STAFF HANDBOOK
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ENHANCING LIFE BY NURTURING MINDS.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Vision & Mission of the school
Welcome message from school Principal
DMS Staff General Information
Attendance & Punctuality
Staff Clocking-In and Clocking-Out
Absence
Channel of Communication
Use of Internet and E-Mails
Confidentiality and Use of Official information
Dress Code
Forms
Identification Cards
The Role of a Teacher
Student Attendance Responsibilities Duties
Guidelines
TFDar Al Marefa Admissions Philosophy
Age Requirements Admissions Committee Guidelines Admissions Policy
HR Policies
Links
MISSION & VISION
MISSION
Dar al Marefa strives to build a consistent, challenging and safe learning environment that supports each child in exploring his or her full potential. Our students will be lifelong learners who will always be proud of who they are, cherish their own values and beliefs, respect differences and other cultures and are hence ready to join the world with open-mindedness, tolerance and confidence
VISION
Our vision is to create a community that fosters lifelong learning, is rooted in its values and beliefs, is open minded, tolerant and appreciates diversity Our graduates are principled and courageous individuals ready to contribute to a more just and peaceful world
WELCOME MESSAGE
from school Principal
lcome to Dar al Marefa hool!
the Principal of our eemed institution, I end my warmest eetings and ngratulate you on ning our dedicated am of educational ofessionals. This staff ndbook has been veloped to provide you h important ormation and delines that will help ilitate a smooth and ccessful journey at our hool.
Dar al Marefa, we strive create a stimulating and lusive learning vironment that nurtures e growth and velopment of both our dents and staff. As a mber of our team, you y a vital role in shaping e future of our students d upholding the values d principles that define r institution
This handbook serves as a guide to help you understand the school's mission, vision, and core values. It also provides specific information about the various policies and procedures related to your role, including but not limited to:
1.Professional Conduct: We uphold high standards of professionalism, ethical behavior, and personal integrity at all times. This includes treating all students, parents, and colleagues with respect and fairness
2.Instructional Practices: We strive for excellence in teaching and learning. The handbook outlines our curriculum, instructional best practices, and strategies that align with our educational philosophy
3.Classroom Management: Maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment is of paramount importance. This section provides strategies and guidelines for effective classroom management, behavior expectations, and student support systems.
4.Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication among staff, students, and parents is crucial for our collective success. We encourage collaboration, active engagement, and fostering positive relationships within our school community.
5.Professional Development: We believe in lifelong learning and continuous professional development This section highlights opportunities for growth, including workshops, conferences, and ongoing training programs
6.Health and Safety: The well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. The staff handbook provides information about health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and guidelines for ensuring a secure school environment.
Please familiarize yourself with the contents of this handbook, as it will serve as a valuable resource throughout your employment with us. If you have any questions or need further clarification, do not hesitate to reach out to the relevant department heads or the administration. Once again, welcome to Dar al Marefa School We are delighted to have you as part of our team and look forward to a fulfilling and successful academic year together
Sincerely,
Mr. Steven Giles School Principal
Attendance & Punctuality:
Emplyees are expected to be in attendance on all working days including those designated for instruction, examinations or staff development and as they are needed to participate in various school activities and programs. The following guiding principles apply to non-instructional working times:
The School recognizes that employees are professionals who are accountable for completing their professional responsibilities.
Employees are expected to participate, as needed, in School activities and programs which take place outside of regular hours
Staff Clocking-In and Clocking-Out:
DMS working hours will be from 7:15 AM to 3:45 PM from Monday to Thursday and 7:15 AM to 12:15 PM on Friday. Saturday and Sunday will be the weekend. Employees are required to clock-In sharp at 7:15 am and Clock-Out at 3:45 am from Monday to Thursday and Clock-Out at 12: 15 am on Friday.
Mandatory biometric attendance registers are located at the entry points of the main blocks and staff must register their arrival and departure times each da
Some School and/or staff functions and workshops demanding staff attendance will take place on Saturdays
Shorter professional activities (1-2 hours duration) such as meetings and staff training will be scheduled after school rather than Saturdays, whenever possible
All teachers and academic support staff are required to report promptly at the beginning of each lesson, assembly, or duty period. This includes arriving at by 7:15 am and being classrooms by 7:30
Lateness will not be tolerated, and persistent lateness may result in investigation and disciplinary action.
