al ma’arifa international school - almarifa-intsch.ae · al ma’arifa international pvt shool...

Al Ma’arifa International Pvt Shool Staff Guide

Staff Guide

Al Ma’arifa International School

STAFF GUIDE 2016-2017

ACCREDITED


Staff Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SCHOOL VISION 4

1.1 MISSION STATEMENT 4 1.2 SCHOOL OBJECTIVES 4

2.0 MIS CURRICULUM 6

2.1 THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM 6 2.1.1 THE AMERICAN PROGRAM - HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, IELTS, SAT I 6 2.1.2 THE BRITISH PROGRAM: IGCSE AND AS, A- LEVEL COURSES. 7 2.2 THE UAE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION PROGRAM 7

3.0 SCHOOL DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS 8

3.1 SCHOOL DIVISIONS 8 3.2 ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS 9 3.3 MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMOMANDA OF UNDERSTANDING 9

4.0 CONTRACTS &CONDITIONS 10

4.1 TEACHERAS JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILIRIES 10 4.2 MIS TEARMS AMD CONDITIONS 11 4.3 IMMIGRATION AND LABOUR LAWS 12 4.4 SCHOOL FEES FOR STAFF CHILDREN 14 4.5 STAFF ATTENDANCE&ABSENCES 14 4.6 SICK LEAVE AND HEALTH INSURANCE 14 4.7 VISAS PROCESS 14 4.8 DRESS CODE 14

5.0 COUNCILS 15

5.1 FACULTY COUNCIL 15 5.2 STUDENT COUNCIL 15 5.3 PARENT COUNCIL 15 6.0 SPECIAL PROGRAMS 15

6.1 THE SPECIAL IDUCATION DEPARTMENT 15 6.1.1 NEW EASY LEARNING 15 6.1.2 THE ACADMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM 16

7.0 PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONS 16

7.1 MEETINGS 17

8.0 TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 17

8.1 CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATESFOR TEACHERS & TRAINERS-CIF 17 8.2 IN- SCHOOL PD PROGRAMS 18 8.3 EXTERNAL PD PROGRAMS 18 8.4 ONLINE PROGRAMS 18

9.0 SCHOOL FACILITIES 18

9.1 STUDENT FACILITIES 18


Staff Guide

10.0 COMUNICATIONS 19

11.0 SCHOOL LOCATION& CONTACTS 21

12.0 APPENDICES 22-23


Staff Guide

1.0 SCHOOL VISION

MIS, which has been an educational and cultural landmark of Sharjah, is a community that motivates its students to become creative, life-long learners by providing them with human rights principles, tolerance and ethics of global citizenship that lead to peace for humanity at large. We spare no effort to make our institution a great example for international schools.

1.1 Mission Statement

MIS is a caring, large educational institution whose professional teaching staff and management provide its community of learners with values, supportive learning environment and up-to-date curriculum that meet the students’ needs and whole-personality development within a humanistic global philosophy. Our school, which highly respects the diverse of cultural backgrounds of its stakeholders within a philosophical approach of internationalism, is keen on maintaining high expectations from its teachers as well as its students as a mean to prepare learners to become critical thinkers and to take thoughtful decisions in a real-life context and in an ever-changing world.

1.2 MIS Strategic Objectives

MIS diligently works to:

1.2.1 Provide broad and balanced curriculum that offer all students the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and competencies to be successful members of a global community.

1.2.2 Inspire students to be independent lifelong learners meeting the highest expectations as set by international standards.

1.2.3 Provide equitable access to quality learning tools, technologies and resources.

1.2.4 Uphold a physical environment that encourages collaborative, innovative and self-directed learning within the school community.

1.2.5 Pay special attention to students’ whole-personality development in an integrated and balanced manner.

1.2.6 Consolidates the values of students’ loyalty to their school and home land(s).

1.2.7 Provide an educational environment that is supportive to cultural, social and sports activities.

1.2.8 Foster the principle of PARTNERSHIP with local and international universities as well as other educational and cultural institutions in the interest of its students.

1.2.9 Maintain a faculty of highly qualified, motivated and dedicated professionals to support the school's academic


Staff Guide

programs through an effective and efficient human resources department.

1.2.10 Develop learning practices, human support and physical environments that will enhance the teaching and learning of our students in line with 21st century learning community.

