need to develop good eating habits that will last their whole lifetime.

Suggestions for healthy snacks:
Fresh fruits and vegetables in bite size pieces
Pasta & other salads
Cheese, chicken, tuna or egg in brown bread sandwiches/rolls (only send meat, fish, eggs or dairy
products if you send an ice pack in the snack box to keep the food fresh)
Dried & fresh fruit
Yogurt, milk and fruit juice
Fruit & oat bars

For health & safety reasons, please do not send:
Glass bottles/containers
Chewing gum
Nuts (some children suffer with dangerous, severe allergies)
Fizzy drinks, sweets, chocolate, chips, fatty foods and foods high in sugar & artificial
additives/preservatives

Charity
Each year, we have fund-raising events for charity, as part of our involvement with the community and support of
GEMS core Values. The Varkey GEMS Foundation (VGF) is GEMS non profit-making charity. School
fundraising is usually routed through VGF.

Collecting your Child from School
At 12pm/2pm your children will be taken from their classroom by their teacher to the Play areas for collection by

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the designated adult. Please collect your child on time as the teachers are not available for duty after the buses
leave.

Missing learning time affects students achievement & grades, so we discourage parents from taking their children
out of school early. However, if you have some emergency or medical appointment & need to take your child
before 12/2pm, please report to reception. The receptionist will send to class for your child. Please do not go
directly to class to take your child.

We request that all guests (including parents) report to Reception after 8am & not go directly to class, as this
disrupts teaching & learning, & raises safety & security concerns. Please note the following policy for all guests:

The school gate opens at 7am. The school doors open at 7:30am. Students arriving from 7-7:30am wait in
the front forecourts, with WSS staff supervision.
7:30-8am; after the first 2 days of school only FS parents may drop off their FS child at the class. Y1+ parents
please drop your child at the gate (we are teaching skills of independence)
After 8am, there should be no parents/guests inside school (except from 12-12:30pm for FS pick-up time)
At 8am the East & West Lobby Doors will be locked, so late children need to enter by the main
Reception door. Please leave any late child at Reception, & we will escort/send the child to class.
During the day, no parents should be inside the school, unless for the Bookstore, or if there is a special
programme (eg. Assembly in the Auditorium).
If you need to pick up your child early, please report to Reception. They will take an exit pass to the class &
bring your child to you in Reception.
Teachers will come to Reception to meet parents when you have an appointment. You are most welcome to use
the Conference room for meetings if you require privacy.

Commendation Certificates
These are awarded to students (& staff) who are Class Championship Point Toppers, have excelled in various areas
of school life (academic &/or social), have demonstrated service, or contributed to school/team/class development.

Communication
Communication is key to the success of every team. We love to keep in touch with you. We mostly use email
(you will have the teachers work email) & SMS, the Parent Liaison Executive (PRE), Newsletters,
Coffee Mornings, an annual Yearbook, Curriculum Letters, and other letters as required. Most
communication will be online, so please check the school website regularly. Personal contact numbers
will not be given. Please keep school informed of your correct contacts to ensure we can communicate properly.

Communication Route Examples
1 Planner note/email Learning/HW/Classwork/Assessment/progress issues
Response to any Teacher email/Planner note
Health & Safety issue
Leave information
2 Phone call to Reception/PRE Ongoing issues for any of the above
If you requested/need a response from the Teacher, but
he/she has not responded to your Planner/email note within
48 hours

3 PRE arranges a face-to-face
meeting with Teachers
4 Refer to SLT for any serious
or unresolved issues

Computers
ICT is an important & daily part of our childrens lives. The school promotes ICT literacy for all members to
support development of student ICT skills & to improve teaching & learning. All teachers are issued a laptop on
joining. Students need access to the internet & a computer at home (for GLG, HW, Reports, communication,

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Newlsetters etc).

We also need to protect them from inappropriate use, sites & content. ICT lessons will develop ICT
skills, & students may be given ICT-based projects & research as part of their learning in other subjects.
Please only send in a laptop or other electronic device if requested by the teacher. Items are sent in
entirely at your own risk.

We follow the same basic rules for electronic items as for mobile phones (a laptop may only be brought in
for curriculum reasons when approved by the Phase Leader, & are sent in entirely at your own risk).

Curriculum
We aim to meet the learning needs of each student. We aim to ensure that students are able to be independent,
self-confident, inquisitive & life-long learners, with the skills & attitude to meet the challenges of a fast-changing
world. Learning needs are identified and organised so that what is learned is meaningful for the students. Students
are encouraged to respond and work effectively with others. They need to be supported in their learning and to
take on responsibility for their learning. They learn best when they are confident in their abilities and have a sense
of personal worth. The development of these qualities is strongly influenced by the quality of the relationships
between students and teachers, and by the extent to which students feel a valued & listened-to member of their
school.

THE CURRICULUM (English National Curriculum)
Primary Section (KS1-2; Years FS + Y1-Y6)
The learning process in the Primary Section is child-centred, experiential, and applications-orientated.
Establishing foundation and consolidating learning is stressed in an environment that is caring, practical,
related to real life, nurturing and enjoyable.
KS3 (Years 7-9) (& later to Y11)
KS3 programme consolidates and reinforces the educational foundations established in the Primary School.
The learning process focuses on individualised student needs and extending academic expectations. Students
are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their learning, working with increasing independence &
confidence. Students in Y11 take UK IGCSE examinations.
For the Future; KS4 (Years 12-13)
A Level programme, UK examination board.
We also offer Special Arabic (for Arabs), Regular Arabic for non-Arabs, & Islamic Studies (for
Muslim st.) for Arabs & non-Arabs. Social Studies curriculum is also provided by MOE for Arab &
non-Arab speakers.