In case of lateness due to circumstances outside of the employee’s control, the manager, or Head of School (Primary/Secondary must be informed no later than 1 hour before the start of the working day Early departure must be approved by the Department Head and Principal.
Absence:
DMS Staff members are expected to serve as role models and set a good example to students in terms of attendance and punctuality. Employees are expected to arrive at school by 7:15 a.m. to sign the biometric attendance system. If an employee is found to be reporting late for duty on more than 3 occasions in a month, he/she will be counseled by the Department Head and if repeated will be issued a first written warning letter. Failure to demonstrate improvement after the issuance of the First Warning Letter will lead to further disciplinary action.
Procedures to follow:
If a employee needs to be late or absent from school for any official business or wishes to take unpaid leave, the employee needs to inform the respective Department Head prior to the event Same information needs to be communicated to P&C.
In the event of an unforeseen absence, employee should contact their Department Head or P&C as soon as possible.
In the event of any absence from school, employees must set an absent lesson plan for all classes that will be missed. Employees should submit a duly completed and approved leave application form by the respective Department Head and forward the approved leave application to P&C team within two days of the return date for necessary processing.
In the event of planned leave, employees should submit a duly completed and approved leave application form by the respective Department Head and forward the approved leave application to P&C team prior proceeding on leave. within two days of the return date for necessary processing.
Use of Internet and E-Mails:
It is the policy of School that Internet and e-mails access, by Dar Al Marefa employees and third-party consultants,from within the school’s network is used for business purposes only Although all employees using the service can enjoy private and confidential use of the system while performing their duties, they must note that all usage of the Internet and e-mail is monitored and logged. Management reserves the right to review incoming and outgoing mail and web sites visited from within Dar Al Marefa’s network All Dar Al Marefa employees and third-party consultants must comply with the following rules and comply fully with Dar Al Marefa’s IT Policy:
Channel of Communication:
DMS places considerable importance on effective communication. All communication must be professional, respectful and adhering to the cultural natures of our international community. All DMS employees should, in their daily work, behave as representatives and ambassadors of the school Therefore, each employee should be committed to preserving and enhancing DMS’s reputation. Any illegal or offensive behavior or statement, including via social media accounts, which could cause damage to the School should be avoided. Inside information may only be disseminated through an authorized channel Employees are personally responsible for the content they publish on social media, blogs or any other form of media.
Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail access is to be used strictly for Dar Al Marefa’s business purposes only;
Any inappropriate, profane, potentially offensive, obscene or derogatory information or e-mail messages received must be immediately deleted and must not be printed out or passed on or circulated to others, either by e-mail or hand copy; All physical Internet and external e-mail connections from within Dar Al Marefa’s network must be routed through Dar Al Marefa’s firewalls on approval from Department Head/Principal. Any other connections to the Internet from any equipment connected to Dar Al Marefa’s network are strictly forbidden;
Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail access is to be used strictly for Dar Al Marefa’s business purposes only;
Unauthorized access or misuse of Dar Al Marefa’s Internet and e-mail is forbidden Users must not use the Internet or e-mail facility to access unauthorized, inappropriate or potentially offensive web sites, chat rooms, etc , or to send non-business-related emails;
Sending the School’s confidential information to external e-mail addresses is not permitted In exceptional cases, where the business requires School confidential information to be sent to external e-mail addresses over the Internet, prior approval must be obtained from Principal. Email sent over the Internet is not private and could be accessed, intercepted, printed or stored by unauthorized persons.
Any inappropriate, profane, potentially offensive, obscene or derogatory information or e-mail messages received must be immediately deleted and must not be printed out or passed on or circulated to others, either by e-mail or hand copy;
Dar Al Marefa employees and third-party consultants are not permitted to forward e-mail messages addressed to Dar Al Marefa e-mail boxes to external email addresses, except for those instances which have been approved by the principal
All Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail activities are monitored. This means that incoming and outgoing email can be checked
Additionally, all sites visited by Dar Al Marefa’s users can be traced. Consent to this monitoring is implied when users (Dar Al Marefa employee or third-party consultant) access the Internet and/or Dar Al Marefa e-mail boxes, from within Dar Al Marefa network.
