About GES:

 

The Gulf English School was founded in 1980; it is widely regarded as one of the finest International Schools in the Middle East. At its spacious campus in Salmiya. It provides a rigorous, rounded and relevant British-style education for 2200 students between the ages of 3 and 19.

 

The curriculum of the Gulf English School is based on the English National Curriculum with due regard being paid to the cultural context of the Middle East and the traditions of over 70 nations from which the students come.

 

The school aims for academic excellence within an environment, which is safe, structured, caring and happy.

 

Teaching in English apart from Arabic and Islamic Studies, highly qualified teachers are appointed to the different phases of education, including specialists for courses leading to IGCSE, As and A2 level.

 

Teachers at GES know their students extremely well and are in a regular contact with parents, the contact with parents take place on a number of levels including telephone, email, set appointment and meeting.

Teachers are supported by highly experienced deputy heads and the head of the department who are happy to meet parents at times by appointments.

 

School policies are designed to enhance the learning environment and the Rewards and Sanctions Policy outlines in straightforward terms, the many ways in which success is acknowledged it also sets out the discipline required by all students.  Parents are given regular written updates on the behavior of their child in order to provide them with a clear picture of their progress.

 

Efficient and effective assessment, recording and reporting procedures are essential to update parents on coursework, tests, continuous assessments and annual examinations.

 

 

Accreditation:

 

GES is accredited by the British School of Middle East Associations(BSME Accreditation) and British School Overseas (BSO Accreditation)

 

The school is also formally recognized by the Kuwait Ministry of Private Education.

 

 

Curriculum, Events and Activities:

 

In Pre kg to Year 8, the students follow the English National Curriculum. In Reception, students complete the Early Years Foundation stage, whilst students in Year 1 and Year 2 follow the Key Stage 1 curriculum.

 

The students follow a broad and balanced curriculum which includes daily literacy and numeracy lessons, ensuring the children have a good grounding in these areas. In the module lessons, the students study a variety of exciting science, history and geography topics designed to stimulate the student's natural interest and curiosity. Module topics also include a variety of art and drama activities which are taught by the class tutor. The latest Information technology and communications such as the use of smart boards, laptops and programmable toys are there to enhance the students learning the process.

 

Music, IT, PE and library are taught by specialist teachers and are designed to develop the student's physical and creative skills. The PE curriculum includes swimming, gymnastics, mini team games, athletics and dance.

 

Students who have Arabic as a first language are taught by specialist teachers, Islamic studies and Quran are taught also be specialist following the national Kuwaiti curriculum and a similar number of lessons. Non- Arab students follow a designed and technology program through which they develop their creative and problem-solving skills. A learning support team works with students who require additional support in English and Math.

 

Class teachers assess student's progress and set a relevant target to ensure that the students develop their full positional in a progressive and coherent way. At the end of Year 2 students start to sit the UK National curriculum Sat Tests. Parents consultations days and comprehensive written reports, both target setting and summative, are used to inform the parents of student's progress and achievements throughout the year.

 

SAT tests which start from Year 2 are externally standardized that will be designed and corrected from the UK.  It provides external evaluation for the students.  Thus, parents will get information about their child’s level in comparison with native English students’ studying in the UK)

 

The partnership between home and school is extremely important as it enables parents to take an active role in their child's education.

 

Target booklet s in English, mathematics, and module outline the learning objectives and suggested activities to be followed at home, teacher/parent communication books are used by all students to inform and communicate with the parents and also record progress in reading.

 

In addition to the planned curriculum, we also have many exciting events throughout the year including Gurgaon, National Liberation Day celebrations, environmental week, book week, sports days, swimming galas, assemblies, concerts, and productions.

 

Students in grades Pre-KG to Year 12, participate in a well-balanced program of activities, most sports are offered for both girls and boys on varsity and junior varsity level. Swimming lessons start from Year 2 and segregation at swimming lessons starts from Year 3.

 

As part of their overall development students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities- sporting, cultural and academic. There is Student Representative Council in primary and secondary. They represent the school and participate in a range of activities, music, productions of the highest quality.

 

 

Study Support Program:

 

GES provides extra support classes for students who need extra help in Reading, English, and Math.

Children who require additional support in English or who have special education needs are taught in the classroom or in small groups and by our team of learning support teachers and assistants.

 

 

Year 9 (Key Stage 3)& Fast Track:

 

The Year 9 students complete Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum of England.

They also study a number of additional subjects, for example, ICT, business, to provide a firm basis on which to make option choice for the IGCSE program in Year 10 and Year 11.

Top students are able to join IGCSE fast-track program so that they can complete their IGCSE earlier.