Foundation Stage (FS, or Kindergarten):
The UK FS Curriculum covers 7 main areas of learning:
1. Personal, Social & Emotional Learning
2. Physical Development
3. Communication & Language
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the World
7. Expressive Arts & Design

We facilitate our students on their journey of learning on the 7 areas of development through fun, exploration and
by stimulating their creativity. We provide a sound foundation of the four skills of language; speaking, listening,
writing, and reading. We emphasize that students develop these skills in English and Arabic (FS2) at their own pace
and progress to reach age-appropriate achievement targets. We have a well-structured & well-paced reading
programme, involving knowledge and understanding of phonics and sight words. Number Sense is developed
through teaching of pre-number concepts and with focus on a hands-on experience. Science and awareness of the

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environment are developed by experiential learning and educational trips reinforce these concepts.

Year 1+: The main course books for core subjects are chosen from International/UK Publications (with some
school publications to supplement). Curriculum planning ensures continuity and progression of concepts and skills
in each subject throughout the school. Projects, group games, & multimedia are used extensively to enrich the
teaching and learning experience in class. School publications are printed to support the practice and
reinforcement of topics like spelling, mental maths, lab. skills, etc. Students will learn the cursive handwriting
through a pattern writing of curves and joints pattern, progressively introduced in every grade. Students weak in
English may be required to attend the English Language Learners (ELL) Programme until they are ready to be
integrated to the mainstream English Lessons.


See English National Curriculum Progression Levels Chart for Achievement Epectations:













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17




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Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies books and teaching are strictly according to
Ministry guidelines. Non-Muslims Students are taught PSHE rather than Islamic
Studies.






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Damage to School/Personal Property
Wilful damage to school, bus or personal property is not allowed & will be charged for.

English
Although all languages are respected & valued, WSS is an English medium school. Lessons are delivered through
the medium of the English language, apart from Arabic, Islamic, French & Urdu. Students are expected to speak
English around the school, including during Breaks, except during Arabic/French/Urdu medium
lessons/activities/assemblies.

External Examinations
Eventually, students at WSS will take IGCSE, AS & A Level examinations, plus benchmarking tests. PISA &
other external tests may be organized by MOE. We are implimenting the International Computer Driving License
(ICDL) curriculum & qualification for Y8+. We also run internationally approved Benchmarking & Progress tests,
such as CAT4, INCAS, SATS & Cambridge Checkpoints. All external exams will be charged additional.

Fire Drill
A Fire Drill is carried out each Term. On hearing the fire alarm bell, all staff, guests & students must leave the
building in a calm, orderly manner, proceeding to the pre-arranged assembly point (Visitors Carpark area). Fire
escape routes are posted up in all classrooms & offices. Exit arrows & signs are clearly visible in corridors.

Gate Timings
The school gate usually opens at 7am (no earlier) on school days (8:30am on non-school days) for your
convenience. The school doors open at 7:30am when teachers have reported for duty.

7-7:30am; all early children must wait in West Quadrangle (FS, Y5+ Girls) or East Quadrangle (Y1-4 & Y5+
Boys). At 7:30am the school opens & they may go to their classroom for Registration time.

Hair
In school, students long hair should be tied back with school uniform clips & ties.

Head Lice
The school nurse will do Termly hair checks. As in all schools, at times we discover cases of head lice, which are
extremely contagious. If lice or nits (eggs) are found, the nurse will keep the student with her, call parents to take
the child home, & will give parents a letter with information about clearing them up (special shampoo & daily
combing with a special comb to remove all lice & nits). Before the child is admittted to class the nurse must check
the child is free from live lice & give an admit slip.

Health & Safety
Health & safety of all at WSS is a priority. Please note the following:
The school nurse maintains students medical files, & a visiting doctor supports the MOH (Ministry of Health)
health initiatives. Every student has a medical file and a log is kept of all treatment. Teachers send sick students
to the nurse, who provides care and treatment and inform the parents. The nurse will accompany emergency
cases to hospital, if parents are not available.
Hospital trips in case of a medical emergency requiring your childs hospitalization, the school Doctor
will assess the situation. If the Dr. feels that we should not wait for the parents or ambulance to arrive
(the ambulance is often delayed), we will transport your child immediately to the hospital in a school
vehicle. If you object to this, please inform the school medical team in writing on admission.
We will send home a Consent to treat form for you to sign permission.
Please keep your sick child at home, for his/her health & as germs spread quickly at school.
If your child is absent due to a contagious illness (eg. chicken pox, measles etc), the school Nurse/Dr. must sign

20


a fitness to return back to class slip before your child joins back.
Children found with head lice will be asked remain at home until clear, as lice spread very quickly through
school.
We have regular fire evacuation practices.

