The tradition of Al-Hussan education in Saudi Arabia began in 1956 when Sheikh Abdel Aziz Rashid Al-Hussan started the Arab Cultural Institute for adult education. Today there are twelve schools and other educational institutes throughout the Eastern Province rated among the best in Saudi Arabia, with enrolment of over 6,000 students.
Al-Hussan International Schools are the most recent addition to the organization. Although they are still young in age they have grown steadily and their occupancy is increasing rapidly. The occupancy for the year 2003-2004 was 580 students in the Khobar School and 300 students in the Jubail School. Both Al-Hussan International Schools are English medium day schools, enrolling students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Al-Hussan International Schools are located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Khobar School opened in September 1998.A year later, Jubail International School was opened.
The tradition of Al-Hussan education in Saudi Arabia began in 1956 when Sheikh Abdel Aziz Rashid Al-Hussan started the Arab Cultural Institute for adult education. In the following year Al-Hussan Modern Girls School, the first girls’ school in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, was opened. Today there are twelve schools and other educational institutes throughout the Eastern Province rated among the best in Saudi Arabia, with enrolment of over 6,000 students. Al-Hussan International Schools are the most recent addition to the organization. Although they are still young in age they have grown steadily and their occupancy is increasing rapidly. The occupancy for the year 2003-2004 was 580 students in the Khobar School and 300 students in the Jubail School. Both Al-Hussan International Schools are English medium day schools, enrolling students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Al-Hussan International Schools apply an international standard and style education that offers a rigorous curriculum aimed towards academic success at IGCSE,AS and A level.
All courses are appropriate to students' developmental stages, and a well-rounded education is offered. The emphasis, even from the early years, is on academic achievement.
Under our Extra Curricular Activities Program, the school organizes external fun trips to local places of interest. The local community is a fund of worthwhile educational experiences and the schools use every opportunity to enhance the students’ educational experience.
Al-Hussan Educational System
Our Educational System is distinguished by the goals we set and our beliefs.
Beliefs Statement
At Al-Hussan International School we believe that . . . .
Each Student is unique. The school is committed to the physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth of students within the scope of our school resources.
The cultural and national diversity of our students is an asset that enhances school life. We believe in the equality of all people. We believe that essential responsibilities of world citizenship are learned when peoples of divergent cultures react constructively within a caring environment.
A safe and orderly environment is the responsibility of all persons associated with the school. We believe that we must strive to involve all students and teachers in creating this positive school ethos.
All students have the right to be prepared, through different teaching methodologies, to cope with curriculum materials. Students should be able to transfer to other schools, countries and/ or systems secure in the knowledge that a firm foundation in learning has been taught. Our educational focus is for students to demonstrate their understanding of core knowledge, develop higher-order thinking and be actively involved in solving problems.
The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative in our school.
In an increasingly competitive world, university education gives students a wider choice and better chances. Most of our graduates have been accepted at good universities worldwide. We attribute this success and that of the students to their goals and the high standard, and accountability, that distinguish our Educational System.
What makes our System Effective??
We believe that an intelligent approach produces better results. Excellent results are achieved by:
- Planning and preparing
- Teaching methodically and comprehensively
- Testing and monitoring
Planning and Preparing
Thorough preparation precedes teaching. A plan for each subject at each stage is prepared. Each plan is complete. Each plan for each stage dovetails with that of the following stage, ensuring that nothing essential to further learning is omitted, and enabling the transition from year to year to be smooth and successful.
Testing and Monitoring
We make sure that continuous assessment of student learning is taking place. Testing to evaluate student learning and to permit timely positive intervention, is frequent and regular.
Testing students has a number of important advantages:
(a) Students are prepared to perform well under the pressure of time constraints: they develop the ability to organize time well, and they learn to control and use adrenaline productively.
(b) Students develop the ability to focus and sustain concentration for increasingly longer periods.
(c) The feedback from testing allows close monitoring and follow-up.
Follow-up
The progress of each student is monitored and all students receive the support deemed appropriate.
