Al Amana Private School
Executive Summary
The school’s overall effectiveness is Acceptable, maintaining the same rating as the previous review in 2024. Noteworthy improvements include uplifts in 14 elements of the UAE School Inspection Framework, with particular strengths in Arabic as a First Language (AFL) and science in Phases 1 and 2, and social studies in Phase 3.
These improvements stem from consistently effective teaching strategies and the increasingly effective use of assessment data to target student learning in Phase 3. The school has also maintained high standards in Islamic education, strengthening students’ understanding and application of Islamic values through various activities and competitions. The provision for students' protection, care, guidance, and support remains highly effective.
Leaders and governors are actively addressing school improvement priorities, setting appropriate and realistic targets. The school effectively utilizes its currently limited premises and facilities, particularly for sports activities, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Amana Private School Overall Rating
Acceptable for 3+ consecutive years
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school provides acceptable provision for students with special educational needs (SEN) and those who are gifted and talented (G&T). It identifies students' needs and provides support, though the consistency of support and challenge for G&T students varies. Teachers use differentiated strategies, but these are not always consistently applied to meet diverse learning needs. special educational needs (SEN)gifted and talented (G&T)differentiated strategies
Students demonstrate very good personal development, exhibiting positive and responsible attitudes with minimal need for reassurance. They feel safe, valued, and supported by staff, contributing to an inclusive and respectful school environment. The school promotes safe and healthy lifestyles through activities like Fruit Day and Vegetable Day, though consistent healthy food choices could be strengthened. very good personal developmentsafe and healthy lifestylesinclusive and respectful school environment
The school's progress towards National Agenda targets is acceptable, with students showing good understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. While students participate in international assessments like TIMSS and PISA, their performance in some areas, particularly in English and Mathematics in Phases 1 and 2, needs further improvement to meet national benchmarks. The school encourages social responsibility and environmental sustainability, especially in Phase 3. National Agenda targetsIslamic valuesEmirati cultureinternational assessmentsenvironmental sustainability
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Student Achievement
Students demonstrate strong achievement across most subjects, with notable performance in IGCSE and external benchmarking assessments in Phase 3.
Islamic & UAE Culture
Students show deep appreciation for Islamic values and UAE culture, actively participating in related lessons and extra-curricular activities.
Efficient Assessment
The school has efficient assessment systems in place, contributing to effective monitoring of student progress.
Safe Environment
The school maintains highly effective arrangements to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students.
Strong Partnerships
The school benefits from successful partnerships with both parents and the governing board, fostering a collaborative community.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students’ achievement is acceptable overall, with notable strengths in Phase 3 across most subjects, including IGCSE and external benchmarking. There have been uplifts in several subjects in Phases 1 and 2, but English and mathematics in these phases remain areas for improvement.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, including the Principal and governors, provides a positive learning experience and is well aware of school improvement priorities. They have implemented initiatives that are having an impact on students' knowledge and skills. Leaders make adequate use of self-evaluation for planning, though some evaluations are over-generous. They foster positive relationships with parents and the community.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement is acceptable overall, with good progress and attainment in Islamic Education, Arabic (First Language), Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Other Subjects in Phase 3. English and Mathematics in Phases 1 and 2 require further improvement, particularly in foundational skills and application. Learning skills are acceptable, with critical thinking developing well in Phase 3.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development and innovation skills are very good overall. They exhibit positive attitudes, self-reliance, and respect, fostering a friendly school environment. Understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture is very good, and students engage in social responsibility and enterprise activities, particularly in Phase 3.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching and assessment is acceptable overall. Teaching in Phase 3 is good, with teachers demonstrating secure subject knowledge and using varied approaches. However, understanding of effective learning varies in Phases 1 and 2, and differentiated learning is not consistently applied. Assessment systems are efficient but need to be used more effectively to inform practice and support all student groups.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance, and support of students are very good overall. The school maintains a safe and secure environment, with effective health and safety arrangements. Students feel valued and supported, and the school provides good care and guidance, including for students of determination, though consistent support for G&T students needs strengthening.
Areas for Development
- •Improve students’ achievement in Phases 1 and 2, particularly in English and mathematics.
- •Ensure teachers consistently use reliable assessment information to inform their practice and approaches to support and challenge all students to reach their potential, especially in Phases 1 and 2.
- •Develop teachers’ deeper understanding of early year’s practice and implementation of the UK Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in Phase 1.
- •Develop learning facilities and resources, especially to support inclusion, the curriculum in Phase 1, and English language development.
- •Strengthen students’ commitment to making informed healthy eating choices to enhance their wellbeing across all phases.
- •Increase students’ awareness of the need for good or better attendance and the link with achievement across all phases.
- •Improve the consistency of teaching and learning approaches to meet the needs of individuals and groups of students, especially in Phases 1 and 2.
- •Enhance the consistency and rigour of self-evaluation processes and the monitoring and evaluation of improvement initiatives across all subjects.