1.2.11 Facilitate a professional learning environment that enables our teachers to collaborate and encourage continuing development to enter the classroom practice.

1.2.12 Develop a modern and innovative approach to teaching and learning with ICT by maintaining up to date technological resources and adopting effective school systems.

1.2.13 Build a strong and effective partnership with parents and the local community through a range of activities and programs.

1.2.14 Develop the students’ awareness, understanding and tolerance for different cultures, beliefs and respect for human rights worthy of a truly global citizen.

1.2.15 Promote students’ social and environmental responsibility through active involvement in the school and the wider community.

1.2.16 Maintain an up-to-date record of our Alumni across the world through an effective communication system.


Staff Guide

2.0 MIS CURRICULUM

A complete school program from Kindergarten to Grade 12 is provided within each of the three different educational systems: the British system, the American system, and the UAE Ministry of Education system.

The American and the British systems comprise the MIS InternationalProgram.

The third system is labeled as the Ministry program.

Students have the option of choosing one of these three systems, any of which will lead to obtaining a certificate that is recognized and attested by The UAE Ministry of Education. The students will study a 14-year syllabus in any of the two programs.

2.1 The International Program

This program comprises of two stages: Grades K-8 and Grades 9-12. A. GradesK-8:The students study the following mandatory subjects:

1) Subjects taught in English: Mathematics, Science, English, Art, Music, Computer, Physical Education, and Social studies. The syllabus in each of these subjects is selected and designed by the related department. The teachers within each department produce an annual overview for the curriculum and a daily teaching plan under the supervision of the head of department. The teaching text books and resources are based on outside published sources.

2) Subjects taught in Arabic: The students must study the UAE Ministry of Education syllabus in:

Arabic, Islamic studies and Social studies. The text books and the teaching plans are provided by the Ministry and the school mustadopt these plans.

Note: The school offers Special Arabic, Special Religion and Special Social Studies for non-Arab students.

3) French: The French department designs its own syllabus.

The teaching resources and materials are supplied by French publishers.

B. In the International system, at the beginning of grade 9, the students may choose to joineither: the American program or the British program for the duration of four years.

Note: Choosing any of these programs depends on needs an administrative approval.

2.1.1 The American Program - High School Diploma, IELTS, Sat I The program includes the following subjects that must be studied in each year in either of the following two options:

2.1.1.1 The Scientific Section: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Statistics,

Business, ICT, Art and Music. 2.1.1.2 The Business Section(known as the Literary Section):

English, Mathematics, Biology, Business Studies, Economics, Physical Education, Arabic, and Islamic Studies, Accounting, Environmental Management, ICT and Statistics.


Staff Guide

Note: The students following this program should successfully complete Grade 12 in order to be able to graduate and earn a High School Diploma. The passing mark in each subject is 60%. The students are also prepared to sit for SAT I examinations at the end of grade 12. Music, Art and PE are offered as elective subjects in Grades 10 to 12.

2.1.2.3 The British Program: IGCSE and AS, A- Level Courses.

MISoffers the National Curriculum for England and prepares students to take the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) course and the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and A Level Examinations of the University of Cambridge and Edexcel board (U.K.).

In Key Stage 4 the IGCSE curriculum (Years 9 and 10) is introduced. A range of subjects, catering for a variety of academic needs and interests, are offered. These include the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, Arabic, Art & Design, Environmental Management, Economics, and Business.

Year 11 prepares students for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Examinations in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, BusinessStudiesand Economics. These courses are designedespecially for students who are in pursuit ofuniversityeducationPhysics, Chemistry, BiologyandMathematics are offered at Advanced level (A).English and ICT (AS Level).(A)variety of text books and teaching materials are provided by publishers from UK.

2.2 The UAE Ministry of Education Program

GradeKGto Grade 12 General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) Course. All subjects in this section are taught in Arabic, except English. There is a focus on preparing grades 11 and 12 for IELTS.

The Ministry of Education program comprises of the following stages:

2.2.1 Kindergarten (KG1 & KG2): The children study Islamic Studies, Arabic, English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education and Music.

2.2.2 Primary: Grades 1-5.The students study Islamic Studies, Arabic, English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education, Music, ICT and Social Studies.