Other Distinguishing features
Non-selective Admissions
Our Educational System is academically oriented without being highly selective. The criterion for acceptance in a class is academic attainment, not age. Students in the same class are not streamed.
The Administration may change the section of a student should this prove to be in the best interest of the student or the school.
Placement
There are no academic requirements for acceptance into KG-1 and KG-2 (3+ to 4+ years of age). Prospective students are interviewed: they must be able to speak and to follow simple instructions and they must be toilet-trained. All other new students take placement tests in the core subjects of English and Mathematics (and a second language where applicable). Placement tests help to determine if prospective students have attained the minimum expected standard for the appropriate class. When the placement tests have been marked and checked and the results have been considered, the final placement decision is made.
Al-Hussan International Curriculum
The curriculum offered is dynamic. It is special because it is comprehensive in that it gives students the opportunity to sit for a variety of external university -recognized examinations allowing them to join British, American and other universities worldwide.
Academic Support
Academic support for existing and for new students is available in a variety of ways. The textbooks and workbooks also contribute to student support. A Student Advisor assists students in the Upper School with subject choice, university placement, discipline issues and extra lessons.
Extra Lessons: A student who is found to be weak in one subject may be asked to attend extra periods in that subject until (s)he reaches the required level. These lessons will normally be offered on a Thursday. IGCSE and A Level students are also offered extra classes on a Thursday.
Efficiency
At Al-Hussan International Schools, students are guided in the proper use of their time. They are taught how to organize themselves and how to develop disciplined study habits. Administrators bear the responsibility for setting, meeting and maintaining high standards, and both teachers and students are held accountable for achieving the objectives laid down in the syllabus.
Accountability
Efficiency and high standards cannot be achieved or maintained if people are not held accountable for their actions and decisions. Hence, every individual in the School is held accountable.
Class Size
At Al-Hussan International Schools we endeavour not have more than 24 students in a class.
Frequent Testing
Our students are tested frequently. Testing trains students in sustained mental effort for long periods of time, a training that is essential for future success. Testing also reinforces knowledge and prepares students to face and tackle, successfully, difficult situations under pressure.
Length of Day
In order that students may benefit from classes, no matter at what time of day they are given, we need to rebuild their attention span during the day. This requires regular breaks.
Lower School: KG- Grade 5 : 7:45am – 1:30pm
Upper School: Grade 6- Grade 12 : 7:45am - 2:30pm.
Parent -Teacher Relations
When parents have a concern, or a problem when they seek information about their child, they meet with the person designated by the Administration for that purpose. Interviews with teacher concerned may also be conducted. Regular parent-teacher meetings are also scheduled throughout the year.
Extra-curricular Activities
At the AL-Hussan International Schools, a great deal of importance is given to extra-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to develop talents, interests, hobbies, skills and techniques through participation in physical, academic, scientific and artistic pursuits. Extra-curricular activities round out students' education. They also complement and facilitate students' academic studies. While providing ways to socialize, relax, have fun and become refreshed, extra-curricular activities can keep students physically fit, increase their energy and their stamina, develop their interests and promote their mental agility.
English, Mathematics and Other World Languages
English is the medium of instruction and mathematics is considered a language as it is a tool necessary to understand sciences and other subjects. A high premium in time and effort is placed on the mastery of English and Mathematics because mastering these subjects will greatly facilitate the study of science and technology, economics, finance and other related subjects.
The three stages of the school are shown below
Class Name External Examinations
Kindergarten
Lower Grades
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
Upper Grades
Grade 6 - Grade 7 IGCSE external examinations
- Grade 8 Pre-IGCE
Grade 9 - Grade 10 AS +A2 external examinations.
- Grade 11
- Grade 12 High School diploma, SAT 1,SAT 2,TOEFL.
A second language is strongly stressed throughout the curriculum. At present students study either Arabic, French or Urdu as a second language.
Internal Examinations
Students sit internal, school-generated examinations through-out their school lives.
