PYP Handbook 2025-2026

modern american school

The Primary Years Programme Handbook 2025-2026

PYP Authorized AuthorizedSchool School

Vision Statement

The Vision of the Modern American School is to nurture lifelong learners and global thinkers to become responsible citizens with leadership qualities and universal values while instilling pride in one’s cultural identity.

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‫ﺗﺘﻤﺜــﻞ رؤﻳــﺔ اﳌﺪرﺳــﺔ اﻷﻣﺮﻳﻜﻴــﺔ اﻟﺤﺪﻳﺜــﺔ ﰲ ﺗﻨﺸــﺌﺔ ﻣﺘﻌﻠﻤــني وﻣﻔﻜﺮﻳــﻦ ﻋﺎﳌﻴــني ﻟﻴﺼﺒﺤــﻮا ﻣﻮاﻃﻨــني ﻣﺴــﺆوﻟني ﺑﺼﻔــﺎت‬ .‫ﻗﻴﺎدﻳــﺔ وﻗﻴــﻢ ﻋﺎﳌﻴــﺔ ﻣــﻊ ﻏــﺮس اﻟﻔﺨــﺮ ﰲ اﻟﻬﻮﻳــﺔ اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻴــﺔ ﻟﻠﻔــﺮد‬

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Modern American School is to provide learners with an engaging and challenging blended learning environment within a diverse community while focusing on international programs, catering for learners’ well-being, fostering LQWHUQDWLRQDO PLQGHGQHVV DQG R΍HULQJ YDULRXV RSSRUWXQLWLHV DQG H[SHULHQFHV that contribute to learners’ growth.

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‫ﺗﻜﻤــﻦ ﻣﻬﻤــﺔ اﳌﺪرﺳــﺔ اﻷﻣﺮﻳﻜﻴــﺔ اﻟﺤﺪﻳﺜــﺔ ﰲ ﺗﺰوﻳــﺪ اﻟﻄﻠﺒــﺔ ﺑﺒﻴﺌــﺔ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴــﺔ ﺗﻔﺎﻋﻠﻴــﺔ ﻣﺪﻣﺠــﺔ ﺗﺤ ّﻔــﺰ اﻟﺘﺤــﺪي ﺿﻤــﻦ‬ ،‫ وﻳﻌــﺰز اﻟﻌﻘﻠﻴــﺔ اﻟﺪوﻟﻴــﺔ‬،‫ـﴘ ﻟﻠﻤﺘﻌﻠــﻢ‬ ّ ‫ و اﻟﺘــﻮازن اﻟﻨﻔـ‬،‫ ﻳﺮﻛــﺰ ﻋــﲆ اﳌﻨﺎﻫــﺞ اﻟﻌﺎﳌ ّﻴــﺔ‬،‫ﻣﺠﺘﻤــﻊ دوﱄ ﻣﺘﻌــﺪد اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓــﺎت‬ .‫وﻳﻮﻓــﺮ اﻟﻌﺪﻳــﺪ ﻣــﻦ اﻟﻔــﺮص واﻟﺨ ـﱪات اﻟﺘــﻲ ﺗﺴــﺎﻫﻢ ﰲ ﺗﻄ ـ ّﻮر اﳌﺘﻌﻠﻤــني‬ 2

Modern American School

A Word from the Co-Founder / General Director

Mrs. Omaya Zamel

Dear MAS Family, As we embark on another exciting academic year, I am reminded of the remarkable journey we have shared and the milestones we have achieved together. Our commitment to nurturing wellrounded, responsible, and innovative young minds remains as steadfast as ever. The Modern American School has always been more than just a place of learning-it’s a community where dreams are nurtured and potential is realized.

Our educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that learning extends beyond the classroom.

Recognizing the rapid pace of change in our world, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected global environment. This year, we are thrilled to introduce enhanced leadership, digital literacy, and global citizenship programs, aiming to inspire our students to become proactive, thoughtful, and impactful leaders.

At MAS, we continuously evolve our curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our learners, ensuring that it is both challenging and supportive. Our stateof-the-art facilities and interactive resources provide a rich and stimulating environment where students can explore their interests, develop their talents, and pursue their passions. Our teachers remain committed to fostering a culture of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning, empowering students to reach their full potential.

We also recognize the importance of well-being in education. This year, we have reinforced our initiatives to support mental health and personal development, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued, heard, and supported. Together, we are creating an environment where everyone can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our incredible students. Your unwavering support and commitment to excellence make MAS an extraordinary place.

As we look forward to the new academic year, I am optimistic and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us continue to work together to inspire, innovate, and achieve excellence in all that we do.

Warm Regards, Co-Founder/ General Director Omaya Zamel 3

PYP Authorized School

Content

Title

Vision and Mission of Modern American School Word of the School Director About Modern American School Mission of International Baccalaureate International Mindedness Our Learners 7KH ,% /HDUQHU 3URÀOH Our learning The primary Years Program essential elements that drive learning Message from the KG Principals Message from the Elementary School Principal Message from the Primary Years Program Coordinator Primary Years Programme Framework What do we want our learners to learn?

