Welcome to Sixth Form
JESS Sixth Form has one express aim: to offer the best educational journey students aged 16-18 could possibly experience This is achieved through a focus on two key areas: academic excellence and extensive pastoral support
As a leading educational institution in the Middle East, we at JESS have an unfaltering commitment to supporting our students achieve the very best results possible whilst also producing holistic young people whose core being is characterised by principles of caring, open-mindedness and respect
How do we achieve this?
Three distinct aspects highlight what makes JESS so successful in delivering on this expressed aim. Firstly, our teaching and support staff build strong, formative relationships with our students whilst leveraging the support our parents provide at home. In short, we come to know each and every child in our care extremely well and can thus best support them irrespective of what stage of their education they are on
Secondly, our staff are highly skilled and vastly experienced in delivering the programmes we offer, be they the IB Diploma, the bespoke IB Diploma Courses or the Extended Level 3 Diploma (BTEC) in Art, Business or Sport Each department has one or more IB examiner within the team with some also featuring official workshop leaders and even published textbook authors. JESS also acts as a training hub for teachers within the MENA region, offering numerous professional development opportunities for staff from other schools. Suffice to say, we know our stuff and the students in our care are the natural beneficiaries of this collective expertise.
Lastly, the JESS Sixth Form comprises a team of ten dedicated professionals each with a specific remit such as pastoral provision, core coordination, university counselling and administrative support Each member of this skilled team is focused on delivering the best and most comprehensive support to our Sixth Form students Combine this with a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre, a tailor-made PSHE programme aimed at bringing to life the IB Learner Profile and JESS's Mission Statement of ‘Making a Difference’ and you have an inkling of what makes JESS students excel.
I look forward to welcoming you all to our part of the school.
Kosta Lekanides
Deputy Head Teacher
Key Stage 5
Sixth Form Team
Kosta Lekanides Deputy Head (KS5)
Sophie Carr Assistant Head Year 12
Steve Vickers Assistant Head (KS5)
Sara Carter Assistant Head Year 13
Michelle M’Cartney University Counsellor
Rosemin Guerrero Theory of Knowledge Coordinator
Chris Andrews Head of Year 12
Esin Cole CAS Coordinator
Menie Pagomenakis University Counsellor
Rebecca Headley BTEC Coordinator
Rhys Jones Head of Year 13
Alison McEllin Extended Essay Coordinator
Rosalind Anderson Administrator
First Days in Sixth Form
Induction
JESS Sixth Form's Induction Programme runs throughout the first month of school and begins with an entire day dedicated to the development of soft skills such as collaboration and teamwork. It will also provide the opportunity to relay critical information that will help students make the transition from Year 11 (Grade 10) and become accustomed to the rhythms, expectations and procedures that govern life in the Sixth Form. Following this, certain periods through the next four weeks are dedicated to upskilling students and preparing them for the rigours of a post-16 education This includes being trained on things such as referencing and citing, conducting research and carrying out literature reviews, organising their CAS profiles, developing research questions and other such necessary elements.
Dates and timings of the Sixth Form Induction Programme will be emailed to new parents as soon as they are finalised.
Timings of the School Day
Monday - Thursday 7:10am - 7:35am 7:40am 15:20pm Friday 7:10am - 7:35am 7:40am 12:00pm
Due to the presence of a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, Y12 and Y13 students are able to stay back after school and work/study till around 6pm if they so choose.
Uniform and Dress Code
Smart Attire
In recognition of a sixth former’s growing maturity, there is no formal uniform requirement but rather a dress code based on generally accepted business principles The aim is to promote self-management and independence as well as getting students accustomed to presenting themselves in a more adult manner. We believe the dress code strikes a balance between some degree of individuality and the importance of setting an example to the younger members of the school community, parents, and visitors We require students to cooperate with the school on this distinct privilege of not having to wear a uniform Failure to adhere to the dress code may incur sanctions such as a verbal warning, formal letter home, reflection session, removal from lessons or being sent home to change
All clothing must be respectful of local UAE customs to ensure modesty and decency at all times. In general terms, the following apply:
Clothing must fit (i e not be too small, short or tight)
Clothing should not be transparent or expose parts of the body that would cause offense (including midriffs, legs above the knee, shoulders and backs)
Undergarments and tattoos should not be visible
The national attire of all countries is welcome so long as it adheres to the points above relating to local sensitivities around modesty and decency and is considered formal attire in its place of origin.
