Private School of Scientific Innovation
Executive Summary
The Private School of Scientific Innovation received an Acceptable rating in its first School Performance Review by SPEA, conducted from 17 to 20 February 2025. The school has experienced significant changes in staffing and student demographics since its establishment in 2020, with 57% of current students joining recently, impacting overall achievement.
Key strengths include students' good progress in Islamic education in Phase 1, and good progress in English, mathematics, and science in Phases 1 and 3, as well as in other subjects across all phases. Students demonstrate positive relationships and attitudes towards learning, coupled with a strong appreciation for Islamic values and UAE culture. The school also maintains good arrangements for child protection and health and safety.
Areas identified for improvement include students' attainment in international benchmarking examinations and their attainment and progress in Arabic-speaking subjects, particularly in Phase 2. The school needs to enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment, and strengthen the capacity of middle leaders. Additionally, governors are advised to systematically monitor the school's leadership more effectively.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Private School of Scientific Innovation Overall Rating
Acceptable
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school's provision for the protection, care, guidance, and support of students is rated Good. However, teachers do not consistently use individual education plans (IEPs) effectively to support the progress of students with special educational needs. Care and supportStudents of Determination
Students' personal and social development is Good, characterized by mature attitudes, self-discipline, and respectful relationships. Health and safety arrangements, including child protection and safeguarding, are also rated Good, with students demonstrating good knowledge of healthy living. Personal developmentHealth and safetyChild protection
Students show a good understanding and appreciation of Islamic values and Emirati culture, actively participating in cultural and community events. They also demonstrate good social responsibility and developing innovation skills, though attainment in international benchmarking examinations is an area for improvement. Islamic valuesEmirati cultureSocial responsibilityInnovation skills
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Islamic Education Progress
Students in Phase 1 demonstrate good progress in Islamic education, showing clear knowledge of the Pillars of Islam.
Core Subjects Progress
Students in Phases 1 and 3 show good progress in English, mathematics, and science, with good progress also seen in other subjects across all phases.
Positive Student Attitudes
Students exhibit positive relationships and attitudes towards learning, enjoying school and engaging well in lessons.
UAE Culture & Values
Students have a strong appreciation for the role and values of Islam in UAE society and are knowledgeable about Emirati heritage.
Protection & Safety
The school has good arrangements in place for child protection, safeguarding, and ensuring the health and safety of all students.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' achievement is acceptable overall. While internal data often indicates good progress, observed lessons and student work show expected progress in many areas, particularly in Phase 2 and Arabic subjects. Attainment in international benchmark tests is weak.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, including a new principal and many new staff members, is working to stabilize the school amidst significant student and staff changes. While leadership and management are acceptable, there is a recognized need to enhance the capacity of middle leaders and for governors to improve their systematic oversight of the school's direction and performance.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement is acceptable overall, with good progress observed in Islamic education in Phase 1, and in English, mathematics, and science in Phases 1 and 3. However, attainment in international benchmarking tests and progress in Arabic subjects, especially in Phase 2, require improvement.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development, along with their innovation skills, are rated Good. They demonstrate positive attitudes, self-discipline, respect for Islamic values and Emirati culture, and actively engage in social responsibility initiatives.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching and assessment is acceptable overall, with teaching being good in Phase 1 but remaining acceptable in Phases 2 and 3. While teachers use a range of strategies and digital resources, there are inconsistencies in promoting critical thinking, innovation, and independent learning.
Protection & Care
The school's provision for the protection, care, guidance, and support of students is rated Good. This includes effective arrangements for health and safety, child protection, and fostering respectful relationships among students and staff.
Areas for Development
- •Improve students’ attainment in international benchmarking examinations.
- •Enhance students’ attainment and progress in Arabic-speaking subjects and in Phase 2.
- •Raise the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment to the next level.
- •Develop the capacity of middle leaders to be accountable for and to improve standards in their area of responsibility.
- •Ensure governors’ systematic monitoring of the school’s leadership.