Subject Areas Language-Language strands Support in Language Math Science Social Studies Personal Social Physical Education The Arts • Visual Arts • Performing Arts Technology in the PYP Library What do we want our learners to understand? -Concepts What doe we want our learners to be able to do? - Skills Skills in Action How best our learners will learn?

How will we know what our learners have learnt?

• Assessment in the PYP The strategies of Assessment within the PYP framework 1. Assessment For learning 2. Assessment AS learning 3. Assessment Of learning How do we assess our learners?

PYP Exhibition How do we want our learners to ACT Learners taking Action How do we report the progress of learners in learning?

Academic Honesty

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Page 2 3 5 6 6 7 7 9 10 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 33

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Modern American School

About Modern American School MAS is more than just a school; it is an ecosystem dedicated to fostering learning and growth. Our mission is to guide learners on the path to becoming selfregulated, disciplinary thinkers, effective communicators, culturally conscious individuals, and community-oriented contributors. In our pursuit of knowledge, we encourage learners to discover their passions and explore transdisciplinary MFBSOJOH UISPVHI mFME USJQT FOHBHJOH speakers, and a variety of academic and non-academic choices.

Transcending traditional boundaries, our approach integrates intra and inter-school sports, arts, literary and cultural events, and community service. We believe that encouraging learner initiative in leadership, service, inclusion, reading, writing, arts, and sports is essential to shaping a vibrant school culture that upholds our core values.

Central to our philosophy is the nurturing of reading as a fundamental habit for lifelong learning. We understand that a well-rounded education encompasses more than just academic achievements; it includes fostering a love for literature and the written word.

At MAS, our unique parent community plays a crucial role in supporting and partnering with us to realize the progressive learning vision we have set forth. Their active involvement enriches the educational experience and strengthens our school community.

0VS DPNNJUNFOU UP FYDFMMFODF JT SFnFDUFE JO PVS BEPQUJPO PG CPUI UIF *OUFSOBUJPOBM Baccalaureate (IB) and American educational programs. These frameworks provide a solid foundation for our learners, offering a holistic and well-rounded education that prepares them for success in a global context.

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PYP Authorized School

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MISSION STATEMENT The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage learners across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right

INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS International mindedness is a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members. The MFBSOFS QSPmMF BOE BQQSPBDIFT UP MFBSOJOH QSPWJEF UIF EJTQPTJUJPO BOE GPVOEBUJPOBM TLJMMT for the development and demonstration of international mindedness. Internationally minded learners are competent communicators, open minded and knowledgeable, caring and principled thinkers, use their curiosity and research skills to inquire about the world, think BOE SFnFDU DSJUJDBMMZ BCPVU PQQPSUVOJUJFT BOE DIBMMFOHFT BDU GPS QPTJUJWF DIBOHF BOE UBLF risks to self-develop and understand the world and others.

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Modern American School

OUR LEARNERS At MAS, we empower learners with diverse opportunities, fostering creative and critical UIJOLJOH 0VS QIJMPTPQIZ DFOUFST PO MJGFMPOH MFBSOJOH BOE CVJMEJOH DPOmEFODF TVQQPSUFE by core values. Rooted in humility, respect, and adaptability, our education transcends borders, preparing learners to respond to challenges. We offer an international education that encourages pursuing passions and goals, shaping well-rounded individuals for a connected world.At the heart of MAS, we strive to nurture individuals who not only excel academically but also embody essential qualities that contribute to personal growth and global citizenship. Through our dedication to providing a holistic educational experience, we aspire to instill a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

THE IB LEARNER PROFILE "U ."4 MFBSOFST BDUJWFMZ FOHBHF XJUI BOE FNCPEZ UIF BUUSJCVUFT PG UIF -FBSOFS 1SPmMF throughout their daily lives as an integral part of the school curriculum. Opportunities to develop, demonstrate, and reinforce these qualities abound across various facets of the learning environment, including transdisciplinary units of inquiry, the library, music room, NBLFSTQBDF TPDJBM JOUFSBDUJPOT EVSJOH CSFBLT BOE SFDFTT TQPSUT BDUJWJUJFT mFME USJQT visits, camps, and school events such as drama productions and sports days.

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PYP Authorized School

IB LEARNERS ARE: 1. Inquirers - Curious, independent and collaborative with skills for inquiry and research, and enthusiasm and sustaining a lifelong love of learning.

2. Knowledgeable - Study a range of disciplines, building conceptual understanding UISPVHI JTTVFT BOE JEFBT UIBU IBWF MPDBM BOE HMPCBM TJHOJmDBODF 3. Thinkers - Reasoned and ethical decisions with critical and creative thinking skills to take responsible action on complex problems.

