Year 10 & 11 Handbook The British School Al Khubairat
Contact us: 971 (0) 2446 2280 secondaryenquiries@britishschool.sch.ae
www.britishschool.sch.ae
Our School The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
Our Vision Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.
Our Values Empathy and Care Honesty and Integrity
Respect and Inclusivity Endeavour and Resilience
CONTENTS What to Expect On The First Day
2
Communication From The School
10
House System
3
Social Media Guides
11
Safeguarding And Counselling
3
Healthcare And Nursing
13
Code Of Conduct
4
Transportation And Library
14
Uniform And Appearance
5
Road Safety Traffic
15
General Rules And Regulations
6
Co-Curricular Clubs
7
Attendance And Punctuality
8
2
01
02
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST DAY
Year 10 and 11 students should arrive at school on their first day after the summer holiday between 7.10am and 7.20am. On the first bell students should go directly to their form room; if there are any changes to either their current tutor or room, students will have been informed of this change. New students to the school should report to Reception where they will be met by the Head of Year and assigned a buddy to guide them through their first few days at BSAK. The first two lessons of the day will be spent in form rooms, where they will receive planners and timetables; be assigned a locker; receive club sign up information and be reminded of the school’s expectations with regards to conduct and behaviour. Lesson 3 will be as their timetable stipulates and if you have any concerns on the first day please contact Reception in the first instance or the Head of Year; Head of Year 10 – Mr Julian Brammer – jbrammer@britishschool.sch.ae Head of Year 11 – Miss Nichola Cooper – ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae Form Tutors are the one constant in a student’s day and invariably have the best understanding of their students’ needs. Parents should regard Tutors as their first point of contact and as such direct enquires and pass on information directly to them. Establishing a relationship between parents and tutors is a vital ingredient in the future success of students at BSAK. Each morning, during a 25 minute form time, students will receive pastoral and academic guidance from their tutors who will also ensure that planners are being used efficiently. Tutors are also responsible for delivering the MELS element of school. Life.
HOUSE SYSTEM
Every pupil is assigned to a house in Year 10, which is also the name of their tutor group. There are six houses, whose names are derived from mythical creatures: CENTAUR,CHIMERA,GRIFFIN,HYDRA, PEGASUS and PHOENIX. The house names were chosen by the students and the logos were designed by our very own Art and Graphics department. The Houses offer a variety of opportunities, academic, sporting and musical; which encourage team spirit, a healthy sense of competition and most importantly allow for vibrant self-expression. The House system is an integral part of life at BSAK and brings out the very best in our community.
SAFEGUARDING AND COUNSELLING
Ms. Priya Mitchell
School Counsellor Designated Individual
Mrs. Elaine Rawlings Head of Primary
Mr. Mark Leppard MBE Headmaster
Miss Teresa Woulfe Head of Secondary
Mr. Peter Church Bursar
The welfare and safety of children who attend the British School Al Khubairat is our paramount concern. We will promote the health, well – being and safety of the students in all we do. Our children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, ability, race or social background. They have a right to be safe in our school. BSAK expects all of its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The school recognises and understands its responsibilities to work together in partnership with other agencies both here in the UAE and the UK to help children to grow up in a healthy and safe environment. Appointments are subject to satisfactory checks including the enhanced DBS check, Prohibition check and references. If you have any concerns in this regard please contact any member of our Safeguarding Team on +971 2 446 2280 safeguarding@britishschool.sch.ae 03
04
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT We treat each other as we wish to be treated We contribute to an inspirational learning environment by: • • • • • •
Arriving on time. Being actively engaged and contributing in class. Completing all class and out of class learning on time and to our best ability. Being properly equipped. Being independent learners who learn from feedback. Being independent learners who seek to set ourselves new challenges and goals.
We show respect for others by: • Following instructions. • Listening respectfully to others. • Being polite and courteous with all members of the school community.
We show respect for our school by: • Keeping the school tidy. • Respecting the school facilities and equipment.
We move sensibly around the school by: • Holding doors for peers and teachers. • Moving around the school in a sensible fashion.
We show pride in ourselves and our school by: • Wearing the correct uniform. • Behaving in a sensible and respectful manner in all areas of the school. • Being polite and courteous to visitors.
UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE Students are expected to take pride in their uniform and appearance, creating a positive first impression of themselves and the school. The wearing of school uniform is mandatory and all uniform must be purchased through our official supplier, Zaks. Details of the uniform, their location and their online store can be found using the following link: Zaks Uniform Store/ Zaks Service Sheet and Zaks Product Advantage . GIRLS Everyday • Navy blue tailored trousers • Navy blue skirt (wrap around style or A-line skirt—approximately knee length) • Girl’s short sleeved blouse, light blue with BSAK logo • A plain white t-shirt may be worn under the blouse but must not be visible • Navy blue winter cardigan or V neck sweater with BSAK logo • Ankle socks, plain white • Shoes: black, formal style; heels must not exceed 40mm (No gym pumps, canvas slip-ons) Sports wear • Sky blue sports polo shirt with BSAK logo for PE • House colour t-shirt with BSAK logo for games • PE shorts – navy blue, BSAK logo • Trainers – non marking light trainers • Socks, white • Students are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen when outside Swimming Kit • Plain Navy swimming costume, one piece • Waterproof PE/swimming bag • Swimming towel General • Hair can be worn down but should be tied up for specific lessons for health and safety reasons • Hair accessories should be in keeping with school colours • Any haircuts which detract from a neat appearance (i.e. patterns, fringes over the eyes etc.) are not acceptable • The use of ‘unnatural’ hair dye/colouring is not permitted • Make up should not be worn • Jewellery, one pair of stud earrings and a watch are allowed
BOYS Everyday • Navy blue trousers, pleats on front, elasticated sides on waist, no turn ups • Boy’s short sleeved shirt, light blue with BSAK logo • A plain white t-shirt may be worn under the shirt but must not be visible • Navy blue V neck sweater/cardigan with BSAK logo • Socks, dark blue • Shoes: black, formal style (no trainers, canvas pumps or trainer/shoe hybrids) Sports wear • Sky blue sports polo shirt with BSAK logo for PE • House colour t-shirt with BSAK logo for games • PE shorts – navy blue, BSAK logo • Trainers – non marking light trainers • Socks, white • Students are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen when outside Swimming Kit • Plain Navy swimming costume, one piece • Waterproof PE/swimming bag • Swimming towel General • Hair can be worn down but should be tied up for specific lessons for health and safety reasons • Hair accessories should be in keeping with school colours • The use of ‘unnatural’ hair dye/colouring is not permitted • Any haircuts which detract from a neat appearance (i.e. patterns, fringes over the eyes etc.) are not acceptable • A watch is accepted, no other jewellery or piercings are allowed
0
8
05
06
GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS Equipment And Keeping It Safe It is essential that students have the correct equipment for all lessons. Students are expected to have a bag, which should be large enough to properly carry an A4 ring binder. Students must have the following basic equipment at all times: A pencil case; black or blue ball-point pens; pencils; an eraser; colouring pencils; a pencil sharpener; a geometry set; a 30cm ruler a set of highlighters; scissors and a glue stick. In addition they should have a dictionary, headphones and a Casio FX-991 EX scientific calculator. Lockers Each student is allocated a locker on arrival in school for the storage of PE kit, swimming kit, school bag etc. The locker is the student’s responsibility and students must provide their own padlock (preferably with a key pad). Lockers should be left clean and tidy; and no bags, lunch boxes or musical instruments should be left on top of the lockers. Lockers should only be visited before school, at the beginning of break times and after school, not between lessons. Lost Property Please ensure that all items of clothing and personal property are clearly labelled with your child’s name and form class. This will help in the safe return of lost items directly to the student or via their form tutor. If this does not happen, lost property items are displayed on dedicated shelving in the stairwell next to the Phase 3 gym. Items Not Allowed In School Knives, laser pens, chewing gum, large amounts of money (if not for a specific purpose e.g. a sponsored event or trip payment in which case it is to be passed immediately to accounts), bubble gum, sweets or fizzy drinks, glass bottles, cans, nuts, jewellery (other than one small pair of stud earrings for girls) and aerosols. Mobile Phones Under no circumstances should any student use their mobile phone between lessons or at break and lunchtimes. Technology is a fantastic tool that can be used alongside existing methods to enhance student learning. As such mobile phones may be used in lessons if specifically directed by the teacher and the digital policy will be issued to students at the start of the academic year. Homework The completion of homework has many benefits; it enhances student learning; improves achievement and develops students' study skills. As such, it is an integral part of the curriculum. It also offers possibilities for students to engage with parents for support and guidance. At BSAK, we believe that it is crucial that our staff carefully plan the homework that they set, to ensure that it has the high level of impact and engagement required, leading to deeper learning.
CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
BSAK offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities enriching the educational experience for all of our students. Activities are advertised via our online co-curricular management system (isocs), which enables students to sign up for activities before the start of each term, ensuring a fair and balanced co-curricular provision. We have a wide range of academic, recreational, instrumental and sporting clubs for the students to choose from each term; developing skills such as team building and confidence in a positive learning environment outside of the normal classroom setting. Some activities are ‘invite only’ or through selection by ‘trials’ – details are given to parents regarding this prior to sign up taking place. We encourage all students to participate in the co-curricular program throughout the year as it is viewed as part of the ‘BSAK experience’. Individual instrumental/singing tuition is offered by our full-time team of specialist Music teachers. Lessons are arranged on a rota basis for students in Years 7-11, so as to avoid missing the same academic lesson regularly. Sixth Form students are taught during Private Study periods. Associated Board instrumental and theory exams and Trinity Classical, Rock n Pop and Music Theatre exams may be taken twice per year. While many pupils are encouraged to take exams, it is understood that for others this may not be the best course of study. Ultimately, our aim is to deliver tuition which is tailored to the individual's needs. The department also offers Music Theory and Aural classes as well as a plethora of co-curricular ensembles. Information about the lessons and fees can be organised by contacting the Music Administrator. Instrumental@britishschool.sch.ae.
07
8
08
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY Regular attendance and punctuality are a prerequisite for student progress and a vital preparation for adult life. It is essential that students form good habits with regard to attendance and punctuality early in life. In the interests of student welfare, attendance and punctuality records are logged electronically and monitored regularly. Future schools, universities and employers will refer to these records when considering applications. Late Arrival Registration of students will begin in form rooms at 7.25am; students arriving after the National Anthem begins at 7.30am will be marked as late by their tutor. Should students arrive after form time finishes at 7.50am, they must sign in at the main secondary reception. If students are marked as late on more than two occasions in any week, appropriate sanctions will apply. First Day of Absence On those rare occasions a student is unwell or unable to attend school, please contact secondary reception (02 446 2280) before 8.30am. Alternatively, you may email the school on secondaryabsent@britishschool.sch.ae. If we do not hear from you by 8.30am, the school will contact home to seek an explanation. Continued Absence Please note that the ADEK Student Attendance Policy states that if your child is absent from school for a period of 3 days or more, they will be required to provide a medical certificate for sickness absence, or for any other excused absence, a signed note from parents/guardians providing the reasons for the absence upon their return to school. It is important that you ask your physician for a medical certificate at the time of your appointment as they are unable to back date, and therefore your child's absence may be recorded as unauthorised. End of School Day Arrangements If a student is to remain on-site after 2.45pm then they must be in a supervised session. Students are not permitted to leave the school site after the school day and then return for a session 2 Co-Curricular club (unless they are 6th form student). There are two registered 'supervised' sessions where homework can be completed afterschool, if a student’s club begins at 3:45pm.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Our expectation is that a secondary school student remains in school all day and where possible does not leave early. Parents are requested to avoid making dental, doctors or other appointments during the school day. However, occasionally this is not possible and if this is the case, parents should provide written notification (note or email) to your child’s form tutor and email secondaryabsent@britishschool.sch.ae. This notification must then be approved by the Head of Year. Without this notification, students will not be allowed to leave the premises. Students must sign out at main reception and will be given a pass to leave the premises. Students are not permitted to exit the school at any time without a parent’s direct knowledge and signing out with the school reception personnel. In this way school registers can be maintained for fire and emergency procedures and in order to safeguard children so that they leave the building via the security team. Request for Leave of Absence Whilst we understand that, in certain exceptional circumstances, students may have to be withdrawn from school and miss curriculum time, we would advocate that this disruption is minimised wherever possible. If you intend to withdraw your child, you are requested to email your child’s tutor and cc secondaryabsent@britishschool.sch.ae with reasons clearly stated, in advance, so that the details can be added to your child’s attendance record. We would strongly advise parents to avoid holidays during term time. Absences for holidays will be recorded as ‘unauthorised’.
09
8
10
COMMUNICATION FROM THE SCHOOL We believe that communication is vital in strengthening the partnership between students, teachers and parents. Particular concerns regarding individual student’s progress may be communicated by teachers via telephone or email. Regular communication is maintained via the student planner and the parental portal. School Planner All students are given a planner at the start of the academic year. The planner is both a student handbook and a homework diary. This will be an integral part of their school life and should be looked after and used effectively each day. The planner is a useful point of contact between you and the school; you will be able to see what homework has been set for your child and individual staff may write a brief note about your child. This must be signed by parents every week. Lost planners can be replaced by purchasing a new planner from the Head of Year office. Parent Portal The ‘BSAK Parent Portal’ will help keep you up-to-date with the data the school holds on your child, as well as important information about what is going on at the school. Features include; a daily bulletin; school calendar; timetables; rewards and sanctions; as well as assessments and reports. Email notifications are often sent, however it is advisable to check the portal at least once a week. Advice on how to access the portal can be found using the following link: Parent Portal. Reporting – Year 10 Year 10 students receive a grade report in Term 1 and 2 and a full written report will be issued at the end of Term 3. There will also be an information evening and parents evening in Term 1. Reporting – Year 11 Year 11 students receive a grade report in Term 1, a mock exam grade sheet and a full report in Term 2. There will also be an information evening and two parent evenings during the course of the year.
