SECONDARY SCHOOL ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023
2 3
Adriancentury.Frost MA (oxon)
Amity is an extraordinary school. We are blessed with a world-class campus and state-of-the art, unique facilities that cater for the varied intellectual, artistic and sporting talents of our diverse student community. However, great schools are the product of not only their facilities, but the quality of the relationships that exist within them. Amity students benefit from a rich collaboration of parents, staff and peers from all around the world. By embracing the opportunity to foster an environment of tolerance and empathy, our school is home to a diverse community that inspires teachers and students alike, to strive for excellence. The importance of individual happiness is core to the school's ethos. By ensuring that our pastoral programmes are robust and effective, we cultivate a strong school community that cares not only for each other, but also for the community of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the world beyond. The National Curriculum of England, which is taught in all years, is complemented by an extensive programme of co-curricular activities that develop skills such as leadership, creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. A student leaves Amity not only literate, articulate and numerate but in possession of skills and character attributes that will afford them success in their future professional and personal lives as global citizens in the mid-twenty-first
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dr Bushra Foroodian, Head of Secondary of
Our rich and exciting curriculum with extensive extracurricular opportunities has been designed to develop knowledgeable, articulate young people who have the character to impress and compete. The curriculum places a high emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and creativity across all areas of study, and values hard work, kindness, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Before the start of Term 1, you will be given your child's tutor name and email address to contact them with any concerns or queries. The tutor is the first point of contact.
The combination of an excellent curriculum underpinned by our values of Celebrating Diversity, Inspiring Excellence, Growing Together, and Creating Collaboration is central to all students becoming independent confident individuals who strive to achieve their best. It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to you and your family on behalf of the Secondary Team at Amity International School. We offer a calm, welcoming environment in which our students can develop their skills and abilities across all areas of study. Amity students are confident, happy, and enthusiastic; their joy in life and their spirit of curiosity makes education here a real Inspirationalpleasure.teaching and a deep commitment to pastoral care means that our students can grow in confidence and understanding, and individual talents and creativity can flourish. We want them to be passionate about their learning such that it broadens horizons and inspires a sense of wonder about the world around us. Our goal is to equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to work well, and to prepare them for higher education, careers, and their future lives.
WELCOMEMessage from the Head of Secondary 4 5
Amity International School is a rich and diverse community, and we are extremely lucky to be in such a beautiful setting. We celebrate our diversity and welcome further opportunities to learn from each other. Our partnership with parents is a strength of the school and we continue to welcome your feedback, support, and involvement in your child's school life. Please do not hesitate to come and visit us.
Secondary bforoodian@amityabudhaSchool bi.ae RUTH FROST Deputy Head of Secondary rfrost@amityabudhabi.ae(Academic) ELIZABETH CLANCY Deputy Head - Whole School eclancy@amityabudhabi.ae(Pastoral)
DR BUSHRA FOROODIAN Head
I very much look forward to meeting you.
This booklet provides information about the curriculum and gives a taste of what to expect for your child during their time in Secondary. We look forward to working in partnership with you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any member of the Secondary Team who will be very happy to assist you.
SECONDARY SCHOOL SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Tutor Role Tutors play a central role in caring for pupils and monitoring their progress both academically and socially. They encourage involvement, commitment and high standards of work, presentation and behaviour. Tutors help forge a positive home-school relationship and embed the School and House ethos within members of each Tutor Group.
•Awareness and appreciation of the spiritual dimension in our lives;
• Respect for the UAE culture and laws;
International School strives to produce be well-educated, tolerant and intellectually curious, individuals who are ready to take a full, active and positive role in the life of their local, national and international community. We ensure that our pupils achieve their highest potential by fostering their natural desire to learn with a personalised educational programme, project- based learning and guided enquiry. Through the promotion of independent thought, critical analysis, emotional intelligence and communication skills, we prepare our students to become successful world citizens. Our curriculum and co-curriculum support children to achieve their very best by creating a culture of excellence in all that we do through a traditional yet innovative curriculum and outstanding pastoral care.
• A love of learning for its own sake;
•Foundation of knowledge and skills with which to understand and question the world we live in, and to prepare them for the world we are likely to inhabit in the future;
AIMS AND ETHOS 6Amity
The School fosters a family- orientated, tolerant and vibrant community, which imparts or provides:
•Respect for difference in others and a recognition that the efforts and achievements of every individual in our community are valued equally.