2.2.3 Middle: Grades 6-9.The students study Islamic studies, Arabic language, English language, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education, History and Geography, ICT, Civics, Music.

2.2.4 Secondary:Grades 10-12.The schoolfollowsthe advanced stream which is offered by the UAE MOE at the secondary level. The students study Islamic studies, Arabic language, English language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,Geography, Physical Education,ICT, Life skills, Art & Design. All students sit for the official examination at the end of each semester.


Staff Guide

3.0 SCHOOL DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS

Al Ma’arifa International School comprises four school divisions and twelve academic departments as follows:

3.1 School Divisions

3.1.1 The International Primary Section: KG to Grade 4 Grade(s): Ext. # KG 1: 419 KG 2: 441 Grade 1: 442 Grade 2: 443 Grade 3: 462 Grade 4: 412 3.1.2 The International Girl’s Section Grades 5 to 12 Grade(s): Ext. # Grade 5 454 Grade 6-8: 470 Grade 9-12: 472 3.1.3 The Boy’s International Section: Grades 5 to 12 Middle School: Grade 5-8 Grade(s): Ext. # Grade 5-6: 414 Grade 7-8: 440 Grade 9: 467 Grade 10-12: 473 High School: Grade 9-12 Grade(s): Ext. # Grade 9: 467 Grade 10-12: 473 3.1.4 The UAE Ministry of Education Section: Grades 1 – 12

Supervisors: Ext. # KG to Grade 3: 423 Middle Section (4-6) 445 Middle School and High School(7-12)415

Supervisors: Ext. # Middle School (4-8): 438 High School (9-12): 473


Staff Guide

3.2 Academic Departments

3.2.1 Science Department 3.2.2 Mathematics Department 3.2.3 English Department 3.2.4 Arabic Department 3.2.5Economics & Business MangaementDepartment 3.2.6 French Department 3.2.7 Physical Education Department 3.2.8 Music Department 3.2.9 Social Studies Department 3.2.10 Islamic Studies Department 3.2.11 Art Department 3.2.12 Information Communications Technology Department Administrative Departments and Offices: - Director’s Office - Quality Assurance Department - Finance & Accounting Department - HR Department - Admission - Purchasing - Maintenance - Transportation - Health Safety and EnvironmentDepartment - Student’sSupport

3.3 Memberships, Associations and Memoranda of Understanding

Al Ma’arifa International School is proud to be associated with the following:

3.3.1 Member of New England Association of Schools and Colleges in USA, NEASC

3.3.2 Sharjah Board of International Schools.

3.3.4 Associate Member with NESA (Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools)

3.3.5 Member of PTA (Principals' Training Association)

3.3.6 Recognized Center for Cambridge (1993), Edexcel(acquired 2004).

3.3.7 Authorized by The College Board in USA to be a registered center for SAT Reasoningand SubjectTests. Memoranda of Understanding with the following institutions:

