General

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The mission of Royal Britanniais to be the leading, culturally diverse and family -oriented international preschool with English as the medium language of instruction.

We inspire young learners to develop their intellect, creativity and character to become independent, adaptable, socially responsible and internationally minded citizens, by ensuring a dynamic, inquiry-driven education of the highest standard.

Beliefs

We believe that:

• Honesty, integrity and respect are essential for building trusting relationships.
• Each student is unique and has equal worth.
• All learners are responsible for their actions.
• Open-mindedness, empathy and compassion are essential for living in a diverse

community.

• Developing head, heart and hand is necessary to realise one’s potential.
• Leading a healthy and active lifestyle improves the quality of life.
• Expectations that are challenging lead to higher levels of performance and improve

results.

• Commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance lead to success.
• Education is a shared responsibility of students, family and school.
• Contributing positively to society and the environment is our shared responsibility.
• Our lives and the life of the community are enriched by diversity.
• Nurturing curiosity and creativity stimulates exploration and discovery throughout life.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The curriculum is considered to be the sum total of students’ experience at RB and therefore includes the academic and pastoral elements and extracurricular activities. The academic curriculum is based upon the EYFS Curriculum of England, which is modified to reflect the local context.  With the exception of Arabic Lessons, lessons are delivered in English. 

Students at Royal Britannia will experience an inquiry-driven approach to teaching and learning that is anchored to the EYFS curriculum of the UK. Concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action are the essential components of the EYFS. Knowledge is developed in an integrated, meaningful way through inquiries into six trans-disciplinary themes of global significance.

Our programme is aimed at providing learners with a challenging, interesting and appropriate curriculum which, in conjunction with all stakeholders, is continuously developed, implemented and revised. In addition, we are also involved in developing intellect, creativity and character to become independent, adaptable, socially responsible and internationally minded citizens. As a staff, we are to maintain high standards of excellence.

The curriculum of Royal Britannia is based on a clear set of aims which reflects its educational philosophy and enables students to:

• develop self-awareness, a positive self-image and confidence;
• take advantage of opportunities to develop their own talents and personalities in order to live as independent and self-motivated members of the community;
• develop lively enquiring minds, including the ability to question and argue rationally and to approach the solution of problems in an imaginative and methodical way;
• develop the skills necessary to work confidently and sensitively in collaboration with others;
• acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to adult life and employment in a fast-changing world;
• comprehend information and communicate effectively through the appropriate use of language, number and graphics;
• acquire an understanding of social, economic, political, scientific and technological issues, the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations;
• appreciate a variety of aesthetic, creative and imaginative forms and to express themselves creatively through a variety of media;
• promote their own good health and physical development;
• heighten their awareness and understanding of the environment and environmental issues, and to encourage a sense of personal responsibility for environmental stewardship on a local and global scale.

SCHOOL DAY

RB home room size is set at no more than 16 students per class, depending on the relevant department. RB does not discriminate against any student or family based on religion, culture, ability or race. Each student will be assessed prior to enrolment. The normal working week for staff is from Sunday to Thursday between 07.00 to 16:00. The normal school day for students is divided into 3 stages.

Standard School Day (07:45– 13:00)

The school day is from 07:45 until 13:00 with afternoon club until 15:30, except during the month of Ramadan when a revised timetable operates. Students may arrive from07:00. RB will not accept responsibility for students before 7:00. Parents leaving their children prior to this time do so at their own risk. Therefore, the school does not recommend this course of action. At 06:45 the entry gate will be opened to allow students access to the building.

Students arriving at 07:00 will be taken to the allocated classroom by the parents. There will be a nanny on duty during the time period between 07:00 and when the Home Room Teacher and Teacher Assistant return from morning briefing. The normal school day will start at 07:45.

Students arriving by bus will arrive in time for the 7:45 start. Should the bus be late, Home Room Teachers will be notified.

Students arriving after 08:00 are deemed late and this is to be recorded on the class register with an ‘L’ by the homeroom teacher. After a significant number of occurrences of lateness in any term the parents concerned will be invited to make an appointment with the Head Teacher to discuss the issue.

If a student is absent, they are to bring a letter or doctor’s/dentist’s note the first day back to show the class teacher and put on file. It is necessary to provide the school with details of absence for medical reasons, holidays, religious festivities and special occasions. If this is known in advance, please notify the class teacher by means of leaving a note in this journal before the leave of absence takes place. If a child is absent, this is to be recorded on the class register with an ‘A’ by the homeroom teacher.

Pupil Attendance

Class Teachers must complete the daily register form by 09:00 each morning and put it in the holder outside their door. The Administration Manager will collect these pages, log the attendance on the system and follow up with any students who are absent for two or more days.

Students absent during an academic year

When a student is absent from school, the following procedure should be followed:

• 1 day: the parents are contacted just to show our concern
• 3 unauthorised consecutive or occasional days: parents are contacted by telephone to elicit an explanation.  
• 12 unauthorised consecutive or occasional days: parents are contacted by telephone to warn of the dangers of approaching the fifteen day level.  The telephone calls shall be made by the Administration Manager. 
• 15 unauthorised consecutive or occasional days during an academic year: the Administration Manager will notify the parents by a registered letter and a copy shall be taken to the PED by the Messenger.  The letter shall point out that the number of days of absence has been reached which may result in the students being excluded from the school either during or at the end of an academic year or may result in the students not passing the year and being required to repeat it.
• 18 days a further registered letters is sent to the parents and PED
• 21 days a further registered letters is sent to the parents and PED
• 24 days a further registered letters is sent to the parents and PED. 

The cost of all registered letters sent, in connection with the student’s absence, shall be borne by the parent. All telephone calls and letters sent and received, with regard to absence, shall be logged by the Administration Manager.