All sixth formers are required to wear a school lanyard (gold-coloured) with their student ID card at all times so they may be recognised by staff and visitors as JESS Sixth Form students
JESS Sports Kit
For the purposes of health and well-being, Games is a compulsory part of the curriculum for sixth formers Students may wear PE kit on Games days or when they have a fixture in the morning or at lunchtime For days on which the student has a fixture after school, they should wear business attire and change into PE kit at the end of the day Students are not permitted to wear PE kit on non-Games days unless permission has been granted by the school. Whilst in PE Kit, students will need to have hair tied up and all jewellery removed (with the exception of simple stud earrings).
Students representing the school in teams will need to purchase the appropriate team kit For further information, please see the JESS Sportswear and Swimwear Guide
Uniform and Dress Code
Sixth Form Boys
Formal, smart, tailored trousers/chinos suitable for a business environment Casual trousers are not permitted, e.g. jeans and joggers.
Formal collared button-down shirt, long or short sleeved and tucked in at all times. Heavy patterns are not permitted. Casual shirts such as polo shirts and t-shirts are not permitted.
Plain t-shirts may be worn underneath shirts
Polished (real or synthetic) leather work shoes designed to be worn with formal work trousers
Casual shoes such as flip-flops, sandals or trainers are not permitted.
Plain-coloured formal jumpers, turtle-necks and sweatshirts without logos are permissible. Hoodies are not permitted. The JESS hoodie is permitted on Games days only or as part of the PE Kit when participating in fixtures or sports events representing the school
Optional - suit jackets, waistcoats, ties and bow ties are allowed
Hair should be kept clean, neat and tidy Long hair can be worn down except during lessons where health and safety concerns require it to be tied back. Dyeing hair in natural colours is acceptable –other colours are not permitted.
Facial hair should be well-groomed
Discreet jewellery is permitted, e g , watch, necklace, bracelet though this must be kept to one item/pair (ie more than one ring, earring or bracelet is not permitted)
Sixth Form Girls
Formal, smart, tailored trousers Casual trousers are not permitted, e g jeans and leggings
Smart skirt or dress no shorter than knee-length Slits above the knee are not permitted
Formal shirt or blouse, modest and respectful of the local culture Shoulders, midriff and cleavage should not be visible. T-shirts, strappy, strapless and transparent tops are not permitted.
Formal polished shoes or smart sandals with a heel strap. Heels can be worn but must not exceed 4 cm. Casual footwear such as flip-flops or trainers are not permitted
Plain-coloured formal jumpers, turtle-necks and sweatshirts (i e no logos) are permissible
Hoodies are not permitted The JESS hoodie is permitted though only on Games days (or as part of their PE Kit when participating in fixtures or sports events representing the school).
Hair can be worn down except during lessons where Health and Safety concerns require it to be tied back. Dyeing hair in natural colours is acceptable – other colours are not permitted.
Discreet jewellery is permitted, e g , watch, necklace, bracelet though this must be kept to one item/pair (ie more than one ring, earring or bracelet is not permitted)
Uniform and Dress Code
Acceptable Not Acceptable
Smart formal trouser.
Leggings, jeggings, jeans and joggers.
Smart skirt/dress below knee-length. Shoulders covered Smart round or v-neck jumper or cardigan
Formal shirt/top with respectable neckline Shoulders covered Smart shoes with back strap. Low heels acceptable. Single pair of stud earrings
Dress/skirt above the knee. Seethrough fabrics. Shoulders on show Polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts or jumpers.
Casual clothing Midriff/shoulders on show. Low neckline. Tight clothes. High heels and sandals without a heel strap
Visible tattoos, piercings and unnatural hair dyes
Attendance & Punctuality
Expectations
School gates open at 7 20am and we expect students to have arrived by 7 35am at the latest Other than when fulfilling the requirements linked to accessing the Community Centre or during study leave periods, students are to remain in school at least until the end of formal lessons at 3.20pm.
Students are entitled to study in the Sixth Form Centre from 6 30am each school day We understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances may interfere with a perfect attendance record, but would be concerned if students fail to meet our expectation of at least 95% attendance. Frequent absence will have a negative impact on performance and on the student’s overall IB or BTEC grades.
Attendance is vital during internal assessments and when group assessments or preparation for group assessments, such as interactive orals, are being carried out Absence in these situations would have a negative impact on the marks attained by other students in their group
Authorised absences
• Illness or a medical appointment which cannot be arranged out of school hours
• A religious holiday
• University interviews
• Attendance at a funeral for a close family member or friend
• Attendance at a wedding for a close family member
• A driving test
• Examination/Study Leave
Unauthorised absences
• Holidays or leisure activities
• Paid employment
• Birthdays/other celebrations
• Driving lessons
• CAS activities
• Working at home on schoolwork or coursework
• Staying home to revise for external examinations (such as ACTs)
• Leaving the country before term ends
• University Open Days
Attendance Reporting
All absences must be reported on a daily basis.