3.3.8 American University of Sharjah.

3.3.9 University of Dubai.

3.3.10 Canadian University of Dubai.

3.3.11 Skyline University College.

3.3.12 American University in the Emirates.

3.3.13 Rochester Institute of Technology.


Staff Guide

4.0 CONTRACTS & CONDITIONS

4.1 Teacher’s Job Description and Responsibilities

Job Description

Job Title: Teacher Reports to: Head of Departments and Head of Section Supervises: All students in his/her classes The teachers are the backbone of any educational establishment and are responsible for maintaining high standards in the school.Therefore staff are required to act in a highly professional way.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Translates M.I.S. Mission, Vision and Objectives into all aspects of the education and social process at M.I.S. Applies the VMO are expected to behave in a professional manner in his/her planning, class learning activities, and assessment. 2. Uses a variety of 21st Century learning skills and instructional strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, discovery, activity-based learning, collaborative learning, and games, supported by a wide range of aids. Uses technology creatively in the classroom to boost student learning. 3. Prepares instructional materials and teaching aids, and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil through differentiation. Communicates expected learning outcomes to students. 4. Creates an effective environment for learning through functional, attractive student displays, rich vocabulary charts, and interest centers. 5. Works as an effective team memberwith colleges, Coordinators, Heads of Departments and Head of Sections. Completes and submits the daily teaching plans,annualoverview, parent plans and the administration documents to H.O.D. and H.O.S on time. 6. Works as subject team member to develop syllabus and scope and sequence across grade levels. Communicates effectively and cooperates with Heads of Departments, Heads of Sections and Supervisors. 7. Develops student skills in citizenship and basic courtesy. 8. Assigns homework according to the section policy and marks it promptly, with effective student feedback to promote learning. 9. Establishes and maintains standards of behavior through positive reinforcement, to achieve a motivating and functional learning atmosphere, where students build their self-confidence. Treats all students with respect. Teachers are not allowed to use verbal or physical punishment either belittle or insult students, or to use bad words. 10. Evaluates pupil academic and social growth, noting progress and individual strengths and weaknesses. Uses a broad range of appropriate assessment strategies, including benchmarking, sampling, portfolios, skill checklists, criterion-referenced and norm-referenced tests.Involves students in their own assessment.Uses well-timed and carefully structured assessments to plan for individual learning development. Corrects and checks quizzes and exams as required by the school policy. Maintains confidentiality of marks. 11. Maintains complete up-to-date student attendance and discipline records, and puts marks punctually and accurately in the school system. Keeps detailed records in the Mark Book (for MOE) and prepares progress reports in the computer. 12. Identifies student’s needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems. 13. Communicates effectively with parents through weekly plans, conferences, agenda notes and other means to discuss needs and progress, and to explain the school program.


Staff Guide

14. Maintains professional competence through the MIS Professional Development Program, in-service education activities provided by the school, local workshops and conferences, courses of study, regional workshops, and self-selected professional growth activities. 15. Participates cooperatively with the appropriate administrators to grow professionally through the M.I.S. Professional Evaluation Program, in conformance with M.I.S. guidelines. 16. Attends all classes and duties punctually, does not leave and does not dismiss students before the bell. Does not leave the classroom while students are present.Does not leave students in the care of the Class Assistant.Does not send student to photocopy or for messages. 17. Keeps all classrooms clean and tidy. Turns lights and fans off at break and end of the day. 18. Participates in all faculty and school committees, curriculum development program, department and staff meetings, school activities, celebrations and functions, and all extra-curriculum activities in and out of school. Contributes actively to the accreditation process. 19. Carries out all duties assigned by the Director and HOS. In the Academic Support Program and Class Advisor Program, where required, within the allocated timetable.

4.2 MIS Terms & Conditions

4.2.1 School working hours begin at 7:15 A.M and end at 2:15 P.M for teachers and from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for administrators from Sunday to Thursday. Employees are required to sign in and sign out daily. Teachers, who have lessons in the first period, are requested to be in the playground before the assembly begins

.

4.2.2 Leaving School during work hours needs written permission from the Director, HOS&HR on the Leave Form. In case of lateness, the employee should inform the Head of Section.

4.2.3 In case of absence, the employee should have permission from the Director by calling/SMSand inform the Head of Department and Head of Section.

4.2.4 Any employee working in Al Ma’arifa School should carry out his/her duties honestly and precisely, and

should abide by the instructions of the administration, as long as these are within the sphere of his responsibilities, duties and assignments.

4.2.5 The employee shall, before and after the end of his/her service, maintain professional confidentiality whether technical, administrative or commercial.

4.2.6 Employees of Al Ma’arifa School shall not keep or provide any official documents or information about t the School to any third party without written authorization of the Director.

4.2.7 Employees who have sons/ daughters in the school are requested to inform the Accounting Department by the end of November of each year.

4.2.8 Employees of Al Ma’arifa School shall devote their working time to discharging their duties and any other assignments required from them, within the sphere of their job, responsibilities and any relevant instructions.

4.2.9 Employees shall always maintain the tools, materials, equipment and systems used in their work and shall not misuse them. They should always endeavor to maintain the property of the School in good condition. When an employee is transferred from one worksite to another, he/she must hand over all documents, materials and equipment etc. complete and in good condition, to his/her substitute or


Staff Guide

replacement. It is not allowed to keep any documents or official papers related to Al Ma’arifa School whether upon transfer to another job or during his/her work.

4.2.10 The employee should not hide any defect or default or mistake appearing to him/her at work, and he/she has the right to give advice on what he/she sees suitable for repair or change.

