ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND STUDENT SUPPORT

1.1 Language

Although the language of teaching at JBS will predominantly be English, a distinctive aim will be to teach French and Arabic in a meaningful context for all our pupils, with support and guidance from specialist teaching staff. Since our main language of instruction will be English, it will be desirable for all children admitted into the school to speak English, although their degree of fluency in the language, particularly if admitted into KG1 and 2, may be at the emergent stage.  An individual Education Plan will be written and agreed by both the parents and the school.

1.2 Learning Support

At JBS, we will be as inclusive as possible in our approach to admissions, within the boundaries set by our core languages of instruction and our ability to effectively support students who have learning difficulties or special educational needs. We will admit children to the school only if we consider that we have the teaching and material resources available to support them. At any time, and after appropriate assessment, the school may require parents to engage additional support for the child. This will be at their own expense, either as a condition of entry or continuation at the school. By accepting the offer of a place, parents also accept this as a condition of entry.

At Jumeira Baccalaureate School we will aim to provide appropriate support within the resources the school has available for students who require access to learning support. Parents are requested to make an appointment to speak with the Principal or Deputy Head if they are aware that their child will require any specific learning support. An appointment will be made with Learning Support staff as appropriate.

With regard to Educational Needs and English as a Second Language (ESL) needs, it must be understood that continued enrolment in the school will be in doubt in instances where the further educational opportunities offered by the school would not meet the specific needs of the student.

1.3 Assessment

We will conduct assessments of all applicants to establish each child's level of language competency in English, Mathematics and if appropriate in French and Arabic. We will do this to ensure that every child offered a place will be able to access the curriculum programme that will be delivered, with the level of support we can provide.

We would like to accept some students whose first language is neither Arabic nor English, providing the student is judged to be likely to access the school curriculum in a meaningful way, with or without English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.  There will be a fee, as permitted by the KHDA, for any further extra EAL support that may be necessary.

Families will be required to abide by the school's behaviour policy when enrolling students to the school and a home/school agreement must be signed by both parties.

The Principal and /or Deputy Head will reserve the right to offer places to the children of potential teachers whilst recruiting.

1.4 Evidence in support of application

All applications for admission will be considered in light of a range of evidence which may vary according to the child's age to include, as follows:

·      Reports from previous schools

·      An assessment of the student

·      An interview with the student

·      An interview with parents