2013 - 2014
Parent Handbook
December 2012
P.O Box 8236 | Salmiya 22053 | Kuwait | Maidan Hawalli | Haroon Al-Rasheed Street
TEL: +965 2561 9043 | 2564 5760 | 2564 569 FAX +965 2563 2372
Website: www.iak.edu.kwInternational Academy Kuwait Page 2
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Dear Parents,
It is my honour and privilege to welcome you to the International Academy of Kuwait. This will be
your first step in understanding our school and making an informed decision if you are considering
joining us.
We have an absolutely lovely community of students at the school and a parent body who are
passionate about their children’s education. The business managers of the school are forward
thinking. They continuously seek to improve the opportunities available for our students and
know how important it is to provide the best possible education for our students.
Enclosed in this booklet is information related to the school year 2013-2014, although some
information, notably the calendar, is still from 2012-2013. Updates will be posted at the
appropriate times. We hope this information will clarify school routines for our existing parents
and encourage potentially new parents to apply to the school.
We are very interested in welcoming students who will thrive in our particular school
environment and who can make a positive contribution to our student body.
If you would like to visit the school, our office is open during
these times each school day:
We usually arrange school tours from 2:45pm – 3:00pm each school day, and 9:00am – 12:00pm
on Saturdays.
Yours faithfully,
Ayaz Iqbal
Principal IAK
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
2:40 pm - 3:00 pmInternational Academy Kuwait Page 3
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
MISSION STATEMENT
The International Academy of Kuwait is committed to academic excellence through personalized
learning for every student and careful attention is given to student’s individual learning styles and
learning needs.
The International Academy of Kuwait is a school where rigorous goal setting is linked to quality
assessment of learning outcomes and a school where lessons are enjoyed and students are
supported beyond the classroom in their journey to adulthood.
The International Academy of Kuwait is a school where students, staff, parents and the wider
community share a close connection, are happy, challenged and rewarded.
The International Academy of Kuwait is a school where we develop a deep respect for Kuwait’s
religious and cultural norms.
The International Academy of Kuwait is a school where we all have a voice within a culture that
recognises each person’s individual ability.
The International Academy of Kuwait is a school where we all have a strong sense of personal
worth and where under achievement is not accepted.
The International Academy of Kuwait is a school where we all aspire to excel.
VISION
To be one of Kuwait’s leading and most inspiring co-educational international schools, providing a
well-resourced, strongly academic, British style education.
PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is to provide an education which seeks excellence from all – excellence for all.
We believe that:
Students should be educated in a stimulating, safe and happy environment.
Education should balance the intellectual, physical, social, moral and emotional in order
to develop well-rounded, caring individuals who can make a positive contribution to
society.
Young people should be given the opportunity to become confident, self-disciplined and
independent individuals who take responsibility for their own learning and seek to
develop their own talents and interests.
All members of the school community: students, teachers and non-teaching staff should
have an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of race, gender, ability or cultural and
religious background.
We celebrate and respect the diversity of languages, cultures and traditions within our school
and the wider world.
With honest and open communication between all members of the school community,
including parents, we will build a mutually supportive and successful school.International Academy Kuwait Page 4
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
The School Day
Foundation
7:35-7:55 8:00-8:25 8:25-8:50 8:55-9:20 9:20-9:45 9:45-
10:10
1015:-
10:35
10:35-
11:05
11:10-
11:35
11:35-
12:00
12:00-
12:25
12:25-
12:55
Assembly 1 2 Break 3 4 5 6 Break 7 8 9
Primary
7:35-7:55 8:00-8:25 8:25-8:50 8:55-9:20 9:20-9:45 9:45-
10:10
1015:-
10:35
10:35-
11:05
11:10-
11:35
11:35-
12:00
12:00-
12:25
12:25-
12:55
12:55-
1:20 1:25-1:50 1:50-
2:15
Assembly 1 2 3 Break 4 5 6 7 Break 8 9 10 11 12
Secondary
7:35-7:55 8:00-8:50 8:55-9:45 9:45-
10:10 1015:-11:05 11:10-12:00 12:00-
12:25 12:25-1:20 1:25-2:15
Assembly 1 2 Break 3 4 Break 5 6
All gates will be open to drop children off in the mornings. Foundation playgrounds will be
supervised from 7:15 am.
At the end of the school day, all students will be taken to the foundation playground to be
collected by parents using the new gate (gate 4). All other gates will be closed. We have separated
the buses with bus students from the rest of the school to improve safety at the school.
At 1:00 pm after parents have collected their foundation children, they are not allowed to stay at
the school to wait for primary or secondary children to finish. They must leave the school around
1:00 pm and then return at 2:15 pm if they wish to collect older children.
At 2:15, parents should enter the school through gate 4. Parents should collect their children from
the foundation playground only and must not enter other areas of the school. Parents should
leave the school premises as soon as possible.