4.2.11 The employee shall avoid all issues prohibited in UAE, especially the religious and political issues.

4.2.12 Theemployee is not permitted to tutor, especially any MIS student. If a student requires help outside school, the parents should approach the school Director who may give permission to tutor for a special case.

4.2.13 Full time staff are not allowedto take up any part-timecompenstion employment without prior approval of the School Director.

4.2.14 All teachers are required to do scheduled substitution, and teach the class or a class activity.

4.2.15 All teachers are required to do duties before school, after school and/or during the break time.

4.2.16 Absences either side of a weekend or vacation are subject to a salary deduction, unless written approval of the Director is given in advance.

4.2.17 All employees must submit all the required MOE and MOL documents to the HR Department within six months of the employment’s offer.

4.2.18 The school evacuation’s Policy.

4.2.19 The employee must follow abide byemployees-employee in MIS Terms and Conditions, Staff

Handbook, the Offer of Employment and job Description.

4.3 Immigration & Labor Laws:

4.3.1 The employee will be granted a WORK PERMIT and Issued with a LABOUR CARD after the Labor Department approves their educational qualifications, and status in accordance with the UAE residency rules. Arbitration in collective work disputes can be addressed to the Labor Department. The contract between the employee and the school does not forfeit legal rights mentioned in the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Labor.

4.3.2 The Teacher’s CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT: Will be available in English as well as in Arabic.However,the Arabic text will prevail. The maximum teaching load will be 30 periods per week.But it is possible to negotiate a contract of more than one year. One month’s written notice is required if you do not want your contract to be renewed, or if the school wishes to terminate your contract before completion of the academic year. If such notice is not given, your contract is presumed to be automatically renewed. If the school wishes to terminate your contract before the completiondate, you will then receive one month’s additional compensatory salary. If you resign before the expiry of your contract and without giving a month’s notice, you will forfeit one month’s salary.


Staff Guide

4.3.3 You will be under PROBATION for a period up tothreemonths, during which your services may be terminated without notice and without after-service benefits. Similarly, you can also choose to resign on a one-day notice during this period. During the probation period you need to give the school all required certificates of qualifications and experience. Certificates should be attested by concerned authorities and by U.A.E embassy in your country of origin, and then by UAE ministry of foreign affairs. Attestation costs are your responsibility.

4.3.4 Gratuity: Will be paid for every completed year of employment, at the end of your contract. It is based on your basic salary. In accordance with the UAE Labor Law, you are entitled to gratuities as follows: 21days of remuneration for each year of the first 5 years of service 30 days of remuneration for each additional year of service, but not exceeding 2 years of remuneration.

4.3.5 On completion or termination of your contract, the school will repatriate you to your place of recruitment if you wish. You will forfeit your gratuity and repatriation expenses if you resign before the completion of your contract, unless you have been in continuous employment for more than five years. You will also incur loss of gratuity and repatriation expenses if you resign without giving notice.

4.3.6 Salaries: Will be paid in arrears into your account on the first day of each calendar month. Please give the school accountant details of your bank so that your salary can be paid directly into your account. Female staff are paid the same as male staff for similar work.

4.3.7 Allowances: The school provides air passages for ex-patriots at the startand completion of your annual contract. You may receive furnished accommodation or a housing allowance, as specified in your contract.

4.3.8 Maternity Leave: Female staff shall be entitled to maternity leave with full pay for a period of 45

days, covering the periods before and after the delivery, on the condition that she has been in continuous employment with our school of not less than one year.

4.3.9 Vacation: Teachers are entitled annual vactionaccourding to MOE calendar. Teacherswho are required to work in the summer vacation receive double remuneration. Muslim staff are entitled to a Hajj leave without pay once during employment at the school, in addition to other leave entitlements.

4.3.10 Tutoring: For staff on the school’s visa, written approval is required from the school for any work with an employer other than the school. Tutoring of Al Ma’arifa School students is strictly forbidden, except within the Al Ma’arifa after-school program. Teachers found tutoring without the permission of the administration will have their contracts terminated, and action may be taken by the Ministry of Education.


Staff Guide

4.4 School Fees For Staff Children:

4.4.1 Staff pay 50 % of the tuition fees for their children’s education.(After the end of probation). 4.4.2 Staff pay full amounts for books, uniform and external exam fees etc.

