Elementary School - ABA Oman International School

The Perfect Nurturing Ground for Holistic Development of our Young Inquirers

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Two Programmes For Students Ages 3 - 12

IB education, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), offers an approach to learning that works. This research-driven learning model, designed for students aged 3 to 12.

The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subjects areas, as well as approaches to learning, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.

ABA is top-rate. The interactive classes truly engaged my kids and the teachers' ability to adapt to the various kids in the class was outstanding. Additional support was always on offer for their reading, math problems or feelings. As a parent, the teachers' materials and instructions were always organized and communicated promptly so it was easy to know what to do each day. My kids woke up each morning eager to start their learning and chat with their classmates.

- Elementary School parent

Elementary School Programme

The subject areas of mathematics, language, science, social studies, arts and personal, social and physical education are organised under transdisciplinary themes. The themes provide ABA with the opportunity to incorporate local and global issues into the curriculum and effectively allow students to “step up” beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

In addition to the subject areas - mathematics, language arts, science and social studies - ABA also offers speciality programs with the following classes:

Information Communication Technology and Digital Citizenship

Information Communication Technology is of great importance at ABA. Our philosophy for the use of technology is that it should be an integral tool for learning. Therefore, we have integrated the use of technology into our programme ensuring the students all use technology for investigating, creating, communicating, collaborating and organizing; as well as working towards becoming responsible digital citizens.

Library

The elementary library is a hub for learning throughout the school day, as well as a haven for students and parents to deepen their relationship with books. As the physical and virtual learning centre of the school, the library offers close to 15,000 resources in audio, image, fiction, non-fiction, electronic and foreign language resources for use by students, teachers and parents.

Arabic Language

The acquisition of an additional language enriches personal development and is one of the keys to promoting international understanding. It is a requirement for all PYP schools to offer an additional language. At ABA, we offer the host country language, Arabic, for all students from Grade 1 onwards. Students benefit from four 40 minute lessons, and are grouped according to their language background and previous experience of Arabic.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL-EDUCATION (PSPE)

At ABA, PSPE lessons are fun, engaging and active learning experiences. PSPE is taught through an inquiry-based and transdisciplinary approach. Concepts, skills, knowledge, and attitudes are embedded throughout the PSPE curriculum, and students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through a process of planning and reflection. A focus on physical, social and emotional well being encourages students to participate in an active and healthy lifestyle.

SWIMMING LESSONS

All students from K2 (second semester)-Grade 5 have weekly swimming classes and all students are expected to participate.

From Grade 1, and by assessment, students can opt to join the Vipers Swim Team!

CREATIVE ARTS (Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Drama)

In the PYP, arts are identified as music, visual art, dance and drama. Homeroom teachers deliver the Visual Art programme and incorporate drama into units of inquiry wherever possible. PE teachers incorporate dance (movement composition) into their programme of inquiry.

Meet the Team

A transformative programme!

ABA Programme of Inquiry (POI):

The POI uses the six transdisciplinary themes below to create a coherent, vertically and horizontally aligned framework of units of inquiry that students will experience in their learning journey throughout Early Childhood and Elementary. The framework ensures that students have opportunities for deep inquiry into and growing understanding of the globally significant concepts in each theme.

The POI is an organic document and evolves based on the needs of the learners. It provides an insight into what units of inquiry are planned throughout the year and in which order they will be explored.

View the POI document

The six subject areas of Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Arts, and Physical, Social and Personal Education are weaved into the units of inquiry.

The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme are the six transdisplinary themes

WHO WE ARE

An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Where we are in place and time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilisations, from local and global perspectives.

HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

HOW THE WORLD WORKS

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

HOW WE ORGANIZE OURSELVES

An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

SHARING THE PLANET

An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Student Support at ABA

How does ABA help children whose first language is not English?

The English as Additional Language program (EAL) at ABA – An IB World Contnuum School falls under the umbrella of the Student Support Services department. It is a service provided to students in grades 1-10 who have English as an additional language. Our mission is to help students develop English language skills, cultural awareness and learning strategies which will enable them to become successful learners and positive contributors to the wider community in which they live.

can ABA accommodate my child who has extra learning needs?

ABA admits students with learning needs who are able to access and benefit from the educational program in a mainstream environment. To ensure optimum student-teacher ratios and service to a high standard, placement for students requiring Learning Support shall not normally exceed 10% of the enrolment at any grade level. ABA is equipped to provide moderate support for a managed number of students normally not exceeding 5% of the total school enrollment and not more than four students requiring moderate support per grade level.

We require that parents provide any and all formal documentation identifying diagnosed areas of need (strength and challenge) to the school, in order to give their child the best chance of success at ABA.

