In and Around Ajman Academy
All the latest news from February 25th till March 15th
Primary Principal Message
Dear Parents
The first six weeks of term 2 have passed by so quickly indeed. I have been extremely impressed with the way in which all of our students have worked independently on their latest Unit Of Inquiry for our PYP programme.
The newsletters for Unit 4 for the second half of the Spring term have been published on D6. Do look out for those as you will be able to support your child in their learning in all areas.
We would like you to assist us by ensuring that all children from Grade 3 upwards are secure in their understanding of the multiplication tables. There is no easy way to learn these. Just practice and learning by Ipad apps, games, and by the traditional
We have been busy preparing a rigorous self-evaluation for the PYP programme and this was submitted to the International Baccalaureate (IB) at the beginning of February. We have an action plan with some exciting areas of development which we have identified as highlights including:
Establishing a Pedagogical Leadership Team (PLT) to ensure that the IB Philosophy drives strategic planning as well as day to day decision making in the Primary School.
Regular reviews of curriculum documentation and further develop the curriculum planning documents to support teachers in their delivery of high quality student led learning.
Create a role for Maths Leader to fully review learning in mathematics and recommend steps for development of resources to support learning.
Further development and promotion of international-mindedness
Ensure students have access to information on global issues and diverse perspectives through explicitly planning for this in lesson time including Moral Education from the National Agenda Parameters.
Redesigning all home learning programmes to promote student centred projects and interests as well as learning of key mental maths skills and golden words
Develop assessment methods to measure student development of the learner profile attitudes and skills
We do trust that all parents who choose Ajman Academy for their children have a clear knowledge of the Primary Years Programme.
Kerry Smith
Primary School Principal
Secondary Principal Message
Dear Parent/Guardians,
Welcome to the latest issue of our Newsletter. This has been a very busy term with so many events going on from University Fairs, Swimming Competitions to the well-acclaimed Eco-Symposium, organised by Mr. Basil and others.
Our students have been successfully involved in visits to the Port Authorities and were even visited by them too! They also enjoyed browsing through books at the Book Fair, arranged by our Librarian.
The PYP Exhibition was a wonderful example of commitment and co-operation amongst students and culminated in impressive display stands and performance. They were both informative and inventive in nature.
Intertwined between everything were the international standard tests taken by all ages within the Secondary School. Staff are currently reviewing the results to help them inform their teaching for the remainder of the year.
The Eissa Swimming Gala showcased the superb talent of both students and coaches and made our school community very proud at having clearly won the competition. An Assembly to present the medals will be happening next week, where proud parents will be invited. Sports Day has served to add to the overall spirit of teamwork, proving that there are no limits to achievement, apart from our own assumptions.
Parents and spectators were an integral part of the uplifting nature of the events and are especially thanked for supporting their children and to all those who have up their time and joined us at school events.
All the events are organised by dedicated staff both teaching, administration, and facilities. They are all thanked for their hard work and commitment to making everything run so smoothly.
It is hoped that you enjoy reading our latest edition of the School Newsletter as much we enjoyed being participants in everything that has taken place and that you all have a restful weekend, after the exertions of these past few weeks.
Sam Hamdani
Acting Secondary School Principal
Incyte Inspire to Teach Programme for Leaders of Learning
We have had a successful visit last week to the Primary School by our external consultants Malcolm Greenhalgh of Incyte UK.
Several of our Primary teachers were observed teaching and have gained certification as Leaders of Learning. Congratulations to Mr Benjamin, Miss Kerry Lee, Miss Sarah Jane C, Miss Clare, Miss Coba and Miss Hayley. Miss Emma has a specific focus within the programme on leading assessment and data tracking for the primary while Miss Rachel focuses on leading the PYP programme.
Literacy Week
As you are aware, this week, the 25th of February to the 1st of March, is Literacy Week. Children will focus on all things Literacy, with activities aimed at broadening their English and Arabic reading and writing skills. This year we have decided to have a theme for Literacy Week, and that theme is Friendship.