End of Day Procedure

The standard school day finishes at 13:00 and those students who go home on the bus will be picked up from the homerooms by the bus chaperone at 12:55. All other students will have directed play in their classrooms.

At 13:00 those students who have not enrolled for the extended day will be picked up by their parents and should be identified by their Civil ID card. It is advised that the parents start arriving at 12:50 to pick up their children. No parent may collect from the classroom. Parents are to report to the Reception area where the staff member on duty will call the homeroom teacher advising which student/s to send down with their bags to go home.

The second bus will depart at 15:15 for the extended day students. The bus chaperone will collect the students at 15:10 to take them to the bus in order to depart on time.

Standard Day Late Pickups

Students who have not been picked up by 13:15 should be taken to the area where all the Extended Day students meet before the activities for the afternoon start. The names of the students will be added to the extended day register. Parents will have to sign their child out upon collection and receive a note advising that they have collected late. Any child collected after 13:15 will be charged KD2 per 5 minutes late. The Administration Manager will then inform the Registrar who will generate an invoice for late fees, and this will be sent at the end of every week.  After three such occurrences, in any term, the parents concerned will be invited to make an appointment with the Head Teacher to discuss the issue. 

Extended Day (07:45 - 15:15)

Extended school starts at 13:15 for those students who have been enrolled. Teachers and Teaching Assistants will work through this programme with a prescribed curriculum.

It is the responsibility of all our parents to pick up students on time.  Students not collected by 15:30 will be recorded as being collected late by the staff member on duty and will be forwarded to the Administration Manager at the end of the school day (16.00) who will inform the Registrar who will generate an invoice for late fees.  After three such occurrences in any term the parents concerned will be invited to make an appointment with the Head Teacher to discuss the issue. 

In order to ensure the smooth dropping off and picking up of students by cars, parents must park in the school car parks.  Parents must not drop off or pick up students on the main road in front of the school as this congests the road and could lead to accidents, and it is inconsiderate to other road users.  Parents must not park in No Parking areas and roads, and access ways should be left uncongested. If parents find difficulty in following the procedures set out above, particularly the timings, they are invited to enquire about the excellent transport service provided at an extremely reasonable fee.

Early departures/ Absence - Students

Parents should inform the school if their child/childrenare to leave school early. The Administration Manager will inform teachers. If the school is informed why a student is absent this information will be passed onto the teacher.

First Day of School

All staff are to report for a quick morning briefing at 6:45 on the first day of school. All homeroom teachers and teacher assistants are to then be in their classrooms by 07:00 to greet students and parents. The Head Teacher will be at the gate to welcome the new students into the school. The Nurse and all non-class teachers are in the Reception Area and around the school to help guide parents and pupils to their classes. Homeroom teachers and teaching assistants are based in classrooms with a copy of their class lists.

If a student is not on a class list, the parent should be directed to the Administration Manager/Reception to obtain clearance to start school.  No teacher should admit a student to a class who is either not on the class list or without a note from the Head Teacher.

The first week of school the school timings will be as follows:

• Students: 07:45 – 11:00
• Teaching Staff: 07:00 – 13:00
• Administration and SMT: 07:00 – 14:00 (provided ALL students have left)

Please note that the first week refers to the few days before the first weekend takes place. Therefore, if school starts on a Tuesday, the above timings will be for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of that week. Normal school hours and staff hours will resume the Sunday of the second week in Term 1.

Major Event Days/Magic Carpet Event Days

On the school day/s that a major event or a Magic Carpet event is taking place, school will close for all students at 13:00. There will be no Extended Day option on this day. All teaching staff members may leave at 14:00. All administration staff may leave at 14:30. This provides the time to clear up and organise what needs to be done in preparation for the next school day.

End of Term Days

RB has 5 term breaks. The day that marks the end of each term, school will close for all students at 12:00. There will be no Extended Day option on this day. All teaching staff members may leave at 14:00. All administration staff may leave at 14:30. This provides the time for staff meetings to take place and/or preparation for the new term to take place.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips which supplement and extend students learning are encouraged, and a minimum of one trip per term is expected. Field trips are encouraged as long as they are educational and are shown to be appropriate to the scheme of work and specified therein.  Such visits should usually involve all students in a group/subject.

Field trip suggestions are to be submitted to the Head Teacher; she will then work with the Administration Manager to arrange. Parental permission for student’s participation is required. When costing a trip please ensure that you work on a figure of 75% of your class attending otherwise expenses can increase when budgeting on entire class attending and some students do not attend. It is easier to reimburse money to parents than to ask for more. All trips wherever possible should have a risk assessment completed prior to the trip.

For each visit that takes place, the students’ parents will be issued with a letter outlining all relevant details of the visit.  These will include the location and purpose of the visit, travel information, students attire, any health and safety related information, and specific details of food and drink arrangements.  At the foot of the letter will be a permission slip, which must include the standard legal disclaimer text.  All school trips will require the completion of a risk assessment.

The letter must be signed by a parent giving approval for their student to participate in the planned trip.  The slip must be returned to the teacher in charge by a specified date before the trip occurs. The teacher in charge should send down the reply slips and money to the Administration Manager daily. The Administration Manager will file all reply slips securely for the remainder of the academic year, after which they may be discarded.

Supervision

On local trips the ratio of teachers to students must be at least 1:10. In RB, groups go with one teacher and TA per class. Maids also accompany reception students on trips.

The teacher in charge must arrange and hold a meeting of all supervising staff at least one week prior to the trip in order to ensure that all supervising colleagues understand their respective roles. Parents may not be invited to join a visit to help with supervision.

The Administration Manager files all Trip forms and maintains records of all out-of-school visits, including supervision arrangements. This data may be used to improve the school’s provision.

SCHOOL BUS

The school operates a school bus and provides a service in the morning, and after school. The morning routine ensures all students are at school by 07:45 for the start of the day. The first after school bus departs at 13:00 and the second after school bus departs at 15:15.