4. Communicators $POmEFOU BOE DSFBUJWF NVMUJMJOHVBM BOE NVMUJ NPEFM FYQSFTTJPO XIJMF listening to perspective of others.

5. Principled - Integrity and honesty, a strong sense of fairness and justice, and respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere in all actions.

6. Open-minded - Experience and appreciate a range of viewpoints, appreciate our own cultures and personal histories and that of others.

7. Caring - Empathy compassion and respect, with a commitment to service, and impacting the lives of others.

8. Risk-takers - Facing challenge and change with forethought and determination exploring new ideas with resourcefulness and resilience.

9. Balanced - recognizing interdependence with people and the world and the importance of balancing intellectual, physical and emotional.

5HÁHFWLYH - Thoughtful about the world, experiences and ideas, recognizing strengths and weaknesses to support growth.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2018

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Modern American School

OUR LEARNING THE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS THAT DRIVE LEARNING LEARNER AGENCY At our school, we cultivate learners who wield the power to purposefully shape their lives and impact others positively. We instill in them the belief that they can achieve greatness by valuing their voices, opinions, and active participation.

Knowledge: Knowledge, encompassing information, skills, and life experiences, is acquired through cognitive processes, communication, perception, and logic. Concepts serve as the foundation of teaching, ensuring a comprehensive understanding that extends across disciplinary boundaries.

Context: Our curriculum is grounded in local and global issues, providing starting points for inquiry and engagement. This approach fosters international-mindedness, promoting the best form of learning.

Action: -FBSOFST BSF FODPVSBHFE UP SFnFDU NBLF JOGPSNFE DIPJDFT BOE UBLF BDUJPO UP CFOFmU UIFJS QFFST UIF TDIPPM DPNNVOJUZ BOE UIF XJEFS DPNNVOJUZ Skills: We build approaches to learning by developing research, critical thinking, selfmanagement, social learning, and communication skills.

Inquiry: Inquiry-driven learning allows learners to initiate investigations into matters of importance, fostering a deeper level of understanding.

5HÁHFWLRQ 5ISPVHI DPOUJOVPVT SFnFDUJPO MFBSOFST HBJO BXBSFOFTT PG UIFJS MFBSOJOH TUZMFT strengths, and passions. This process leads to goal setting and a profound understanding of conceptual and contextual learning.

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PYP Authorized School

Sawsan Ishaqat KG Principal

At MAS, we believe that the early years of education are the foundation for lifelong learning and global citizenship. Our vision is to nurture lifelong learners and global thinkers who are responsible citizens, equipped with leadership qualities and universal values. We strive to create an environment where every child feels valued, safe, and inspired to explore the world around them.

In our blended learning environment that is both engaging and challenging we focus on international programs that cater to the well-being of our learners, foster international mindedness, and offer a variety of opportunities and experiences to support their growth.

Through our commitment to these principles, we aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

In our kindergarten, we emphasize nurturing curiosity and developing skills for inquiry and research. Our students learn independently and with others, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We help them develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across various disciplines and engaging with issues of local and global TJHOJmDBODF We encourage our students to use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems, making reasoned and ethical decisions. They MFBSO UP FYQSFTT UIFNTFMWFT DPOmEFOUMZ BOE DSFBUJWFMZ JO NVMUJQMF MBOHVBHFT BOE XBZT collaborating effectively and listening carefully to the perspectives of others.

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Modern American School

Dina Arafat KG Deputy Principal

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to MAS, where our commitment to educational excellence is guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and aligned with the American Programme. At our learning community, we believe that education is most effective when it is both inquiry-based and student-centered. Our highly trained and skilled educators are dedicated to implementing teaching practices that encourage exploration, curiosity, and critical thinking. By embracing an inquiry-based approach, we help students develop the 21st-century skills essential for success in our rapidly changing world. We also place a strong emphasis on learning through play, recognizing its crucial role in fostering creativity, problem-solving abilities, and social interaction.

Our school community is a vibrant mosaic of cultures and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to nurturing international mindedness and upholding universal values such as respect, integrity, and empathy.

We are deeply invested in the well-being of every learner at MAS. We provide ample opportunities for leadership development, ensuring that each child has the chance to TIBQF UIFJS DIBSBDUFS BOE CVJME DPOmEFODF #Z FODPVSBHJOH WPJDF DIPJDF BOE PXOFSTIJQ we empower our students to take charge of their learning journeys and become active, responsible global citizens.

We are eager to collaborate with you throughout this educational journey, working hand in hand to nurture and inspire your child’s development and achievements.

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PYP Authorized School

Raida Daoud Elementary School Principal IB PYP Consultant, School Visit Team Leader, Workshop Leader, Evaluation Progamme Leader, Concept-based Curriculum& Instruction Presenter and Trainer.

At MAS, our dynamic and inclusive education approach is designed to unlock the potential of every learner in our care. We prioritize creating a nurturing, supportive environment where learners feel safe, happy, and valued. This environment consistently engages, challenges, and inspires learners, fostering their development into responsible global citizens and critical thinkers.

