Featured School with opportunities to do so from middle and senior management .
• Teachers take ownership of their own professional development whilst , receiving mentoring and coaching support from middle and senior staff in the school .
• The school works with learning experts who have a clear understanding of what outstanding teaching looks like and are able to guide the school towards achieving this for all teachers over time .
• The quality of teaching and learning is linked to the attainment and progress outcomes of the pupils . Assessing an appropriate start point ( benchmarking ) using external data from GL , IBT and teacher assessments enables this . This data is used by teachers to inform their planning , so that all students make above expected progress in lessons . Outstanding learning becomes an expectation . No child left behind . The students work above expectations because they are inspired !
In addition to this , the senior leaders clearly identify the quality of teaching and learning that currently exists in the school . This is done via joint observations and learning walks , where the senior leaders crossreference their judgements to verify the accuracy .
There is a rigorous programme in place to ensure that the teachers who are involved in the process are effectively prepared for their roles .
Dr Tassos explained that teaching mentees ( volunteers ) are invited to work with the Leaders of Learning . Leaders of Learning along with the senior leadership team have clearly established lesson expectations . These are referred to as ‘ the essentials ’. the next observation . The Leaders of Learning , record their judgments of the ‘ essentials ’ on a central spreadsheet .
The information collated within the programme is then used to guide the focus of Continuing Professional Development ( CPD ) sessions . Overall , the aim of the programme is to ensure that all lessons are either very good or outstanding , with outstanding becoming the norm instead of an exception . This approach is reflected throughout the entire school .
Ajman Academy features an IB Primary Years Programme and utilises the British curriculum in the Secondary phase , as its chosen curriculum to ensure that standards are benchmarked and taught using the IB approach , taking into consideration the local culture thus adapting the curriculum as appropriate .
The school is set to introduce a sixth form in September 2017 , which will feature outstanding facilities that will make Ajman Academy a K-12 institution . Students can start their education journey at Ajman Academy and continue until they matriculate to university .
The IB Primary Years Programme involves students aged 3 to 11 , and focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer , both in and out of the classroom .
Once students have been immersed into the programme , they become active and confident learners , and inquirers , who understand the
Director Dr Tassos ( centre ) poses with Ajman Academy ’ s head-girl , Mysam Al Samra and head-boy , Khaled Al Hussini .
importance of physical and mental balance , and personal well-being .
When asked how the school helps students to successfully transition from the IB Primary Years Programme ( IB PYP ) to the British curriculum at the secondary phase , Dr Tassos shared that in 2017 , the PYP and IB philosophy will also be implemented in year 7 .
“ The IB learner profile is apart of the mission of Ajman Academy and is translated into a set of learning outcomes in the classroom , encouraging all students to become inquirers and critical thinkers ,” Dr Tassos shared , “ students are encouraged to be open minded , caring and principled , and have the ability to reflect in a balanced way , as well as being very knowledgeable .”
Ajman Academy uses innovative education technology to enhance teaching and learning . Both teachers and students use technological devices and apps creatively in their projects and assignments across the different subject areas and grade levels .
Students also use technology for home work , and projects that are done outside of the classroom , thus ensuring that their engagement surpasses a superficial level of interaction with the applications that are introduced during lessons .
Ajman Academy has earned the reputation of being an outstanding school in Ajman . Dr Tassos plans to guide Ajman Academy to even greater accomplishments in the years ahead .
Mentees are coached and mentored by the Leaders of Learning to ensure that their lessons are constantly meeting the required standards . Where standards are not being met , a professional discussion between the mentee and the Leaders of Learning ensues in which , mentees are provided with the support they need by the Leaders of Learning .
It is important to note that , the mentees undergo at least six observations during the programme . This is usually followed by professional dialogue that includes the setting of new targets to be accomplished in