Primary Stage Handbook

Primary Handbook

Welcome to JESS

JESS Dubai is a truly international school

JESS Dubai is made up of three schools, JESS Jumeirah Primary School, JESS Arabian Ranches Primary School and JESS Secondary School.

JESS Dubai is a truly international school; among the 2,400 pupils we have on average 68 different nationalities speaking over 30 different languages. We follow the British curriculum but are very conscious of our roots in Dubai and the UAE, our home country.

JESS Dubai is made up of three schools, JESS Jumeirah Primary School, JESS Arabian Ranches Primary School and JESS Secondary School. We pride ourselvesas being 3 schools, one JESS. We collaborate to ensure consistencyacrossallthreeschoolstoprovide the best learning experiences for every JESS student.

Both JESS primary schools consist of three phases, Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage 2.

JESS Curriculum

Key Stage 1 and 2

Children are at the heart of everything we do at JESS. We make learning stimulating, challenging and fun.

As the children continue on their journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage, we continue to nurture each unique child to develop a love of learning and make a difference in the world.

The Primary stage consists of Year 1 to Year 6 (ages 5 -11) and provides a broad and balanced curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England, which has been developed to reflect our local context.

Our aim is to make the transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1 as smooth as possible, with elements of Early Years practice incorporated into Year 1 and Year 2, thus providing familiar environments and learning experiences. As they journey through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, transition is carefully managed, with children learning in a way which excites, motivates and engages.

Primary Curriculum

Developing reflective, curious and independent learners underpins our learning programme. Technology is an integral part of this and is used where it enhances learning across all subject areas.

Our bespoke, personalised curriculum in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 is divided into the following subjects

Learning is brought to life through open ended activities, hands on tasks, trips and visitors, with subjects interwoven to form a dynamic and exciting learning programme.

Children develop communication and collaboration skills by exploring together and take increased responsibility and levels of independence for their learning as they progress through the Primary school.

Specialist Subjects

Specialist teachers deliver the Music, Physical Education and Arabic curriculum; the children also receive specialist computing lessons, alongside the integrated use of technology in the classroom

Arabic

Although it is not mandatory, Arabic is taught from Year 1; the mandatory curriculum starts from Year 2 and follows the guidelines from the Ministry of Education for both native and non-native Arabic speakers. Lessons focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and are delivered through a range of fun, engaging and challenging activities.

Computing

We incorporate all three strands of the Computing Curriculum into our lessons. From Year 1 through to Year 6, the children develop their conceptual knowledge and understanding of Computer Science through coding activities on a range of platforms.

In Digital Literacy, the children understand what it means to be a responsible digital citizen and carry out a range of tasks that are supported by our partners, National Online Safety. Throughout the year, the children also develop their IT skills and are competent users of technology, creating a wide range of media to convey their understanding.

Music

Students studying Music at JESS Primary have opportunities to make and respond to a wide range of music and musical styles through listening, composing, performing and singing. Discrete instrumental skills are taught along with more general musicianship skills that can be used on a wide range of instruments. Music technology is embedded into themes and topics across our curriculum. Our extracurricular musical offerings include choirs for all, auditioned choirs and a range of small and larger instrumental ensembles

Specialist Subjects

Physical Education

PE and Sport play a fundamental part in every child's education. Staff look to discover and develop the potential within each child whilst encouraging a lifelong love of physical activity. Students are provided with the opportunity to participate in a broad and balanced array of activities both within the curriculum and co-curricular programme. PE and Sport play a central role in nurturing pupils' confidence, social skills, organisation, responsibility and resilience as well as developing children's physical competences and skills. The department pride themselves on establishing a team culture that celebrates effort, commitment, integrity, and enjoyment whilst echoing the school's key value to 'Make a Difference'. JESS has a strong reputation of sporting participation and excellence both locally and internationally

Library

Regular sessions in our primary libraries foster a love of reading. Each library is home to over 16,000 books, both fiction and non-fiction; something for every interest and every reading level. In Key Stage 2, the Accelerated Reader programme helps encourage and monitor reading progress. A termly Star Reader test gauges the appropriate reading level for each child; online quizzes after each book provides additional motivation and challenge, as well as amassing points for each class

Islamic Studies

Our Islamic children broaden their knowledge and understanding of Islam through our Islamic Studies programme.

Assessment + Reporting

JESS Cares

Teachers’ relationships with children are key and through daily interaction, they know what motivates and interests each child and their individual strengths. Learning is adapted and personalised to meet the needs of the children, and to take their learning to the next level. Assessment is an on-going process which allows for the celebration of both effort and achievement and feedback is continuous. The use of standardised tests is used to support teacher judgement, which in turn informs planning and next steps.