MAS’s rich curriculum, combined with exceptional teaching practices under the IB Primary Years framework, sustains learners’ interest and curiosity. Our teachers focus on nurturing the whole child as an inquirer, preparing them for the intellectual challenges of further education and future careers, ensuring outstanding progress and high performance levels for all.

Our learners embody values such as hard work, empathy, and agility, complemented by advanced cognitive performance characteristics that enhance problem-solving and entrepreneurship skills. We aspire for all MAS graduates to be independent thinkers, TPDJBMMZ DPOmEFOU BOE GVUVSF MFBEFST mMMFE XJUI QBTTJPO BOE QVSQPTF 8F FBHFSMZ BOUJDJQBUF witnessing the remarkable accomplishments our learners will achieve this year and beyond.

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Modern American School

Duha Sufan

Primary Years Programme Coordinator

As the Primary Years Program Coordinator. I am excited to share my vision and the meaningful journey we embark on together with your children.

The PYP is more than an academic program, it is a holistic approach to education that nurtures future leaders, global citizens, and lifelong learners who embrace the IB Learner Profile attributes. At our school, we are committed to fostering inquiry, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the world through a transdisciplinary curriculum that explores six transdisciplinary themes. These themes connect local and global issues, encouraging our learners to think critically and take purposeful action.

Our vision is to create a vibrant learning environment where every child feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally. By weaving together IB and international standards, we provide a strong foundation that is continuously reflected upon and adapted to keep learning relevant and engaging. We are dedicated to ensuring that our teaching practices are rooted in sound pedagogy and tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each learner.

Together with you, our valued parents and guardians, I look forward to nurturing a community of curious, compassionate, and confident learners who are prepared to make a positive impact in the world.

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PYP Authorized School

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME FRAMEWORK

The IBPYP framework fosters a symbiotic relationship among the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community. Transdisciplinary serves as the organizing principle for the written, taught, and assessed curriculum at MAS, promoting holistic education that encompasses cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and ethical growth. This transdisciplinary framework spans languages, social studies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts within the curriculum.

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Modern American School

WHAT DO WE WANT OUR LEARNERS TO LEARN?

Knowledge: 4JHOJmDBOU SFMFWBOU DPOUFOU UIBU XF XBOU PVS MFBSOFST UP FYQMPSF BOE LOPX about, taking into consideration their prior experiences and understanding Concepts: Powerful ideas that have relevance within the subject areas, but also transcend them that Learners explore and re-explore in order to develop a coherent, in-depth understanding.

Skills: Those capabilities that the learners need to demonstrate to succeed in a changing, challenging world, which may be disciplinary or transdisciplinary in nature.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2018

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WHAT DO WE WANT OUR LEARNERS TO KNOW ABOUT? KNOWLEDGE

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for learners between the ages of 3 and 12. It is an international, transdisciplinary programme designed to foster the development of the whole child, not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning.

The Programme focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic wellbeing. Constructing knowledge is all about learning in context. Starting from their prior experience and understanding and exploring the information they want to know BOE BSF JOUFSFTUFE BCPVU UIBU JT TJHOJmDBOU SFMFWBOU UP SFBDI UP B EFFQFS VOEFSTUBOEJOH and construct meaning.

Six transdisciplinary themes learners explore by engaging in an inquisitive approach through a rich dialogue and collaboration to build an understanding of themselves and the world around them.

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Modern American School

Who We Are Inquiry into what it means to be human (Identity, wellbeing human relationships within a community, cultures, beliefs and values).

Where We are in Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

Inquiry into orientation in

Inquiry into the ways in

place and time- local and

which we discover and

global perspective (Family,

express Ideas, feelings, and

histories, migrations,

thoughts through personal

personal journeys, and

narrative and opinions.

civilizations).

How the World Works

Inquiry into the natural world

How We Organize Ourselves

and its law, the interaction between the natural world and human societies.

(Natural world and its laws; physical and biological interaction, and human society, types and sources of energy; scientific and technological advancement and sustainable living).

Sharing the Planet Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the

Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human made systems and communities.

(Systems, government and governance, economic activity)

struggle to share the finite resources with other people and with other living things.

(Rights and responsibilities, sharing resources; distribution of natural resources; relationships within and between communities ; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution) 17

PYP Authorized School

SUBJECT AREAS LANGUAGE Language empowers learners, providing an intellectual framework to support conceptual development and critical thinking. Offering learners with various opportunities to develop all UIF EJNFOTJPOT UISPVHI B QSPHSFTTJWF BOE XFMM EFmOFE QSPDFTT UIBU GBDJMJUBUF UIF MFBSOFST learning journey through the three aspects of language learning.

Learning language: is when new knowledge is integrated with existing knowledge and conceptual framework. Language development is best served when learners have opportunities to engage in language learning in multiple modes within authentic meaningful contexts.

Learning through language: learners engage in with language in multiple contexts and modes. They listen, speak, perform, write, and view texts to form meaning. They explore and share new understandings and knowledge. Learning is embedded within language and is underpinned by relationships as a reciprocal meaning- making process.

