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Curriculum and Assessment
Language is central to all learning. It is our expectation
that, through a well-planned curriculum, our students will
learn to read with understanding, write with clarity, and
speak and listen effectively. Language is emphasized
throughout the ALS curriculum as the basic and most
essential tool for teaching, learning and assessment. We
believe that a strong foundation in language prepares
students to explore the various fields of knowledge
represented by the traditional disciplines that form the
basic curriculum. This core curriculum facilitates
connections across disciplines, helping students to relate
new learning to personal as well as academic experiences,
and preparing them for continuing academic
programmes
at the local or international colleges and universities of
their choice.
Through the curriculum, and through service, students are
encouraged to apply the lessons of the classroom to the
world around them, and to explore and develop the ethical
and moral dimensions of their lives. Our goal is to ensure
that all students, on leaving ALS, have developed the strong
IB learner profile of being principled, caring and balanced
individuals who are knowledgeable communicators, open-minded
inquirers and reflective thinkers.
Measuring results
Assessment at ALS is always in the service of learning. We
recognize the importance of accountability to parents, to
students and to the community at large, and make every
effort to report student progress and achievement in an
accurate and timely manner. Academic standards are
established within the core curriculum, with benchmarks to
both plan instruction and monitor student achievement. The
personal and social qualities of students are observed and
assessed informally by teachers.
A climate for learning
ALS is a community of learners. Every student, teacher,
administrator and staff member is encouraged to become a
disciplined, creative and motivated learner. Class size is
kept small, teaching strategies are differentiated and
student-grouping arrangements are varied to promote optimal
learning. Connections are made across the generations to
strengthen the sense of community and enrich the lives of
students.
Resources to enrich
ALS is building a rich and varied collection of resources
for teaching and learning, extending from building blocks to
books and electronic media. Added to our curriculum
resources, field trips to libraries, museums, zoos and parks
within traveling distance of Riyadh provide a further strong
dimension.
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