 

 

Year 10 and Year 11 (IGCSE):

 

Students select eight subjects plus the obligatory subjects (English and Math) (Ministry obligatory subject Arabic and Islamic)  at GCSE from a wide range of subject options including :

 

 

• English 1st and 2nd language

• Arabic

• Islamic Studies

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Art and Design

• French

• Environmental Management

• Business Studies

• English Literature

• Geography

• History

• Computer Sciences

• Information Technology

• Arabic for foreigners

• Drama

• Music

• Physical Education

 

GCSE and IGCSE are two-year courses with students sitting their final examinations in January and May of Year 11.

 

Kuwait Ministry of Education courses leading to Government approved qualifications in Arabic, Islamic studies and Quran Studies are available.

 

 

Graduates:

 

The GES graduates study at universities worldwide. To prepare students for the wide range of degree courses and careers that are available it is essential that the curriculum is flexible and comprehensive.

The subject options that are available in the upper department (IGCSE and GCSE as well as the sixth form department (AS and A2) have been developed to reflect the requirement of universities.

 

 

Class size:

 

Class sizes at the Gulf English School are kept to a maximum of 25.

 

 

School Hours:

 

• Pre KG: 7.45 am - 12.00 pm.

• KG and Reception: 7.45 am - 1.15 pm.

• Year 1 to Year 6: 7.45 am - 2.15 pm.

• Year 7 to Year 12: 7.45 am - 2.20 pm.

 

 

Dress Code:

 

The purpose of the School Uniform Policy is additional to encourage our students to experience a greater sense of school identity and belonging, to reduce school clothing costs and to encourage a high level of program participation. Schools uniform is available at the school uniform store.

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Admission:

 

Admission to GES is selective and due to the large number of applications, very competitive. Most of GES students have been high achievers, talented and have the desire to contribute to the success of GES's remarkable community of excellence.

 

We select students based on their past school records, letters of recommendations and also students should pass the standardized test which determines their level of mathematics, English language and reading. Completed applications and tests are reviewed by Heads and school Director to select the best possible students for GES.

 

 

Process:

 

• Submit the application form which is available at school and at GES website.

• Book entrance test appointment

• After approval, you will receive an approval letter to submit it to the previous school so that you will receive the transferring documents.

• If a child has no previous school, you will receive a letter to the governmental clinic in order to create health file for the child.

• You will be requested to reserve a place by paying a 100KD deposit.

 

 

Age Requirements:

 

• Pre Kg must be 3 years old by 15 September

• KG students must be 3 years and 6 months old by 15 September

• Receptions students must be 4 years 6 months from 15 September.

• Starting from Year 1 up to Year 12, registration based on the student's reports and attendance certificates.

 

 

Required Documents:

 

• 3 passport size photo of a child

• Copy of birth certificate

• Copy of guardian/ father, mother and student civil ID card.

• Copy of father’s / guardian's nationality (for Kuwaitis only)

• Copy of both the father's/ guardian's and student's passport (All students)

• Copy of student's residency page (for non-Kuwaitis)

• Copy of school last academic report (Reception to Year 3 students)

• Copies of school report for the last three academic years from the previous school (Year 4 to Year 12 students)

 

The following documents should be provided from the previous school after our school’s acceptance:

 

• Reference Form from the previous school

(Year 7 to Year 12 students)

• Transfer certificate

• Fees clearance from the previous school

• Student's academic file.

• School Health card (from the previous school or from the public clinic)

• The new student from a school outside Kuwait should provide last academic report and transfer certificate stamped by Kuwait Embassy and Ministry of Foreign affairs from the country they come from. 

 

 

Testing Policy:

 

After you submit the application form and documents required, you will be notified of the test date and time. For KG the test is a social test which measures the maturity of the children and their fitness.

 

From Reception to all year groups, test measures achievement in the academic contents areas, reading, language, and mathematics. The students applying for Prekg and Kindergarten will be also assessed during the personal interview.

 

From Reception to all year groups, test measures achievement in the academic contents areas, reading, language, and mathematics. The students applying for Prekg and Kindergarten will be also assessed during the personal interview.

 

 

How to prepare my child for the entrance exam at GES?

 

Entrance Test Requirements

 

PREKG-KG-REC:

 

• Level of English Language (e.g colors, shapes, numbers and to identify some animals)

• Some social abilities (e.g, greeting the teacher, making eye contact, no crying and to be able to separate easily from the parents)

• All children must be toilet trained

 

Year 1:

 

• Count to 20.

• Single sounds.

• Shapes.

• Write their name correctly.

• Add 2 groups of objects together.

• Write numbers to 10 correctly.

• Read CVC words, e.g c-a-t,  cat or d-o-g-, dog

• Copying writing with finger space.