Holy Quran
At each Assembly & event, a student will read a passage from the Holy Quran. That class Islamic Tr. is
responsible for coaching the student in an appropriate passage

Home Time (Early Exit Pass)
Any parent needing to take their child home before 12/2pm must:
1. Report to Reception
2. Complete a Early Exit Pass & wait in Reception
3. Office Assistant will get the form signed by SLT & collect the child from class & bring to Reception. No child
should be released from class without an Early Exit Pass.
4. On exiting school, parent will give Security Guard the slip to allow child to leave.

Homework (HW)
Teachers will assign HW according to the scheme of work and students needs, which includes a balance
of reading, review and writing. Up to 3 subjects HW can be sent home daily. No HW is assigned during
test/exams days. All returned assignments should be marked & returned to the student as per the
assessment policy.

Homework Worksheets (HW WS) are uploaded onto GLG/emailed home on Thursday of each week for
Y1-9. It is indicated on the HW WS whether it is optional or compulsory. The Teacher will not chase your
child for optional HW WS if not submitted, but should mark them if returned. It is recommended for
students to complete all HW WS, as these are important revision of that weeks key learning in
preparation for the exams.

Teachers will discuss with you if your child needs specific support/help at home to raise his/her
performance standards. The HW time for learning or support at home is approx:

Year Group Number of HW Approx. time for HW Comments
FS1 Up to 15 mins Daily story-reading at home. HW assigned as
required (not daily) except reading, or if catching
up missed work. Practice basic skills. Collect
pictures, complete missed work
FS2 Reading +1 15-20 mins
Y1 Reading +1 30 mins A little every day
Y2 Reading +1 30 mins A little every day. Including time for independent
project work & research. Y3 Reading +1 30 mins
Y4 Reading + 2 45 mins Every day. Including time for independent project
work & research. Y5 Reading + 2 1 hour
Y6-9 Reading + 3 1-1 hours

If your child could not complete his/her HW, please write a note to the teacher explaining the reason so that the
teacher can follow-up.

House System & Class Championship Points (CCP)
We believe in positive discipline based on respect, so that your child develops into a self-determining, responsible
person. Our system includes rewards for good behaviour & achievement, & appropriate consequences for failing to
follow our Code of Conduct.


21


Students belong to one of four Houses (Ruby (red), Sapphire (blue), Emerald (green), Gold (yellow). Students
collect House Points for success in sporting & other competitions, and Class Championship Points (CCP) for
showing improvement, positive attitudes, good & consistent achievement in behaviour, conduct, academics, class
participation, projects, and positive involvement in school life etc. At times CCP could also be deducted. House
Points, CCP certificates and other awards are awarded in Assemblies.

Every year, students from Y4+ are selected after nomination, elections and interviews to participate & lead their
peers & House as Student Leaders (Student Council Members, Houses Captains and Vice Captains (girls & boys)
and Head Boy/Head Girl & Deputy Head Girl/Boy). They supervise break duties, committees, activities and
support during school events.
House points & CCPs are recorded in students Planner, with certificates awarded for Toppers:
House point totals will be collated to find the Termly and annual winner of the House trophy.
Activities Coordinator & House Leaders will organize Year group House competitions.


Other Rewards
Certificates for 100% attendance, Commendation Certificates, Class Championship Point certificates
Positions of responsibility, such as Class Leader, Environmental Leader, House Captain, Vice Captain, Student
Council member, Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl etc.

Id. Cards
For safety & convenience, all students will be issued with identification cards (Id. cards) for use in the
bus, canteen & Library. This should be worn to school daily. The card will be issued free of cost.
Replacement cards will be charged at AED20.

International Mindedness
As a GEMS international school, part of our hidden curriculum is to promote respect, tolerance & understanding
of different cultures (World Citizenship). We do this through the curriculum, assemblies, events & activities.
Students are expected to participate fully in the life of the school.

Students can earn/lose points in the following ways:
Number of Housepoints (HP) & Class Championship Points (CCP) to be awarded for any one achievement:







Housepoints are awarded to Houses for activities, competitions & sporting events, such as Inter-
House/Inter-School events & Sports days.
Class Championship Points are awarded for individual & team/class behavior, work, attitude, teamwork
etc. On occasion, points can be deducted for failing to follow the Fab. 5 Rules & the Code of Conduct.
CCP can be awarded for:
Quality projects, classwork, HW, displays and
progress
High academic achievement
Participation in sports/teamwork
Attendance and punctuality
Good conduct & improvement
Contribution to the environment
Tidiness and cleanliness
Smart uniform
Showing concern or consideration
Modeling safe, sensible Breaktime behaviour
General knowledge, research skills
Participation in competitions, class or other activities
Showing citizenship, helpfulness, charity work etc.
1 point =
good
2 points =
very good
3 points =
excellent


22


Laboratories
Science should be taught through practical activities, so Lab. use is a regular part of the science curriculum. Health
& safety are a priority.

Leadership
Leadership is an important skill for current & future success. Leadership is reinforced through class activities & the
hidden curriculum. Students are encouraged to take on responsibility & experience leadership oportunities as much
as possible, such as peer teaching, group work, Class Monitor, Student Council member, House Captain/Vice
Captain, Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl.

