Teach Middle East Magazine Sep-Oct 2016 Issue 1 Volume 4 | Page 31

Featured School year for returning pupils – allow us to set the scene for the year ahead, lay out the primary focus areas and reinforce what it means to be part of a school that prides itself on providing a deep, broad, pupil-centred education.” Students on International Day. (Photo credit: Cranleigh) These occasions also serve to encourage innovation and entrepreneurialism among staff and pupils. The school adopts a theme for the three terms ahead. “This year, we will be focusing on the rich power of traditional and contemporary Islamic arts and culture. This will be used as a backdrop for a host of academic and co-curricular educational initiatives,” said Mr Law. pride in playing a meaningful role in its success. • We have an open door approach to communications. On a daily basis, we encourage face-to-face dialogue in place of email. • We work hard to celebrate successes and overcome hurdles in a transparent and honest manner. • We have regular whole school and departmental staff meetings and an active common room committee. A new school year usually has a few hurdles during the first few weeks. Many schools plan for these challenges by implementing programmes to offset the predictable ones, while leaving room to correct the unexpected. Naturally, at Cranleigh, underscoring of the values that underpin the school’s community is a top priority. The Cranleigh Code clearly articulates the school’s values - respect, collaboration, responsibility, adaptability, kindness, and empathy. The Cranleigh Code is further reinforced by integrating it into the curriculum, where used daily as a behavioural framework for pupils and teachers alike. Mr Law noted, “Throughout the academic year, we choose a value of the month and a thought for the week. These are spoken about in tutor time, assemblies and woven into lessons.” Mr Law and his dedicated team also launch their academic year with an induction week for new and existing staff members. There is also an induction for new pupils and their families. According to Mr Law, “these inductions – along with the first assembly of the Inside the Cranleigh auditorium. (Photo credit: Cranleigh) Parents are essential stakeholders in any educational institution. Their involvement in the education of their children’s school can significantly bolster or diminish the relationship between school and parents. A great parent-school relationship usually adds to the overall success of all stakeholders. It is with this in mind that Cranleigh Abu Dhabi took a personalised approach to engaging parents. Cranleigh's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provides a personalised online platform, where pupils can engage with their teachers and peers. This allows for an extension of their learning beyond the classroom and the traditional school hours. How does the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) work? 1. Parents have access to the full range of subject content, as well as their children’s academic and pastoral records. 2. The VLE’s forum, blog and assignment pages are versatile. They can be adapted for many innovative uses such as, facilitating project work and also for pupils to interact with each other. 3. Pupils use the VLE to reflect on their learning and receive feedback to improve. 4. The VLE is a continuing learning log of students’ progress and is invaluable for teachers, pupils and their parents. It forms a basis for assessment and on- going development. Parents of the Cranleigh Abu Dhabi