•Enthusiasm for the world beyond the classroomsports, music and the performing arts;
concerns.
our
Moving into Secondary School is an exciting time, there is much that is new, or at least different. Learning to adapt to change is a key component in this experience and an invaluable lesson for life. It is commonly, understood that we are educating students for careers that have yet to be invented. This requires our curriculum to be flexible and to focus on the higher-order skills of analysis and evaluation. We, therefore, focus on equipping our students with key skills that will enable them to problem solve, dare to create and innovate as they move towards adult life.
to
•Supporting
9 WELLBEING 8 •Strong pastoral systems •Positive •Personal,relationshipsSocial,Emotional, Moral & Health •PromotingEducation/MindfullnessPhysicalHealthand Extra Curricular ••Promotingactivitiesresilience
Chemistry(Physics,ScienceEnglishMath & ComputingBiology)
Early identification of pupils who have well-being or mental health needs and training staff school Counsellors work with the Pastoral Team to implement wellbeing initiatives effectively address any Our Counsellors are available to see pupils and parents to provide support, guidance and advise on further external recognise how important mental health and emotional well-being are to lives, in just the same way as physical health, and the impact of well-being upon learning and Weachievement.believepassionately in creating an environment that is caring, safe and, above all, kind, and that well-being is equally as important as academic success. One cannot be achieved without the other. We promote positive mental health and wellbeing that aims to help children become more resilient, happy and successful and to prevent problems before they arise.
The school approach encompasses several aspects in creating an open, positive and supportive environment for all pupils:
PHSE Physical, Health, Social, Emotional
Subjects studied in Year 7, 8 and 9
DramaArtMusic GermanEALArabicSpanishFrench SwimmingPEDanceSailing
Our
Design Technology& SocialGeographyStudiesHistory
Our aim is to enable students to think for themselves, to develop resilience, skills and attitudes to be lifelong learners, able to thrive and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. The teaching and learning that takes place in Years 7, 8 and 9 lays the foundations for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE OR IGCSE) courses in Years 10 and 11 and then 'A' Levels in Years 12 and 13. Public examination courses may appear to be distant but the skills, work habits and increasing independence and initiative required of Senior School students are established during Year 7 and enhanced thereafter forming crucial preparation for the next phase in their education.
MoralCitizenshipWell-Being,EducationIslamicStudies
The well-being and happiness of all our pupils is our main priority and lies at the heart of all we do. We know that to achieve and flourish, every pupil needs to feel respected, valued and able to celebrate their uniqueness and individuality.
SUBJECTS - Year 7 to Year 9
support. We
Exceptionally able pupils who wish to take four A-Levels will have their requests considered on an individual basis. They will have to meet a higher-entry requirement and demonstrate a particular talent in one or more subject areas as well as the potential to cope with the additional workload. Pupils need to think carefully about their subject choices and be certain about the nature of the subjects they intend to take and the expectations that will be placed upon them.
Advanced Level (A Levels) is a subject-based qualification from the United Kingdom. lt is a two-year, linear course with examinations at the end. A level exams are the standard entry qualification for undergraduate programmes by universities worldwide. Studies are now specialised and in much more depth than at (l)GCSE. Entrance to University depends upon attaining good grades at A level together with results already achieved at (l)GCSE. At this stage, pupils are required to study a minimum of three A-Levels.. The majority of examinations are taken at the end of Year 13.
10 11 SUBJECTS - Year 10 and 11 (GCSE/IGCSE) Compulsory Subjects The following subjects, required to maintain a breadth of study, are a compulsory part of the core curriculum studied by all I/GCSE students at Amity International School Abu Dhabi: •Mathematics (IGCSE) •English Language (IGCSE) •English Literature IGCSE •Sciences - a combination of Biology, Physics and •ArabicChemistry(GCSE) - all students will take the Ministry of Education Arabic course and we encourage students to take the full GCSE course •Social Studies (until end of Year 10) •Moral Education (non-examined) •Physical Education (non-examined) •Islamic Studies (compulsory for Muslim students only) Optional Subjects In addition to the core subjects listed above, students also select four options from the choices below (subject to timetabling). BusinessArt SpanishPsychologyPhysicalMusicInformationHistoryGermanGeographyFrenchFashionEconomicsDramaDesignComputerStudiesScienceTechnology***&Textiles**Technology*Education* SUBJECTS - GCE Advanced Level (A level) *Subjects that do not count towards equivalency. ** Only one of these subjects can be chosen.