Leaving School
For safety, students leaving the school premises must be accompanied by a designated adult at all times,
except Y7-9, who may leave the school premises unaccompanied (not for trips across the road to the grocery store)
if they have a written, signed Planner note from parents to show Reception & Gate Security. If you specify
dates/timeframe or details you can use the same note multiple times, to save repeating notes.
FS1 students may be collected from classrooms at 12pm, or West Playground after 12:10pm.
Y1-Y6 & Y7-9 who have no signed permission to exit alone students must be collected from East or West
Playgrounds at home time.
Parents wishing to take their child home early must report to Reception for an Early Exit Pass to show Gate
Security. WSS staff will bring your child to Reception, as guests do not enter school between 8am-12pm, &
12:30-2pm (unless for a special event).

Library
Our school Libraries are managed by full time librarians, providing a selection of reading material, library
competitions, newspapers, reference materials, fiction, non-fiction books and periodicals, including CD-ROM &
internet access.
Parents may to visit & borrow books from 7:30-7:45am daily.
Parents of Kindergarten students are also welcome to visit the library anytime between 12-12:30pm any
day and spend reading time with their child. All children visit the library regularly with their teacher once a
week to borrow new books or read together.
A library period is part of every students Arabic & English curriculum.
A replacement charge will be levied for lost or damaged books (including reading books).

Lost Property
Items of lost property are stored in the Lost and Found cupboard outside the Bookstore. Valuable items are kept in
the safe by the Admin Officer. Non-collected items are sent to charity at the end of each Term. Please name all
your childs belongings (a CD marker pen works well) so that lost items can be returned to your child if found.

Marking
Teachers are expected to follow the schools marking policy. All work should be marked (eg. notes must be
acknowledged but do not always need to have a comment) with an initial at the bottom of each piece of work to
show the work has been checked.

Frequency of Marking (minimum requirement)
FS Weekly
Y1+ work should be checked before the next session.
Regular marking should involve ticking and when appropriate a WALT/WILF-related comment at the end of
some pieces of work. A target may be set for extended pieces of work related to the learning needs of the
students when required.


23


Mobile Phones
Use of mobile phones in school causes distraction & disruption, as well as being used for inappropriate
photography & may be lost/stolen. Therefore, please note:
It is not permitted for students to bring a mobile phone to school (or any other device that takes photos).
If any teacher sees your child with a mobile phone in school/bus, it will be confiscated, & you will need to
come into school to collect it.
Bag checks may be done.

Mosques
There are 2 mosque/prayer rooms on the first floor (one for ladies, one for men).

Music
Music is part of our curriculum, with assessment marks awarded. However, if you do not wish your child to
participate due to a religious reason, please write the teacher a note. Your child will sit at the back of the class &
does not have to participate. In this case it would not be possible to grade for music. However, please note that
singing the UAE National Anthem & school song is a regular part of school assemblies & events & all students are
expected to sing these.

Newsletters
A School Newsletter is published regularly (emailed & school website) by the Principal & class teacher, to inform,
update, celebrate success & to share students learning with parents.

Notebooks
All student books should have the students name, class & subject written on the front cover.
Please cover with transparent plastic or plain brown paper.
Graffiti on books is unacceptable.
The layout of all Y1+ students work is followed consistently across the whole school as follows:

Tuesday 5
th
September
(date in full for Y2 up, day for Y1 according to ability, 6/10/12 - for Maths)
(Ruled margin) (leave a space)
Title
The lessons Learning Objective (this could also be the title):
(leave a space)
Exercise/page
number
(as applicable)
(All work should have an appropriate title. From Y3+dates & titles should be
underlined with a ruler)


Medical Team
Our school medical team cares for sick students & staff, informs parents of any accidents & advises futher action as
required, maintains students medical files, dispenses emergency sanitary items, accompanies emergency cases to
hospital if parents are not available, supports MOH health initiatives & carries out regular health checks (eg. hair
checks). The medical team check & approve admit. slips for students returning after any serious or contagious
illness. A log is kept of all treatment.

Parties
From time-to-time we organise class parties for special occasions, such as end-of-year. If you send in food, please
stick to the amount requested by the teacher to avoid wastage. For FS, if you wish to organize a small class
birthday celebration party please organise it in advance with the class teacher & use break times only. Parties

24


should not disrupt learning time. Please be on time to avoid disappointment.

Parent Board (PB)
The aim of the WSS PB is to foster parent-school-community cooperation, communication, inclusion &
partnership & to support schools vision of Excellence Through Teamwork; Success For All through the
development of parent-school-community engagement, to enrich the lives of all our children.
The PB works closely with the school to support school improvement targets, shares ideas, problem-solve &
share community issues with SLT.
Examples of PB activities may be involvement in health and safety initiatives or presentations to students or
other parents, involvement in National Day and International Day, arranging learning-related activities for
students, offering work experience opportunities for Secondary students, volunteering in class, sharing your
brilliant ideas etc. The list is endless!
The school Principal is ultimately responsible for the management of all aspects of the school, so the PB is a
support & advisory body, and does not directly manage operational responsibilities.

Parent-Teacher Communication Meetings (PCM)
PCM are held Termly and notification given by email/SMS. Parents are given a meeting time of 7 minutes per
teacher, per child. If you require longer discussion time, you are welcome to make an appointment for a future
date.

Regular communication by the teacher (emails & Planner notes) to home is expected. Teachers should get
back to parents within 24 hours regarding their query, & keep parents informed of both academic & social
successes/challenges.

