Abu Mousa Al Ashaari Private School

Abu Mousa Al Asha’ari Private School was established in Bani Yas in 1985 by the present proprietor as a centre for the learning of the Holy Qu’ran. The school was founded in 1990 to offer an educational programme from Kindergarten (KG) to Grade 5 and the school aims to provide an attractive learning environment and an excellent educational system to attract children facing the challenges of leading the future. The current principal has been in post since 2010 and a vice‐principal was appointed in September 2013. During the past academic year, subject co‐ ordinators for the core subjects have also been appointed from within the staff.

There are 517 students in total, of which 291 are boys, and 226 are girls. 71 students are in the KG, and 446 are in Grades 1 to 5. All students are Muslim, have a common Arabic heritage and represent 19 nationalities, of which 3.5% are Emirati. Other students originate mainly from Yemen (35%), Syria (21%), Sudan (14%) and Egypt (10%). Students’ families live and work mostly within the school locality. Students are admitted after a meeting with the principal. No baseline or diagnostic assessments are carried out before entry as the school is non‐selective. Diagnostic tests on the core subjects are administered during the school year when students enter the school from other areas. There are currently 3 students identified as having special educational needs (SEN) and 20% are deemed to be gifted and talented.

Summary of ADEK Inspection

• The overall performance of the school is weak. In summer 2016, the school reorganised with the appointment of an acting principal and a 65% turnover of staff. The principal has begun to make an impact on aspects of the school but not enough has been done to prepare students well for their future education. Achievement is acceptable in Arabic and Islamic education but weak in all other subjects. Students have an acceptable understanding of UAE culture and Islamic values and a greater number are attending school regularly. Teaching is weak and is still centred too much on textbooks and worksheets. The school has few strategies and activities to encourage independence, innovation, investigation and critical-thinking skills. Assessment is not used well enough to ensure planned activities meet the needs of all children. The curriculum for the small number of children in the KG is very weak. Links with parents are acceptable. Students’ learning is not monitored sufficiently well in order to improve the quality of teaching. Resources are very limited. The school’s facilities are unsuitable.

• Progress made since last inspection and capacity to improve

School’s strengths

• Improved attainment and progress in Arabic since the last inspection
• Students’ understanding of UAE culture and Islamic values
• Positive relationships and improved communications with parents
• Improved attendance since the last inspection.