Learning about language: language is visual, print and oral symbolic system with its own codes and signals. Therefore, language learning involves the form conventions and contextual use. Meaningful learning engagements make language learning enjoyable and enable learners to make real life connections and transfer their conceptual understanding and acquired skills into new contexts.

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Modern American School

LANGUAGE LEARNING IS ORGANIZED IN THE FOLLOWING STRANDS Language is a tool used by children to communicate and collaborate where they develop a resource for meaning. Language enables the learners to understand their culture and other cultures and traditions to become global citizens and open-minded people. Language is essential as it is taught through all subjects and throughout the whole program.

2UDO ODQJXDJH GHYHORSV LQWHUDFWLRQ DQG UHODWLRQVKLSV LQ JURZLQJ OHDUQHUV WR communicate purposefully with others.

• Speaking and listening are important skills that strengthen communication skills in many ways.

• Eagerness and prediction when they listen to read aloud.

• Expressing and discussing their thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

• Listening to and respecting others’ views and perspectives • Seeing information from different forms and modes.

• Asking questions to further deepen knowledge.

Visual language empowers communication and synthesis of gained information.

• Viewing and presenting include engaging with an increased range of resources for different purposes.

• Ability to access information.

• Interpreting and constructing visuals and multimedia for various purposes.

• Interacting with images and language to interpret data, convey ideas, values, and beliefs.

5HDGLQJ DQG ZULWLQJ IRVWHUV KLJK OHYHO WKLQNLQJ V\QWKHVLV DQDO\VLV DQG FULWLTXH The more our learners read, the more they can become good writers. Our learners are exposed to a variety of genres which subjects them to widen their perspective, and expand their imagination to places they would have never dreamt of. Not only that, but it increases their ability to critique their work and the work of others fostering a high level of both creative and critical thinking.

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PYP Authorized School

SUPPORT IN LANGUAGES English serves as our primary language of instruction at MAS, while Arabic, our mother tongue, includes levelled Arabic classes for non-native speakers. For those whose mother tongue isn’t English, we provide support. French is introduced twice a week from grade 5, enriching learners’ linguistic diversity. Interaction in additional languages equips them with skills for a culturally diverse world.

Annually, our Language Day celebration raises awareness of the linguistic and cultural EJWFSTJUZ XJUIJO UIF ."4 DPNNVOJUZ -FBSOFST DPOmEFOUMZ FYQSFTT UIFNTFMWFT JO UIFJS mother tongue or acquired languages, fostering a celebration of linguistic richness and cultural diversity.

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Modern American School

MATH Mathematics is viewed primarily as a vehicle to support inquiry, providing a global language through which we make sense of the world around us. It is intended that learners become competent users of the language of mathematics and can begin to use it as a way of thinking as opposed to seeing it as a series of facts and equations to be memorized. The power of mathematics for describing and analysing the world around us is such that it has become a highly effective tool for solving problems. Learners acquire mathematical understanding by constructing their own meaning through ever increasing levels of abstraction starting with exploring their own personal experiences, understandings, and knowledge. It is crucial that it should be taught in relevant, realistic contexts.

Mathematics is a problem-solving subject where it teaches the learners how to be critical thinkers and problem solvers while challenging them with real-life problems in an interesting and enthusiastic way. Mathematics allows the learners to explore and discover the world around them and provides them with challenging situations where they are actively engaged with various situations where they start mastering mathematics as a global language including formulas, equations, and laws. It is a very useful subject as it teaches the learners the way of thinking critically and how to analyse different things and objects around them and how to communicate and collaborate with others to come up with proper solutions.

Mathematics is divided into five main strands: •

Data Handling •

Measurement •

Space and Shape •

Pattern and Function •

Numbers

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PYP Authorized School

SCIENCE

Science enables the learners to explore the way objects and phenomena function and examine the change over time. It develops the learners’ observational skills and the use of their senses to explore the world around them. Science enables learners to gain understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships as well. Science subject is taught through the program of inquiry and the transdisciplinary themes.Our understanding of science is constantly changing and evolving. The knowledge component of science is arranged in four strands. /LYLQJ WKLQJV The study of the characteristics, systems and behaviours of humans and other animals, and of plants, the interactions and relationships between and among them, and with their environment.

Earth and space: The study of planet Earth and its position in the universe, particularly its relationship with the sun; the natural phenomena and systems that shape the planet and UIF EJTUJODUJWF GFBUVSFT UIBU JEFOUJGZ JU UIF JOmOJUF BOE mOJUF SFTPVSDFT PG UIF QMBOFU Material and matter: The study of the properties, behaviours and uses of materials, both natural and human-made; the origins of human-made materials and how they are manipulated to suit a purpose.

Forces and energy: The study of energy, its origins, storage and transfer, and the work it DBO EP UIF TUVEZ PG GPSDFT UIF BQQMJDBUJPO PG TDJFOUJmD VOEFSTUBOEJOH UISPVHI JOWFOUJPOT and machines.