4.5 Staff Attendance & Absences:

You are required to be on the school premises during school hours. To leave the premises for any reason you will need written clearance in advance from the administration, on the relevant form, signed by the Director and Head of Section.

Absence immediately before or after holidays is not permitted, and will be recorded in your personal file for future reference. Such an absence will be considered as leave without pay and you may forfeit the pay for the whole of that holiday period. Exceptions to this are at the discretion of the Director.

4.6 Sick Leave and Health Insurance: The school has organized a medical insurance plan for all staff with a local insurance company. Staff can receive medical care and treatment at many private hospitals and clinics, and receive medications from many pharmacies through a prescription from a doctor. Staff families may be included in this coverage against reasonable payable premiums.The employee not entitled to be paid leave during your period of probation. However, after three months(following the end of your probation period)you will be entitled to full pay for the first 15 days of your sick leave, and half pay for the next 30 days. In total you will be allowed up to 90 continued orinterrupted days of sick leave per year. Sick leave is approved only on the basis of a medical certificate stamped by the Ministry of Health. You are not entitled to be paid sick leave if your illness is alcoholic, or drug- related. If you resign due to illness before the expiry of your first 45 days of sick leave, the school will pay you for the entire period of 45 days on receipt of a medical certificate stamped by the Ministry of Health. On the other hand, the school reserves the right to terminate your service after expiry of your maximum entitlement to sick leave in any one year.For injuries suffered during working hours on the school premises, the treatment will be according to the agreement with the insurance company. For any accident, no matter how minor, please record the incident in writing and give a copy to the administration.

4.7 Visas Process: On your arrival the school will apply for a Labour card for those staff who require one. It takes some time as the Ministry of Education has to approve the post and the qualifications of each applicant. Please be patient. It does mean that staff may have to live “in limbo” for a while. It may also mean that some passport holders have to go out of the country and enter again on another VisitorVisa/Tourist Visa until such times as the Residence Visa is issued.

Once you get the Labour card you will be able to obtain the required official docments from the school, to apply for a telephone,private apartment, driving licence, car registration or bank loan in your own name. etc………

4.8 DRESS CODE: Since the UAE is an Islamic country, residents (and visitors) are expected to adhere to its

customs and laws.With regard to the dress code, female staff must wear garments that cover the knees, the shoulders and the midriff. In addition, sleeveless or low necked attire aren’t allowed. Jeans of any description are not permitted in school and women wearing trousers should wear a long, loose blouse or shirt over them.Malestaffare requested to wear a suit and a tie but this is not compulsory as long as their apparel is neat.

However, JEANS are NOT ALLOWED in school.


Staff Guide

5.0 COUNCILS

5.1 Faculty Council

MIS has a Faculty Council that represents the entire teaching body at MIS and is the main forum for communication between the Board of Trustees, the management of the school and its stakeholders. It represents all of Al Ma’arifa International School staff engaged in teaching. The Faculty Council is a motivated and engaged team that is willing to drive the school forward, to voice concerns to the management as well as monitor and ensure that policies and procedures set by the school to ensure teaching and learning aretheir highest professional level and consistently maintained throughout the school.

5.2 STUDENT COUNCIL:

The student council is a representative structure for students through which they can become involved in the school affairs working in partnership with school principal, staff and parents for the benefits of the school and students. The student council is constructed based on nominations and elections. It is composed of Grades 9,10,11,12 students [BOYS and GIRLS] who nominate themselves and then will be elected by their classmates. Two representatives will be elected on behalf of each class. Two boards will be formed [one in Girls section & one in Boys section]and each board consists of eight students. All elected members from each class organize different committees to cover all school activities, students’ needs and school life in general. The main committees are: Public Relations, Activities committee, Social Life committee, Student Life committee.

5.3 Parent Council MIS strongly believes in the importance of partnerships with parents of students, and works diligently to facilitate their roles as School supporters, developers, problem solvers, and a divisors. Parents Council is formed through elections and usually includes both genders as council members. Parents Council has an annual plan that is finalized in coordination and cooperation with school management.

6.0 SPECIAL PROGRAMS 6.1 The Special Education Department The special Education Programs provide students with the knowledge skills to become highly qualified. Special Education Programs help students with special needs or learning difficulties to achieve a higher level of success in school and the community. There are two programs:

6.1.1 New Easy learning program

The school is starting anew program that intends to assist and support students who are having problems with advanced concepts to fully understand the basics of a subject. Teachers will withdraw students out of their classes and teach them individually in math English and Arabic languages. And it will be applied for the grades one – three students.