Dar Al Marefa employees and third-party consultants are not permitted to forward e-mail messages addressed to Dar Al Marefa e-mail boxes to external email addresses, except for those instances which have been approved by the principal
Newsletter to all employees with the
dmspeople&culture@daralmarefa a e - Internal Announcements from P&C to all employees
(ESS) portal The ESS platform allows employees
Apply for leave and track approval status Request official letters (e g , Salary Certificate, Employment Certificate, Salary Transfer letter, Embassy Letters, etc.) 1 2 3 5 6
Dar Al Marefa employees and third-party consultants are not authorized to retrieve, intercept or read any e-mail messages that are not addressed to them. However, in order to support operational procedures, auditing or security requirements, incoming and outgoing email messages content can be monitored, after obtaining the required approval from the Principal;
Each user will be assigned a user ID and initial password. Users are responsible for their assigned ID and password and must not disclose it to anyone else under any circumstances. The assigned user will be held responsible for any misuse of Internet access using their assigned ID According to the IT Security Policy, it is strongly recommended that the password be changed regularly;
Failure to conform to the above Policy may result in disciplinary action being taken against the owner of the assigned user ID.
Confidentiality and Use of Official Information:
It is the duty of all employees not to disclose (without prior authority) any information that has been obtained in the course of official duties. This rule extends to all documents, records and information stored electronically Each staff member will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement on joining the school Any breach of this agreement would be grounds for immediate dismissal, as revealing confidential information is one of the permitted reasons for immediate termination.
Employee undertake that he/she will not at any time, whether during or after the termination of the service, disclose any business information regarding the school which may be detrimental to the school’s interest.
Downloads of files from unknown or unauthorized sites are not allowed, as there is a risk of virus infection IT Manager should ensure that the latest version of Dar Al Marefa’s approved anti-virus software is loaded on all PCs, to detect any potential virus infection quickly In case of virus is found or detected, IT Manger must inform the Help Desk and employees.
Users must not open or access any attachments or messages that have unusual or totally unknown file extensions, even if they are from a known source, as they could contain viruses. In case of doubt, IT Manager must be informed immediately;
Users are forbidden to download/install any application, software, plugins, etc themselves, from the Internet, or to any PC within Dar Al Marefa In case of a business requirement, a request for the software must be sent to the Principal/IT Manager;
Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail access is to be used strictly for Dar Al Marefa’s business purposes only;
Any inappropriate, profane, potentially offensive, obscene or derogatory information or e-mail messages received must be immediately deleted and must not be printed out or passed on or circulated to others, either by e-mail or hand copy;
Dar Al Marefa employees and third-party consultants are not permitted to forward e-mail messages addressed to Dar Al Marefa e-mail boxes to external email addresses, except for those instances which have been approved by the principal
Dress Code:
All employees are expected to present a neat and well-groomed appearance in keeping with the School’s image. This is especially for those who interact with the parents, external clients and stakeholders
For male employees, the following are considered acceptable as School attire: formal suit, jacket, formal shirt and trousers; leather shoes, national dress for UAE nationals. A tie is required to be worn at all times during working hours. For female employees, a formal suit, formal top with trousers/skirts or national UAE dress is acceptable The clothes and jewelry must reflect the Islamic and business-like image expected of Dar Al Marefa.
Sleeveless tops and short pants/skirts, low neck shirts/ T-shirt, Jeans, rubber shoes, flip flops, sweatshirt, Pyjamas and revealing clothing are not acceptable
Forms:
Employees are requested to use standardised Forms with DMS and IB logo. Leave Application Form Academic Non-Academic Staff Early Leave Form Professional Development Form Performance Appraisal Form fo Admin Performance Appraisal Form fo Teachers
Identification Cards ( When it comes to the safety of all teachers and staff member ID Card in place is crucial insists all employees wear the card to keep our campus secu no unauthorized persons are en
Drills:
Operations Office responsibilities during Fire Drill in the school –The Operations Officer shall:
1
Ensure that school employees understand the operation of each evacuation plan and their duties connected with such plans and understand proper notification procedures in the event of emergency evacuation. Determine daily that all exit facilities and equipment's are kept operable to facilitate rapid escape from the building
2
Be acquainted with the use of fire alarms, fire department notification, exit facilities and fire extinguishers.
See that all motors, ventilating fans and other power-driven equipment's are turned off to avoid spreading the fire or hindering the fire-fighting operations 3
4
Standby to inform the fire department of the best means of access to the fire and request assistance as required.