School bus rules

1. Students must wear seat belts.
2. Students must remain seated throughout the journey.
3. Loud noises may distract the driver.
4. Be on time for the bus.
5. Respect and obey the bus driver and monitor.
6. No food or gum is to be eaten on the bus and no drinking on the bus by staff and students.

SCHOOL RULES

The school has a few basic rules that apply to all students at all times.

1. Speak English in class except in Arabic class
2. Move quietly and safely on school premises
3. Be polite to everyone
4. Look after your belongings, school property and items which belong to other people
5. No food/sweets/toys and electronic devices (mobiles/ipads) allowed at school
6. Don’t hurt anyone
7. Work hard and do your best

ASSEMBLY

Assemblies are held once a week whereall classes meet to share the week’s activities and offer opportunities for students to demonstrate and show off their skills. Once a term each class is expected to hold a Parent Assembly to which parents are invited so that the students can showcase what they have learnt. An assembly roster is compiled by the Head Teacher and handed to each teacher at the beginning of term.

During assemblies, students who have made significant progress, have contributed to the well-being of the class or have been outstanding in any way will be recognised. Additionally, children who have had birthdays that week will also be recognised. Certificates are to be prepared beforehand.

EATING BREAKS/OUTDOOR PLAY

Students are not allowed to remain in the buildings without staff supervision.  When eating, students should be in the allocated eating rooms. When engaged in outdoor play, students should be in the main garden area. The gates leading onto the road and surrounding area should be kept closed to ensure safety. The Head Teacher will decide if an indoor play is necessary. If students cannot go outside due to wet or hot weather, they may use the gym area if not occupied or remain in their home room classes.

Break and outdoor equipment rules

Students should slide down slides, not climb up. Equipment should be returned to the storage containers or storage areas at the end of the outdoor play sessions. Pupils are expected to look after the equipment allocated to the playground. Staff observing too rough play with equipment should deal with the issue as they see it.

BREAKFAST/SNACKS

Parents are NOT to provide their child/children with a snack unless arranged and approved by the Head Teacher. RB provides all food inclusive of the fees. All students should bring a water bottle; students are to drink water throughout the school day. Students are to eat breakfast/snack in the allocated eating rooms. Please ensure that students wash hands before going to eat. Teachers and teaching assistants should oversee the students during the lunch period, ensuring that correct table manners are used and encourage students to eat a reasonable amount and to try all food on their plate.

LUNCH

Parents are NOT to provide their child/children with a packed lunch unless arranged and approved by the Head Teacher. Students eat lunch in the allocated eating rooms. Please ensure that students wash hands before going to eat. Teachers and teaching assistants should oversee the students during the lunch period, ensuring that correct table manners are used and encourage students to eat a reasonable amount and to try all food on their plate.

UNIFORM

Students are expected to wear correct school uniform. All teachers have the responsibility to ensure full co-operation. Class Teachers should follow up by contacting parents when students are not correctly dressed.

School Uniform Outline: Boys and Girls

TOPS

Marks & Spencer

3 Pack Unisex Pure Cotton Polo Shirts

Blue ONLY

BOTTOMS

WINTER

SOCKS

SHOES

JEWELLERY

Girls may wear stud earrings. No bangles or necklaces.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found items are stored in a box in the medical room. Please help students to check there if an item is lost. Homeroom Teachers are responsible for encouraging and promoting the labelling of school uniform and personal belongings.

BUS DUTY

Students who travel by bus will be collected from their classrooms by the chaperone who will supervise the students onto and off the bus.

PROCEDURES

Accidents/First Aid

First Aid kits are located in the health clinic and one on each floor. There is a school nurse who is on duty at the school daily. If an accident occurs, please deal with the situation, call the nurse and inform the Head Teacher. In case any child gets injured during school time ensure you complete an Accident/Injury Report with the Nurse and send it home to the parents for signature. The report should be filed in the child’s medical file. Do not panic in the matters of emergency, if you remain calm, the child remains calm.

Medical

It is a requirement of the Government of Kuwait that all students submit a full immunisation record, the Kuwait Government Medical Card, and a completed health questionnaire, to the school. When a student is absent for more than three days the school nurse will request a medical certificate from the parents which will be placed on the students’ health file.

Students with a communicable condition

Where the students show signs of a communicable condition such as head lice, chicken pox or conjunctivitis, he should be sent to the nurse.  students with a communicable condition will be sent home and not allowed back into the school until the required amount of time of isolation for that condition has expired.  Students must be assessed by the nurse before they can return to class.

Students taking medication at school

Students requiring medication at school should have the medication kept at the medical room.  The nurse will supervise the timing and administration of the prescribed dose.  Exceptions to this guideline may include “as needed” medications such as Ventolin inhalers for Asthma.

Medicine at School

Medication at RB can only be administered by a registered nurse holding a MOH Kuwait license. Exceptions are allowed only in emergencies when any staff can administer rescue medications provided the staff is trained and parental consent is secured. Medications available at RBK clinic are consistent with the list of approved medications by the School Health Department at MOH Kuwait.

Medication can be administered at school only with prior written consent by parent/guardian. A consent form for medication administration at school is required to be signed by parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year. Any medication administered at school shall be recorded in the clinic records and a note sent to the parents with the name of the medicine, dose and time of administration.

Medication sent from home, to be given at school, must be accompanied by a note (preferably a doctor’s note) indicating the name and class of student, name of medicine, dose and time of administration. Medication should not be put in the children’s backpack and handled by children at any time but sent with the adult dropping the child off or the accompanying adult on the bus. Any remaining medication will be sent back home the same day, handed over to the adult who picks up the child or the accompanying adult on the bus.

Emergency medications brought by parents/guardians for chronic conditions (Ventolin inhaler, insulin, EpiPen etc.) should be accompanied by a doctor’s note with clear instructions for administration. These medications shall be kept in the clinic and administered by any trained staff in case of an emergency.