Staff Guide

6.1.2 The Academic support program: Helps and supports students in certain skills in English language during school time. By preparing a special plan for each student according to his level. This program will be applied for grades four – six international sections.

7.0 PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONS: There are regular parent-teacher meetings three times a year, as set out in the school calendar. There may be an informal meeting with parents in September for KG to Gr. 4 teachers. In cases of particular urgency, teachers may ask the Head of Section or Supervisor to arrange a meeting with the parent of a student who is causing concern. Such meeting should be attended by an administrator or HOD. Parents should not meet teachers without appointments. On no account should a parent try to talk to a teacher who is in class. In KG to Gr.4 teachers send a list of times where they are available for meetings, and parents need to make an appointment through the Supervisor or Head of Section. Parents may request other meetings with a teacher through the Supervisor or Head of Section. 7.1 Meetings You may be asked to participate in extra curriculum meetings for the school’s Development.


Staff Guide

8.0 TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MIS is dedicated to maintain a faculty of highly qualified, motivated and dedicatedprofessionals to support the school's academic programs throughan effective and efficient human resources department, develop learning practices, human support and physical environments that will enhance the teaching and learning of our students in line with 21st century learning community and facilitate a professional learning environment that enables ourteachers to collaborate and encourages continuing development toenter the classroom practice.

8.1 Cambridge International CertificatesFor Teachers & Trainers-CIE

MIS is recognized by Cambridge International Examinations in UK as a Training Centre for professional Development of teachers. Currently, the following certificate is available to teachers at MIS: Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching with Digital Technologies 6224 What is the purpose of the Certificate and Diploma in Teaching with Digital Technologies? The Certificate and Diploma are designed to help teachers use digital technologies effectively and appropriately in supporting their learners’ learning. The qualifications encourage teachers to reflect critically on their own and colleagues’ teaching, and to experiment with new techniques and technologies. Ultimately, they will improve their own practice, so that all their learners learn more effectively. The Certificate is designed to provide for such professional development. They involve a spiral of professional learning – each stage is a cycle of experiential learning and reflective practice following on from the previous cycle and leading on to the next. Areas of learning are revisited systematically within the programme so that the teacher can engage with these in more depth and detail, and acquire related knowledge and skills Units of the Certificate Unit 1 Understanding the potential of digital technologies to support learning and teaching Unit 2 Teaching a lesson with digital technologies Unit 3 Evaluating the use of digital technologies to support teaching and learning

The Certificate is awarded to candidates who successfully complete assignments in which they demonstrate their skills and knowledge in their own teaching and training practice. Duration: 3-5 months with an average of 1 weekly sessions and a total investment of 120 hours by the participant, of which 40 hours are guided learning. Upon successful completion, equivalent to a level 4 certification, teachers have the option to engage in the diploma program with 2 additional modules, leading to a diploma equivalent to level 5 of the Framework for Higher Educational Qualifications (FHEQ)


Staff Guide

8.2 In-School PD Programs

MIS conducts regular workshops from in-house presenters and outside professional presenters.

Teachers also reproduce presentations from workshops they have attended outside.

Materials from workshops are filed with the PD Manager and in the Teacher Resource Centers in the School Libraries.

8.3 External PD Programs

Teachers regularly attend outside workshops, seminars and conferences. We receive communications from a variety of sources for these. The school pays for the assigned teachers to attend. Teachers are also able to research outside workshops and request to attend.

8.4 Online Programs Teachers are able to access online training, webinars, workshops and PD resources from our computers in each staff room and ICT labs. The MIS website has hundreds of professional development resources, in fifteen different categories, linked from the open teacher pages of the website.

9.0 SCHOOL FACILITIES

9.1 Student Facilities

9.1.1 Al Ma’arifa has very well stocked and equipped senior and a primary library, which will be converted to media centers. They contain both print and electronic media, accessible through computer terminals with controlled Internet access. Each Media Centre contains a teacher reference and resource sections. In the primary library we are building a parent resource section. Students attend a weekly primary library session where library skills are introduced, with literature and reading activities. Teachers attend to reinforce the activities and are responsible for the student behavior. Teachers may request the Librarian to conduct thematic activities to match class topics.