We believe that parents and teachers are partners in the educational process and we support parental engagement
through the following:
Using the Student Planner as a communication link
Phone calls, emails to teachers, PRE or management
Feedback at PCM
Personally collecting the students report
Attending school open days, events, activities & Coffee Mornings
Meeting teachers, PRE, MLT/SLT for discussion whenever necessary
Active membership of the PB

Photocopying
School will photocopy up to 5 sheets of paper free for parents. Additional photocopying will be charged at 50
fils per sheet.

Photographs
A photographer visits the school each year to take student individual and class photographs, which are then
available for purchase.

Physical Education (PE)
All students have weekly PE lessons, which include a range of outdoor & indoor games & sports. All students
participate in an annual Sports Day. The older students may be invited to join the school teams to participate in
inter-House & inter-school matches/competitions. Students wear the PE T-shirt of their House colour (allocated on
joining school). They can come to school dressed in their PE kit on PE days. If your child is not fit enough to
participate in the PE lesson, please write a Planner note. Wearing PE kit for PE lessons is compulsory.

Planners
We encourage regular communication between school and home as parents are our partners in

25


education. The students' Planner is an excellent medium of communicating with the class teacher or
subject teacher about regular concerns and for sharing information. Please read your childs Planner on
a daily basis, to check homework and sign any notes or circulars/letters of information & send it
back with your child each day.

Promotion to the Next Year Group; Criteria as per MOE rules
Y1+ students must obtain a pass mark of 50% in all subjects for promotion to the next year group. If a
student is failing in fewer than four subjects, he/she has to appear for the Resit Exams.
Any student failing 4 or more subjects will be detained
Students failing fewer than 4 subjects will be retested (June).
A pass mark of 50/100 in all subjects is needed in Y1+.
Students failing in 4 or more subjects are detained in the current year group.
Ministry Grade Sheets are completed & submitted for approval to MOE as per MOE rules. Reports are
published only after MOE approval.

Reading
This is one of the most important skills your child learns in school! Your child will have a
Reading Folder with a reading record sheet. The reading folder will be sent home with a read-at-
home book usually from the levelled reading scheme, such as Oxford Reading Tree (ORT).

Supporting Reading at Home, FSY6
The more support that you are able to give at home, the better your child will do in school! Praise
often, read daily - read to your child, or let your child read to you, and please sign the reading record card
regularly.
1. Revise the phonics (letter sounds a-z) until your child is confident with them.
2. Listen to your child read daily, even if it is only for a few minutes.
3. Discuss what has been read (ask questions, talk about the pictures & new vocabulary, check that your
4. child understands).
5. Sign the Reading record once reading has been completed.
6. Send the reading books and in the folder back to school daily.

Introduction to Phonics:
When children start at WSS we teach them the sounds of letters. As they learn other reading skills they
do not need to rely on phonics, but until they reach this stage using phonics is an invaluable reading aid.
Phonics is the traditional method of teaching reading. It is uniquely suited to our alphabetic method of
writing.
Teaching Phonics: There are two skills which must be learned: one must learn to break words down and one
must learn to blend together the sounds to form the words. Even very small children are easily able to learn these
skills.
Breaking up words: You can play games to teach this. For example, say: ``Point to the c a t''. Don't say the
names of the letters, but say their sounds. It should sound like ``Kuh Ah Tuh'' rather than ``See Ay Tee''.
Blending Sounds: The object here is to be able to say Kuh Ah Tuh, and hear cat''. When the child can
effortlessly look at the symbols and hear' the word, he/she's a proficient reader. The only way to make this
effortless is through practice.
The Phonetic Alphabet:
Please use the following letter sounds when helping your child to learn the alphabet:

26


a as in ant b as in but c as in cut d as in dug eas in egg

f as in far g as in gate h as in hut i as in ink j as in jug

k as in cut l as in lump mas in mum n as in nut o as in odd

p as in pink q as in quick r as in run s as in sun t as in ten

u as in under v as in verb w as in word x as in axe y as in young

z as in buzz

Registration
Registration time takes place each morning 7:45-8am. After 7:45am a student is marked Late. Online OASIS
Registration records are kept. Registration time is important as it is used for extra reading practice, Assembly, Core
Values topics, mental maths tests & spelling tests.

Registration with MOE
Official Ministry of Education (MOE) Online Registration
Sharjah MOE is initiating a mandatory online registration/data base system for all students. If your child is not
registered then his/her year at school will not be counted, your child will have to resit the year, & you will
incur a large fine. In order for us to avoid these issues & complete the registration process we require the
following current documents:
1. Current passport copy
2. Current Residence Visa copy
3. Current Emirates ID copy
4. 2 Current photographs
5. TC from previous school
6. Last Marksheet/Report from previous school

Reports
Students formal academic reports are issued (uploaded onto GLG for parents to access), three times throughout
the school year, subject to clearance of all that Terms school & bus fees as well as submission of all MOE
required documents. Any hardcopy MOE attested June Reports not collected at PCM will be sent home in
September, with SMS notification.

Scissors & Paper-cutters
Sharp scissors, & any kind of paper-cutter, are not allowed in school. Equipment required for art lessons will be
supplied by the school & must conform to safety standards. Please do not send to school with your child, unless the
teacher asks older students (via Planner note) for specially designed, child-safe scissors for craft activities.