Medical Emergencies Procedure

In case of a medical emergency within the school premises, the following procedure shall be followed: 

• Subject is kept in the same position at same location, unless any of the two or both are unsafe
• First person at the scene will shout for help and call/ask someone to call the nurse immediately
• In the case where the subject is unresponsive with no obvious breathing and pulse the first responder (if trained) shall start and continue doing CPR until help arrives, then assist with CPR as needed.  The nurse will call emergency services as needed.
• In the case where the subject is responsive the nurse shall assess the situation, provide any first aid and call 112 if necessary
• The family of the subject should be informed immediately
• A school representative shall accompany the subject to the hospital
• The nurse shall be in touch with the school representative and the family

Procedures in various medical cases

Medical incidents or accidental injuries where the subject is conscious

• If the subject is choking but able to breath and cough do not intervene, do not pat the subject on the back. Call the nurse if the subject stops coughing and can’t take air in.
• If the subject is choking and not able to breath and/or talk call the nurse immediately. Perform Heimlich manoeuvre if trained.  Remain with the subject as they will lose consciousness and will need to be helped as they fall.
• If the subject has a small open wound that is either bleeding or not, refer the subject to the nurse’s clinic.
• If the subject has an open wound with major bleeding apply pressure directly to the wound, around the wound, or on the heart side above or below the wound and call the nurse.  Elevate the affected body part where possible.
• If the subject may have a fracture or other musculoskeletal injury immobilise the limb and call the nurse.
• If the subject has fallen, and may have spinal damage do not move the subject and call the nurse.
• In case of head injury either call the nurse or take the subject to the nurse, but do not allow the subject to be alone.
• If the subject has difficulties breathing due to asthma, escort him to the clinic.
• If the subject is a diabetic and is exhibiting signs of low blood sugar (mild: hunger, warmness; Moderate: sweating, trembling, anxiety, high heart rate, a pounding heart, headache; Severe: dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hyperactive, bizarre, or psychotic behaviour)  give the subject juice or other source of sugar immediately and call the nurse.
• If the subject is having an allergic reaction characterised by a rapid onset of swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, help the subject to remain calm. If the subject carries an Epi-pen help him to administer it and call the nurse immediately.
• If the subject is showing signs of heat exhaustion, profuse sweating, increased pulse, complaints of weakness and nausea, move the subject to a cool area, administer cold water, remove excess clothing and call the nurse.  Subject should improve within 30 minutes.
• The nurse will communicate with parents and the administration and arrange for appropriate transportation to a medical facility as necessary.

 Medical incidents or accidental injuries where the subject is unconscious

In all cases where the subject is unconscious call the nurse immediately.  Have all students leave the area and arrange for another staff member to come to the scene.

• If the subject appears to be having a seizure, clear the area so that the subject cannot injure herself and protect the head.  Do not interfere in any other way until the seizure has stopped.
• If the subject is unconscious proceed with Primary Assessment (airway, breathing, circulation) and CPR as necessary.
• If the subject is unconscious and breathing check for serious bleeding, evidence of head or spinal injury, or any other possible cause of loss of consciousness.

Deaths

The death of a person with links to RB will fall into one of four categories:

• The death of a student, member of staff or visitor on-site
• The death of a student or member of staff during an off-site activity
• The death of a member of staff, out of work time, holding Company residency
• The death of a person (student, colleague, near-relative living in Kuwait or other person with strong links to the Company living in Kuwait) not holding Company residency

Confirmation of death

• The death of a person on-site should be confirmed by the relevant Head Teacher
• The death of a person on an off-site activity should be confirmed by the Head Teacher who will be in direct communication with the teacher in charge.
• On learning of the death of a person, other than mentioned above, the Head Teacher must consult the CEO to consider the method by which confirmation should be confirmed.  The methods may include:
  • A visit t the Kuwait home of the deceased
  • A phne call or email to the Kuwait home
  • A phne call or email to the home in the country of origin

On-site death

• The Head Teacher must be informed immediately
• The Head Teacher must arrange to contact the emergency services, police and ambulance
• The room/area in which the deceased is located is to be cleared of all persons except for an attending nurse
• The location must be isolated and a security guard positioned to restrict access to unauthorised personnel
• The Head Teacher must contact the CEO who, in turn, should contact the Company’s lawyers and seek legal advice.  Any immediate advice should be forwarded to the Head Teacher.
• The CEO or Assistant Head Teacher must contact the next-of-kin in Kuwait
• The Head Teacher must instruct security to bar access to any representative of the media
• The Head Teacher must contact reception and order that no information be released to the media
• A briefing should be held at the end of the school-day to inform staff of the current situation

Death during an off-site activity

• The teacher in charge must ensure the safety of the rest of the party
• The teacher in charge must inform the Head Teacher of the death as soon as possible
• The teacher in charge must contact the emergency services, police and ambulance
• The teacher in charge must not conduct any interviews with the media or member of the public
• The Head Teacher must contact the CEO to confirm intended procedures and inform the teacher in charge in how to proceed
• The Assistant Head Teacher / CEO must contact the next-of-kin in Kuwait.
• The Head Teacher must contact the Business Manager and order that no information be released to the media
• The CEO must be informed who, in turn, should contact the Company’s lawyers and seek legal advice.  Any immediate advice should be forwarded to the Head Teacher.
• In the event of the death occurring off-site but within Kuwait, the Head Teacher should attend the site as soon as possible and assist the emergency services as required
• If the death occurs during a school-day a briefing should be held at the end of the school-day to inform staff of the current situation and to insist that no colleague either contact a parent or give an interview to the media

Reporting of a death of a student

• In the event of the death of a student the Head Teacher will inform the Class Tutor
• The Head Teacher will inform the class of students and the parents of those students as appropriate
• The Head Teacher will inform all members of staff through briefing
• Business Manager is to be informed of an appropriate response in the event of enquiry by parents or the media

