Al Marifa International Private (G.C.S.E) School - branch Al Yarmouk
Executive Summary
Al Marifa International Private School has achieved an overall effectiveness rating of Very Good, marking a significant improvement from its previous 'Good' rating in 2022-23. The school's senior leadership, in close collaboration with parents and governors, has successfully implemented a bold vision and set high expectations, leading to enhanced student achievement across nearly all subjects.
The school offers a dual American and British curriculum in the High phase, with students consistently exceeding expectations in international benchmark assessments. Many graduates successfully pursue university studies, particularly in science, engineering, or business fields. Targeted professional development for teachers has positively impacted teaching and learning, ensuring the school effectively meets the diverse needs of its students.
Students demonstrate strong personal responsibility, self-discipline, and harmonious relationships, actively leading extracurricular clubs that foster growth and development. The school maintains an Outstanding attendance rate, and its high-quality arrangements for student safety, care, welfare, and guidance are highly commendable. The governing body's positive influence further strengthens the school's leadership and overall performance.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Marifa International Private (G.C.S.E) School - branch Al Yarmouk Overall Rating
Very Good
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school provides very good care and support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). While overall provision for students' protection, care, guidance, and support is outstanding, specific differentiation for SEND students in English and Mathematics could be further enhanced to ensure they consistently make expected progress. Students with SENDcare and support
Students' personal and social development, including their wellbeing, is outstanding. They exhibit positive attitudes, self-discipline, and empathy, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. The school excels in promoting healthy eating and lifestyle choices, with very low obesity levels, and students actively engage in health awareness seminars. healthy eatinglifestyle choicespositive attitudes
The school demonstrates very good performance in meeting the National Agenda targets, with students consistently exceeding expectations in international benchmark assessments. Their performance in PISA is notably above the international average, reflecting strong academic outcomes. Students also show excellent appreciation for UAE traditions, culture, and heritage. international benchmark assessmentsPISAUAE traditions
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Exam Excellence
Students consistently achieve high attainment in external examinations and international assessments, often exceeding expectations.
Personal Responsibility
Students exhibit a strong sense of personal responsibility, self-discipline, and harmonious relationships, contributing to a positive learning environment.
Cultural Appreciation
Students show deep respect and appreciation for Islamic values, as well as the rich heritage and culture of the UAE.
Social Innovation
Students demonstrate strong social responsibility and innovation skills, actively participating in and leading community-focused initiatives.
Student Safeguarding
The school provides high-quality arrangements for the safety, care, welfare, and guidance of all students, ensuring a secure environment.
Effective Governance
The governing body exerts a positive and impactful influence on the school's leadership, contributing to overall improvement.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' achievement is very good overall, with strong performance in English, Mathematics, Science, and Other subjects in Middle and High phases. However, consistent application of scientific methods, independent research, and extended writing skills across all phases, particularly in Elementary and Middle, are areas for continued development. The school's internal data often indicates higher progress and attainment than observed in lessons, suggesting a need for alignment.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team at Al Marifa International Private School is highly effective, characterized by a bold vision and high expectations set in collaboration with parents and governors. They demonstrate a very good capacity for self-evaluation and improvement planning, leading to tangible enhancements in student outcomes. The leadership fosters outstanding partnerships with the community and benefits from outstanding governance, ensuring robust management and resource allocation for a supportive learning environment.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' outcomes are very good overall, with strong attainment in external examinations and international assessments. Progress is particularly strong in Middle and High phases across English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects. However, consistency in achievement needs to be further developed in KG and Elementary, especially in Arabic.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development and their innovation skills are outstanding. They demonstrate excellent self-discipline, positive attitudes, and a strong sense of social responsibility, actively engaging in community and environmental initiatives. Their understanding and appreciation of Islamic values and Emirati culture are also outstanding.
Teaching Quality
The overall quality of teaching and assessment is good. Teachers generally apply their knowledge effectively and use technology to enhance learning. However, there is inconsistency in lesson structure, differentiation to meet the needs of all students (especially boys and SEND students), and the provision of clear next steps in feedback and marking, particularly in KG and Elementary.
Protection & Care
The school's provision for the protection, care, guidance, and support of students is outstanding. Students benefit from a very safe, hygienic, and secure environment, with excellent promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students with SEND receive very good care and support, ensuring their wellbeing and safety are prioritized.
Areas for Development
- •Improve students' achievements in KG and Elementary, particularly in Arabic.
- •Enhance the quality of teaching and learning through the effective use of assessment in KG and Elementary.
- •Further adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all students in KG and Elementary.
- •Build middle leaders’ capacity so that their actions are more impactful in improving provision and outcomes for their area of responsibility and accountability for students' achievements.