Gate 1 opening times Gate 2 opening times Gate 3 Gate 4 opening times
8:00 am - 12:30 pm 6:30 am - 8:00 am Not open to the public 6:30am - 7:45am
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm 12:50pm - 1:30pm
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm 2:10pm - 2:40 pm
During December and June examinations
Foundation will finish at 11:15
Primary and Secondary will finish at 12:30
Buses times will be adjusted accordingly. Gate opening times during exams will be as follows:
Gate 1 opening times Gate 2 opening times Gate 3 Gate 4 opening times
8:00 am - 11:00 pm 6:30 am - 8:00am Not open to the public 6:30am - 7:45am
11:50am - 12:15am 11:15pm - 11:50pm
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 12:30pm – 1:00pmInternational Academy Kuwait Page 5
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
IAK 2012/2013 ACADEMIC YEAR
TERM 1
Week
No. Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
Sept
1
1.01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2 Sept: Teachers Start; 5 Sept: Term 1 starts for Years 7-11
6 Sept: Term 1 starts for Year 1-6
1.02 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 Sept: Term 1 starts for Foundation Yr12
1.03 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18th Sept: Foundation open evening; 19th Sept Primary open
evening; 20th Sept: Secondary open evening. All 4pm - 6pm
1.04 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
1.05 30
1.05
Oct
1 2 3 4 5 6
1.06 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 Oct – 11Oct: Humanities week
1.07 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
1.08 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 – 25 Oct: Islam week; 25 Oct: Interim reports go home
1.09 28 29 30 31 26 -29 Oct: Eid Al Adha; 28 Oct – 1 Nov: Holiday
1.09
Nov
1 2 3
1.10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 Nov: Parents meeting 8:00 – 3:30
1.11 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 Nov: Hijri New Year
1.12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 Nov: Teacher Only Day; 19 – 22 Nov: Math week
20 Nov: Universal Children’s day; Young Entrepreneurs
1.13 25 26 27 28 29 30
1.13
Dec
1
1.14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 – 13 Dec: Examinations
1.15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 Dec: Last day Term 1 (66 days)
1.16 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
1.17 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
1.18 30 31
1.18 Jan 1 2 3 4 5
TERM 2
Week
No. Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
2.01
Jan
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 Jan: Staff only; 7 Jan: Term 2 starts
2.02 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 - 17 Jan: School Photos and Art and Calligraphy week
17 Jan: Report cards go home
2.03 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23 Jan: Parents meeting 8:00 – 3:30
2.04 27 28 29 30 31 24 Jan: Prophets Birthday (PBUH)
2.04
Feb
1 2 3 – 28 Feb: Science Fair competitions
2.05 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2.06 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2.07 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
2.08 24 25 26 27 28 24 – 28 Feb: Arabic Week, 27-28 Feb: Sports days
25 Feb: National Day, 26 Feb: Liberation Day
2.08
March
1 2
2.09 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
6 March: Y9 parents meeting, 2:30 – 4:00
7 March: Science Fair Finals
2.10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2.11 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 – 28 March: Y11 / Y12 Mock Exams
28 March: Reports go home
2.12 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 March: Last day Term 2 (56 days)
2.13 31
2.13 April 1 2 3 4 5 6International Academy Kuwait Page 6
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
TERM 3
Events will be confirmed closer to their dates
KEY
School holidays and weekends
Public and Islamic holidays (not confirmed)
Teacher only days
Term start and end days for students
STUDENT AIMS
By the time our students leave IAK they will be able to:
Seek knowledge and become lifelong learners.
Have a positive work ethic.
Have social and interpersonal skills by involvement in all aspects of school life.
Be articulate, analytical, expressive and receptive communicators.
Value the importance of achieving their optimum physical and intellectual potential
Be responsible, contributing members of society.
Week
No. Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
3.01
April
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
7 April: Staff only
8 April: Term 3 begins
11 April: Parent Meetings 8:00 – 3:30
3.02 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
3.03 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
21 – 25 April: English and Media week
22 April: Earth Day, 23 April: World book day
25 April: English and Arabic Poetry night
3.04 28 29 30 28 April: Y11 Graduation, last day for Y11 and Y12
28 Apr – 2 May: Certificate assemblies
3.04
May
1 2 3 4
3.05 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
3.06 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
3.07 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
3.08 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 May – 6 June: Internal Examinations
3.08
June
1
3.09 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 June: Israa and Miraj
3.10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 – 13 June: Y3-Y10 Exam feedback opportunity (for
students only)
3.11 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
3.12 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 18 June: Term 3 ends + report cards go home
3.12 30 20 June: Last day for teachers (51 days)International Academy Kuwait Page 7
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
KEY PEOPLE (2012-2013)
Name Title
Mr. Ayaz Iqbal Principal
Mr. Paul Adams Head of Secondary
Ms. Davina McCarty Head of Primary
Mr. Mark Jones Assistant Head (Pastoral)
Ms. Inas El Shawa Head of Foundation
Ms. Lamia Al Birjawi Year 1 Dean
Ms. Oslem Yuksel Year 2 Dean
Ms. Maysaa Sioufi Year 3 Dean
Ms. Sandra Jorge Year 4 Dean
Ms. Fatima Husain Year 5 Dean
Ms. Evadne Vanlouw Year 6 Dean
Mr. Ihab Hafez Year 7 Dean
Ms. Dina Mostafa Year 8 Dean
Ms. Shwikar Shawky Year 9 Dean
Mr. Amin Bilal Year 10 Dean
Mr. Omar Al-Rawi Year 11 Dean
Mr. Mark Jones Year 12 Dean
Mr. Tariq Younas Head of English + Technology Leader
Mr. Sameer Massouh Head of Mathematics
Ms. Reem Adb-El Rasool Head of Science
Mr. Azar G. Aftimos Head of Bus/Humanities + Examinations
Mr. Howard Gilmour Head of ICT
Ms. Ruth Jones Head of PE/Art
Mr. Hasanein Mohammed Hasanin Head of Arabic (Secondary)
Ms. Reem Sahli Head of Arabic (Primary)
Mr. Ibrahim Tahhan Head of Islamic Studies (Secondary)
Mr. Ibrahim Al Ahmed Head of Islamic Studies (Primary)
Ms. Dana Shakhasheer Acting office manager
Ms. Amani Al Rayes Admin and Bus coordinator
Ms. Dalia Murad Admin front desk
Ms. Hana Swendeh Admin front desk
Ms. Ohoud Beloushi Registrar
Mr. Ahmad Kamar Accountant
Ms. Yasmin Isaed / Ms. Nahira Haider NursesInternational Academy Kuwait Page 8
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
CURRICULUM
The International Academy of Kuwait follows what is essentially a British curriculum. IAK is
implementing the International Primary Curriculum at the Primary level and for the Secondary we
follow the National Curriculum for England and Wales which concludes with IGCSE examinations
at year 11 and AS examinations for year 12.