Parents are key partners in each child’s learning journey; progress is shared through dialogue and written reports. Parent meetings are planned termly and written reports shared twice a year.

JESS Cares

Oasis – Our Learning Support Team

JESS is an inclusive school with a diverse cohort of students, all of whom have unique abilities and talents. In every class, we use differentiated learning opportunities to support and challenge our students. There may be points on your child’s learning journey when they would benefit from additional care and support from the Oasis (Inclusion and Learning Support) and/or Counselling team.

Our Care and Support Team consists of:

o Head of Inclusion

o Inclusion Support Teachers and Assistants

o School Counsellors

o 1:1 Learning Support Assistants (available at an additional cost)

o Access to supplementary support services such as Speech and Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy (available at an additional cost)

Oasis offers in-class support, developmental and academic booster programs, and/or 1:1 support, as appropriate.

Counsellors offer parental guidance and support, as well as 1:1 and small-group play-based sessions.

We work in close partnership with parents to support initial identification of needs, personalised planning and progress monitoring.

For more details about our Care and Support provision please see (Link to Oasis booklet)

Learning Outside the Classroom

Through our focus on the allround development of every child, we build in a wide range of learning opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. Visitors to school and trips outside of school reinforces our curriculum and brings learning to life.

Throughout the year, theme days and weeks, trips and visitors are planned into the curriculum from Foundation 1 to Year 6.

Years 3 to 6 have the opportunity to go on residential trips in the local area; experiences that help develop their personal skills such as independence and collaboration, as well as making memories that will last a lifetime!

Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities (ECAs) enable children to follow their interests and strengths beyond the classroom. Taking place both before and after school and run by either school staff or external providers, the ECA options are shared termly.

A wide range of clubs are offered; from musical to sporting, creative to pastoral. These are available mainly for Years 3 – 6, with some options for Year 2.

Student Leadership

As children move through the school, there are an increasing number of leadership opportunities which develop leadership, organisation and communication skills.

Children can apply for a leadership role, which is usually run on an annual basis. Leadership opportunities include:

• Head/Deputy Head Student

• Cultural Leaders

• House Captains

• Digital Leaders

• Pupil Executive Committee

MAD Award

In our drive to develop the whole child, JESS has developed its own bespoke challenge award – the Make a Difference Award.

This differentiated, progressive programme runs from F2 to Y6 and focuses on developing important life skills and to make a difference to themselves, their community, and the world around them.

Through strands such as independence, heritage, culture, and service, they can earn badges by completing a range of tasks.

Health Office

Promoting a healthy lifestyle runs through everything we do, including the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. JESS is a nut free school.

To keep everyone safe and healthy, each campus has its own fully equipped Health Office. Staffed by registered school doctors and nurses, they are able to administer first /emergency aid, as well as supporting the school approach to healthy living.

Wrap Around Care

Additional care before and after school is provided by an external company, supported by JESS staff. Options may vary slightly between the two campuses but include:

• Early Morning Club (Jumeirah Branch)

• Rainbow Club (Jumeirah) and Camel Club (Arabian Ranches) for Foundation 1 from the end of the F1 day until the rest of primary finish.

• After School Club

JESS Community

We value the importance of collaborative relationships at the heart of our JESS school community and work in partnership with our parents to ensure our children have the best learning experiences.

The JESS Parents Group (JPG is a group of parents who support us to build and maintain the school community. They organise events to bring the school community together and raise funds for the benefit of the school and our students.

JESS Communicates JESS CommunicatesJESS Communicates

At JESS we believe effective communication is key to ensuring positive partnerships with the JESS Community. It builds understanding, trust as well as showcasing excellence celebrating the success of everyone who is part of JESS.

We use the ISAMs Parent Portal to communicate and disseminate information with parents, and we use SOCS to share our School Calendar, Events and Extra Curricular Programme Sign Ups.

Our website includes a parents only area with all the information in one place for you.

Digital Channels

You can keep up to date with events, information and celebrations at JESS Dubai through our official JESS Dubai Digital Channels. Please like, follow and engage with us and be a part of our online JESS community.

Instagram @jessdubaischool

Twitter @JESSDubai

Our Photos JESS Dubai

Linkedin JESS, Dubai

FaceBook JESS Dubai

YouTube JESS Dubai

Our Publications JESS Dubai

Our Website www.jess.sch.ae