Condolences

• Notice of condolence of the death of a student will be placed in local newspapers.  Arabic and/or English press as appropriate.
• A standard letter will be delivered to the family by a senior member of staff.
• Senior members of staff will attend relevant condolence gatherings

Other considerations

• In the event of the death of a student with siblings attending the school, the Head Teacher should seek the advice of the parents with regard to appropriate counselling and approach.
• No member of staff should discuss issues related to the death or release information without the approval of the Head Teacher.  This includes information posted on social media.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE/EVACUATION

The emergency instructions must be posted in all rooms. Emergency drills, some announced, some unannounced, will be held throughout the year. All teachers and personnel should be familiar with exit routes and the location of fire equipment. Emergency exits must be kept clear of furniture, belongings etc. Class Teachers should ensure that all students in their class know the routines to be followed should there be an emergency.

Emergency Instructions teachers

• When alarm sounds, leave the building using the nearest exit as prescribed on the evacuation map.
• All people are required to leave the building.
• Do not take personal belongings.
• The Administration Manager is to bring class lists for roll call.
• On leaving the home room/office, turn off lights and close doors.
• Students should walk in a quiet, orderly manner.
• Students and teachers should assemble in Hyde Park or in the Mosque’s parking lot, depending on the emergency, in their class lines.
• After calling the emergency services the Administration Manager will bring the class registers to the evacuation point and hand them to the teachers.
• Teachers will take the register and inform the Head Teacher if all students are present. In the unlikely event someone is missing the designated fire marshals who checked the school will go back and see if they can locate the missing person.
• Teachers should use the register to check attendance and inform the Head Teacher.
• Designated people should check the buildings and report back to the Head Teacher who will be in the grassy area with the students and other staff.
• No one may enter the buildings until the all clear is given.
• Once the all clear is given, the Head Teacher will allow classes to move back into the school one class at a time.
• Students will move in an orderly fashion.

Emergency Instructions Admin Staff

• When alarm sounds, leave the building using the nearest exit as prescribed on the evacuation map.
• All people are required to leave the building.
• Do not take personal belongings.
• On leaving the home room/office, turn off lights and close doors.
• Staff should assemble in Hyde Park or in the Mosque’s parking lot, depending on the emergency.
• Staff are to wait for Administration Manager to take register and report to Head Teacher.
• Once all clear is given staff may move back to their work stations.

Preparation of site/contacting emergency services

• In the event of any emergency all gates along the school’s perimeter must be unlocked immediately, but not opened.  Movement through them should be free and unrestricted.  This will be the responsibility of the security guards.
• It must also be ensured that there is no further access to the school by the general public.  On completion of the task of unlocking the gates, the Security Guard will station himself at the front gate of the school.
• The Administration Manager on duty will notify the appropriate emergency service immediately, once the alarm has been sounded.  The school’s full name and address must be given as well as the nature of the emergency (if known).

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES:

Student Rewards and Sanctions

Class Teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of students in their class. Should discipline issues arise, the following outlines the steps which should occur:

• Step 1            The Homeroom Teacher deals with the problem by applying appropriate sanctions and withdrawal of privileges.
• Step 2            If further action is required, the Homeroom Teacher refers the matter to the Head Teacher. If necessary, parents are informed via a telephone call or letter.
• Step 3            The parents may be requested to attend a meeting with the Head Teacher.
• Step 4            In the unlikely event that the discipline issue does not resolve itself in spite of the above steps and/or the students engages in dangerous behaviour, he/she will be excluded from school for a predetermined number of days.
• Step 5            If this action does not have the desired affect the student may be expelled from the school.

Refer to Behaviour Policy in the Policy section of this handbook.

Time Out Policy

RB understands that children are to be disciplined when deemed necessary, however the way we deal with children effects the success or failure of the discipline method.

By no means may any teacher (homeroom teacher, Head Teacher or teacher assistant) send a child outside the classroom for time out. There are teacher assistants to come in and help out when you need. Therefore, if a situation arises where the homeroom teacher feels that a child needs to be isolated; the teacher assistant is to continue the lesson while the class teacher takes the student to the opposite side of the classroom for time out.

Time out should not be more than 5 minutes. The class teacher is to sit with the student during time out discussing why this form of punishment has taken place.

Discuss:

Suitable behaviour

Consequences to actions

Research has shown that the length of the time out should be a minute for each year of their age. Never use the words naughty or bad, a child is not naughty or bad, their behaviour was just not suitable.

You could have calm down activities if you wish. We are to also use a time out chart so that the student can visibly see the amount of time out sessions per term. This should be used to emphasize the amount of fun and learning that they are missing out on.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

Parent queries

The Head Teacher and/or Administration  Manager will respond to parental queries about general school issues (timing of an event, confirmation of a detail) and to pass a message on to a Homeroom Teacher if need be.  If the duty member of staff is unsure of the response they should not attempt to respond, but should take the name of the parent and pass the message on to the appropriate person who will respond.

Communication – Parent Initiated

Communication is a vital and intrinsic part of ensuring our parents are happy and supportive of the programmes we run at RB. As such it is imperative that we have a clear procedure.

Examples of issues to be referred to the Homeroom Teacher

• Requests for information on academic progress
• Requests for information on general welfare
• Requests for information on schemes of work

In this instance, an appointment should be made for the parent to see the teacher at a time that the teacher has set aside for the purpose.  Following the meeting, the PTC (Parent Teacher Consultation) form should be emailed to the Head Teacher detailing all that was discussed.