Absence that is not pre-arranged, such as an illness or medical appointment, must be reported before 7:15am that morning using the link: Illness and medical appointment report, online form
Exceptional Leave
Exceptional leave can be requested using the same form mentioned above in a pathway called Exceptional Leave. Alternatively, use this link: Exceptional leave request online form
Please request and communicate an exceptional leave request as far in advance as possible
University & Careers
University and Careers Counsellors
Applying for University is a key part of Sixth Form life at JESS The school employs two University and Careers Counsellors. Students will have access to careers and university application advice during their time at school and can make an appointment with the University Counsellor as required.
It is our firm recommendation that parents avoid employing the services of external counsellors or counselling groups as the in-school provision is robust enough to cater to the requirements of university applications.
Online Learning & Support Packages
The school provides access to several online learning platforms and support packages to assist students during their time in the Sixth Form These can be accessed at school and home and include:
Provides cloud-based access to all the Microsoft suite of products
On-line digital textbooks which supportDP subject content and assessment by providing immediate feedback alongside learning analytics and focused revision content
Online platform to enable students to organise their work, track assessments and receive up-to-date information on their subjects
Provides support for all aspects of a university application
A plagiarism detection programme to help students identify mistakes in citations and to improve their academic writing
Students are expected to act in a responsible manner and manage the use of the packages in accordance with the school’s digital policy
The Sixth Form Centre
Designed with students at its heart
The Sixth Form Centre is a multi-purpose space specifically designed for and exclusively accessible to Sixth Form students. The design, layout and feature-set of the space is the end result of feedback from students and staff and adheres to three guiding principles:
Function: the space caters to the needs of students (e.g. power access, study spaces etc). 1.
2
3
Practicality: the space is easy to maintain and clean and resilient to frequent use
Warmth: the space has a cosy feel and is a place students are comfortable working and relaxing in
As such, the Sixth Form Centre includes a wide array of features including: extensive soft furnishings and moveable laptop tables (many with included power/USB outlets) a fully-fitted kitchen area (complete with stove, oven, microwaves, kettles, toasters, etc ) a large study hall with sound dampening furnishings and flooring/ceiling an internal courtyard that can be used for a range of activities a 5 meter TV screen for presentations/viewing the Sixth Form Office providing students access to key staff and university counsellors four private meeting rooms catering for between 1 to 8 students
The Centre may be used by students from 6 30am onwards, during study periods, break times and after school until 6.00pm (at the discretion of the Sixth Form Team). The expectation is that students who remain after school hours do so for the purposes of study and revision. If a member of staff, including the site Security Team, requests students leave the space after school, students must do so.
Students are expected to adhere to the regulations stipulated below for use of the Centre but which can be largely summarised under the key term of 'respect'.
Keep the Centre neat and tidy at all times. Students are expected to clean up after themselves. To avoid permanent stains or damage, the consumption of food and beverages (with the exception of water) is only permitted on the tiled (non-carpeted) areas of the Sixth Form Centre
The same restriction applies to furniture with fabric coverings. Student possessions (e.g., laptops, books, folders etc.) must be stored in bags and stowed in the storage area or carried with students rather than left lying around the Centre. Students must not place their feet on the tables and couches
Furniture that has a power outlet built into it should not be moved
Students should stay clear of the screen, not lean on it, or throw items anywhere towards it
Students should ensure they remain mindful around electrical appliances and turn them off when done using them.
Sixth Form ID Cards
Identity Card
All Sixth Form students will be issued with an Identity (ID) card, which can be used for:
Access to school
School printing and photocopying Payment in the JESS Diner.
Access
Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their ID card. If lost, a new card must be purchased from the cashier, next to reception, at a cost of AED30
Students have the privilege of leaving the school premises in order to visit the Community Centre during lunchtime. The following conditions must be adhered to:
Students must wear their ID cards at all times during the school day.
If students wish to visit the Community Centre at lunch time, they must leave through one of the designated gates and scan their ID cards as they leave and re-enter the school.
Use of another student’s card will result in withdrawal of this privilege
Students may leave during lunchtime only.
Students must return to JESS at least five minutes before lessons start to ensure they have time to collect their equipment from the storage area
Students may leave school to visit the Community Centre only, not to return home or finish early.
Students may not use their ID card for signing out if they feel unwell In this instance, they must go to the nurses and follow the correct procedures.