The activities running throughout the week will have a strong message of what it means to be a good friend, how to be a good friend and why it is so important to be a good friend. Children across the age groups will have a chance to meet and talk with children they may not have had the opportunity to previously via our “Buddy Class” set up. For example, Grade 5 children have been paired with Pre-KG children. Not only do children have the opportunity to meet and play with one another, but there will also be allocated time dedicated to reading, writing and discussions about what friendship means and how we can be better friends to one another. Children will be encouraged, through their activities, to reflect on their feelings and behavior and assess as to whether they portray the qualities and characteristics of being a good friend. During the week children will be creating friendship bracelets that can be worn at school as a reminder of all the valuable lessons they have learnt.
We hope that this unique opportunity will encourage and grow a strong sense of friendship and community within our children and that the lessons learnt throughout the week will become life lessons that children can take with them as they go forward.
Food & Nutrition
Ajman Ports & Customs Visit
Important notice: After ECA pick-up time - reminder to our parents
EISSA Swimming Galas
Ajman Academy hosted once again the EISSA girls & boys Swimming Galas on Tuesday 20.02.18 and Wednesday 21.02.18 respectively.
Over the course of the 2 days, we welcomed over 200 competitive swimmers and their coaches from 9 different schools and close to that many parents, teachers and students.
Ajman Academy represented the girls gala in 3 age categories (10-12-14) the boys gala in 4 age categories (U10-12-14-16).
We are proud to announce that we broke two boys U16 records in the 100IM & 100m Medley Relay. So now, in the EISSA Boys Swimming, AJAC holds 21 records out of a total of 36. The distribution of records as per the age categories are as follows: U10 (5 records) / U12 (6 records) / U14 (8 records) / U16 (2 records).
In this event, AJAC won a total of 27 medals.
We couldn't be more proud of our champions! Later in the week
Secondary School Athletics Day
A day filled with lots of fun for all our secondary students. This is the first time we had a proper athletics day at AJAC where students got to experience most of the track & field events, that included shot put, high jump, long jump, relays, running etc..
A massive thank you to our Head of PE Mr. Hayden and his team for a successful and wonderfully organized event! We also would like to thank all the staff (teachers and admin) that helped out on the day. All your efforts are appreciated!
We are likely to announce the winners in a proper ceremony on Tuesday - so watch this space for more info!
We can't wait till next year!
Punctuality and attendance
Respect and responsibility are two of our Core Values at Ajman Academy.
Good punctuality is a highly important measure of the respect that students and parents have for the school and the routine of the day. Punctuality is a foundation for academic achievement and it underpins all aspects of starting the day successfully.
We are noticing an increase in children arriving late to school which puts pressure on the child, and our receptionists early in the morning. We ask that all parents support us to ensure your child arrives at school no later than 7.45 AM to take part in the lineup and National Anthem together at 7:50 AM.
Punctuality also establishes our core value of having a responsible attitude towards the opportunities available in school. Ajman Academy is committed to providing a full and effective educational opportunity for all pupils. It is the policy of the school to celebrate success. Punctuality is a critical factor to a productive and successful start to the school day for everyone.
We would ask parents to support us in maintaining good punctuality and attendance by:-
Ensuring that your children get up in plenty of time to be ready and prepared for school.
Ensuring your child has organised their bag and equipment the night before so that this does not delay departure in the morning.
Depart in enough time to take account of the traffic and potential lateness caused by delays in parking and drop off
Place a high priority on attendance
Keep students who are unwell or have fever at home to avoid spreading illness to other students
Endeavour to keep health appointments out of school hours where possible
Endeavour to keep holidays out of term time
Inform the class teacher of any issues that may prevent a child attending school
Discussing any issues of lateness to ensure this does not become a habit.
Parent Support Group
Our parent partnerships are important. We have an active parent network and involvement in our parent support group assists with development of closer relationships with teachers and increases parent opportunities to share ideas.
There are some exciting projects being planned for this year - do see Miss Yasmeen Ali if you are interested in becoming involved or email directly: y.ali@ajmanacademy.com.