5
Record a list of any missing pupils or staff and inform the fire department
Student Attendance:
There is no substitute for the uninterrupted personal contact between teachers and students in the classroom environment where learning experiences are carefully planned by the teachers Students with good attendance generally achieve higher levels of learning than those with poor attendance. It is the school’s requirement that students attend school regularly; daily attendance is a factor for general academic progress.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities – General
To display loyalty to the school; promote a positive image of the school in the community.
To be flexible in approach; to adapt to changing circumstances in order to be effective in meeting each student’s needs and the school’s needs.
To follow the philosophy, objectives, and beliefs of the entire school in both teaching and extra-curricular activities.
E o f a t e a c h e r
To maintain order in a friendly atmosphere where students are encouraged to become responsible, productive and self-disciplined, with respect for others, their property and opinions.
To be flexible in approach; to adapt to changing circumstances in order to be effective in meeting each student’s needs and the school’s needs
To maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills by attending in-service training sessions at the school and outside
The primary responsibility for good school attendance lies with parents or guardians. Parents or guardians are held legally responsible for their children’s attendance
Absences may be excused for such reasons as illness and exceptional, strong family circumstances when approved by administration
Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail access is to be used strictly for Dar Al Marefa’s business purposes only;
The school must be informed of necessary family vacations/trips during the school year. It is the parents’ responsibility to notify the school at least one (1) week in advance
Students are required by law to attend school unless there is good reason for the absence.
The school should be informed if a student is to be absent as soon as possible, usually by Managebac; the reason for the child’s absence should be clarified. For extended absences, a written letter may be required.
The teacher may assign work for the period of time the student is absent from school. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the work is done.
Students must bring medical report stating the reasons for the absence. This should be brought the day he/she returns to school
Students are not to come to school when they are sick. In case of extended illness, the school requires a doctor’s certificate.
To participate in the school’s extra-curricular life on a weekly basis and during special school functions.
To be willing to contribute, readily assist and support all aspects of the total school curriculum.
To show tolerance for the occasional frustrations and to leave personal problems and difficulties behind in order to carry out professional duties effectively
To show respect and understanding for students of many cultures, abilities and backgrounds.
To maintain friendly, professional relationships with the parent community; respectful of their views and concerns
To cooperate and practice positive communication with colleagues and to show respect for different opinions and teaching styles.
To be committed to the professional obligations of the job, as demonstrated by punctuality, good attendance, the devotion of adequate time outside teaching hours, and the maintenance of a professional image in attitude, dress and manner.
Duties
At DMS we put the safety of our students first in all cases. We have several duties at different times of the school day, that staff may be assigned at alternate times throughout the week
Kindly note that when on duty, staff are expected to be vigilant and keep a keen eye on student activity. Staff should not congregate in one area, talk in groups, nor should they be on their cell phones. It is imperative that if you are unable to perform your duty for any reason, you must inform the supervisors/monitors well in advance, so that someone can be assigned in your place
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities – Specific
Carry out, in a professional manner, all duties as and when requested by the Administration
Adopt a forward looking strategy and plan schemes of work in respect of the approved syllabus
Inform parents when a student routinely does not complete class work and homework on a weekly basis
Make sure that individual lessons are planned and prepared adequately, including the appropriate audio visual aids and other relevant material
L E o f a t e a c h e r
Regularly set and mark appropriate work for students in order to assess progress and understanding
Maintain a record of absent students and the assignments they have missed
Submit the lesson plan book to the Head or Coordinators when requested
Regularly check and mark homework and inform parents (by writing a note) when homework has not been completed
Morning Duty
Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail access is to be used strictly for Dar Al Marefa’s business purposes only;
Preprimary: As many students arrive early in the morning due to transportation issues, selected staff are assigned to arrive early in the morning to supervise the students Staff assigned to morning duty should arrive on time and after clocking in, report to the morning duty area. These areas include both indoor play areas for the pre-primary students
Grades 1-5: As many students arrive early in the morning due to transportation issues, selected staff are assigned to arrive early in the morning to supervise the students Staff assigned to morning duty should arrive on time and after clocking in, report to the morning duty area. These areas include both indoor play areas for the preprimary students and the two outdoor play areas for grade 1 – 5 students Staff should clock in before the scheduled duty begins.