Section/Class Transfer
Class & subject teacher allocation is at the discretion of the SLT (Senior Leadership Team) & Registrar, and is
always done considering the best interest of all our students to ensure that our classes are balanced (ability,
nationality, male/female, Special Needs etc). Should you feel a change of section is required please meet with the
Phase Leader & request a transfer in writing. Section transfers may be considered due to social or academic
reasons only. Section transfer is not possible if there are no seats available in the other sections, or after submission
of the Blue Book to MOE (around November each year).





27


School Song
GEMS Westminster School Song
1
st
Verse Chorus 2
nd
Verse
Westminster School is the place for
me,
Where Im the best that I can be.
Learning each day the skills I need,
For my future success.

Taking my place in society,
A leader wise & fair.
My talents flourish day-by-day,
With all my courage & strength.
(With all my courage &
strength).

Westminster School is the place for
me,
Inspiring my dreams of who Ill be.
Together our team from all parts of the
world,
In harmony, friendship our future
unfolds.

Sports Days
There are separate annual student Sports Days depending on year group (usually in Term 2). All students are
expected to attend/support their House. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Student Council & Student Leadership
The Student Council has a representative from each class in Years 4+. The Head Girl & Head Boy lead the Student
Council along with the Phase Leader & Teacher House Leaders. They take the lead in speeches at school events,
organizing events, duties, charity fundraising etc. The Student Council meets reguarly to discuss student-related
issues & support the Activities Coordinators (International Day, National Day, Talentastic committees etc). The
Head Girl/Boy are invited to attend Parent Board meetings.

Suspension
For severe or persistant disciplinary incidents (such as fighting), students may be given a suspension. Suspension
may be internal or external. Internal suspensions are done in school, where the student stays with an SLT
member for the day. External suspensions are where the student is excluded temporarily from school. During
suspension, a student is not prmitted to attend any classes or to participate in any extra-curricular activities. During
the days of suspension, all school work & tests (students must attend external & end-of year exams) will be marked
as zero. A student may make up work missed, and materials that he/she missed may be available to him/her, but no
grade will be awarded for this work.

Timings & Timetable
FS1 & FS2 7:45am-12pm
Y1-9 7:45am-2pm

28



Transition
To help students move smoothly from one yeargroup to the next, we arrange a Transition Day/lesson in May, when
students meet their new teachers before the new year.

Trips
Educational trips are organized to reinforce meaningful learning & are linked closely to the curriculum. Written
permission must be to obtained from a parent/guardian for any child to leave school during the day. These
outings are supervised and accompanied by teachers at all times. Trips must be approved by MOE as per their
policy.

Examples of Trip Locations
Sharjah Calligraphy Museum:
http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/SMDWebsite/Museums/Calligraphy_Museum.aspx
Sharjah historic Museum & National Park:
http://www.sharjahtourism.ae/en/heritage/museums/sharjah-desert-park
Science Museum: http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/SMDWebsite/Museums/Sharjah_Science_Museum.aspx

Tuition (Private)
It is strictly prohibited by UAE Labour Law for our teachers on school Visa to give private tuition for money or
work outside WSS. School Support classes are arranged in the school day where possible.


29


Uniform
We are training our young people to become professional business people, so enforce a smart uniform code
to reinforce self-discipline, equality, personal pride & a sense of belonging to a team. We request that
parents support our uniform code. Failure to wear uniform is a disciplinary issue, so if there is a good reason
why any child is not in uniform, the parent shouls write a Planner note for the Teacher. Birthday children
may wear their home coloured clothes to school for that day.
Daily registration should include a uniform check. Notes in Planner & loss of CCP for uniform issues.
Parents can purchase approved uniform from Threads. Threads Contact is Tel: 8008473237,
www.threadsme.com). The school Bookstore keeps a stock of ties & saves for easy replacement of lost items.

Please note our uniform policy:
Headscarf/shehla: A uniform version (pale blue) is available. Plain white can be worn also.
Hair: Long hair (shoulder length & longer) should be tied back with
uniform ties/headband
FS Uniform: Pride in our appearance & a sense of community are developed from day
one. Therefore we ask that parents send their FS (KG) children to school
in smart uniform too.
Makeup: Makeup & nail varnish are not allowed. Students wearing these will be
sent to the Nurse for their removal.
PE Kit: Uniform PE kit should be worn to school on PE days only. For Break time
matches, ASP & Golden Time activities, PE kit should be brought
to school in a bag &
changed before the activity.
Scarf: Y1+ girls wear a neck scarf
Shoes: Plain, black leather shoes. Plain trainers for PE
Socks: Navy (dark) blue socks, leggings or tights (white socks for PE)
Tie: Y1+ boys wear a tie
Winter sweater: Navy blue uniform winter sweater during winter
Art: It is recommended to bring an art overall for Art lessons.
FS Accidents: FS parents please send a named set of spare clothes in case of an accident. These are
returned by the teacher at the end of the year. If due to some unavoidable reason your child
is not in proper uniform, please write a note in the Planner to inform the teacher.

Yearbook (YB)
This is produced each year to celebrate students achievements, experiences & successes. The Yearbook is
available in softcopy.










