In Early Childhood and Elementary, English language proficiency is not a prerequisite for student acceptance to ABA. We encourage parents to maintain their child’s mother language proficiency, as the strength of a second language is largely determined by first language proficiency.

• For admission to Grades 6, English language proficiency is not a prerequisite for student acceptance to ABA, although prior exposure to English language in an academic context is preferable. Entry decisions for Grades 7 - 12 are based on number of years of prior exposure to academic English language, EAL entry assessment data and previous school reports.
• Students for whom English is not their first language applying to Grades 6 - 12 will take an English proficiency assessment as part of the application process and / or be interviewed by the ABA English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) teacher. The results of the assessment or interview will help the school make general placement decisions and determine levels of support.

Students for whom English is not their first language are identified either at the time of admission. Subsequent support from the EAL department is determined by individual need and the capacity of the program. There is no EAL support for students in grades 11 and 12. Students applying to the older grades must therefore demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to be enrolled in the school.

English as an additionAL LANGUAGE

The English as Additional Language program (EAL) at ABA – An IB World Continuum 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.

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 enrolment 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.

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.

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.