Examples of issues to be referred to the Head Teacher

• Requests to withdraw a student
• Requests to move a student from one class to another
• Concerns relating to any member of staff
• Curricular concerns 

Informal contact with parent

There will be many times when informal contact is made between a homeroom or assistant teacher and a parent.  This is likely to occur before and after lesson times when the parents deliver or pick up their students.   In order to avoid mixed messages being given to parents, no formal contact should be made with a parent without the prior knowledge of

the Head Teacher.

Communication - School Initiated

All formal meetings between a member of the teaching staff and a parent must be logged by the RB member. The Parent Teacher Consultation (PTC) report copy given to the Head Teacher by the end of the day in which the meeting took place. The PTC report must be signed by the parent at the end of the meeting.  If a parent fails to attend a meeting this shall be recorded on the PTC report. 

High Risk students

In order to secure the legal position of the school with regard to any disputes that may arise with parents and/or ministries regarding students or any other matters, it is necessary to follow very clear procedures.

Certain students and parents shall be identified as high risk in this regard.  Strict criteria

shall be observed for the application of high risk status.  The criteria are:

• Students who are constantly a concern for behavioural or disciplinary issues
• Students, and their parents, identified as being high risk by the agreement of the Head Teacher and the Class Teacher.  This category will include students injured at school, assaulted by another student, or facing non-renewal of registration and parents known for having a confrontational manner.
• Students and their parents identified by the Registrar as having serious or repeated fee arrears.

Once a student and his or parent/s has been identified as being high risk they shall retain that category until a decision to make a change is agreed by the Head Teacher and Registrar. Any meeting between a high-risk parent or students and any member of staff must be witnessed by one male or two female witnesses and minuted in the PTC report.   Informal meetings must not take place including any that are likely to occur in the school courtyards or off school premises. Letters to a high-risk parent shall be delivered by registered mail, the cost of which shall be borne by the parent.

Letters, telephone calls and copies of emails to and from a high-risk parent must be logged.

Parent Teacher Consultations/Meetings

Formal Parent Teacher Consultations occur once a term.  Additional meetings with parents may take place at any time throughout the year by appointment at the request of a parent or teacher. If you wish to meet a parent, please ask reception to make an appointment or telephone the parent directly. Teachers should be thoroughly prepared for meetings. If translation is required, advise parents to bring a relative or set up an appointment with the Administration Manager to be present.

Parent Handbook

Please make sure you are familiar with the Parent Handbook. This handbook is to be emailed to all Parents, in PDF format, before the start of an Academic Year.

CLASSROOM MATTERS

Air Conditioners

The temperature of the air conditioners is at the discretion of the homeroom teacher however we should be sensitive to the needs of the students. The temperature should not be lower than 23 degrees Celsius.

Home Room Appearance

The general appearance of a home room and its immediate outside area is the responsibility of the homeroom teacher together with the teaching assistant. Home rooms and areas outside should be monitored and kept clean and tidy. Students should be encouraged to take pride in their environment. Teachers are responsible for maintaining attractive, neat and current displays in their rooms. The corridors should also be used to showcase students work. Displays should be well presented and all with students’ work clearly labelled.

All classrooms should have the following:

All labels should be printed and not handwritten.

All work on display should have the student’s name and the date of when it was done in the bottom right hand corner or on the back.

Home room rules

There are a number of school rules to which all students are expected to adhere. Individual teachers may establish additional home room rules if they wish and share these with students and parents at the beginning of the year. It is expected that students will have an understanding of the reasons behind the rules.

There are specific sanctions which all staff will need to follow and can be accessed under “Disciplinary Procedures”. The school rules are to:

1. Speak English in class except in Arabic class
2. Move quietly and safely on school premises
3. Be polite to everyone
4. Look after your belongings, school property and items which belong to other people
5. No food/sweets/toys and electronic devices (mobiles/ipads) allowed at school
6. Don’t hurt anyone
7. Work hard and do your best

Library

Each homeroom will contain its own library from which the students can access material to read and enjoy during school hours. Below are some guidelines for library use.

• Pupils in each class may take books home with them to share with their parents etc.
• Teachers need to ensure each book sent home is recorded on their Library records.
• Students should be encouraged to respect books and will be expected to pay for lost or damaged books. The minimum charge for regular books is KD5 and big books are

KD 9.

• If a student loses or damages a book the Registrar should be informed and they will generate a library fine which will need to be paid to the Registrar. The student may not take home anymore library books until the fine has been paid.
• All Library resources must be returned by the end of the first week of June.

Home Room Stationery

If staff need stationery they request it through the Head Teacher. Please adopt an environmentally friendly approach to supply use and encourage students to do the same.

Maintenance/Cleaning

For room and equipment repairs fill in a Maintenance request form. It is the responsibility of teachers and teaching assistants to ensure that the rooms and equipment are in a state of good repair. If specific cleaning is required, this can also be indicated on the maintenance request.

Display Boards

A rota for display boards around the school will be produced. Displays should be well presented and maintained as they are what students, parents and visitors notice. All displays should offer a title as well as an explanation of what the work has entailed and how it was produced. Wherever possible all displays should be interactive and labelled with the pupils’ names. Displays must be up by the third week of the beginning of each term and changed every term. Displays outside of the class must be double mounted whilst displays within the class need to be single mounted.

Display boards will also be used to display art work and school work related to an upcoming event to ensure the school is festive and theme appropriate.

CURRICULUM AND PLANNING MATTERS

Planning/ Records

Homeroom Teachers are to submit their weekly lessons plans the Thursday before the week is due. All lesson plans are to be labelled as follows:

YYYYMMDD – RB – INITIALS CLASS NAME T NUMBER W NUMBER

(T = TERM, W = WEEK)

Example: 20180528 – RB – TAW TULIPS T1 W1

This is then to be upload to the shared drive.

Staff will choose their own afternoon when they will undertake their planning for the following week. This flexibility ensures that staff may fit their planning around after school activities. The Head Teacher may direct a planning meeting to be set aside for additional meetings which may be class based or department based. In this incidence staff will be notified prior to the event. The home room assistant’s role is very important and must be acknowledged on the plans of whom they will work with and what their expected role will be.