Throughout the school Arabic and Islamic studies (or life skills for our non-Muslim students who
opt out of Islamic studies) enrich the curriculum significantly. Through this curriculum, we aim to
have all students make the most of their academic opportunities.
The curriculum is divided into five areas:
Area Section of the School Year Groups
Covered
Age range of
students from
September 15th
External exams
taken
Early Years Foundation Kindergarten
Reception
3½ – 4½
4½ – 5½
Key Stage 1
Primary School
Year 1
Year 2
5½ – 6½
6½ – 7½ Y2 KS1 SAT exams
Key Stage 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
7½ – 8½
8½ – 9½
9½ – 10½
10½ – 11½ Y6 KS2 SAT exams
Key Stage 3
Secondary School
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
11½ – 12½
12½ – 13½
13½ – 14½ Y9 KS3 SAT exams
Key Stage 4
Year 10
Year 11
14½ – 15½
15½ – 16½ Year 11 - IGCSE
Key Stage 5 Year 12 16½ – 17½ AS
There is a special dispensation for British curriculum school’s from the Ministry of Education in
Kuwait, where students can enter a year group up to 6 months earlier than the above stated age
range if parents sign off on a particular agreement. Reception age students who have never
attended a school may be allowed to join KG. Apart from these cases students will be entered by
age and sequentially as students cannot have skipped years in their educational history.
SAT tests are all externally produced in Great Britain and used by students around the world, who
all sit them on the same day. At IAK, SAT tests are conducted in Literacy and Numeracy at the end
of Key Stage 1 and for all of Key stage 2. In English, Mathematics and Science for all of Key stage 3.
They are internally marked with very detailed and strict marking schemes issued by the examining
board.
In Years 10 and 11 students will take 8 subjects for IGCSE. Maths, English, Arabic and Islamic
Studies (or life skills) are compulsory. IGCSE exams are externally marked, and are graded on an
A* to G scale. Students who achieve 5 or more A* to C passes and have a history of impeccable
behavior can apply to go onto year 12 at IAK. They should however score at least a B grade in the International Academy Kuwait Page 9
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
subject they wish to study. AS examinations are available at year 12 and students who meet the
criteria can sit between 2 and 4 AS examinations.
Teaching and learning
In the Foundation Years learning is based on learning through play. Children are provided with a
variety of stimulating activities by their class teacher each day, each of which is designed to
develop their skill levels. Students will begin to experience more formal teaching towards the end
of Reception. IAK’s policy is to not force students into formal learning until they are ready to do
so.
At Key Stage 1 and 2 students have Literacy and Numeracy lessons on a daily basis. Other
curriculum areas include Topic (which is a combination of History, Geography and Science), PSHE,
Physical Education, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art
and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). Classes are taught by a class teacher for some
subjects and by specialists for others. Children may work in groups, individually or as a whole
class.
Key Stage 3 and 4 students have specialist teachers for all their subjects. The core curriculum of
Maths, English and Science is supplemented by Arabic and Islamic Studies (or life skills), History,
Geography, Social Studies, ICT, PSHE, Art and Physical Education. Classes move from room to
room for 6 lessons a day.
Key Stage 5 students begin to specialize and prepare for an in depth study at the AS level.
Students are able to choose two, three or four subjects from a wide variety of subject areas.
Based upon their results they will be able to enter universities of their choice.
The key to our learning at the International Academy of Kuwait is understanding and application.
Students will not, at any age, be asked to learn lots of facts or information by heart. They will
however, be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, to ask questions, and to formulate
hypotheses from evidence they have in front of them.
Assessment and Reporting
Students work at the International Academy of Kuwait is assessed continuously through the term
through unit tests, coursework, classwork and other assessment processes. Examinations
generally take place at the end of term 1 (December) and at the end of the academic year (June).
For years 3-6 these take place in their classrooms, and for years 7-12 in the main hall where
possible. There are no formal examinations for students in years KG to year 1. IGCSE and AS
examinations are set by external examining bodies from the UK.
Academic Reports are issued to parents twice a year, once in January and once in June after the
Term 1 exams and after the end of year exams respectively. Interim Reports are also issued twice
a year, once in October and once in March.
Parent/teacher consultations are held three times per year, following the issue of reports. This
year these will take place on November 4th, January 23rd and April 11th from 8am – 3:30pm.
Teaching will not happen on these days, students are allowed to attend with their parents if they
wish.
Parents are able to request an interview at any other time in the year by phoning the
Administration office and making an appointment with a teacher.International Academy Kuwait Page 10
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Interim report cards
Term 1: 25th Oct 2012
Term 2: 28th March 2013
There will be four categories which describe your child’s level of attainment
Foundation Years
Description of attainment levels only, no percentages will be given
Years 1-9
We have included a Continuous Assessment mark according to the scale
shown opposite. A continuous assessment mark usually consists of a
variety of assessments such as end of unit tests, class quizzes, in class
work, explorations, investigations, presentations and projects.
Year 10-11
The October interim report card includes a Continuous Assessment
mark according to the scale shown.
The March Interim report card will include a recently taken mock
exam mark. It is important to give you and your child a realistic
impression of where (s)he is at the moment. It is normal that
students will increase from their mock exam result by one grade one
grade on average when they sit for the real exam, so a C grade on a
mock exam usually translates into a B grade in their real exam after
practice and revision. This should also offer an opportunity for the
students to re-focus their revision on their weak areas. It is very
important that your child seeks help from their teacher over the
next month, before their final exams
Year 12
The October interim report card includes a Continuous Assessment mark according
to the scale shown.
The March interim report card will include an AS level predicted grade based on
exams the student has taken. This is essentially a teacher judgement of what grade
your child should expect to get. In some cases it will be a ‘reality check’ and
hopefully help focus the student’s efforts for their upcoming actual examinations.
