Ibn Rushd Academy. parents handbook. think produce master an INTKC project. Ibn Rushd Academy

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1 Ibn Rushd Academy Following on the footsteps of Ibn Rushd, the academy is designed to regularly challenge and continuously extend the boundaries of our knowledge. The Academy celebrates diversity by exploring multiple perspectives and experiences. The Academy s academic and activities programme were designed from the outset to support the Academy s intention to pursue authorisation to offer the International Baccalaureate Organisation Primary Years Programme (PYP). There are currently no schools in Jordan authorised to offer the PYP 1. Ibn Rushd Academy think produce master an INTKC project For the first time in the world, the Academy would attempt to offer the PYP in Arabic, using in-house developed differentiated and inquiry-based Arabic resources. Ibn Rushd Academy is an INTKC project. parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy statement Ibn Rushd Academy seeks to provide a healthy, inclusive, stimulating, and challenging environment where each child can nurture his/her physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development to achieve his/her full potential. 1 Version Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 2 18

2 Our mission is to empower young scholars through the independent use of information and critical thinking to develop as active, principled, responsible and successful global citizens. Why does Ibn Rushd intend to offer the IBO PYP? The academic programme is learner-centred; putting young scholars at the centre of the learning process. The curriculum, learning resources, instructional strategies, and assessment tools have been carefully designed to accommodate the differentiated nature of the learning process. In education, one size does not fit all. Ibn Rushd Academy intends to pursue authorisation to offer an academic and activities programme in line with the IB s Primary Years Programme ( PYP ). By following the IB PYP framework, Ibn Rushd Academy aims to provide authentic learning opportunities; where learning is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant. The Academy will strive to create a genuine appreciation of the reason for learning, and relevance of its programmes. As a result, Scholars are expected to develop a deep understanding of the world around them. What is the Primary Years Programme * The PYP represents a coherent programme of international education. It aims to synthesize the best research and practice from a range of national systems with the wealth of knowledge and experience in international schools to create a transdisciplinary curriculum which is significant, relevant, and engaging for learners from 3 to 12 years of age. The PYP aims to offer a balanced programme that focuses on acquiring significant knowledge, developing essential skills, understanding meaningful concepts, developing positive attitudes, leading to thoughtful action. The PYP believes that an inquiry based teaching method, structured in Units of Inquiry with cross curricular links to other subject areas, is an effective approach to teach the knowledge, skills, concepts and attitudes that we value. Within the PYP, it is believed student learning is best achieved when it is authentic and transdisciplinary - relevant to the real world - where the learning is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subject areas but is supported and enriched by them Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 4 18

3 IB learner profile * IB learners strive to be: Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. * International Baccalaureate Organization Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 6 18

4 IB Authorisation Ibn Rushd Academy intends to apply for authorisation by the International Baccalaureate to offer its Primary Years Programme (PYP). It hopes to be accepted as a candidate school in May 2010, so that it can begin implementing the programme in September In order to do this, the Academy must be successful in this first phase of the application. A further process of authorization will follow over the following two years. Only schools authorised by the IB, entitled IB World Schools, can offer any of its three programmes (of which the PYP is one) and these programmes share a common philosophy a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Ibn Rushd Academy believes is important for its students. The process of IB authorisation requires extensive preparation and teacher professional development which culminates in an authorisation visit by a team from the IB organization before final IB approval is considered. Beginning the application process gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. The Team Ibn Rushd Academy employs a team of educators who have an established expertise in both professional development and teaching within schools. Below is a brief outline of the experience, credentials and qualifications of key members of the team so far. Fouad Majdalawi, 11 years experience including Interactive Knowledge Centre (INTKC), founder and managing director. INTKC is an educational research centre promoting an engaging, enjoyable and enriching approach to Arabic learning. Working with schools and educational authorities, INTKC facilitates educational excellence through its programmes which promote curriculum development, enhance instructional strategies, and provides teacher professional development programmes. Ellen Alquist, Academic Director, 33 years experience including International Baccalaureate Organization, Program Trainer, Primary Years Programme International Baccalaureate Organization, Chair of the Assessment Committee for the Primary Years Programme Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organization, co-author of the mathematics curriculum Saudi Aramco Schools, Curriculum Facilitator 2010 Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 8 18