 

Year 2:

 

• Number bonds to 5 e.g 1+? =

• Sounds/ letters recognition

• 2D shapes

• Write a story with phrases

• Correct letter formation

• Write on a line

• Spell using phonics

 

Year 3:

 

• Add 2 numbers e.g 17+14

• Multiply X 2 X 5 X 10 X 4

• To the nearest 10 e.g 32 =>30

• Halve the number e.g 18 =>9

• Tell: O'clock, ½ past, ¼ past

• Lest than

• More than

• Write the number in order

• Symmetry

• Read a table, answer questions

• Additions of 2 digit numbers, subtraction

• Add British Coins

• Write a story of 80 words with at least 3 correctly punctuated words.

• Read a story, answer questions

 

Websites that might help you.

www.primaryphonics.com

www.sparklebox.com

www.primaryresources.co.uk

 

 

 

YEAR 4, YEAR 5 & YEAR 6 ENTRANCE TEST REQUIREMENTS

 

- ENGLISH

 

Writing:

Be able to write a coherent story using Standard English, with the correct use of punctuation: including full stops, capital letters, commas, question marks, exclamation marks and speech marks.

 

Comprehension:

Read a short passage or passages and answer questions about the text. These questions will test a variety of skills including: retrieving information from the text; asking about the type and structure of the text; asking for the meaning of words; asking for their opinion and being able to justify it by using the text; and asking why the characters in the text behave the way they do.

 

- MATHEMATICS

 

YEAR 4:

 

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• Odd and even numbers

• Multiples

• Lines of symmetry

• Fractions of shapes

• Interpreting and drawing a block graph

• Word problems

 

YEAR 5:

 

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• Odd and even numbers

• Negative numbers

• Word problems

• Fraction/decimal equivalence

• Relative sizes of fractions

• Doubling and halving

• Interpreting and drawing a block graph

• Area of a regular four-sided shape

• Perimeter

 

YEAR 6:

 

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• Odd and even numbers

• Multiples

• Negative numbers

• Word problems

• Fraction/decimal equivalence

• Relative sizes of fractions

• Doubling and halving

• Area of a regular four-sided shape

• Find the area of an irregular shape by counting squares

• Perimeter

• Knowledge of properties of shapes

• Time: using am and pm and 24hr clock

 

Websites that might help you.

www.primaryphonics.com

www.sparklebox.com

www.primaryresources.co.uk

 

 

Health File:

 

• The School Health Department of Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Health requires for every student in Kuwait to have a complete physical examination file and TB test. These must be completed before your child attends school at GES. Only government clinics are allowed to do such screening tests.

• Please arrange to take your child to your relevant regional clinic as mentioned in your civil ID, you need to follow their procedures and submit their required documents.

 

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1: Governorate: Kuwait Capital (Tel: 2251 9490)

Clinic's Name: Al Saqer Speciality Center

Address: Al Adeileya Block 4 nearby the Public Authority of Public Training

 

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2: Governorate: Hawally (Sabah Al Salem)

Clinic's Name: Al Bashayer Kindergarten

Address: Bayan Block 1 Street 10

 

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3:  Governorate: Farwaniya (Tel: 24380291-24830591 Ext. 107/103)

Clinic's Name: Al Shalahy Speciality Center

Address: Ishebilya, Block 4, street Metab Al Shelahy, behind the petrol station

 

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4: Governorate: Ahmadi

Clinic's Name: Abu Halifa Specialty Center

Address: Abu Halifa, Block 1, behind Abu Halifa Co-op

 

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5: Governorate: Jahraa

Clinic's Name: Al Jahraa Specialty Centre

Address: Al Jahra, behind Awtad Mall

 

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6: Governorate: Mubarak Al Kabeer (Qurain, Qusour, Adan, Fantees, Messeila, Abu Fatira, Abu Al Husaniya)

Clinic's Name: Al Adan Speciality Center

Address: Adan, Block 7

 

 

Clinic's working hours: Sunday to Thursday (From 7.30 a.m till 1.30 p.m) Afternoon shift only on Sunday and Wednesday (from 5.00 p.m till 8.00 p.m)

 

 

Transportation/Bus:

 

• All students who travel by school transport should carry the admission card daily.

• All students using bus facilities must behave in a disciplined manner in the bus, any misuses by the student will result in cancellation of his/ her facility without any notice. The parent is fully responsible for his son conduct on the bus.

• Complaints from parents, in writing, regarding the school transport should be handed over to the Director.

• No parent or student will deal with the driver for any complaint.

• Subscription shall not be less than a full semester (half academic year)

• If a student is canceled of the bus, the half-yearly fee will not be refunded.

 

 

School Term & Timings:

 

• Term 1 ( September to December),   Term 2 ( January to March),  Term 3 (April to June)

• All students should arrive at 7.45 am, PREKG children will depart at 12.00 p.m, KG & Reception depart at 1.15 p.m, (Year 1 to Year 6) depart at 2.15, All secondary students depart at 2.20 p.m

• The school management at its discretion can modify these rules.