Attainment levels
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Year 1 - 9 Continuous
Assessment Mark
A 85 - 100
B 70 – 84
C 55 – 69
D 40 – 54
E 25 – 39
F 0 – 24
Year 10-11
Extended Core
A* 90 – 100
A 80 – 89
B 70 – 79
C 60 – 69 75 - 100
D 50 – 59 60 - 74
E 40 – 49 45 - 59
F 30 – 39 30 - 44
G 20 - 29 15 - 29
U 0 - 19 0 - 14
Year 12
A 80 - 100
B 70 - 79
C 60 - 69
D 50 - 59
E 40 - 49
U 0 - 39International Academy Kuwait Page 11
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Final report cards
Term 1: 17th Jan 2013
Term 3: 18th June 2013
Foundation Years
A Description of achievement levels against curriculum criteria will be
given, no percentages will be given.
Rest of the school
Where subjects have an end of term final examination, your child’s grade is made up of 50%
from this exam and 50% from their Continuous Assessment, in all other cases the grade will be a
100% Continuous Assessment grade.
For grades 10-12 your child’s grade is made up of 70% from their End of term examination 30%
from their Continuous Assessment. For grades 11 and 12 only a Term 1 report will be issued. Final
IGCSE and AS level certificates will replace their Term 3 report cards.
Effort is a teacher judgement to describe how well your child is working to achieve a better
understanding of the subject
Students’ assessments and grades reported to parents are based on the international standards
expected of students for their age group. A student scoring an A grade at the International
Academy of Kuwait would be expected to score a similar grade in any International School
Achievement levels
Consistently
Occasionally
Needs Improvement
Years 1-9
A 85 - 100
B 70 - 84
C 55 - 69
D 40 - 54
E 25 – 39
F 0 - 24
Effort
1 Excellent
2 Good
3 Satisfactory
4 Unsatisfactory
Year 10-11
Extended Core
A* 90 - 100
A 80 - 89
B 70 - 79
C 60 - 69 75 – 100
D 50 - 59 60 – 74
E 40 - 49 45 – 59
F 30 – 39 30 – 44
G 20 – 29 15 – 29
U 0 – 19 0 – 14
Year 12
A 80 - 100
B 70 - 79
C 60 - 69
D 50 - 59
E 40 - 49
U 0 - 39International Academy Kuwait Page 12
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2013 - 2014
worldwide, and likewise for all other grades. Term grades are a summation of the marks awarded
for class work, homework and tests throughout the year.
ASSEMBLIES
Primary and Secondary assemblies will take place in the hall from 7:35am – 7:55am according to
the following schedule:
Sundays Years 1 and 2
Mondays Years 3 and 4
Tuesdays Years 5 and 6
Wednesdays Years 7, 8 and 9
Thursdays Years 10, 11 and 12
The program will include the national anthem, a reading from the holy Quran and a reading of a
Hadith. After this activities/sketches/plays which will be of benefit to the students are
encouraged.
Both academic and sporting successes will be celebrated with awards and certificates during
assemblies. Also assemblies will be used to foster school spirit, as information sessions for
upcoming events and to reinforce the schools ethos.
School assemblies will be suspended when the hall is needed for examinations.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance at school is vital for success. Throughout the school year students are
expected to attend all classes on time. If for any reason students are unable to attend school
(because of illness), then parents should send an absence note on the day the child returns to
school. A telephone message from a parent explaining the reason for the absence is acceptable.
Students should not be allowed to stay away from school unless it is absolutely necessary, as
absence means missed work and gaps in their understanding. This may make the next stage of
learning difficult. On the other hand, if a student is genuinely ill, then it is better that they are
cared for at home.
Sometimes it is necessary for a student to be absent from school for other reasons. In this case
the approval of the school should be sought beforehand and evidence of the reason given to the
school on the students return. The school is obliged to report to the Ministry of Education the
names of students who have more than 15 days of unapproved absence in any one year.
For those students who are regularly late to lessons, or skip them altogether, the school will
contact the parents and follow up with disciplinary actions.
Absence
The Form Tutor has overall responsibility for maintaining attendance records. Students are
required to provide an absence note on the day they return to school after any absence. A
telephone message from the parents explaining the reason for the absence is acceptable.
Unacceptable reasons for absence will be followed up by the office administration upon the
request of the form tutor.International Academy Kuwait Page 13
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Lateness
If students arrive after 7.35 am, they must collect a late slip from the office. ‘L’ will be recorded
on the register either by the class/form teacher or by a secretary. Habitual lateness will be
commented upon on report cards. Punctuality contracts are likely to be issued where there is
more than 10% lateness. Please do not be late to school.
Documented medical appointments will not be counted as ‘lates’ but recorded as ‘M’.
Collecting children early
Students are not allowed to leave school early
Parents who wish to collect children earlier than the normal departure time should inform the
school office by 8:00am that morning. Students are to report to the office before departure and
must be collected by a parent or their nominee. Students are not permitted to leave the school
grounds early on their own. The office will issue an Exit slip.
No student is allowed to phone parents to ask to be collected. Students who are ill and need to go
home must see the school Nurse, who will then notify the parents where necessary.
No exit slips will be written during the last half hour of the school day.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Students from KG -3 ONLY may mark their birthdays with cup-cakes (not whole cakes), on the
Thursday after their birthday. No other additional items are allowed.
Cup-cakes should be delivered to the office, not directly to the classroom.
Parents may also leave a camera for the teacher/assistant to take a photograph, but they may not
go to the classroom themselves.
No other year group may have cakes or birthday celebrations in school.
Students must not arrange ‘surprise’ parties for their teachers.
BLACKLISTED STUDENTS
We do need to protect our student body, staff and parents at the school. There will be some
students and parents who refuse to follow IAK’s expectations, policies and regulations. There will
be some students who have made some very bad choices whilst at the school. There will be some
students and parents who have physically and verbally assaulted staff members, others children
and even other parents. Such people will be blacklisted and will not be able to enrol for the
following academic year, if they haven’t already been removed from the school. We are a
coeducational school with impressionable children watching very keenly how older students and
parents behave, we would like to have a school where all issues are dealt with calmly and
respectfully and that older members of the school become role models for younger ones in a truly
caring environment.
