Each year there is a palpable buzz in the school environment in August, when children move up to the next Year Group and parents of Years 1 and 4 in the Primary Section and 8 and 9 in the Secondary Section, come to attend Orientation Meetings. Parents of all new admissions are also invited to these meetings.
Students of Years 8 and 9 attend orientation meetings with their parents, so that they too understand the demands of these critical years in school. An orientation session is also organised for Year 10 students; their parents don’t attend. Read below for details. These meetings are facilitated by the respective Headmistresses (HM) and faculty. Meetings begin with the recitation and translation of the Holy Quran, followed by important information about the academic year ahead and then the floor is open for Q&A.
Year 1 had theirorientation session for parents on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with new families and introduce them to our teaching approach and expectations. Key components of our methodology were highlighted and our core philosophy that all children can learn was emphasised. Our observation and assessment methods, as well as the daily routine that pupils will follow were shared with parents.
We also stressed the significance of parental responsibility in a child’s development and outlined our expectations for parental involvement at home. Clear communication channels were established and parents were encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Parents were told about our approach to education i.e. collaborative learning and teamwork which encourages the development of communication and social skills and problem-solving skills. We aim to extend this approach of collaborative learning and relationships to parents, our goal being to provide a supportive and engaging educational experience for all concerned.
The orientation programme ended with a Q&A session, giving parents the opportunity to clarify doubts and address concerns. This interactive segment enabled parents to engage with faculty, sparking discussions and providing clarity on school approaches, policies and expectations. The stage was set for a productive partnership between parents and educators, working together to support pupils’ growth and success.
Year 4 had theirorientation session on Saturday, August 16, 2025. This session was also attended by a few parents of new admissions to Year 5. The session was designed to guide parents through the significant transition from Year 3 to Year 4, highlighting the changes in expectations, learning approaches, and responsibilities that come with moving into the middle years of the Primary Section. Year 4 also marks an important academic milestone, as pupils appear for formal examinations for the first time.
Key highlights of the session included a focus on developing children as independent learners, preparing them with skills that extend beyond the classroom. The assessment system was introduced and explained, as this will be the first year in which pupils appear for formal examinations. Parents were also briefed on the importance of using Google Classroom as a key digital platform for sharing resources, assignments, and communication between home and school. Another important aspect shared was the REEDS approach (Revise Everything Every Day in School), which plays a central role in reinforcing learning since we follow a no-homework policy.
The HM also introduced the Mindful Me curriculum initiative, explaining the goals for the year, which focus on developing students’ socio-emotional awareness, resilience, and self-regulation skills. Parents warmly appreciated this initiative, acknowledging its importance in nurturing students’ overall well-being and personal growth.
The meeting concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where parents shared their queries and feedback. The orientation not only provided clarity about the academic year ahead but also reinforced the strong home–school partnership that remains central to students’ success.
Year 8 had theirorientation session on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The session aimed to outline the year’s academic framework, expectations and support systems to ensure a successful and productive school year.
Key points included an overview of ‘What Year 8 Entails’ in terms of assessment procedures, grading and promotion criteria, and question-paper specifications for both objective and subjective examinations.
A highlight of the session was the discussion on the role of parents in providing academic, social, and emotional support. The REEDS approach (Revise Everything Every Day Done in School) was introduced as an effective study habit, with emphasis on the parent’s role, comparison to traditional homework, and the impact of consistent practice.
The event concluded with the introduction of the Year 8 faculty and an interactive question and answer segment, ensuring that both students and parents were well prepared and motivated for the year ahead.
Year 9 had their Orientation meeting on Friday, August 8, 2025. It brought together parents, students, and school leadership for an engaging and purposeful session. Year 9 teachers introduced themselves, setting a warm and collaborative tone for the year ahead.
The HM welcomed everyone, congratulated students on their promotion and reminded them of the importance of Year 9 and preparation for the AKU-EB SSC Part I exams. She encouraged them to aim high, stay focused from the start, and take ownership of their learning.
Parents were briefed on key academic matters, including assessments, preliminary exams, promotion criteria for school and AKU-EB, grading systems, and mark allocations. They were encouraged to support not only their children but also the school, while the students were reminded to make use of SEL resources and follow the REEDS (Revise Everything Every Day at School) approach, given the school’s no-homework policy.
A short, inspiring video sparked meaningful discussion among parents. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where the HM addressed thoughtful, wide-ranging questions with clarity and warmth, reassuring parents of the school’s commitment to their children’s success.
Year 10 students had their Orientation Meeting on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The HM congratulated them warmly on their excellent Year 9 results, expressed her delight, and encouraged them to sustain and improve their performance in the coming year.
The key points addressed included the significance of exams and assessments in measuring learning and preparing for future goals, clarity of assessment criteria to guide performance, and the importance of student responsibilities such as discipline, punctuality, and active participation.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, where students shared their thoughts and queries. The meeting concluded with encouragement to set clear academic goals and maintain consistent efforts throughout the year.