Lesson plans are to include Learning Centre planning to ensure this time is adequately planned for.

Curriculum Documents

During the year, we will be writing and revising curriculum documents. Your co-operation and feedback during these processes will be greatly appreciated.

Curriculum Information for Parents

At the beginning of each term, homeroom teachers prepare a curriculum letter for parents to inform them of what their student will be covering during the term. This information includes details of specialist vocabulary, an outline of what will be covered in subject that term, ways in which parents may assist their student in the learning process, field trips, major projects etc. The letter should be given to the Head Teacher for approval before the first day of the term.

Curriculum Parent’s Information Day

The purpose is to inform parents of the curriculum and other general information. Homeroom Teachers prepare and present details of what will be covered during the year, the approaches that will be used, how parents can assist, home room rules, field trips etc. This information day will be held the day before the first day of the year – this way, all parents are informed before school even starts.

Newsletter

A newsletter is electronically sent to all parents every Sunday. This newsletter is called The Royal Mail. The newsletter includes any general information that parents need to be aware of for the coming week and term. All newsletters are to be printed and filed for reference.

Classroom Monitor

Homeroom Teachers are to ensure that Classroom Monitor is utilised and observations are logged weekly.

Homework

A small amount of appropriate homework may be set for all students. The homework should relate to/supplement the class reading and/or theme programme. Homework should not take more than 20 minutes to do at home.

Learning Resources

All learning resources are managed by the School Registrar who will inventory all resources. Any teacher needing copies of resources will be expected to place a request with the Registrar who will issue and oversee the return of learning resources, especially textbooks.

All text books in the school should be in sets which are numbered sequentially, stamped with the school stamp, issued to a class for the duration it is needed. The Registrar and Head Teacher will use the same lists at the end of the year for stock checking. 

It is expected that a textbook will have a life expectancy of 5 years and RB will allow in for a depreciation in the value of text books over that period.  When a book is issued, a note should be made of its original accession date.  This will provide a guide as to expected wear and tear.  If the wear and tear has been excessive, or if the book has been defaced, a charge will be levied on the parents for a replacement.  This charge will be administered through the Registrar.  It is a requirement that books issued to students will be covered by them with a suitable paper or clear plastic.  When possible plastic covers will be fitted to books at the time of purchase.

Teaching Resources

At the end of each term, the teachers will meet with the Head Teacher and propose resources needed for the following term. The Head Teacher will then allocate these requests according to budget. Any Teaching Assistant who requires resources to teach a specific subject should discuss their requirements prior to this meeting. The Head Teacher will then send the approved order to the Administration Manager for purchasing. All items purchased must be added to the subject inventory list which must be updated regularly.

Marking & Feedback

Marking and feedback are an integral part of teaching and here at RB this is of great importance. Pupils will always work more efficiently and happily when they have had some feedback regarding their work.

Photocopying and Printing

All photocopying and printing should be done outside of teaching time. Teachers must request photocopying and printing through administration. Where appropriate, back and front copies should be made. Although teachers do not pay for the costs of printing, photocopying and duplicating these should be borne in mind when making copies as they will have a direct bearing on class budgets. It is not acceptable for colleagues to print more than ONE copy of the final version of a black & white document on a printer.  Colleagues should request the use of the photocopier for additional copies. Please do not use the school printers as an alternative to photocopying by printing multiple copies of worksheets.

Academic School Reports

Reports are issued twice a term – winter and summer reports. In the winter, a Classroom Monitor Learning Journey Report is issued to parents. In Summer, a formal report, as well as a Classroom Monitor report will be issued to parents.

Teaching Islam and the Arab Culture

The following are to be avoided at all times:

Religious Issues

• Showing images or drawings representing God, Prophets, Apostles or Angels.
• Portraying in drama the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), his wives or parents, the other Prophets (PBUT), or the first four Caliphs.
• Using texts that distort the prophet, his wives, traditions and family.
• Alleging Muslim mistreatment of Christians and Jews.
• Manifesting Muslims as aggressors, terrorists, activists or thieves.
• Confusing the Muslim places of worship and holy shrines.
• Saying that the emigration from Mecca was flight or escape.
• Alleging that the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was the founder of Islam.
• Alleging that the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was the author of the Qur’an or calling the Qur’an the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
• Claiming that Islam was spread by force and tyranny.
• Offending Islamic traditions, Muslim scholars, Apostles, theologians, Islamic laws or legislators.
• Promoting religions other than Islam.
• Teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution, which is denounced by Islam, as fact.
• Exaggerating differences between heterodox and orthodox, which may lead to unrest between Muslims.
• Spreading information about witchcraft, reincarnation or the transmigration of souls.
• Distortion or misinterpretation of the Qur’an.
• Commenting on the differences between Sunni and Shi’ia as good or bad.
• Mocking any religions, their prophets, holy books or calls to prayer.

Political Issues

• Viewing the Arab-Israeli conflict with bias or sympathising with Israel.
• Concentrating on the extermination of the Jews during the Nazi era whilst neglecting. the pillage and torture Hitler inflicted upon other countries.
• Falsifying and misinterpreting the history of the Arab and Muslim countries.
• Denouncing the State of Kuwait, its policy or its sovereignty.
• Attacking the GCC and other Arab states.
• Calling the Arabian Gulf, the Persian Gulf.
• Claiming that Iran has sovereignty over the State of Bahrain.
• Claiming that the Muslims’ mistreatment of the Christian pilgrims led to the crusades.
• Using texts that may misinterpret Kuwait’s relationship with other Arab or foreign countries.