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Modern American School

SOCIAL STUDIES In Social Studies, learners are able to understand their own culture in addition to different cultures around the world thus helping them to approach the world with open-mindedness.

It deepens learners’ understanding of the various civilizations in the past and present and allows them to recognize different relationships of people amongst each other. Social Studies is taught through the program of inquiry and the transdisciplinary themes. We introduce the MOE social studies in Arabic classes and integrate where and whenever it is authentic and can support the Programme of Inquiry. +XPDQ V\VWHPV DQG HFRQRPLF DFWLYLWLHV The study of how and why people construct organizations and systems; the ways in which people connect locally and globally; the distribution of power and authority.

Social organization and culture: The study of people, communities, cultures and societies; the ways in which individuals, groups and societies interact with each other.

Continuity and change through time: The study of the relationships between people BOE FWFOUT UISPVHI UJNF UIF QBTU JUT JOnVFODFT PO UIF QSFTFOU BOE JUT JNQMJDBUJPOT GPS UIF future; people who have shaped the future through their actions. +XPDQ DQG QDWXUDO HQYLURQPHQWV The study of the distinctive features that give a place its identity; how people adapt to and alter their environment; how people experience and represent place; the impact of natural disasters on people and the built environment.

5HVRXUFHV DQG WKH (QYLURQPHQW The interaction between people and the environment; the study of how humans allocate and manage resources; the positive and negative effects PG UIJT NBOBHFNFOU UIF JNQBDU PG TDJFOUJmD BOE UFDIOPMPHJDBM EFWFMPQNFOUT PO UIF environment.

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PYP Authorized School

PERSONAL SOCIAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PSPE) Physical Education is a crucial subject encompassing social, physical, and mental health.

It covers both theoretical and practical skills, focusing on enhancing learners’ gross motor skills, social skills, team-building principles, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

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Modern American School

THE ARTS Visual Arts-Performing Arts The three forms of Arts are Drama, Music and Visual Arts. They enrich a child’s learning journey over the years, accelerating personality development and imparting skills for life.

The transdisciplinary nature of arts gives learners relevance across the curriculum. Arts promotes the uniqueness of each person while exploring the commonalities that connect us with each other.

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PYP Authorized School

Visual Arts: (VA) Visual Arts enables learners to express themselves and communicate their ideas and thoughts in a creative and interesting way. Learner’s experience and learn various drawing, painting and crafting skills, they also learn simple and complex 2D and 3D shapes, use of colors and various textures. VA allows a wide space of creativity where learners use their creative-thinking skills and imagination to create their own pieces of art.

Music: Learners at MAS encounter diverse music experiences, encompassing individual, group, performance-based, and theoretical learning opportunities.

These avenues empower them to practice, apply, and master various musical components. The curriculum progressively challenges and engages learners across different year levels, introducing concepts and skills with increasing complexity and depth. Until grade 4, learners have one music period per week, and in grade 5, they attend one class every two weeks.

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Drama: Drama at MAS encourages learners to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions through facial expressions and body language. A dedicated Drama teacher guides this exploration from Pre-K to grade 5. The curriculum is either integrated within the units of Inquiry or taught as a stand-alone subject outside the Programme of Inquiry (POI).

Technology in the PYP: (ICT) in the PYP focuses on nurturing learners’ technological abilities and equipping them to collect and present data using modern tools. The curriculum imparts essential technological skills crucial for contemporary learning and teaching methods. Through ICT, learners enhance their research skills, utilizing technology to gather data and information from secondary sources.

5IFZ BMTP EFWFMPQ QSPmDJFODZ JO displaying and sharing information.

Typing is systematically addressed in ICT classes throughout the elementary years. ICT education is provided from grade 1 to grade 5.

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PYP Authorized School

LIBRARY

The library serves as a collaborative hub for facilitators to plan and coordinate their units. )FSF MFBSOFST BSF HVJEFE JO DPOOFDUJOH *# MFBSOFS QSPmMF BUUSJCVUFT BQQSPBDIFT UP MFBSOJOH skills, and concepts to their Units of Inquiry. Librarians design diverse learning engagements UP QSPNPUF SFBEJOH BOE SFnFDUJPO GPTUFSJOH DSJUJDBM UIJOLJOH Beyond traditional library roles, librarians actively support teachers and contribute to inquiry-based learning. They collaborate with homeroom and single subject teachers, understanding their needs and providing necessary resources. The library is often utilized for planned learning engagements, including gallery walks or displays, with collaboration extending to the technology department for enhanced understanding using tech tools.

During library periods, each grade receives instruction on age-appropriate research BOE MJCSBSZ TLJMMT GBDJMJUBUJOH NPSF FGmDJFOU VTF EVSJOH JORVJSJFT -FBSOFST IBWF BDDFTT UP Wi-Fi internet-connected laptops/iPads for personal use in the classroom or library. The MJCSBSZ QSPWJEFT B EJWFSTF DPMMFDUJPO JODMVEJOH mDUJPO QJDUVSF CPPLT QFSJPEJDBMT XFFLMZ newspapers, and monthly magazines.

