FAQs
Can I tour the school?
We are delighted to be able to offer school tours Sunday to Thursday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and on Saturdays during our open days. Please note an appointment is required to visit the school as per the KHDA guidance. Please book your visit with our admissions team on +971 (0) 4 586 2777. Register for our next open day here or check our upcoming events.
How many nationalities are represented in your school?
The Aquila School is a fully inclusive school representing children from all nationalities.
What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?
Class sizes will be no greater than 24.There will be a number of learning assistants across the school.
Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?
We have appointed excellent class teachers from the UAE and the UK. When selecting teachers, we have been looking for the ability to make learning relevant and engaging so that children love coming to school and make as much progress as possible. We empower our teachers to choose the best methods to motivate the children while encouraging them to be creative and reliant learners.
Learning at The Aquila School is not dull; there is not a worksheet in sight and our teachers get the children actively learning not passively listening – from the very start of the lesson.
The children have access to a range of technologies to support their learning in all age groups. By combining technology and the arts underpinned by a focus on academic rigour, The Aquila School is truly unique.
Our core belief is in ‘real learning for a real future’, with meaningful enquiry-based learning at the fore, with our innovative curriculum which provide vocational. Professional and technological opportunities. Designing, constructing and even deconstructing happens on a regular basis and we want children to find out for themselves how things work, how to fix them and how to rise to challenges. Through all of this, we do everything we can to make children love coming to our school and not wanting to leave at the end of the day.
How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?
As well as PE and swimming being an integral part of the curriculum we will ensure that learning how to keep healthy both physically and mentally will be a key part of our curriculum. We will also have a number of community events such as fitness mornings, family football and cricket. The Principal even leads a weekly whole school aerobics session!!!
How do you promote healthy eating?
We actively promote healthy eating at school as we know that when children eat nutritionally-rich food they have more energy and approach their studies with more enthusiasm. We will enjoy our own in-house canteen providing a daily choice of healthy nutritious meals as well as a cafeteria.
Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students?
A catering company serve hot and cold meals to children on site. There is also be a cafe in the reception area for families to use – The Parrot Café.
What would be the amount spent by a student for their lunchtime meal?
The exact amounts depends on the food chosen by the child but all of our meals are affordable.
What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?
The school day starts at 7.40am for all primary pupils and 7.30am for secondary pupils. Children in FS1 and FS2 finish at 1.45pm Sunday to Wednesday and at 1.15pm on a Thursday. Children in years 1 to 8 finish at 2.45pm Sunday to Thursday and at 1.20pm on a Thursday. CAS activities will run for children in years 2 up on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays until 3.40pm.
Is there a school uniform?
Yes, our newly designed uniform is contemporary and European in style. We have made it practical for children learning!
Please advise on your discipline policy?
Positive relationships will permeate all aspects of the Aquila school. We use a positive approach to behaviour management based on the Jenny Mosely approach with rewards for exceeding our golden rules and sanctions for not meeting them. Every member of our community embraces the Four Cs -Courtesy, Consideration, Common sense and Co-operation.
How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?
How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?
Our teachers will be available for a quick word at the start and end of each day and to make an appointment if a longer discussion is needed. Formal family conferencing sessions will happen three times a year.
Is Arabic taught as both a first language and second language in your school?
Yes.
Which other languages are taught?
To enable cultural connections with other schools in the ISP family of schools we teach Spanish to children in Y3 and older.
Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?
We support all children through quality first teaching and by immersing children in a language-rich curriculum.
Is Islamic Education/Studies for the Arab Muslim students delivered in Arabic for them?
Yes.
Do you have a dedicated prayer room/s for the Muslim students?
Yes, we have two prayer rooms.
What external examinations and assessments do you offer?
For older children we will offer IGSE, IB and BTec.
How do you support gifted, able and talented students?
We are a fully inclusive school and ensure that all children are challenged to make as much progress as possible in all areas.
Do you have a learning support team in your school?
Yes.
Does your school have expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?
Our inclusion team will be able to signpost families to a range of services.
Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?
The Aquila School believe family is the heart of learning and we wish to create a diverse and happy community of parents and children. We welcome parents to visit the school at anytime and encourage families to be involved in everyday learning, activities and events the school.
Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?
Yes, we have a governing board and there are family representatives on this board.
Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?
Families are welcome to come and visit our Principal, Head of Primary and admissions team anytime during the school day- Sunday to Thursday.
Does every student have the opportunity to attend The Aquila School?
The Aquila School is an inclusive school and open entry. All children are welcome to apply. Every child entering from Year 3 and above completes a small task, but this is not a requirement for enrolment. The task provides important up-to-date information which we can use to meet your child’s individual learning needs.
What music opportunities are available?
Music is an integral part of the curriculum at The Aquila School, and all students have the opportunity to learn an instrument and compose music. They will also enjoy participating in performance groups including choirs and orchestras.
What extra-curricular opportunities are available to students?
An important part of The Aquila School happens beyond the classroom, where a student can immerse themselves in a world of creativity and activity. Whether it’s sport, music, debating or gardening, there is an abundance of extra-curricular activities to ignite your child’s passion.
How do I apply?
You can find the procedure for enrolments, including important dates, in our Admissions Process.
What are the fees?
Is The Aquila School affiliated with any other schools?
The Aquila School is part of the International Schools Partnership, a family of over 45 schools within 12 countries. These links provide invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange, outstanding international learning connections, quality assurance and excellent governance.
Secondary FAQs
How do you support pupils transitioning from primary to secondary?
How do secondary pupils prepare for examinations when there is no formally set homework throughout primary?
In year 7 and 8 pupils will receive regular reading homework to develop their reading skills and a love of reading plus homework in other subjects when relevant and purposeful.
Secondary pupils will be fully prepared for their external examinations. Every lesson will be focused on learning and mastering the knowledge and skills from the ENC and IGCSE qualifications. Pupils and families will have the opportunity to attend revision and guidance evenings where you will receive information on how to support your child at home.
What subjects will Aquila pupils study for iGCSE?
How are secondary children assessed for their progress?
Which exam board does the school plan to use for iGCSE examinations?
My child is coming from a different curriculum; would they face any challenges adjusting to British curriculum?
Your school mentions ‘amazing learning’ – can you give some examples?
Learning is engaging, meaningful and meets the interests and needs of children – pupil choice is important and they lead their own learning.
The curriculum is linked to the real world and is relevant for pupils to transfer their knowledge and skills to prepare them for the world of work.
Pupils learn through the application of knowledge and skills and learn through different contexts – open ended investigations – problem solving – role play – pair work – enquiry – all underpinned by academic rigour.
What do you secondary pupils do differently than in other schools?
Our secondary pupils have a lot of opportunities to develop their leadership skills. These include leading assemblies, organising events for families and leading learning for our younger pupils.
Reading is prioritised in secondary – all pupils have two dedicated sessions of reading for pleasure in the learning hub. Many of our secondary pupils read often and widely – most pupils have read over one million words this academic year alone.
The Aquila School is an ISP school with sister schools all over the world. This means that our pupils will be able to access unique leaning opportunities. We have plans to visit other ISP schools and will give our pupils the opportunity to take part in the ISP buddy exchange programme. This will allow our pupils to use their learning in Spanish lessons to real life contexts.