BOOKS AND STATIONARY
The school uses up-to-date recommended books for all year levels. These belong to the school
and students will be issued the required books for their use during each year. If a student loses or
damages a book they will be charged for the full replacement value.International Academy Kuwait Page 14
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
After students have filled their exercise book they are able to have a replacement book. This is
upon request to the teacher. These belong to the students and they keep these at the end of each
school year.
Students in years 1 to 12 are expected to provide all stationary materials which are essential for
their learning such as pens, pencils, glue sticks, rulers, pencil cases and other equipment.
BRITISH COUNCIL EXAMINATIONS
Students registered at IAK are not allowed to take examinations with the British Council. The
inference here is that students are not allowed to take their IGCSE or AS level examinations early.
Students who wish to take an extra examination which is not taught at the school can arrange this
with the examinations officer. The examinations officer will then order the relevant examination
paper to be delivered to the school and the student can take those examinations at school rather
than having to go to the British Council.
BUSES
IAK provides a Bus Transport Service for its students. If you wish to avail this service then you
should collect the Information for School Transport Form from the Administration Office at the
school.
This academic year:
Primary and Secondary buses will begin running after school on Sunday 9th September
Foundation buses will begin running after school on Tuesday 11th September
Students must go promptly to the bus at the end of the school day. They may not go to the library,
IT rooms or play games in the yard. The secretary in charge of the buses must be informed if a
student is staying late for a club or other official school activity. There is an ‘Alteration to
Transport Arrangements’ for this purpose. Messages sent via friends or siblings are not
acceptable.
Students who travel by bus must carry their bus pass.
Students are not allowed to eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.
There must be no opening of windows, standing up or changing of seats while on the bus.
Shouting, teasing or use of bad language is all forbidden.
Students must follow the instructions of the driver, any accompanying adult and the bus
monitor.
Parents or students should not complain to the driver, instead they should bring their
complaint to the school.
1 month’s notice should be given or 1 month’s fee will be charged in lieu of notice for
discontinuing the transport facilities.
Please remember that travelling on the school bus is a privilege, and misbehavior or breaking of
the bus rules by a student will result in that student losing their chance to travel on the school
bus.
CANTEEN
There is a canteen at the school where students from Year 3 upwards are able to buy snacks and
drinks. The pastries, sandwiches and salads are freshly made and delivered to the school each day.
Please note: KG- Year 2 students are not allowed to use the canteen facility.International Academy Kuwait Page 15
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Students can, of course, bring their own snacks and drinks to school but the following items are
absolutely forbidden:
Chewing gum/bubble gum
Fizzy drinks/drinks in glass bottles
If a child brings any of these items to school they will be confiscated.
Please help us to encourage all our students to be health conscious and aware of how to keep fit
and healthy.
Ordering food into the school is not allowed
CHEWING GUM
No students are to chew gum on school property at any time.
CLASS PLACEMENT
In British Curriculum schools, students are placed in a year group according to their age.
Within each year group there are several classes, and the school determines which of these
classes a student will be placed in. Parents have a right to choose which school their child attends,
but they do NOT have the right to choose which teachers in that school teach their child.
Demands or requests for specific teachers will in all cases be denied.
COLLECTION OF MONEY
Students must put any money coming in to school into a named envelope. (e.g. for class
photographs, trips, etc.) The money will be collected by the form teacher, marked off against a
class list, and then taken to the Accounts Clerk.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCHOOL AND TEACHERS
Homework diaries are an ideal way for parents to communicate with teachers and vice versa.
Parents are to check the diary each day and sign the diary at the end of each week. Form tutors
check the diary each week also.
Apart from this, if parents would like to meet with teachers, they should ring the school and
request an appointment to see the Teacher or the Dean concerned as a first port of call. After this,
parents are then welcome to make appointments with Heads of Department and Year level
leaders (curriculum), Deans (discipline and behaviour), Assistant Head (Pastoral), Head of Primary,
Head of Secondary or the Principal based on the recommendation of the initial conversation with
the Teacher and/or Dean. This is the preferred method of communication. The Principal, HOP,
HOS, HOD, or Dean may be available at short notice but this cannot be guaranteed so an
appointment is preferred.
Teachers are not to be questioned during the time parents collect or deliver children to the
school. An appointment must be made through the Administration Office if you do need to have
longer conversations.
DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY OR BUSES
Any damage to school property or on school buses caused by a student, that student will be
charged for the cost of repairs. If the damage is caused intentionally, then further disciplinary
proceedings will be followed. International Academy Kuwait Page 16
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
DEVELOPING THE SCHOOL CULTURE
At IAK, we are keen to develop a culture of mutual respect which includes how we deal with
perceived injustice or mistakes carried out by others. As a result we are asking parents, students
and teachers to speak and act in a respectful manner. If any infringement does take place,
members of the IAK community, whether they are parents, students, teachers or staff will be
asked to formally apologise for their outbursts in writing. Persistently ignoring simple etiquettes,
rules and school policies will result in that individual either not being enrolled at the school for the
next academic year if it is by a parent or a student or not being offered employment for the next
academic year if it is a teacher or other member of staff. So please help us in this endeavour to
encourage people to speak respectively even if they think someone else is at fault.
Expectations of students
Treat all people with respect
Arrive to class on time and are ready to learn
Follow the teachers instructions
Respect the rights of others to learn
Listen and not talking over others who are speaking
Always speak English in the subject lessons which are taught in English
Look after school property and resources
Do not eat, drink or chew in class
Do not write on the desks
Keep the school environment tidy
Request permission to leave class and take a room pass
Comply with the dress code rules and behavior expectations of the school
Absolutely no communication during tests
Resolving conflict in a non-offensive manner.
Reporting incidents of physical abuse, or verbal abuse, or harassment.
Accepting responsibility for one’s own learning.