Final Examinations:
Final examinations are taken in all subjects at the end of each term and under strict examination rules and regulations. These examinations are taken over a period of one week.
Make-up Examinations:
In the case of student absence, the Administration reserves the right to decide whether or not a make-up examination will be required.
Homework
Homework is an essential part of students' education. Homework allows students to review and reinforce the concepts they have learned in class and it provides them with the extra reinforcement that is a necessary part of the learning process. Until Term 3 of Grade 4 homework is not assigned. Younger students are, however, encouraged to read at home.
Discipline
Al-Hussan Schools strongly believe in the principles of respect, responsibility and accountability. The goal of the disciplinary code is to foster citizens who respect themselves and others and who are responsible members of the society. If students contravene disciplinary codes, they are held accountable. All students, without exception, must accept the consequences of their actions and be responsible for improving their behavior.
A high level of discipline and socially responsible behavior is expected at all times. Disciplinary action, which is always appropriate to the offence, is used in a positive, logical and consistent manner. Detention is the most commonly used form of punishment. Corporal punishment is never used. Parents are also made aware of disciplinary issues and, as necessary, requested to be part of the solution.
Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance and punctuality are essential at Al-Hussan International Schools. Neither absence nor lateness is condoned. Students may not begin a holiday early or return to school late after a holiday. It is the responsibility of students to make up the work missed due to absence and, other than in cases of emergency, medical appointments must be made outside of school hours. Students who have been absent or who are late for school must report to the Supervisor: they are not accepted into class without a valid excuse. The school determines whether or not a reason is valid, and strict records are kept of attendance and punctuality.
The Academic Year
The academic year is divided into three terms. Within each term there are times for regular instruction, for revision and for examinations. During the period of regular instruction, students learn new material in each of their subjects, following the pacing charts. Revision time is also planned and paced. End-of-term examinations take place during the last week of each term.
Promotion
Students' academic progress is measured by examination performance. At the end of the academic year, the information obtained from the regular testing program and the end-of-term and end-of-year examinations determines promotion.
Cultural Diversity
Al-Hussan International Schools actively seek cultural diversity in its student body and staff as part of its mission to "educate citizens of the world". Diversity provides students with the enriching experience of relating to children and adults from many different cultures, religions and races. Students learn to celebrate the differences as well as the similarities.
End of Term Reports
Parents receive three reports a year; one at the end of each term. The final end-of-year report shows performance over the entire school year. It also includes important information relating to promotion.
Communication with the Schools
Parents are requested to communicate directly with the Administration should they have questions or concerns about any aspect of their children's life at school. All queries will be forwarded to the appropriate Administrator. For academic matters, however, the school has established a channel of communication that is, primarily, for the benefit of students but which also benefits all concerned. Parents are respectfully requested to follow this procedure which is to arrange an appointment with the:
Curriculum Coordinator or Lower School Coordinator
These people and teachers meet and discuss student progress with parents. The Curriculum Coordinator and teachers are in the best position to give parents an independent, accurate, detailed and comprehensive overview of students performance not only vis-a-vis one class but also with the grade level.
The Director
Appointments with the Director may be made through the school secretary Parents are asked to note that the School secretary has been instructed to ask for an indication of the issues to be discussed to ensure that meetings take place with the appropriate person. Failure to provide this information will result in the secretary being unable to arrange an appointment.
Is this the Right School for Your Child?
All aspects of the Al-Hussan system are rigorous and disciplined. Although an all-round education is offered, the emphasis is on academic attainment.
In the Al-Hussan Educational System all students are helped to realize their full potential, empowering them to make the right choices in life. In order to reap the benefits, the school requires that:
- Students have at least a minimum basic know ledge in English and Mathematics. If they do not, they must possess the determination to make up the deficiency through sustained hard work. the special classes that are available help students to reach the required standard as quickly as possible;
- Students must accept and abide by the school rules;
- Parents give their full support to all of the school policies.
- All students grow in confidence and self-esteem;
- All students are guided to become good citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