Expectations for behaviour in the Community Centre are high as students are ambassadors of the school Students must follow JESS rules for behaviour and respect the general environment and other people using the facilities. Any misconduct may result in losing this privilege.
This privilege is for Sixth Form students only and they should not agree to buy food or other items for students in other Year groups.
Printing and Photo Copying
Sixth Form students are allocated an individual budget for their printing and copying needs and are expected to manage their account to ensure they can print the work necessary for their course Once students have used their budget, additional printer credits can be purchased through the JESS cashier.
Ben’s Farmhouse
Ben’s Farmhouse
How to create an account
JESS operates as a cashless school As such, you will need to create a Spare App account and add credit to your child’s student ID card to enable purchases in the canteen New students are permitted to use cash until they receive their Student ID card (usually within 7 to 10 days)
To create an account, click here and follow the detailed guide and video tutorial. To register, you will need the following information:
Community Name: JESS Dubai
Student ID: This will be sent via email during your child’s first week of school
Once created, you will be asked to activate your account by adding a card or wristband. Please select:
Step 11 – select ‘Add a card’ (we do not offer wristbands at JESS)
Step 12 – select School ID
Step 13 – enter Student ID and select ‘Pair’
This step is not necessary for Primary students. Primary parents will order and pay for meals online.
Important Information
You have the option to order daily, create a termly meal plan, or add credit to your child’s account.
When ordering daily, please state if you would like it delivered at morning break or for Lunch
Daily meals must be ordered by 3pm the day prior
Cancellations of any orders must be sent to: info@bensfarmhouse.com
Refunds will only be provided if the cancellation is received by 8am the day the food is expected
Monitoring Purchases and Troubleshooting
Within the Spare App, there is a dashboard for each child, showing purchases made and outstanding balance For help, you can raise a support ticket through the app or email support@paywithspare com
The House System
A traditional British house system
The house system is very much a part of life at JESS with house competitions and house points creating a community for peers to support one another, to engage in competition, and to work together to make a positive contribution to the school community
The house system helps to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, and creates opportunities to celebrate achievements and instil pride amongst students.
All students are allocated one of four houses on enrollment. Our houses are:
Tahr (black)
Oryx (white)
Panthera (red)
Falco (green)
House t-shirts are worn several times a year during competitions, Mindbeat Days, Bonanza Days and house events They are compulsory to purchase; this can be done online from our PE kit supplier, J20 Sports, once students start at JESS.
For all JESS sportswear and swimwear requirements click here
Digital Information
Digital Information
All information is contained in our Secondary Device Booklet
Please read through the Device Booklet carefully for instructions on equipment requirements and ordering. Please contact us with any questions at sixthform@jess.sch.ae
Parent Communications Communication Channels
Our main method of communicating with parents is through our Parent Portal and Parent app, which both draw information from our data management system, iSams. Much of the data is personalised to year groups so that you only see documents and files that are relevant to your child/ren, such as timetables, key dates and information;. Importantly, this is the only method that we use to share reports and assessment results
This link to our Parent Portal goes straight to the login window, so it’s a good idea to bookmark this for future reference You can also access the parent portal at the top of the JESS website
Parent Portal
If you haven’t already activated your Parent Portal account, you can do so with the personal registration number and password shared in your confirmation email from the registrar.
Once registered, you can download the iSAMS parent app from your usual app store. When prompted, enter the JESS code, which is JDXB, and the username and password you created when activating your account You will only be able to see information related to your child once they start school Until then, you may not have any children associated with your account If you do not have the activation code or you have any problems accessing the portal/app, email parentportal@jess sch ae or contact your school reception
Adding multiple schools on the Parent Portal App
We appreciate you may have students attending different schools in Dubai. If these schools are using the iSAMS app for communications, it is possible to have all the school communications coming through. Note, you will need the iSAMS code from each school to complete this process:
Open the app 1
On the dashboard, select ‘Settings’ in the bottom right-hand corner 2
Select the ‘Manage Schools’ option and then select your school 3
Enter the school code For JESS, this is JDXB 4
Parent ID Badges
Photographs for Parent ID badges
Each parent at JESS is provided with an ID badge for when they access the school premises
If you are new to JESS and don’t currently have a child in school, please submit a photograph of both parents to the following email: fvisser@jess.sch.ae
These will be available for your collection at the start of the academic year
JESS Sports
Sports kits and communication
Our Guide To JESS Sports and Swimwear details all the kit needed at JESS The sports department also has its own website - www jessranchessport com - where it hosts and shares information on sports fixtures, teams, opponents and results
This website can be accessed in a variety of ways:
Parent Portal – select ‘JESS Sport’ from the top menu
Parent Portal app – select ‘JESS Sport’ at the bottom of the School Life tab.