9.1.2 ICT LABS are located in every section of the school, equipped with one PC per student, smart boards, printers, sound systems and a variety of PC hardware and software to match the ICT curriculum. All terminals are linked to controlled Internet access. We currently have 5 ICT Labs. Our Computer Maintenance Department supports the ICT staff, taking care of the networks and all hardware.


Staff Guide

9.1.3 SMART BOARDS have been installed in all classrooms, with a sound system and an Internet enabled PC.

9.14SCIENCE LABS are centralized in some areas but are in the process of being placed in each section. This includes primary science labs, physics labs, chemistry labs, biology labs. We also have digital resources for all the sciences classes.

9.1.5 MATH LABS were introduced in 2014 with a primary Math Lab. 9.1.6A LANGUAGE LAB is planned for the Primary School.

10.0 COMMUNICATION

As long as communication channels are the most important means to keep in contact with all responsible members of the educational process, these communication channels are classified under two categories:

Internal Communication Channels

The school administration uses many different means of communication to spread the news whether

they are new decisions, memos, regulations, changes, etc….. through :

Direct phone calls: Office phones/ personal mobile phones.

A soft copy sent via SMS, emails, What’s App and uploaded on the school website.

A hard copy printed and distributed to HOS and HOD.

A printed newsletter distributed to all staff members and the administrators.

A Walkie-talkie is used by fire wardens during fire evacuations.

The outsider communities involve parents – Ministry of education – Board of Trustees – the School

Board- universities- institutes- Accreditation Agencies - ……….

The school administration addresses these outsider communities through:

_ The Ministry of education website / SIS system

- The school websites/ the school email

- SMS

- Formal Letters/ Formal Memos

- Formal Parents’ Meetings (held three times during the academic year)

- Informal Parents’ Meetings (held under the request of the teacher and organized by HOS and

HOD)

- Attending conferences/ seminars/ lectures organized by these outsider communities

- Attending training sessions as guests and representatives of MIS


Staff Guide


Staff Guide

AL MA’ARIFA INTERNATIONAL PVT SCHOOL LOCATION

Telephone: 06 – 501 4400 /4409 Fax: 06 - 566 4441

http://www.almarifa-intsch.ae [email protected] [email protected]

Location Map

http://www.almarifa-intsch.ae/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Al Ma’arifa International Pvt School Staff Guide

Staff Guide

Teacher Appraisal Forms

AL MA’ARIFA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CLASS ROOM OBSERVATION

Teachers_Observation.docx; Aug-14 Page 1 of 3

Name of Teacher: Date of session:

Class: Location of session:

Name of Observer: Number in group:

Lesson Topic

Teaching/learning activities

General comment:

Specific points:

Learner involvement

General comment:

Specific points:

Points for development

Signature: Print name: Date:

Al Ma’arifa International Pvt School Staff Guide

Staff Guide

AL MA’ARIFA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CLASS ROOM OBSERVATION

Teachers_Observation.docx; Aug-14 Page 2 of 3

I) Organization and Clarity

! Explains clearly:

! Is well prepared:

! Makes difficult topics easy to understand:

! The objectives of the course and each class are clear:

! Establishes a context for course material:

! Uses examples, details, analogies, metaphors and a

variety of modes to explain material; not only understandable, but also memorable

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

II) Analytic / Synthetic Approach

! Contrast the implications of various theories:

! Presents facts and concepts from related fields:

! Discusses viewpoints other than his/her own:

! Gives the students a sense of purpose concerning

subject matter; historical, present state, and future opportunities;

! origin and evolution of ideas and related concepts

………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

III) Dynamism and Enthusiasm

! Is an energetic, dynamic person:

! Seems to enjoy teaching:

! Conveys a love of the field:

………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

IV) Instructor-Group Interaction:

! Able to stimulate, direct and pace interaction with the class:

! Encourages independent thought and encourages inquiry, open to criticism

! Uses wit and humour effectively:

! Knows whether or not the class is following the

material and is sensitive to student’s motivation:

! Is a good public speaker:

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

Comments (Teacher and/or Observer)

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………..

al ma’arifa international school - almarifa-intsch.ae · al ma’arifa international pvt shool...

Documents