Completing all work honestly to the best of one’s ability.
Working co-operatively with others.
Accepting that one is responsible for one’s personal behaviour in all situations.
Observing the laws and regulations of our society.
The following should be evident in each classroom:
students arrive on time, settle quickly, sit in an orderly fashion, and are ready to learn
students are equipped with all the stationery and books required, including their
homework diary, for their lesson and do not wait until they are told to get these out
students engaged in their learning and on task
students listening to others speak
low level discussion in cooperative learning activities
students talking to their teacher and other staff and students respectfully
students putting their hands up and answering questions or asking the teacher questions
a tidy and well looked after classroom with student work displayed
students recording their learning in their notebooks which is tidy and complete
a positive and energetic feel within the class
Classrooms are left free of litter with chairs pushed under tables ready for the next class International Academy Kuwait Page 17
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
In general any student involved in fights or other serious breaches of school rules will be
suspended for three days whilst investigations are carried out. This will be true of all parties
involved, whether relatively innocent or guilty. The relatively innocent parties will be asked to
return to school sooner than the guilty parties. Both parties can only return to school after an
interview with the principal and the parents of the student involved.
DROPPING OFF AND COLLECTING CHILDREN
Foundation
7:00 -7:30 Hang bags up, and leave students in foundation playground
After 7:35 Parents should take any late children to the main office to collect a late slip.
12:30 – Bus students line up ready to board the bus with classroom assistants
12:45 – Buses leave, each one with a member of our custodial staff on board
12:55 – Parents come to collect their children from their homerooms via gate 4 only
After 1:15 until 2:15 – Teachers will take the students to a late room (Reception C), supervised by
one of our teachers. The service will cost KD 25 per month,
At 1:00 pm after parents have collected their foundation children, they are not allowed to stay at
the school to wait for primary or secondary children to finish. They must leave the school around
1:00 pm and then return at 2:15 pm if they wish to collect older children.
Primary and Secondary
In the morning, parents should leave their children at the entrance gate and should not enter the
school
7:35 - Students must be in their homerooms seated and ready to start.
After 7:35 parents should take any late children to the main office to collect a late slip.
2:15 Dismissal of students. Bus students make their way to the buses. Parents can collect grade 1
and 2 students from their homerooms and Grades 3-12 students from the foundation playground
only (via gate 4). Parents are only allowed to come to the foundation playground and not to
wander to other areas of the school. Parents must leave the school as soon as possible.
2:25 Buses will depart.
All gates will be open to drop children off in the mornings.
Foundation playgrounds will be supervised from 7:15 am.
The office must be informed if
1. A Bus student is not going by bus
2. A parent is unable to collect their child
3. A different person will be coming to collect your child
Staff on duty will remain with the students until 2:40pm. After 2:40pm, students are left in the
care of the school guard.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and ACADEMIC SUPPORT CLASSES
Sports and activities in a school enable students to build a different kind of relationship with staff
and fellow students. They learn the meaning of teamwork, and develop a sense of camaraderie.
Students can take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities which are organized outside of the
normal school day. These will usually run as eight, one hour sessions over the course of 4 weeks.
The list of available activities is available on the school website. Each activity will generally need at
least eight students to sign up for the activity to run.International Academy Kuwait Page 18
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Please note: It is the responsibility of each parent to ensure that their child is collected after the
club has finished. School transport will not be available at this time.
EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
School trips are used as a powerful way of consolidating and extending students’ learning. Trips
are planned throughout the school year to correspond with topics being taught across all areas of
the curriculum. We are hopeful that each student should be able to go on at least two trips per
academic year.
Parents will be notified about any trip well in advance. No student will be permitted to go on any
trip if they have not returned the permission slip and trip monies as requested by the due date.
Unless otherwise notified, all trips will require the full school uniform to be worn. Students who
do not comply will not be allowed to go on the trip.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
All students seeking entry to the International Academy of Kuwait must sit an entrance test. For
students in Foundation Years this will be oral, KS1 a mixture of oral and written, and for KS2, KS3
and KS4 a written test in Mathematics and English, KS5 entry will be based on IGCSE examination
results and student behaviour. Students who do not meet an acceptable standard will be denied
entry to the school.
Information regarding testing can be collected from the registrar. Once a year group is full, then
no further testing for that year will take place.
FORM TUTOR
A Form Tutor’s role is central in both caring for students and, crucially, monitoring their progress
both academically and socially, encouraging involvement, commitment, and high standards of
work and behaviour. The Form Tutor is active in looking after the interests of the “whole child”.
Students are motivated by their form tutor to succeed in all aspects of school life, as well as keep
students informed of the School’s expectations with respect to conduct, attitude towards their
studies, personal appearance, punctuality, trustworthiness and their care and concern for others.
Form Tutors take considerable responsibility for preparing students to be valuable and valued
members of the community.
GRADUATION (for Year 11)
There are four possible categories of graduation:
1. Graduate with distinction
2. Graduate with merit
3. Graduate with a pass
4. Failure to Graduate
Students will be assessed against the following criteria.
Attendance – has the student attended school regularly and promptly?
Participation – has the student made a contribution to the wider IAK community? e.g.
Participation in Sports Day and involvement in school events.International Academy Kuwait Page 19
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Academic performance – has the student worked sufficiently hard at their academic
studies to reach or exceed expectations?
The calculation criteria with weightings for 2013-2014 will be explained to year 11 at the start of
the academic year.
HOMEWORK
Homework plays an important part in the academic success of a student. Students need to get
used to the idea that learning takes place in places other than the classroom, that preparation
outside class times forms part of their educational experience, that learning is something to be
shared with parents and family, and that the development of good study habits leads to later
success.
For Foundation years students we ask parents to spend some time with their child by reading
to them on a daily basis.
Key Stage 1 children also need to be read to but will also have small amounts of homework to
be completed each week.
in Key Stage 2 the amount of and variety of homework will increase through the key stage as
children become independent learners.