Available Subjects ••BiologyBusiness •Drama•Design•Computer•ChemistryStudiesScienceTechnologyandTheatre Economics •English Language •English Literature •Fashion & Textiles •Fine •Psychology•Spanish•Physical•Music•Mathematics•ICT•History•German•Geography•Further•FrenchArtMathematicsEducationPhysics
optional Dimensions: 11-15 inch Pleasescreen check the battery life. We would recommend at least 6 hours to last through the school day. Touch screen: optional (not required) 13, 15 or 16 inch 1 or Intel Processor GB A 256GB SSD hard drive (all new models come with this) All have excellent battery life 1 or Intel Processor 13GBInch A 256GB SSD hard drive (all new models come with this) All have excellent battery life Windows Laptop Apple MacBook ProApple MacBook Air Please note: iPads and Chromebooks do not work well for our requirements Please
•We highly recommend that you purchase antivirus software and/or Internet Security, which will include anti-malware and other security features.
Important factors to consider when buying a laptop: Weight, Durability, Susceptibility to viruses, After-sales support, Ease of use, Ease of installation of software, Battery life. Mac Book Pro or Mac Book Air Lightweight and, with a good case can be incredibly, durable. Apple machines are also known to be less likely to pick up viruses. Apple products come with a free year warranty, with an option to extend. MacBooks are user-friendly and installing new applications and software is very straightforward, with parent safety features too.
Options to consider Windows Based Laptops Windows-based laptops are less expensive. We highly recommended buying one of the main brands: Samsung, Toshiba, HP, Dell, ASUS etc. Windows 10 is the current industry standard. The devices must be with wifi enabled and suitable for an education setting.
Bluetooth, ports: feel free to email the school with any questions, we are happy guide you in the purchase of your Please see the below document for information on the Device & Purchase Guide Cyber Safety Policy
child's device.
•Consider the accessories - such as carry case, laptop bag and/or cover.
emory: in.
•Visit the various retailers, talk to them about their recommendations, choose 3 possible laptops and then look up the reviews on the Internet before making your final decision.
All children must sign the Acceptable Use Agreement prior to the device being allowed on the network. We have secure Wi-Fi coverage throughout the school.
•Encourage children not to keep their laptops together with their drink bottles.
(eg AVAST or Totalav - please remember to set up scheduled scans once installed)
•Teach your children how to shut down their laptop correctly. They should do this once or twice a week. This ensures the device stays up to date.
Processor: 2GHz dual core or 1.4GHz Quad core Operating System: Windows 10 4GB A ( GB recommended) Hard Drive: 500GB standard HDD or 256GB SSD Wifi (g minimum or n/ac/ax)
BYOD In Secondary, the Bring Your Own Device Program begins from Year 7. Here is some guidance on which device to purchase. Students are expected to bring their laptops to school, fully charged each day.
Note: Macs usually come with the USB-C slots. If you want to use the traditional USB drive you will need to purchase an additional adaptor.
•Purchase a mouse with the laptop and also a set of robust headphones as students are often working with sound and multimedia projects.
•Choose a retailer that has a good after-sales service. Sometimes it is worth paying a little bit more for an extended warranty.
• Amity provides free access to Microsoft Office to all children, and each students will be given a log on to Microsoft 365 at www.office.com
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Recommendations
It is essential that students have a laptop rather than a tablet or iPad because a laptop is a more versatile tool that can do many more things than a tablet. In terms of brands and specifications, you may choose a Windows or Mac laptop.
Recommend memory: 8 Gigabytes RAM at least, Hard drive: minimum 500 Gigabytes as students are often working with media and video, and this uses a lot of Pleasememory.do not buy laptops for gaming as they are usually far more expensive and heavy. Parent controls and warranty options are available.
PROGRAMMECO-CURRICULAR
14 15
EAL SUPPORT
Gary Willis Deputy Head Co-Curriculum and gwillis@amityabudhabi.aeCommunity
Students have access to a wide range of activities that allow them to challenge themselves creatively, physically and academically.
(Subject to COVID-19 regulations)
We have a dedicated, well- resourced Secondary EAL Department who support pupils who are new to English, or are continuing to develop their competency in English and therefore require additional support in their acquisition of the language of instruction. Personalised Approach In classes of 1:1 or small groups, we develop our pupils' proficiency in the four key skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing; with a focus on the understanding and application of English grammatical rules. In order to improve their aural skills, pupils listen to a range of native speakers with different accents. To build oracy, we provide an encouraging and supportive setting in which pupils can express themselves and increase their confidence when speaking. Our pupils have access to a range of differentiated reading material on a wide variety of topics. With the purpose of correctly applying their grammatical knowledge and to further improve written work, pupils complete a range of writing tasks. This includes a programmme, based on adapted examination questions. Pupils learn how to apply their linguistic ability and the assessment criteria to produce increasingly detailed, clear and accurate messages.