The Learning Support Program falls under the umbrella of the Student Support Services department. The program provides support to students, teachers and parents. Learning support teachers are available as resources to support in-class interventions, to help identify areas of need and to provide specialised support, including early literacy intervention. ABA is an IB World Continuum School, and as such values and models inclusion. Our collaborative approach to support uses an evidence, data and strengths-based model with a focus on growth, progress and learning. We aim to increase independent access and success for students at ABA.

What is ABA's child protection policy?

ABA seeks to be a safe haven for all our students. Child Protection procedures derived from Child Protection Policy 7.6.3 will be stated in the ABA Child Protection Handbook. This handbook is communicated to all who work with ABA students. All staff employed at ABA must report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect whenever the staff member has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse or neglect. Reporting and follow up of all suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect will be in accordance with Omani Law and the child protection procedures resulting from this policy statement. The ABA administration shall be responsible for ensuring that screening and criminal background checks for staff are provided.

Does ABA have Student Counselling?

As an IB World Continuum School, we believe that counselling students extends beyond academic and emotional support. We aim to develop student achievement incorporating leadership, access to opportunities, collaboration and advocacy. We maintain a culturally sensitive, safe environment for all members of the school community, and ensure that students have someone to turn to if they need help. Our school counsellors assist all students through planning and prevention and are also available for intervention for immediate or unplanned needs.

FAq

What does the school day look like?

Classroom doors open at 7.15am and the day begins at 7.30am, usually with a community time. Children have opportunities to make choices and organise their learning within a framework developed by the teacher. They engage in collaborative group work as well as independent tasks, and frequently confer with their teacher to reflect on their learning and plan next steps. There are two breaks during the school day, during which children can eat snacks and lunch brought from home or purchased from the cafeteria. They also use these breaks to socialise with their friends, explore the outdoors and engage in fun and games. Each class has an individualised specialist schedule, including music, ICT, Arabic, PE and swimming. The school day ends at 2.10pm.

Technology

Students in Early Childhood, Grades 1 and 2 have regular access to school iPads. Students in Grades 3-5 are required to have their own iPad in order to fully access the curriculum. It is possible to order classroom-ready iPads with keyboard cover and required apps through the school. If you prefer to buy your own device, the specifications and requirements are available on request.

Dress code

Elementary School Dress Code is used to ensure that children are comfortably and safely dressed for learning, including physical activity.

● Early Childhood students (Family Classes & K3) can wear a crew-neck ABA t-shirt in white, navy blue, light blue or yellow. Students in Grades 1-5 can wear an ABA polo shirt in white, navy blue, light blue and yellow.

● Students are asked to wear shorts, skirts, leggings or trousers in black, dark blue or khaki - elastic waists are best!

● Footwear can include shoes or trainers; sandals should have a back strap; flip flops are not allowed.

● ABA, Vipers or plain blue, white, black or grey sweatshirts are allowed during cooler weather or throughout the year.

● On PE Days, Grade 1-5 students wear cotton black or navy-blue shorts, ABA House T-shirts (Jabrin: red Jalali: yellow Mirani: green Nizwa: blue) and sports shoes.

● For swimming, girls should wear a one-piece bathing suit, and boys should wear proper swim shorts (above the knee, not too baggy). Swim caps are required for hygiene reasons, and goggles are recommended. All items should be labelled with the student’s name.

● Clothing should be loose-fitting and plain (no embroidery, large logos etc). Wearing jewellery is discouraged. ABA cannot accept responsibility for jewellery, watches or other expensive items brought to school.

● ABA has a “no hat, no play” policy.

All ABA shirts, PE shorts, and ABA hats are available for purchase in the uniform shop.

After School Activites

The program is coordinated by Ms Raewyn Jack for children in Grades 1-5. After School, Activities run from 2.15-3.00pm on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, and there are four sign-up sessions. Please note that activities for Grade 1 students begin in the second semester.

The programme includes a broad range of ASAs run by staff members. The activities fall into the following categories: Arts and Crafts; Performing Arts; Recreation and Sports; Technology; and Supporting the Classroom. More information can be found on the ABA website and will be sent to parents ahead of sign-up times.

From Grade 1, and by assessment, students can opt to joing the Vipers Swim Team!

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ABA Oman International School

is the only INTERNATIONAL IB World Continuum School in Oman

ABA is the first and only international school in Muscat to offer three levels of the International Baccalaureate program - the IB Primary Years (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programmes (DP) - the gold standard in University preparation.

In the Elementary School, we value each young person in our care as a unique individual, each with particular strengths, passions, ideas, areas of potential and challenges.

Our task is to nurture each child towards achieving their potential in all aspects of their development. Along with a firm foundation in the academics, we strive to equip each child with skills and attitudes that will enable them to thrive in, and contribute to an uncertain, fast-changing world.