30


Useful Learning Websites for Students, Parents & Teachers

G
e
n
e
r
a
l



www.ictgames.com
Multiple Intelligences testing and explanation
www.bgfl.org
www.wikipedia.com
www.funbrain.com
www.bbc.co.uk
Brain Gym www.about.com
Independent thinking activities and theory:
http://www.independentthinking.co.uk/
Charity which focuses on lifelong learning. How
students learn http://www.campaign-for-
learning.org.uk/cfl/index.asp
BBCs education area great interactive activities for
students: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
English curriculum but also general pedagogy:
www.teachernet.gov.uk
www.brainpop.com
www.ask.com
Ed Helper: http://www.edhelper.com
School Express: http://www.schoolexpress.com/
Learning Page: http://www.learningpage.com
Internet Public Library : http://www.ipl.org
Enchanted Learning: www.EnchantedLearning.com
Autism Today: http://www.autismtoday.com
Ideal Lives: http://www.ideallives.com
How Stuff Works: http://www.howstuffworks.com/
Songs for Teaching: http://www.songsforteaching.com/
Education Creations:
http://www.educationcreations.com/freestuff.htm
The original mind mapper: www.mind-map.com
Edward de Bono: www.edwdebono.com
www.primaryresources.co.uk Great resources including
fabulous PowerPoints.
www.encarta.com
www.google.ae

A
r
a
b
i
c

www.schoolarabia.net/arabic
www.arabo.com
www.mualimi.com
www.alamalnet.com
www.alfusha.net
www.qwa3ed.i8.com
www.alarabeyya.com
www.gulfson.com
www.kids.jo
www.arabicl.org.sa
www.lughah.cjb.net
www.alnoor.info
www.mediu.org/eMaahad/eBoo
ks/level1/index.htm
www.thegreengate.net
www.schoolarabia.net/map_site/
asasi/arabic_1.htm
www.al-maqha.com
www.arabacademy.com
www.droos.org
lexicons.ajeeb.com
ajeeb.sakhr.com
A
r
t

Art Lessons for All Grades:
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/lessons.htm
l
Kinder Art: http://www.kinderart.com
Crayola: http://www.crayola.com
Draw Space: http://www.drawspace.com/
Draw Your World:
http://www.drawyourworld.com/index.html
Drawing/Sketching Lessons:
http://drawsketch.about.com/
Kids Art:
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/kidsart.htm
E
L
L

www.brainpop.com
www.esl-kids.com
ww.babybumblebee.com
www.kinderhelper.com
www.uptoten.com www.abcteach.com
www.billybear4kids.com
www.first-school.ws
www.dltk-kids.com
www.activityvillage.com
www.eslflashcard.com
www. kindergarden.com
www.song4teachers.com
www.poems4teachers.com
www.preschoolprintables.com
www.firstratefamily.com
www.signing4babies.com
http://www.tes.co.uk/searchResults.aspx?keywords
E
n
g
l
i
s
h

L
i
t
e
r
a
c
y


To Learn English: http://www.tolearnenglish.com/
Guided Reading and Reading Games with Roy the Zebra; a wonderful guided reading story with accompanying printable
worksheets and guided reading discussion sheets. There are 80 interactive literacy games, stories and songs (KS1)
http://www.roythezebra.com/
Online grammar practice (useful for ELL students & suitable for years 7-9 (or any level weak in English).
www.esl.about.com
Grammar resources www.softschool.com
Make spelling lists www.spellingcity.com
www.offbyheart.co.uk free primary worksheets and online games for Math and English.

31


F
S

Early Years Framework;
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearnin
g/curriculum/a0068102/early-years-foundation-stage-
evfs

G
a
m
e
s

Family Fun: http://www.familyfun.com
Teach With Movies: http://www.teachwithmovies.org
Fun Brain: http://www.funbrain.com
Discovery Kids :
http://kids.discovery.com/games/games.html
I Know That: http://www.iknowthat.com
Free online games: http://www.puzzlefactory.com/games/
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Starfall: http://www.starfall.com
Reading A-Z: http://www.readinga-
z.com/samples/preview.html
TLS-Books: http://www.tlsbooks.com/
Free online phonics reading books:
http://www.progressivephonics.com/~suzettew/index.ph
p?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&i
d=4&Itemid=4
Project Gutenberg : http://www.gutenberg.net
Wowio.com: http://www.wowio.com
www.childrenslibrary.org;
www.fanfiction.net www.magrudy.com
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ABC Teach: http://www.abcteach.com
The Write Site : http://www.writesite.org
Scholastic; student activities:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp
Online Writing Guide:
http://oswego.org/staff/tcaswell/wg/para.htm
Spelling City: http://www.spellingcity.com/
Teachers Lab: http://www.learner.org/teacherslab/
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www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Colonial Williamsburg: Electronic Field Trips:
http://www.history.org/trips
Natural Wonders of the World: http://www.field-
guides.com/sci/natwon/index.htm
Teachers Guide Virtual Field Trips:
http://www.theteachersguide.com/virtualtours.html
CyberBee:http://www.cyberbee.com
The Jason Project: http://www.jasonproject.org
Global Online Adventure Learning Site:
http://www.goals.com/Index.htm
Virtual Field Trips: http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours
Lewis and Clark : http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark
Reports and artwork on the Aztec empire:
http://www.kent.wednet.edu/KSD/SB/Ancient/Aztec.ht
ml
Xpeditions @ National Geographic:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions
K-12 Africa Guide
http://www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/Home_Page/A
FR_GIDE.html
Life in the Middle Ages
http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/schools/brisas/sunda/ma/ma
home.htm
New Perspectives on the West :
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest
Geography Worksheets:
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/qt/geog
printables.htm
Aztec Architecture:
http://library.advanced.org/10098/aztec.htm
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http://www.giml.org/ The Gordon Institute for Music Learning: The best starting point for the most up-to-date
information about how we learn when we are learn music.
http://musictheory.net/ Ricci Adams Musictheory.net features well sequenced Lessons, Trainers, and Utilities dealing
with Music Theory (the grammar of music notation).
http://www.ipl.org/div/mushist/ Music History 102A guide to Western Composers and their Music, from the Middle
Ages to the Present. Audio files are embedded in most pages.