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Modern American School

WHAT DO WE WANT OUR LEARNERS TO UNDERSTAND? - CONCEPTS

Concepts are powerful broad and abstract organizing ideas that may be transdisciplinary or subject based. Concepts help to build understandings across, between and beyond subjects.

4FWFO LFZ DPODFQUT QSPWJEF B TUSVDUVSF GPS UIF FYQMPSBUJPO PG TJHOJmDBOU BOE BVUIFOUJD content through a set of questions that lead to conceptual understanding.

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PYP Authorized School

WHAT DO WE WANT OUR LEARNERS TO BE ABLE TO DO? - SKILLS APPROACHES TO LEARNING (ATL) ATL skills constitute a fundamental component of an IB education, complementing the -FBSOFS 1SPmMF LOPXMFEHF BDRVJTJUJPO DPODFQUVBM VOEFSTUBOEJOH BOE JORVJSZ 5IFTF TLJMMT are based on the foundational belief that acquiring the ability to learn is essential to a MFBSOFS T FEVDBUJPO 0SHBOJ[FE JOUP mWF JOUFSSFMBUFE DBUFHPSJFT UIFTF TLJMMT BJN UP FNQPXFS learners of all ages to become self-regulated learners who can formulate insightful questions, establish effective goals, and pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination. These skills play a crucial role in fostering a sense of agency among learners, encouraging them to view their learning as an active and dynamic process (IBO 2017).

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Modern American School

SKILLS IN ACTION

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HOW BEST OUR LEARNERS WILL LEARN? Through Inquiry and Play

Inquiry as the leading pedagogical approach of the PYP at MAS, recognizes that learning happens through inquiry and play where learners are actively engaged and involved in their own learning.

Through Experiential Learning- Field Trips, Expert Guest Speakers

&YQFSJFOUJBM MFBSOJOH BU ."4 JOUFHSBUFT mFME USJQT BOE FYQFSU HVFTU TQFBLFST USBOTDFOEJOH traditional classrooms. These real-world experiences provide practical applications for learners’ knowledge and skills, fostering hands-on learning and curiosity. Expert speakers contribute valuable insights, enhancing academic understanding, promoting critical thinking, and nurturing a holistic perspective for a more interconnected comprehension of the world.

Through Transdisciplinary Learning

Transdisciplinary learning takes place when learners establish meaningful connections across diverse subject disciplines, broadening their understanding of the world. This holistic approach encourages a more comprehensive and integrated perspective.

Through Environment for Learning

The learning environment plays a pivotal role in facilitating learning processes. Learners actively engaged with each other and their surroundings, explore topics in a focused manner, constructing understanding through collaborative efforts.

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Modern American School

HOW WILL WE KNOW WHAT OUR LEARNERS HAVE LEARNT?

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2018

Assessment in the Primary Years Programme

Assessment is integral to all parts of teaching and learning. It involves the gathering and analysis of information about learners’ learning, thereby providing valuable insights to our TDIPPM DPNNVOJUZ BOE HVJEJOH PVS UFBDIJOH QSBDUJDFT *U BMTP JEFOUJmFT XIBU PVS MFBSOFST know, understand and can do at different stages in the learning process.

The strategies of Assessment within the PYP framework fall into three domains: Assessment FOR Learning: It assesses previous knowledge and aims to inform learning BOE UFBDIJOH *U JT DPOEVDUFE UISPVHIPVU UIF MFBSOJOH QSPDFTT *U DBO CF SFnFDUFE JO TFWFSBM forms: written and oral artifacts, observations and feedback, surveys, and progress reports.

Assessment AS Learning: It is part of the formative process and is conducted throughout the learning process. It helps learners to become responsible lifelong learners. It supports UIFN JO SFnFDUJOH PO UIFJS QSPHSFTT NBLJOH BEKVTUNFOUT BOE TFUUJOH HPBMT GPS GVUVSF learning.

Assessment OF Learning: It offers learners the opportunity to measure their development of knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills. It is conducted at the end of the unit.

It is the type of assessment which usually features: exams, quizzes, standardized tests, projects, and report cards.

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HOW DO WE ASSESS OUR LEARNERS? Monitoring Learning • observation • questioning • SFnFDUJPO

• discussing learning with peers and teachers.

• well-considered feedback to feed forward for next steps in learning.

Tools: Open -ended tasks, written or oral assessment, and portfolio

Strategies and tools: 1. Learning logs or journals 2. Learning stories 3. Portfolios

Grading system Standardized Tests

Parent/teacher/learner conference Learner-led conferences Report cards

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Modern American School

Reading Assessment: We do a diagnostic assessment at the beginning of the academic year, in addition to ongoing formative assessments. This allows teachers to understand learners’ reading abilities. The teacher observes, records and evaluates the learners’ SFBEJOH QFSGPSNBODF PO nVFODZ reading accuracy, prediction, retell, comprehension and inference ability.