We are proud of the state-of-the-art facilities that we are able to offer to our students, such as 450-seat auditorium, 400m athletics track, boathouse, Olympic-size swimming pool, learner pool, dance studio, art rooms, IT suites, and more. IT suites, to name but a few. These incredible facilities, coupled with our teacher's knowledge and enthusiasm, provide the perfect setting for the outstanding development of our actors, artists, athletes, dancers, musicians, sailors, swimmers, along with various other specialisms and areas of interest. Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) take place during or after school. Students enjoy a variety of activities, trips, visits and events, designed to enhance their cognitive, physical, emotional and social development, as well as enrich their lives whilst studying at Amity. A wide variety of activities are available to the students to ensure they explore multiple interests and learn valuable skills that reach beyond the curriculum. Clubs and societies run by our teachers are free of cost. Programmes run by external providers are paid. Students register for activities at the beginning of every term. Our main aim is to ensure that all EAL pupils have an environment in which they can thrive both socially and academically. Pupils expand their vocabulary, including subject-specific language and academic English, to ensure a growing access to the curriculum. In accordance with pupils' needs, time is given each week within EAL lessons to the review and deepened understanding of different subjects thereby ensuring an increased understanding of class content and homework. As advocates for translanguaging, we value home languages, and know the pivotal role they play in the acquisition of additional languages. Furthermore, we undertake projects on cultural aspects of the Anglophone world. All of this work is designed to build English skills and independence, in preparation of both internal and external examinations.
•Promote a positive school community. Be an active contributor and a positive role model to others by being courteous and kind to all staff, pupils, their families, and members of the community.
The three behaviours we do not tolerate are:
TIME TABLE Tutor Time. Gates open at 7.20 am. We ask that secondary children are in their class by 7.40 am, ready for Tutor Time and daily notices before the National Anthem. Children arriving after 7.55 am must register late at reception. Learning begins promptly at 8 am. 16 17 TimingMonday - Thursday Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Break Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Lunch Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 FridayCCA Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Break Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 7:50 - 8:30 8:30 - 9:10 AM 9:10 - 9:50 9:50 - 10:10 10:10 - 10:50 10:50 - 11:30 11:30 - 12:10 12:10 - 1:00 1:00 - 1:40 1:40 - 2:20 2:20 - 3:00 3:15 - 4:15 7:50 - 8:30 8:30 - 9:10 AM 9:10 - 9:50 9:50 - 10:10 10:10 - 10:50 10:50 - 11:30 11:30 - 12:00
•Systematic Bullying.
•Platinum:
At Amity we hold all students to the same standards of conduct. All students agree to our code of conduct and sign this in their student planners when they start.
•Behavetime.responsibly, and in a manner that does not endanger the safety and welfare of yourself and
Anti-BullyBehaviourlinks:PolicyingPolicyPleasenotethatmobilephones
•Silver:
In addition, we have a Star of the Week where a student has surpassed expectations and can be nominated by students and teachers. Useful cannot be used in school and must be kept switched off.
•Takeothers.good care of your possessions. Make sure they are named.
•Take pride in your school uniform and follow the dress •Followcode.theinstructions of staff promptly.
EXPECTATIONS
•Complete homework to the best of your ability and on
•Comply with the rules of the school.
• Arrive at school and at lessons on time and justify any poor punctuality and absence.
•Behave responsibly so as not to disrupt the learning of others.
•Commit to the heritage and culture of the UAE by being honest and dignified in your behaviour. Achievement Our achievement system exists to encourage pupils in all areas of the curriculum. An achievement point is awarded for either very good work or great effort on the part of the pupil. Each point is recorded and can be viewed by the teachers. These also count towards House Points.
•Bronze: merits 0 merits 100 merits 00 merits
•Gold:
•Respect and care for the facilities and property of others and of the school.
• •InvolvementTheft. in illegal or dangerous behavior. Code of Conduct
•Demonstrate a positive attitude to your studies strive for excellence.
•Stay within the bounds of the school.
Certificates of achievement are awarded as follows:
It is very important that both Parents and Students attend PTCs. Should you be unable to attend on those days, we are always willing to arrange a mutually convenient time for an appointment to discuss any concerns you may have.
All of our information will be emailed directly to you. Please make sure you have given us the correct email address for contacting you, and you update us if your details change.
Academic Reports Parents receive progress reports and a full report at the end of Term 3. However, please feel free to make an appointment if there is anything you would like to discuss.