By the time they reach Key Stage 3 they will have a variety of activities for homework, they will
be expected to spend an hour or more on homework each evening and must meet deadlines
for submission.
Key Stage 4 and 5 students who are studying for IGCSE and AS Level courses will have more
homework, it will be more structured, and they will be expected to spend up to two hours an
evening working.
HOUSE SYSTEM AND STUDENT COUNCIL
The school has four houses (Black, Green, White, Red), representing the four colours of the
Kuwaiti flag. Students are placed in houses during the first two weeks of the academic year. The
students remain in this House for the time they are enrolled at the school. Each House has an
elected House Captain and Assistant House Captain. House points are awarded through
competitions, student merit awards, special functions and achievement across the three areas of
academics, sport and culture. The House Trophy is presented at the final assembly in Term Three.
An aggregate table will be on display at all times for students to monitor the progress of their
House.
The Head Boy and Girl for both Primary and Secondary as well as student representatives will be
elected at the end of September. The Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Head of Primary will manage
the process
LOCKERS
A limited number of lockers are available for secondary students at 10 KD per academic year
Lost keys will be charged at 5KD each. Payment must be made to the school accountant.
MOBILE PHONES/MP3 PLAYERS/IPods/ELECTRONIC GAMES
As per the Ministry directive, staff will be expected to confiscate all mobile phones, MP3 players
and IPods seen with students. They are to be handed into the Dean for the appropriate year level.
Phones are returned after 1 week for a first offence and can only be collected in the presence of
the owner’s parents, for a second offence these items will be returned at the end of the school
term.International Academy Kuwait Page 20
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
NEWSLETTERS
Regular newsletters will be distributed from various sections of the school. Parents are expected
to read all newsletters. If your child is absent when a newsletter is given out, a copy will be kept to
give to them on their return. Where a reply slip is attached to a newsletter parents are asked to
reply as soon as possible. A copy of the newsletter can be requested from the school office.
NURSE
Sick or injured students will be sent to the school nurse. During lessons students may ask for
permission to go to the nurse from the teacher and they will be issued with an Exit Pass to leave
the room. At the discretion of the teacher another student may escort the sick student to the
Nurse. At break times students may go directly to the nurse. Students may not go to the nurse’s
room for any reason other than to consult her on a personal medical matter or because of an
injury.
The school nurse decides whether a child should be sent home or should stay in the Sick Room.
The nurse also makes the decision as to whether the parents are notified to collect students.
No students will be given permission to phone home asking to be collected from school because
they are feeling unwell without having visited the nurse.
Please note: It is vital that you ensure that the Medical/Health Card is correct and up to date to
ensure that the school nurse is able to administer the correct medication to your child, if this
should be necessary.
It is also important that your emergency contact details are with us and are updated whenever
necessary.
OPEN DAYS
All parents are invited to an open day to get to know their new teachers informally and discuss
curriculum issues or personal concerns about their children.
For this academic year:
Foundation open day: 18th September 4pm-6pm
Primary open day: 19th September 4pm-6pm
Secondary open day: 20th September 4pm-6pm
PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS
There are three Parent Teacher meetings one in January after the issuing of Term 1 Student
Reports and the other two in November and April, after issuing Interim Reports. The dates are:
For this academic year:
4
th
November
23rd
January
11th
April
Parent Interviews are from 8am – 3:30 pm on these three days and they are student free days.
These meetings are consultations about the progress of students and should identify academic
and behavior concerns.
PASTORAL CARE
Central to all that we do at IAK is the belief that each of our students should feel individually
listened to and valued if they are to thrive.International Academy Kuwait Page 21
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
In Foundation Years it is the class teacher and classroom assistant who take primary responsibility
for the care of the children in their class. They are assisted by a Head of Foundation.
In years 1 to 6, the class teacher (in year 1, the classroom assistant also) are the primary
caretakers of the children in their class. There is also a Dean of students at each year level who is
responsible for coordinating the pastoral care. Ultimate responsibility rests with the Head of
Primary.
In years 7-12, Form tutors are the ’front line’ of the pastoral provision, they meet their students
daily. There is also a Dean of Students for each year level to support the more serious needs of the
students. The Assistant Head (Pastoral) will act as Head Dean, co-ordinating the team of Deans
and will oversee the pastoral care of all students from Year 5 to 12.
We like to promote a relaxed atmosphere amongst staff and students in the school, but at the
same time we expect students to maintain high standards and expectations. Lapses are responded
to with a variety of sanctions. Where a student is for some reason unwilling or unable to meet
these standards then the parents will be contacted.
PRIVATE LESSONS /TUTORING
Teachers are not permitted to conduct private lessons to any student enrolled at IAK, if they do
they are in breach of their contract. Please do not ask for private lessons of any teacher at the
school. You may approach the Heads of Primary and Secondary who may help you with securing
ministry approved extra-curricular tuition with our staff as an after school club at school.
RECEPTION PHONE
Students are not allowed to use the phone at reception unless they have permission from a
member of the office staff.
RE-ENROLMENT (for current IAK students)
All fees must be fully paid and a re-enrollment deposit paid to secure a place for the next
academic year. Please make sure you re-enroll as early as possible, as the school is a very popular
choice for parents and spaces are extremely limited. This will also help in planning and organising
the school for the following academic year. The school will inform parents, during the second
term when registration will open for non-IAK students. This could potentially mean that current
students will lose their place at the school if parents do not re-enroll children early enough.
REGISTRATION (for new IAK students)
If you wish to register your child at IAK, you will need to consult with the Registrar initially who
will arrange an entry examination and discuss which documents are required. Once all formalities
have been completed, documents submitted and the deposit paid, then a place is guaranteed.
Registration opens in February of the year of entry and will close as soon as the school is full or
until the end of August. Where we have places then transfers can be made until 30 October.
Students coming to Kuwait from overseas can be accepted at any time.