Kuwaiti Traditions and Conventions

• Showing naked or immoral pictures or photographs.
• Talking about spirits in a way that contradicts Islamic law.
• Viewing marriage as an emotional and physical relationship rather than a legal union between a man and a woman.
• Discussion of the perceived differences in the conduct of personal relationships, especially sexual aspects thereof, between western and other countries.
• Promoting abortion, contraception or homosexuality.
• Talking about pigs in a way that encourages the eating of the meat.
• Encouraging the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
• Demonstrating western crimes in a way that may affect Arab youth behaviour.
• Using texts that cause confusion or agitation, or that are likely to unsettle society.
• Making fun of Arab dress.

Censoring Textbooks and other Resources

This section is copied without alteration from documents received from the Ministry of Education.

Avoid the following:

• Images or drawings incarnation God, Messengers, Prophets, angels and companions of the Messenger.
• Texts that distort the Messenger, his wives, traditions and family.
• Offending the Companions, Muslim scholars, theologians and Islamic laws and legislators.
• Alleging that Prophet Mohammad is the founder of Islam.
• Alleging that Prophet Mohammad is the author of the Quran.
• Claiming that the revelations to Mohammad were visions or dreams.
• Claiming that the journey of Ascension of Prophet Mohammad is a vision or dreams.
• Claiming that Islam spread by force.
• Calling immigration to Medina, flight or escape.
• Calling Quran the teachings of Mohammad.
• Calling Muslims Mohammedans.
• Allegations that Muslims mistreated Christians and Jews.
• Claiming that the Muslims mistreatment of the Christian pilgrims led to the crusades.
• Manifesting Muslims as terrorists or unduly aggressive people.
• Distorting the Holy Quran and coining false chapters of the Quran.
• Muddling Islamic worship shrines.
• Adopting a missionary style when talking about religions.
• Exaggerating differences among heterodox and orthodox (Sunna and Shi’ah) which may lead to unrest among Muslims.
• Discussing information about witchcraft, reincarnation, transmigration of souls in a way that contradicts the Islamic laws.

STUDENT ADMINISTRATION MATTERS

Registration

The availability of places in the school is determined by the Head Teacher and Management Board. If places are available, the following will occur:

• The Registrar will assist the parents in filling in all the necessary documentation. Once all documentation is filled in the Registrar will make an appointment with the Head Teacher to do a tour where the Head Teacher will conduct an informal assessment of the student/s. See Admissions Policy.
• Once the Registrar has received authorisation from the Head Teacher (who has determined place availability), the Registrar must receive all completed paperwork. The Head Teacher must determine that the student is appropriate for RB, and she will sign the registration or re-registration form and return it to the parent and inform the Registrar.

• All deposits and fees are taken by the Registrar, but the Registrar will not accept any deposits or fees until the Head Teacher has notified the Registrar that the student has been accepted.
• The parent will visit the Registrar to pay a deposit and fees as appropriate.
• The Registrar will accept money from the parent and will issue a receipt.
• The Registrar will inform the accounts department.
• The Registrar will send a copy of the student’s registration details to the Head Teacher who will inform the teacher, school nurse etc.

Student Records

Student records are maintained by the Administration Manager and initially contains the electronic admission documentation.  Over time this will be expanded to include:

• copies of any correspondence from the Head Teacher with the parents on matters of concern;
• copies of any internal memos from the Head Teacher
• all correspondence whether it is written or via telephone
• in each academic year, hard copies of the referral slips;
• copies of memoranda issued by the Head Teacher as a result of meetings on disciplinary matters;
• copies of any confidential information on social or health matters;

These records must be kept for 5 years after the student’s departure from the School.

Students Files

Students files are kept with the Administration Manager and are available for consultation. Copies of medical records plus contact information are kept online and accessible by the Administration Manager, Nurse and Head Teacher. Homeroom Teachers are issued with class lists which includes parent information.

Student Transfer

When the school is notified by the parents in writing that a parent wishes to transfer a student to another school the Head Teacher and Registrar should be informed and the Student Transfer form generated by the Registrar. In this instance, this should be filled by the:

• Registrar who will check that all fees and incidentals (late fee etc) have been paid in full and then will sign off on the student transfer form. This will then be passed on by the Registrar to the teacher.
• Teacher will check and sign off on the Student Transfer form that all resources have been returned and in good condition. This form will then be returned to the Head Teacher who will then generate a leavers certificate if it is in the middle of a term and no school report is available.
• Before the leavers certificate is released, the Administration Manager must ensure that an exit interview has been conducted with the outgoing family.

The Registrar should take note of the following when determining what fees may be outstanding.

Parents with serious arrears of fees

When arrears of fees have reached a level considered by the Finance Department, to be of concern, then a registered letter shall be sent to the parent.  This shall be followed by a telephone call on the next day requesting the parent to make an appointment to come to the school to discuss the fee situation with the Registrar and to arrange a payment schedule.  If the parent does not attend the appointment a further telephone call shall be made requiring the parent to make an appointment to come to the school to discuss the fee situation with the Head Teacher.

If fee arrears are not paid within three days of the final telephone call being made or if no parental response is forthcoming, or within three days of the date of a payment date according to any payment schedules arranged, the Head Teacher may authorise that students may be excluded from lessons and that school reports may be withheld.  It is not, however, permitted to exclude students from school. All telephone calls and letters sent and received in this regard should be logged.

End of Year Pupil Clearance

Each student at the end of each school year will undergo pupil clearance prior to the release of reports at the end of the academic year. The school will ensure that the following points have been satisfied:

• School fees are paid in full according to the fee schedule.  The Registrar will advise the Head Teacher as to those students whose reports need to be withheld.
• All resources have been returned in good condition.  The homeroom teacher will advise the Head Teacher as to those students whose reports need to be held back.

Resource losses will be charged at a rate advised by the Registrar. All reports which need to be withheld will be lodged with the Registrar during the summer vacation.  When parents have cleared outstanding items the Registrar will release the report to the parent.