13
14
Please click links above and join us now
HEALTHCARE AND NURSING The Clinic opening times are as follows: Sunday – Wednesday 7.30am – 3pm (nurse available until 5pm for anything urgent during after school clubs and sports) Thursday 7.30am – 1.30pm (nurse available until 3pm for anything urgent during after school clubs sports) School Telephone Number – 02 446 2280 Email – nurses@britishschool.sch.ae
The school clinic at BSAK is staffed by a team of HAAD registered school nurses and competent administrators. The nurse’s main role is to provide first aid and/or emergency care to all students and to ensure the safety of children at all times. When To Keep Your Child At Home BSAK has a policy for when children are unwell. Please see the School website for certain illness’s that require you to keep your children at home. BSAK Healthcare Contact Details For Parents When children become unwell in school and parents need to be contacted, it is important to ensure that parental contact details on our system are correct, as these are used when we call you in an emergency. Your contact details can be updated via the Parental Portal. Collecting Your Child From The School Clinic If you receive a call about your child who needs to either go home or be seen by a Doctor, we request that you collect your child as promptly as possible. We suggest that within 1 hour is an acceptable time frame, however, we appreciate that this may not always be possible. If parents are unable to collect their child, they should notify the Nurse of the details of another person who is able to collect them. Children must sign out at Reception with their parent in order to receive an exit pass to leave the school premises. Healthy Eating and Food Policy BSAK promotes Healthy Eating and we are a Nut free school. Please see the School website for our Nut and Prohibited Food Policy. Medical Information for School Trips At the start of each year each child is issued with a Medical Sports and Trip form for that academic year. It is an ADEK requirement that we receive a form for every student.
13
8
14
TRANSPORTATION AND LIBRARY Should you wish to use the School Bus Service, Shanawaz Transport Services you will need to complete the online form on the Parent Portal requesting this service or you can visit the Clubs, Trips and Transport Officer, whose office is located behind Primary Reception. The buses and service are fully compliant with the Department of Transport (DoT) and the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) regulations. Any parent who wishes to use this service for their child(ren) will be required to read the Student Code of Conduct with their child and then sign the Parent Charter prior to their child being allowed to use the School Bus Service. For any further enquiries please Email Transport@britishschool.sch.ae. For details of available pick up and drop off locations, please contact Shanawaz Transport at bsakbus@shanawazgroup.com
BSAK students are fortunate to have our library space to spend time reading ,talking about books or completing homework. All students are able to take advantage of our quiet space in which to revise and to focus on much needed study. We provide a suite of computers, a collection of over 18,500 books, daily newspapers and periodicals which are continually updated and added to. There is something for everyone in our library, including after school clubs. The library, stocks a wealth of resources for all developmental stages and with the collaboration of each academic department, the library is able to offer a range of resources to support students in specific topics alongside general extended reading. The main aims are to promote a love of reading and to offer a space during lessons, at break times and after school where students can come to read, relax and study. The library is open and staffed every day from 7 until 5 for check outs; help with research and locating specific texts or information.
PARKING & TRAFFIC SAFETY AT BSAK Airport Road
Residential Villas
Parking Zones Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zones Waiting Zone
Street 17
St.Andrews Church
St. Joseph School Church
British School Al Khubairat
Street 1
Umm Al Emarat Park
Mosque
Secondary
No stopping
Primary
Umm Ammar Girls School
Evangelical Community Church
Cross Here
ONE WAY
Al Yasat Compound
Karamah Street
We spent a year discussing and agreeing on a set of traffic rules.
This is our commitment to each other One Way:
Its one way flow on the road outside the Primary entrance and St Joseph’s School.
Drop-off / Pick-up Zones:
These are near the Primary and Secondary entrances. • Parking or waiting is not allowed in these zones • Nursery – Y2 children must be accompanied. From Y3 up, children enter alone • Drivers should move on and wait in the Waiting Zone rather than park and wait on the road • Drivers should be notified by phone to pick up carers
Red Cones:
Red cones indicate no stopping.
Pedestrian Crossing:
Please do not ever stop, drop or park on or near the crossings.
Traffic Safety Team:
The Traffic Safety team is here to help us, for the safety of everyone. Please remember to be patient, drive slowly and respect each other and the rules.
Parking on the roadside is at the car owner’s risk. The Dept of Transport decree (2011/5/31) states that stopping is only allowed here between 6.30am – 9.00am and 12.00pm – 4.00pm Your Feedback Matters To Us Please contact us on Traffic@britishschool.sch.ae
15
16
www.britishschool.sch.ae
Facebook.com/bsakabudhabi
@ BSAKAbuDhabi
@ BSAK_AbuDhabi