Year 12 registration:
Registration into year 12 is not an automatic process for IAK students. They must apply for entry
into year 12 and will be in competition with students from other schools. Students can expect
entry into year 12 only if they achieve:
5 A*- C IGCSE grades with at least B grades in the subjects they wish to study and International Academy Kuwait Page 22
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
only if they have demonstrated impeccable behaviour during their previous years at IAK or
at other schools.
Our year 12 students are role models for the rest of the school and we will only accept a relatively
small number of high quality students into year 12. Application forms are available from the
registrar.
SCHOOL FEES
The school Fees for the Academic year 2013-2014 are as follows
An extra payment of KD 50 is required for books, Educational resources and supplies
Bus fees:
In accordance with Ministry regulations, please note the deadlines for payment of fees for KG – Yr 11:
Payment 1: 1st September
Payment 2: 1st January
Payment 3: 1st April
Year School Fees
1
st
Installment
2
nd
Installment
3
rd
Installment
Due 01/09/2013 Due 01/01/2014 Due 01/04/2014
KG 1,036 350 350 336
REC 1,204 405 405 394
YR 1 1,649 550 550 549
YR 2 1,649 550 550 549
YR 3 1,649 550 550 549
YR 4 1,649 550 550 549
YR 5 1,649 550 550 549
YR 6 1,893 635 635 623
YR 7 1,893 635 635 623
YR 8 1,893 635 635 623
YR 9 2,371 795 795 781
YR10 2,371 795 795 781
YR11 2,371 795 795 781
YR12
School Fees 1
st
Installment 2
nd
Installment
Due 01/09/2013 Due 01/02/2014
3,050 2000 1050
Short Long
One Way KD 180 KD 205
Two Way KD 240 KD 270International Academy Kuwait Page 23
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Cancellation of registration or withdrawal during the school year:
Application for withdrawals or cancellation during the school year should be made in writing at
least 15 days before the date of leaving.
If a student withdraws or cancels during a term, the fees for the full term must be paid.
A transfer certificate will be issued only after all fees have been paid and all books and equipment
have been returned.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
All students at IAK are expected to wear the correct school uniform during the school day and on
journeys, events or visits arranged by the school. The school stresses the importance of wearing
the uniform tidily and correctly. It is hoped that students will take pride in wearing the uniform
and remember that when in uniform especially they are viewed as ambassadors for the school at
large.
Students may wear P.E. kit to school only on days when their class has P.E., however black shoes
or black trainers should be worn to and from school. Students who are not in the correct school
uniform will have parents contacted to deliver the correct school uniform or students will be sent
home to change into the correct uniform. In extreme cases where a child continues to disobey the
uniform rules they will be sent home and told not to return until they comply. All uniform clothing
items are available in the school shop.
White plain monogramed official school shirt with blue collar
Plain navy blue or black cardigan, pullover or jacket may be worn on cold days. (no stripes
or writing)
Navy blue uniform trousers (not tight fitting)
Plain flat black shoes (no stripes, no other colours, no mules, sandals or platforms)
P.E.
Blue uniform polo shirt
Navy blue uniform trousers
Plain black or white trainers (no colours or stripes)
Hijabs worn to school should be plain white and neatly pinned, or of a design that does not need
constant adjustment.
No Jewellery may be worn to school, except a watch or a pair of stud ear-rings for girls. Other
items will be confiscated.
Nail polish and make-up is not permitted.
Girl’s hair should be plaited, tied back or packed and must be kept tidy at all times with no colour
added.
Boy’s hair must be neat and tidy and cut off the collar.
All articles of clothing need to be marked clearly with the owner’s name. Each student at the
International Academy of Kuwait is responsible for his or her own property. The school does not
accept any responsibility for loss or damage.International Academy Kuwait Page 24
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
SMOKING
The school is a non-smoking campus.
WALK HOME PASSES
Students who complete the permission form to walk home may leave the school without adult
supervision. The forms require a passport photo and a parent signature, then the Head of Primary
or the Head of Secondary will decide whether to issue a pass or not. In general, students in grade
4 or below should not be walking home alone.
WET WEATHER / SAND STORM PROCEDURES
In the case of any weather emergency the students will be kept in the classrooms for their safety
unless otherwise notified by the Administration, all outside activities will be cancelled until the
weather has cleared.
If the situation occurs at the end of the day the students will be dismissed from class and move
straight down to the buses and the gated area, or to the Hall if the need arises and wait to be
collected.
YEAR 12 GATE PASSES
These are issued to Year 12 students allowing them to leave the school grounds to go home or
visit the Bacala when they have no scheduled class. For any infringement of the school rules, this
privilege will be withdrawn.
YEAR 12 COMMON ROOM
One room for boys and one for girls will be allocated and managed by the Assistant Head
(Pastoral). Girls are not allowed to enter the boy’s room and boys are not allowed to enter the
girl’s room. Year 12 students must use their room when they are not scheduled for a class.
Appropriate procedures for the use of these rooms are published and no student of any other
year level is permitted to be in the room.
CONCLUSION
We thank you for your interest in the International Academy of Kuwait. Our commitment to
providing a first-class education for your sons and daughters is very real. We believe that students
who elect to attend IAK deserve the best possible and that by attending this school they will be
well prepared to take their place in society, making a meaningful and fulfilling contribution.
Should you have any questions or concerns then please feel free to contact the school.International Academy Kuwait Page 25
Parent Information Handbook
2013 - 2014
Agreement:
I have carefully read the International Academy of Kuwait Parent Information Handbook and I
understand all academic and discipline policies contained therein. I will do my best to comply with
the expectations laid out in this document.
Last updated: March 17
th 2013
International Academy of Kuwait
مـــــــدرســـــــة األكـــــــــاديمية الـــدوليـــــة
Name of Student: _____________________________________________
Account Number: ______________________
Class / Year: __________________________
Name of Parent: ______________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________
Parent mobile phone number for SMS: ______________________
Date: __________________
