American Gulf School - branch Al Rahmaniyah 6, Sharjah
SPEA Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
American Gulf School, established in 2021, received its first full School Performance Review, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school operates under a blended curriculum of California Common Core State Standards (CCCSS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, with plans to introduce diploma programmes for Grade 11 in the next academic year.
Students demonstrate Good achievement across subjects, with particularly Very Good achievement in English and science in Phase 1. Personal and social development is also Good, highlighted by a Very Good understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. Teaching and learning are generally Good, with Phase 1 exhibiting Very Good teaching quality, and assessment processes are effective in supporting school improvement.
The school excels in the protection, care, guidance, and support of students, rated as Very Good, with high-quality facilities and full compliance with safety procedures, including child protection. An effective special educational needs (SEN) department provides strong support for students of determination. Strategic plans and governance have a positive impact on the school's development, although areas for improvement include attainment in Phases 3 and 4, student involvement in volunteering, and parental engagement.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
American Gulf School - branch Al Rahmaniyah 6 Overall Rating
Good
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school's special educational needs (SEN) department is effective in supporting students with special needs and those who are gifted and talented (G&T). Students with SEN are well-supported and make good progress from their individual starting points. special educational needs (SEN)gifted and talented (G&T)
The provision for students' protection, care, guidance, and support is very good. Students exhibit positive attitudes, good behavior, and a secure understanding of healthy living, actively participating in exercises and choosing healthy meals. Protection, care, guidance and supporthealthy lifestylespositive attitudes
Students' achievement in Arabic, as measured by ABT data, shows the majority attaining above curriculum standards. While MAP data indicates very good attainment in English for a small cohort and outstanding in Science for Grade 4, there are inconsistencies in other phases and subjects, particularly in Mathematics. ABT dataMAP dataNational Agenda
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Strategic Planning
The school's strategic plans and improvement planning are comprehensive and successfully implemented to drive development.
Effective Governance
The governing body has a positive and significant impact on the overall development and direction of the school.
Health & Safety
The school maintains high quality in health and safety, including robust child protection and safeguarding measures, ensuring full compliance.
Phase 1 Teaching
The quality of teaching and learning in Phase 1 is notably strong, contributing significantly to student outcomes in early years.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' achievement is good overall, with particular strengths in English and Science in Phase 1. Learning skills are consistently good across all phases, demonstrating positive attitudes and independent technology use.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, supported by an impactful governing body, has established comprehensive strategies for the school's development, which are being successfully implemented. They ensure high-quality facilities and resources, though parental engagement is an area targeted for enhancement.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students’ achievement is good overall, with notable strengths in English and science in Phase 1. Students demonstrate good progress across most subjects and phases, though attainment in English and mathematics in Phases 3 and 4 requires improvement.
Personal Development
Students’ personal and social development is good overall, characterized by positive attitudes, good behavior, and a very good understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. However, opportunities for volunteering and participation in sustainability activities are limited.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching and assessment is good overall, with very good teaching in Phase 1. Teachers plan well-structured lessons and effectively use resources. Assessment processes are clear and coherent, providing reliable data for progress evaluation, though feedback on next steps and consistent challenge for high-attaining students need improvement.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance, and support of students are very good. The school maintains high standards of health and safety, including child protection, and provides effective support for students with special educational needs and those who are gifted and talented.
Areas for Development
- •Improve the attainment of students in Phases 3 and 4, especially in English and mathematics.
- •Increase students’ involvement in volunteering activities and social contribution within the local community.
- •Enhance Parents’ participation and engagement in school life.