Meet parents both informally and at formal parent/teacher conferences with the aim of constructive cooperation
Seek an understanding of each student as an individual and to keep accurate, efficient and upto-date records of student progress, adherence to the guidelines laid down by the School Administration
Be prepared to consult with the Coordinator/Supervisor and the SMT members over individual students and to cooperate fully in the implementation of suggested courses of action Submit requests for orders of equipment, books, publications etc. to the Head of Department for the next academic year
Attend and contribute to students’ progress meetings, departmental and full staff meetings, considering any aspect of development in the school
Prepare formal reports on students’ progress and attainment as required, and to show a professional approach in the production of such reports
Expect a high standard of presentation in exercise books and folders at all times
Maintain anecdotal notes on a weekly basis and ensure that record books are current
Prepare/maintain class resources and/or manipulatives ensuring a complete set is in the classroom and returned intact
To be committed to the professional obligations of the job, as demonstrated by punctuality, good attendance, the devotion of adequate time outside teaching hours, and the maintenance of a professional image in attitude, dress and manner
Break Duty
Preprimary Play Time Duty: Teachers on play time duty are assigned to a play area to monitor the students during play time Staff on duty must ensure to remain with the students for the duration of the play time
Grades 1-5: Teachers on break duty are assigned an outdoor play area or a canteen duty to monitor the students during the first and/or second break times Staff on duty must ensure that they dismiss their own classes quickly to be on time for this duty and are required to remain at the break venue until the end of break time. It is the responsibility of these staff members to ensure that the canteens and break areas, in the last 5 minutes of break, are clean and neat before the students line up to go back to classes.
Guidelines: Teacher Guidelines
Setting the tone for a conductive working environment early in the year will benefit both the teacher and the students in the classroom.
in collaboration with parents, endeavours to develop the whole child Personal attributes that allow for congenial interaction within social situations, of which school is one, are vitally important to the developing child To reinforce and acknowledge appropriate behavior in social and learning situations, teachers are expected to:
Afternoon Duty
Preprimary: Students will remain inside the classroom with the class teacher and co –teacher until they are picked up by their nannies or parents Students in the preprimary are not to leave the classroom until an adult has collected them directly from the classroom The Homeroom or co teacher will remain with her students until 2:30.
Grade 1-5: In the afternoons, teachers take their students in a single file to the dismissal area to be picked up by their nannies or parents The homeroom teacher will remain with his / her class at dismissal time until they are relieved by the next duty staff.
Dar Al Marefa Internet and e-mail access is to be used strictly for Dar Al Marefa’s business purposes only;
Encourage students to reflect on their behavior
Provide opportunities to discuss conduct and behavior.
Provide opportunities to selfcorrect inappropriate behavior.
Reward appropriate behavior
Positively encourage and recognize the development of personal attributes, knowledge and skills.
Door Duty
Staff on door duty is responsible for ensuring that no child leaves the school premises without the person picking them up, showing the school pick up ID card Should anyone want to take a student without the student ID card, they must be referred to the reception desk where the student’s parents will be telephoned. It is the responsibility of the supervisor / monitor to check attendance each day to determine who is absent so she can assign another staff member to the door duty if it happens to be their day The absent teacher will make up his/her day.
Classroom Guidelines
Classroom rules and the code of conduct are displayed in all classes It is the homeroom teacher’s responsibility to construct the meaning of the guidelines with the students and call their attention to expectations
It is the teachers’ responsibility to make every effort to help students improve their behavior before referring students to administration.
Stairs and Hallways Guidelines
Students are to walk carefully up and down stairs or in hallways in order to maintain safety
Students are to walk silently on the right side of the stairs or hallways in order to keep traffic well ordered and managed.
When a class is taken to another venue for a lesson, their movement must be supervised by a teacher in order to keep the traffic well ordered and managed
Playground Guidelines
Playground activities are part of our daily school program and all students are expected to participate, unless excused for health reasons. Safety is essential.
When students are on the playground, a teacher will always be in attendance to supervise and ensure safety
Students must stay in the designated areas for the designated times.
The instructions of the teachers and assistants must be observed.
Equipment must be used properly and in turns.
Students should refrain from eating on the playground especially the blue foam mats
Restroom Guideline
Students must be allowed to use the restroom if they ask to go
Teachers in the primary grades will allow students to go to the restroom or get water one at a time and must have a pass
The restroom is to be used only for its purpose. Playing and meeting with friends is outside of the purpose of the restroom
Students should always wash their hands with soap and water before returning to class for hygiene reasons.
Preprimary Teacher assistants and nannies can accompany students to Restroom as needed.