PE Kit: Children are required to were the appropriate PE kit on PE days. Swimming: Amity swimming costume and cap are available (optional) HairBoysshould be no longer than the shirt collar, tidy and of a natural colour. "Two-tone" effects are not permitted. Distracting or ostentatious hairstyles are not allowed - no tram lines, Mohican styles, excessive gel, etc.
Shoes must be all black, polishable and of a sturdy and sensible nature - trainer-style shoes are not acceptable. Logos are not allowed. Socks must be black - trainer socks are not permitted except for PE. Ties must always be worn in school but may be removed when playing on the field. They must be tied neatly, tight to the collar. They must be Amity ties.
SIXTH FORM - Girls
of
please do not hesitate to contact
Parent-Teacher Consultations (PTCs)
KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL LIFE
Boys should be clean-shaven or neatly groomed (for cultural sensitivity). Boys may not wear earrings Please ensure all uniform items are clearly labeled For more information about uniform, required items and orders, check our Uniform Information Page Please also check our Bag Policy.
UNIFORM HairGirlsshould be off the face and must be tied back, especially for lessons such as PE, DT and Science. Hair ties/bands/clips should be non- distracting with no unnecessary adornments. Hair must be of a natural colour. Distracting or ostentatious styles and "two-tone" effects are not permitted. Shoes must be all black, polishable and of a sturdy and sensible nature - trainer-style shoes are not acceptable. Logos are not allowed. Socks must be white - trainer socks are not permitted except for PE. Makeup should be kept to a natural look. Colour nail varnish is not permitted. No jewellery permitted apart from a pair of small, plain stud earrings. Ties should always be worn in school but may be removed when playing on the field. They must be tied neatly, tight to the collar. Skirts must be of modest length, below the knee. Trousers can be worn instead. all our parents so us at anytime.
We have an Open Door policy, and we encourage parents to contact us whenever they have a concern or they need support with anything.
Throughout the year, Parents have the opportunity to discuss their child's progress with each subject teacher. Students will make appointments, and we ask that the student attends with you to take ownership of their own learning and progress.
18 19 Useful WeFollowcashier@amityabudhabi.aenurse@amityabudhabi.aereception@amityabudhabi.aeContactsusonSocialMedia@activelyencourageopenand honest communication with
We want to ensure that every child receives the best possible support. We, therefore, encourage our families to work in partnership with us and provide us with the necessary information. We want to ensure that every child receives the best possible support. We, therefore, encourage our families to work in partnership with us and provide us with the necessary information.
•Promoteplanspositive solutions to overcome barriers to
•Workdifferentiationinpartnership with parents and hold regular review meetings
Upon starting, students receive a timetable and a student planner to help them be organised for each lesson. The student planner is where the timetable is to be copied and homework recorded. Parents are asked to check and sign this weekly and tutors will do the same.
•Support core skills, social skills, sensory needs and specific learning differences
•Implement individualised education plans and action
•Follow the United Kingdom Special Education Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2014)
•Work with small groups and individual pupils
EDUCATIONINCLUSIVE
All equipment should be labelled clearly with the pupils name. Students must also ensure they bring to school any books or equipment that may be required for any particular day: PE kit, musical instrument, project materials etc.
Our Inclusion Team:
Maria Walker Special Educational Needs mwalker@amityabudhabi.aeCoordinator
•Enables pupils to make their best academic and personal progress possible through tailored provision, encouragement and support
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•Supportlearningclassroom accommodations and
We aim to promote a highly supportive ethos that is reflected in the values and culture of our entire school community so that all our pupils feel welcome, accepted, safe and valued. Our highly qualified team ensure all students with additional needs are catered for and their school life is enjoyable and engaging. We aim to identify both strengths and areas of need in order to impact positively upon achievement, participation, learning and self-confidence. Provision for pupils of determination is the responsibility of all at Amity.
•Work collaboratively with teachers, pupils, pastoral teams, school counsellors, Educational Psychologists, Occupational therapists and other outside agencies
EQUIPMENT Pupils should carry a school bag with: •Student Planner •Pens (at least one plus one spare) •Coloured•Pencils pencils •Pencil sharpener •Reading•Ruler book •Rubber •Scientific calculator (preferably a CASIO fx - 82 ES (the number can vary a little, but the ES is important. Avoid any with 'MS' or are the colour silver, use the dark blue ones as shown below).
Al Bahya, E10, Exit 39, Abu Dhabi - UAE Call: +971 2503 9000 Email: www.amityabudhabi.comreception@amityabudhabi.ae