Sports Website
If you use the Sports website, the browser will recognise when you’re accessing the site from a mobile device and will deliver the information in a user-friendly app-style format. It will also give you the option to save it next to all your other apps. To do this, once on the site, select ‘Options’ (accessible on a Samsung via the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and on an iPhone, via the box icon with an arrow coming out of the top just above the home button) then select ‘Add to home screen’ The next time you look at your phone, the JESS icon will be sitting amongst your apps and you will be able to access our sports site in one press of the button
The sports app/website shows fixtures, team sheets, opponents’ locations and results. We suggest that you check the information regularly to be able to see what’s on for your child’s team
Please email parentportal@jess sch ae with any installation issues you may have
Instrumental Music Lessons
Individual and group music lessons
The JESS Music Department organises individual and group instrumental lessons for a variety of instruments, including guitar (classical and electric), clarinet, saxophone, flute, voice, trumpet, piano, violin, drums and cello
Lessons are charged at individual or group rate and are 30 minutes long. For more information relating to our instrumental programme, please email peri@jess.sch.ae
You can view your child’s timetabled music lessons in the parent portal/app by selecting ‘Calendar’ and then under the date, select ‘This week’ and the music lessons will be displayed
School Bus Service
Secondary Transport
A bus service managed by JESS for Secondary students operates between JESS Jumeirah and JESS Arabian Ranches, as well as other designated surrounding areas, at both the start and end of the school day. Details of routes and their related timetables can be found on the parent portal/app.
If you have any other queries regarding the bus service, please email academicsec@jess.sch.ae
Calendar of School Events
SOCS
The school calendar is on SOCS. SOCS integrates the school calendar, sports fixtures, ECAs and music lessons all in one place for ease SOCS provides you with a personalised timetable for your child, including events they are involved in Secondary student timetables are also available, outlining everything your child is doing during the school day in one place. Sign up and access to our co-curricular programme is also via SOCS.
The calendar can be accessed and viewed at www socscms com/login/28060
How to activate SOCS
To access the SOCS calendar, you need to activate your account To do this, search for Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS Arabian Ranches), then select the Login Type – Parent When activating your account, use the same email address used for all school correspondence. Check your junk inbox if you do not receive the activation email when registering.
If you incur any problems accessing the calendar, email parenthelpdesk@jess sch ae
Adding calendars to your Android device
Open https://socs-ar.jess.sch.ae in the web browser on your device to access the JESS calendars. To save to your device homepage like an app, select the 3 dots on the top right-hand of the page, select ‘Add to Home Screen’ and then the web link will appear in the same way that apps do.
Adding calendars to your Apple device
Open https://socs-ar.jess.sch.ae in the web browser on your device to access the JESS calendars. To save to your device homepage like an app, select the share icon (a box with an arrow coming out from the top) and then select ‘Add to Home Screen’ and the web link will appear in the same way that apps do
Social Media
Follow us
JESS has a range of social media channels that are used for different messages They are:
Facebook: JESS Dubai
Instagram: @jessdubaischool
X: @JESSDubai
YouTube: @jessdubaischool
LinkedIn: JESS Dubai
Making the most of Sixth Form
Top Tips
Use study periods effectively. Students need to take personal responsibility and use the time to finish their work, revise, improve their personal statements or research their university options 1.
Take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Sixth Form; make use of the staff and attend revision sessions There is plenty of scope to volunteer or undertake positions of responsibility. 2.
3
Maximise attendance and communication; we can only support you if you are in school and we know how you are feeling.
4
Look after yourself and your friends Prioritise sleep, nutrition and exercise – this will enhance both your academic performance and overall sixth form experience.
Use the Careers Counsellor and our university software to help guide your path after JESS 5 Read around your chosen subjects, using the suggested reading lists and online courses – wider reading is one of the things most valued by universities and will support your academic performance.
6. Set a positive example and get involved in the wider school It is the responsibility of the Sixth Form to be role models for the younger students. 7
Use the Sixth Form Centre to study; it will be open to you before and after normal school hours
Work hard, have fun, work a little bit harder, enjoy the experience and work as hard as you can! 9.
Graphical Display Calculators (IB students only)
All students studying the IB Diploma or IB Courses require a graphical display calculator; We strongly recommend this ispurchased prior tothe start of term in August The calculator weuse at JESSisthe Texas Instruments TI Nspire CX Graphing Calculator*.
* Please note the Texas Instruments TI Nspire CAS Calculator is notallowed in IB examinations and should not be purchased
Driven by our values