Snack and Lunch Guidelines
Good nutrition is essential for optimum mental and physical performance. Carbonated drinks, fast food from restaurants, candy and chewing gum are foods that do not support optimum physical and mental performance and are not allowed at school Sweets such as cookies, cakes, and brownies should be kept as a special treat once a week. JKS encourages parents to provide their children with lunches and snacks, or provide them with the means to buy from the school’s cafeteria
Preprimary students have their snack time in the classrooms. Teachers must be aware of their students' allergies and take necessary precautions to avoid any allergic reactions Additionally, ensuring that students with allergies are consuming safe food by collaborating with the medical team
Grades 1-5 students eat their snacks and lunch in the cafeteria or the designated play area Teachers/supervisors on break duty must supervise students throughout the break. Teachers need to ensure that students have eaten a healthy snack/lunch. If a child does not have food or money on their Canteen Card, supervisors will arrange for students to purchase using a “dummy” prepaid card
Cafeteria Guidelines
Good nutrition is essential for optimum mental and physical performance. Carbonated drinks, fast food from restaurants, candy and chewing gum are foods that do not support optimum physical and mental performance and are not allowed at school Sweets such as cookies, cakes, and brownies should be kept as a special treat once a week. JKS encourages parents to provide their children with lunches and snacks, or provide them with the means to buy from the school’s cafeteria
In order for the cafeteria line to move smoothly and efficiently, the students should stand quietly in line, speak clearly when ordering, make all of their purchases at one time, and ensure that their change is correct.
Good table manners are expected Eating properly, speaking in a low tone, cleaning the table, and clearing anything that may have fallen are expected.
Canteen Cards
Students in the primary department are given a canteen card which is swiped in the canteen when used to buy food The canteen card can be charged/recharged in the cafeteria
POLICY ADMISSION
Dar Al Marefa Admissions Philosophy
At Dar Al Marefa Private School teachers, administrators, and leaders are committed to providing a supportive learning environment to ensure that all students can achieve their individual potential. The school does not discriminate based on race, gender, additional needs, or nation of origin and seeks to accept all qualified students who apply. At Dar Al Marefa Private School, we are committed to offering an inclusive curriculum to ensure the best possible progress for all our students, regardless of their needs or abilities, all student applications will be considered.
We carefully and diligently determine whether we can provide a combination of resources, allocated by individual student need, to be confident, applicants are able to access the curriculum before determining their acceptance. Registration at Dar Al Marefa Private School brings with it a commitment from parents/guardians and their children to the Mission & Vision of the school While being respectful of the diverse nature of our community, all children will be considered for registration, provided there are sufficient vacancies at the time of application; otherwise, a “Waiting List” offer will be presented
POLICY ADMISSION
Age Requirements
Prospective students are required to meet the age requirements in accordance with current KHDA guidelines. The guidelines depicted by the KHDA are as below
POLICY ADMISSION
Admissions Process
1. Parent Tour
Prospective parents are encouraged to visit the school through booking an appointment online or through the school reception.
3. Admissions Screening
Applicants applying for Pre-KG to KG2 will have an admissions interview with one of our KG department teachers. Applicants applying for Grade 1 to Grade 11 will sit for a grade equivalent level CAT 4 (Cognitive Ability Test) in a supervised environment.
2. Application Completion
After touring/inquiry, parents must complete the online application form at the following link:
https://www.daralmarefa.ae/ad missions#online-applicationform.
4. Offer of Acceptance
Families will be notified via email or phone call of acceptance or rejection within 72 hours of completing the admissions screening and providing the required documentations
5. Submission of required documentation
Families are responsible for submitting all required student documentation upon receiving the offer of acceptance. The admissions team is empowered to halt the admissions process if the required documentation is not submitted within a threeweek timeframe. These documents include (Student and parents’ passport copies, student and parents’ visa copy, student and parents’ Emirates ID copies, student vaccination record, student birth certificate, student photo, student’s previous school report card, student’s transfer certificate from previous school.)
6. Payment of Registration Deposit
All applicants must pay up to 30% of the total fee according to the school fees structure within 2 weeks of receiving an offer of acceptance. The registration fee a non-refundable and nontransferable deposit, which is deducted from the first term fees.
7. Signing of the Parent School Contract
All students must be registered within the KHDA and parents must sign the Parent School contract within one month of the start of the academic year. Failure to do so might result to suspension from school. This process must be repeated annually for each student.