5 Ghada Zabalawi, Head of Primary, 23 years experience including Head of Professional Development, Interactive Knowledge Centre Supervisor, Early Elementary Classes, Dhahran Ahliyya School Lina Jaser, Head of Kindergarten, 28 years experience including Head of Early Years Education, Interactive Knowledge Centre Director, Al Ahliyyah and Bishop s Kindergarten Akram Hamdan, Head of Arabic Literature and Philosophy, 18 years experience including University of London, Editor of the Arabic section of the Journal of Qur anic Studies Dar al-qur an al-kareem wa l-sunna, Gaza, Director General The Palestinian School in London, Head teacher Syrian Community School in London, Assistant head teacher Freelancing, subtitling companies working for universal Fox, DreamWorks, Paramount and Disney. Raja Sarraj, Grade 2 Teacher & Trainer, 34 years experience including Arab Model School, Training and Development Manager Classroom Teacher, Dhahran Ahliyya Schools Board of Trustees Ibn Rushd Academy would be governed by an independent board of Trustees. The Board s responsibility is to hold the school in trust, taking the necessary steps to ensure that the school s mission is fulfilled now and in the future. The Board would accomplish its responsibilities by providing strategic direction, defining desired outcomes, governing through policy and monitoring overall progress. The inaugural Board of Trustees consists of: Yaser Abu Hilala, Journalist, Head of Al Jazeera Bureau, Jordan Samia Al Farra, Educationalist, consultant to the board Samar Dudin, Artist, activist, and social entrepreneur Emad Hajjaj, Artist and Cartoonist, co-founder, Abu Mahjoob Creative Productions Salim Karadsheh, CEO Nuqul Group Fouad Majdalawi, Founder and managing director, Interactive Knowledge Centre 2010 Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 10 18

6 Location Ibn Rushd Academy will be housed temporarily in Khalda. The Academy will move in a few years time to a purpose built building. Working Hours Staff, Sunday to Thursday Pupils Kindergarten Sunday to Thursday Primary Sunday to Wednesday Thursday Weekend is Friday and Saturday Amman Academy Al Rudwan School Academic and Activity Programme Ibn Rushd Academy will offer an academic and activity programme covering the following subjects: Language Arts ( Arabic English, and Foreign Languages ) Numeracy Science Information Technology and skills Social Studies: History, Religious Studies & Geography Personal Health & Physical Education Art Music Ibn Rushd Academy, temporary location 2010 Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 12 18

7 Field Trips Field trips are an integral part of the academic programme. Scholars are expected to actively participate in the planning, management and execution of the trips. Field trips offer experiential learning opportunities extending students learning well beyond the classroom. The trips play a crucial role in translating what students have learned into real learning, supported by active enquiry and observation on behalf of the learners. Parents will be notified a priori of the field trips schedule, and their approval will be sought for each field trip. Homework Policy Much of the learning is expected to occur at the school. Student learning is a process involving the Academy, parents, and the children themselves. The research on homework indicates that it is productively used for several purposes. The first purpose of homework should be for work that can truly only be done at home, e.g., collecting measurements of bedrooms, surveying friends and relatives for a project, reading for pleasure, or sharing what was learned at school that day. The second purpose is to do things to prepare for the next day, e.g., pre-reading an article for science, finding out what one s parents think about an idea that will be discussed the next day, making a list about what one already knows about a subject, for example multiplication. The third purpose is to practice something that one is capable of doing alone, e.g., revising a piece of writing after a child has shared it with his/her editing partner, writing a set of word problems whose answer is 14, writing a lab report for the experiment that a child and his/her lab partner did in class. Homework should not be practicing a new skill because a teacher needs to see how that practice is progressing and intervene with corrective feedback. Practicing without monitoring can lead to misconceptions that will be difficult to overcome. It takes 300 practices to learn a new skill. It takes 13,000 practices to overcome a mis-learned skill. Teachers must be there to monitor the practice it takes to learn a skill! Ibn Rushd Academy considers extra private lessons to be a failure of our endeavours. Parents are encouraged to discuss their children learning needs and any perceived additional remediation with the Academy Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 14 18

8 Admission Ibn Rushd Academy is a non-selective school. The Academy will accept all children, irrespective of their previous academic achievements, provided they can be cared for within available resources. Ibn Rushd Academy prides itself on its differentiated academic programme, resources and instructional strategies. The Academy s team is trained to cater for individual learning style and pace, and to support each learner. The temporary facilities do not cater for physical impairments. The Academy regrets not being able to offer any placements to physically challenged students until the Academy relocates to its permanent facilities. Meals During the day, the Academy will offer both KG and Primary a light snack, e.g., biscuit, fruit, and raw vegetables. A hot meal will be offered to primary children. Ibn Rushd Academy is a nut-free environment. Children are not allowed to bring any food with them to the Academy premises. In addition to the nutritional value, meal time offers an ideal opportunity to equip and reinforce children s table manners and etiquette skills. All snacks and meals are included in the fees. Uniform Ibn Rushd Academy will provide several tops consisting of T-shirts and sweaters. The choice of colours and which colour to wear will be left to the child s discretion. Children will wear black trousers of their choice. Transportation Parents are expected to make their own transportation arrangements. Ibn Rushd Academy will however consider providing bus service should there be an overwhelming request from parents. Fees Kindergarten Primary JD JD Fees are all inclusive of tuition fees, subscription to the resource centre, standard activity programme, and field trips. Fees do not include stationary and school uniform Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 16 18

9 Communication For further information, please visit our website or contact us via Notes 2010 Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook Ibn Rushd Academy parents handbook 18 18