Learners are assessed one- on- one by their teachers.

Standardized Assessment: The purpose of standardized assessment is to see where our learners stand in core subjects (Math/English) in the global benchmarking. It also helps us highlight our learners’ unique strengths and identify areas for improvement in reading and Math. This data also provides us with evidence of the learner’s progress over UIF ZFBST *U JEFOUJmFT BOE TVQQPSUT DIJMESFO with additional educational needs. At Mas, we conduct MAP testing twice a year for grades 2-5 to inform our teaching strategies and support the learner in his/her learning journey.

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PYP Authorized School

PYP Exhibition The PYP Exhibition serves as a noteworthy culmination of learners’ knowledge and skills acquired throughout their Primary Years Programme (PYP) journey, preparing them for the USBOTJUJPO UP .JEEMF 4DIPPM 5IJT DFMFCSBUPSZ FWFOU VOEFSTDPSFT B TJHOJmDBOU JORVJSZ QSPDFTT NBSLFE CZ SFnFDUJPO DPMMBCPSBUJPO BOE BDUJPO %VSJOH UIJT USBOTGPSNBUJWF FYQFSJFODF learners delve into a comprehensive exploration of a topic of personal interest, aiming to convey their insights not only to the school community but also to the broader world.

The heart of the exhibition lies in an in-depth collaborative inquiry, fostering the development of independence and a sense of responsibility for one’s own learning. Through this process, learners not only deepen their understanding of a real-life issue but also enhance their communication and critical thinking skills. The exhibition empowers learners to showcase autonomy and agency in their learning journey, embodying the core qualities outlined in UIF -FBSOFS 1SPmMF

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Modern American School

HOW DO WE WANT OUR LEARNERS TO ACT? -ACTION Action is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme BOE JT JOUFSUXJOFE XJUI UIF *# MFBSOFS QSPmMF *U JT UIF FNCPEJNFOU BOE DPSF PG MFBSOFST BHFODZ BT JU JT JEFBMMZ UIFJS WPJDF DIPJDF BOE PXOFSTIJQ PG MFBSOJOH 5BLJOH BDUJPO SFnFDUT successful inquiry and raises internationally minded responsible learners who will make an impact locally and/or globally.

Action in the PYP Includes

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PYP Authorized School

LEARNERS TAKING ACTION

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Modern American School

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PYP Authorized School

HOW DO WE REPORT THE LEARNERS’ PROGRESS IN LEARNING? Parent-Teacher Conference

Parents are considered an important partner of our school community; thus, they are always welcomed to meet with the class teacher to discuss their child’s progress. This conference is led by the teacher using learners’ portfolios.

Teacher-Student Conference

Such conferences are arranged with learners when setting smart goals and when giving MFBSOFST POHPJOH GFFECBDL UP GFFEGPSXBSE BMM UIBU UP IFMQ MFBSOFST SFnFDU PO UIFJS XPSL BOE GVSUIFS SFmOF BOE EFWFMPQ UIFJS TLJMMT

Student-Led Conference

4UVEFOU -FE $POGFSFODF JT XIFO MFBSOFST IBWF UIF PQQPSUVOJUZ UP SFnFDU UIFJS MFBSOJOH journey with their parents and the progress done throughout their learning process which can be seen in their portfolios.

Term Report Cards Parents receive a written report which is an evaluation of the personal progress of the child, the report is shared with the parents three times a year, in addition to twice a year progress report for grades 1-5. As for KG report cards they are shared with parents twice a year.

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Modern American School

Academic Honesty

The Modern American School strives to develop lifelong learners who exemplify the IB MFBSOFS QSPmMF BOE BUUJUVEFT "QQSPBDIFT UP MFBSOJOH TLJMMT BSF UBVHIU UP VOEFSQJO BDBEFNJD integrity in all programmes particularly the research skills and sub-skills of ethical use of media/ information, where learners are expected to understand and apply social and ethical technology. Learners are exposed to the concept of academic integrity from Early Years through Grade 12. Learners are expected to work independently, and in an academically IPOFTU BQQSPBDI TIPXJOH DPOmEFODF JOEFQFOEFODF JOUFHSJUZ BOE CFJOH QSJODJQMFE Teachers are encouraged to design assessments that lead learners to produce original and authentic work.

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What is Academic Honesty in the Primary Years?

Learners take responsibility for their own work.

Learners recognize, acknowledge the work of others, and can identify the difference between individual work and group work.

Learners collaboratively work amongst the group, dividing tasks equally, and listening attentively to each other.

Learners follow timeline, submissions, citing and acknowledging sources and resources, being authentic and original and owning responsibility towards learning and assessments.

Learners are encouraged to explore, innovate, create, and act in different learning contexts giving critical and insightful evaluation of resources.

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