Admissions Requirements for KG, PYP and MYP
1. Current DMS Students
Students who have successfully completed the requirements are eligible to enroll in the subsequent grade with a recommendation from the Head of Primary or Head of Secondary, except for the following cases:
Students who have not cleared their school fees and other financial obligations to the school
Students that were not able to pass the minimum requirements to get promoted to the subsequent grade.
2. Siblings of Students at Dar Al Marefa School
Siblings of students already registered at Dar Al Marefa have priority placement. Siblings of current students must complete all required steps of the admissions process and relevant application forms must be completed together with the payment of the respective enrolment fees.
POLICY ADMISSION
3. Admission of Students from Other Schools
Students wishing to transfer from another school must provide the most recent progress reports and transfer certificates. All applicants must successfully pass the school’s entrance exam and meet with the Head of Primary or Head of Secondary, or their delegates, to determine their capability of coping with a bilingual IB setting.
4.2 If nothing has been disclosed and evidence presented during the admissions assessment suggests that the student has a learning disability and/or social and emotional challenges, then an interview is set up with the inclusion department.
4.4 Parents are required to submit all/any previous academic reports, provision plans, individual educational plans, and any previous medical/psychological assessments that are relevant to the application.
4. Application Completion
We welcome all students of determination, and to ensure that appropriate provisions can be made for each student, we assess them based on the following measures:
4.1 Parents and guardians must disclose any special educational need that has been previously observed. (including social and emotional challenges).
4.3 The inclusion department will undertake a detailed assessment to determine the child’s requirements and whether the school can meet these needs. Then they will liaise with the Head of Division regarding the acceptance of the student.
4.5 Admitting students of determination will be in accordance with KHDA guidelines at that time.
4.6 Conditional Acceptance
Conditional acceptance may be granted in exceptional circumstances to students with requirements set by the school for continued enrolment at Dar Al Marefa School. Parents will be asked to sign an internal agreement listing the requirements. Progress will be monitored quarterly and failure to meet the conditions will result in the student being asked to leave Dar Al Marefa.
Admission to Grade 11 (first year of the IB Diploma Programme)
1. Internal students
Internal students, graduating from Grade 10 (Middle Years Programme) will be required to exhibit the capacity to perform well in the Diploma Programme. As such, they will be required to meet the following requirements:
A minimum of 4 scores in all MYP subjects, and a minimum of 5 scores or equivalent in the three subjects they intend to study at Higher Level in the Diploma Programme. A satisfactory behavior record in MYP
Successful completion of the MYP Personal Project Clearance of all fees and financial obligations
POLICY ADMISSION
2. Students from Other Schools
1.
Candidates from other schools must meet ALL the following requirements to be considered:
2
Candidates must have obtained a minimum grade of B or higher in the three subjects they propose to study at Higher Level in the Diploma Programme and a grade of C or higher in the three subjects they propose to study at standard level. These grades must be supported by official transcripts and documentation from their previous school.
3. The candidate is also expected to pass an interview by the DP coordinator, who will determine student’s motivation and readiness for the rigor of the Diploma Programme.
5.
An official letter of reference from the Head-teacher or Deputy at the candidate’s current school is to be submitted, along with a school leaving certificate, and a certificate of good conduct from the school which comments on the behavior of the student.
4. Parents will be required to bring copies of the child’s birth certificate and original documents pertaining to their previous schooling. Candidates that do not have the 3 B- grades for higher level subjects but do have 6 credits may still be accepted to study for the IB Certificate, if they are meeting the other two criteria above.
3. Conditional Acceptance (Grade 11)
Conditional acceptance to Grade 11 may be given to students from an IGCSE /national/other curriculum based on the mock/predicted results of their school Their admission will be confirmed on receipt of the results on an official transcript from Cambridge or IGCSE.
Admissions to Grade 12 (second year of IB Diploma Programme)
Admissions to Grade 12 may be done only in exceptional circumstances, if applicants are meeting the following conditions:
1
They have completed the first year of the Diploma Programme at an authorized school
2.
They have a total of 29 points at the end of their first year in their current school, and a minimum grade C in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, and have completed their CAS hours, certified by the CAS Coordinator at their current school
3
Obtain a mean level 4 achievement in an entrance assessment comprised of the end-of-year exam at the Senior School.
4
Provide an official letter of reference from the Principal or Deputy at the candidate’s current school, along with a school leaving certificate, and a certificate of good conduct from the school which comments on the behavior of the student.
5
Pass an interview by the DP coordinator and the Head of Secondary.
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