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www.aaamath.com
www.aplusmath.com
www.countonorg.com
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/clocks.html cool
interactive games on clocks.
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-
web/games/ClassClock/clockres.html interactive clocks
http://www.teachingtime.co.uk/draggames/sthec2.html
interactive clock games
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/ good
interactive activities for fractions & percentages
A great maths website that has easy to follow
www.mymaths.co.uk
The Math Worksheet Site:
http://www.TheMathWorksheetSite.com
Math Goodies.com : http://www.mathgoodies.com
Math Playground: http://www.mathplayground.com
Math Drills: http://www.math-drills.com/
Math.com: http://www.math.com/
Algebra Help: http://www.algebrahelp.com
Cool Math Games: http://www.coolmath-games.com
WebMath : http://www.webmath.com
www.softschool.com
Good variety of Maths resources
www.softschool.comwww.offbyheart.co.uk free primary
worksheets and online games for Math and English.
www.greatmathsgames.com free educational software,
math games, motivational posters and much more.
Happy Child: loads of free worksheets for topics across
all Key Stages.
www.math-salamanders.com for Math primary resources.
http://www.happychild.org.uk/wks/math/
Free exam papers: this site covers so many different
exam boards. http://www.freeexampapers.com
Mr. Maths: great posters explaining national curriculum
levels. Very useful for educating pupils and parents new
to the levels. There are also powerpoints and riddles and
starters. There are also SATS papers available:
http://www.mrmaths.org/index.shtml
Nrich Maths; useful for challenging above-average
pupils. Pupils can submit solutions to problems too:
http://nrich.maths.org/public/
Site for Math and English [Elementary level]
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/clocks.html cool
interactive games on clocks.
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-
web/games/ClassClock/clockres.html clocks interactive
http://www.teachingtime.co.uk/draggames/sthec2.html
interactive clocks games
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/ good
interactive fractions/ percentage

FS1 in the garden learning about nature & their senses
We learn more through group work
Exam time!
Assessment for learning
time!
Learning in the garden!

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BrainPOP : http://www.brainpop.com
Chem4Kids : http://www.chem4kids.com
Exploratorium : http://www.exploratorium.edu
Inner Body : http://www.InnerBody.com
Science for High School:
http://www.scienceforhighschool.com/
Cosmeo: http://cosmeo.com
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/index.html
Astronomy for Kids
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ss&id=1
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Nine Planets : http://www.nineplanets.org
StarChild : http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov
The Electronic Zoo : http://netvet.wustl.edu/e-zoo.htm
Smith Life Science: http://www.smithlifescience.com/
The MAD Scientist Network : http://www.madsci.org
Try Science :
http://www.tryscience.orghttp://www.channel4.com/web
logic/essentials/science/physical/changingsounds_bi.jsp
KS2 Changing sounds - key ideas about the unit and
worksheets that can be downloaded. There is also a quiz
for unit.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/solarsystem/index.s
html Key stage 2 5E- Earth, Sun and Moon
http://www.channel4.com/weblogic/essentials/science/ph
ysical/earthsunmoon_bi.jsp Key stage 2 5E Earth,
Sun and Moon - This site explains the key ideas about
the unit and worksheets can be downloaded. There is
also a quiz.
Science & Technology Education:
http://www.ftexploring.com/
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/gpe/ Great plant escape.
All aspects of plant growth. Ideal for Science KS2
revision.
http://www.naturegrid.org.uk/explorer/ Key stage 1/2
a site for exploring different environments
http://www.cadburylearningzone.co.uk/env2/index.htm
KS2 Exploring different environments in UK and
around the world. Additional resources for teachers in the
Teachers Zone.
http://exhibits.pacsci.org/nutrition/default.html Nutrition
caf lots of information, quizzes and activities linked to
healthy eating
http://www.innerbody.com/ Clear images and animations
of the organs and body systems
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/kids/index.shtml KS2 All
about how the body works
http://www.channel4.com/weblogic/essentials/science/mat
erial/index.jsp KS2 site explains the key ideas about each
unit and worksheets that can be downloaded. There is also
a quiz for each unit.
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/science/circuitdiag.htm
QCA Unit 6G:Circuit symbols worksheet and an activity
sheet for testing circuit diagrams.
http://www.crocodile-clips.com/m6_4.htm An
invaluable tool for children to use when exploring circuits
http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/content/3/physics/circuits
/ QCA Unit 6G:Interactive Circuit challenges aimed at
Year 5/6



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