:: Ghars Bilingual School ::

Ghars graduates will be:

Great contributors toward a safe and happy environment.

Honest, confident and responsible global citizens.

Academically prepared for future pursuits.

Raising Islamic values while forbearing diversity.

Self-motivated learners and critical thinkers.

Ghars offers an American Curriculum that is balanced and based on Common Core Standards (CCS) while maintaining the integrity of the Islamic Values. We follow Savvas Education for all grade levels and subject areas. The goal for each student is to get the chance to learn the basic competencies essential to their future schooling and adult life but in the context of a rounded education appropriate to the 21^st century.

Ghars Kindergarten department consists of: KG1 and KG2. It offers a bilingual education in an Islamic setting. Our goal is to develop students with active and creative minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on their beliefs. We stress the total development of each child: spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. Our program focuses on the needs of the whole child, and it includes the following:

Open Space Classroom: Our Classrooms have an open space plan and focuses on centers that allow students to develop their academic independence; by small group settings of teacher-based curriculum and supportive contact time.

Imaginative play area: Our new Imaginative play area is an open-ended, unstructured community play that focuses on encouraging student independence, language development, problem solving skills and social and emotional development with no rules, goals, or result – except that kids learn a lot along the way.

STEAM Room: This room is dedicated to young children’s creative & engineering development that involves them in fascinating explorations of sound, materials, colors, and textures using all their senses, Mathematical and art skills. It is an area which they are encouraged to use their critical thinking & imagination to the full and express their developing ideas and challenges.

Recess: KG Department will have 2 break times (40 min) throughout a regular school day for students to have their snacks/lunch and get their body moving with some play time. We believe that it is important for the students to eat healthy. During our snack time, the teacher incorporates healthy habits – table manners along with Islamic eating etiquette.

English: Our English language program follows American Common Core Standards and Savvas “My View” Literacy. We give very young learners a strong language foundation and prepare them to read and write with lessons for phonemic awareness, grammar preparation, and prewriting practice.

Learning Through Play: Ghars creates a safe & healthy environment where students have unstructured play time while meeting standards through sensory, imagination and social & emotional development within the curriculum.

Math and Science: Ghars follows American Common Core Standards while using Savvas “Envision Math” and “My View - Science Integration” in our Math and Science program. Our lessons include stories, group discussions, instruction, games, labs, and activities that teach important concepts related to the curriculum.

Culinary Arts: In Kindergarten, introducing culinary arts as a subject offers a delightful blend of learning and creativity. Through simple tasks like measuring ingredients, mixing, and shaping, children develop crucial motor skills while engaging in hands-on activities. As they follow recipes and instructions, they enhance their language abilities by learning new vocabulary and understanding sequential steps. Moreover, exploring concepts like counting and basic arithmetic during cooking sessions reinforces mathematical concepts in a practical and enjoyable manner. Culinary arts in kindergarten not only tickles taste buds but also nurtures a holistic approach to education, fostering a love for learning.

Ghars’s KG Arabic curriculum follows a Lebanese integrated curriculum Loghaty Kanzy (My language is my treasure), which offers mathematics and science in Arabic language.

Arabic Enrichment:

Seesaw:This program supports the educational process as it is a digital application for students, which enable them to document what they learn at school at any age and share it with teachers and classmates.

Reading Stories: Reading stories provides the child with great pleasure, and is also an important source of information, mean of instilling human and moral values, and a tool for developing and strengthening the child's linguistic abilities.

The Islamic curriculum of our kindergarten department includes both Qur’an recitation and Islamic teachings. KG Islamic Studies curriculum is broken down into 5 Units: Al –Aqida, Al Hadith, Al Fiqh, Al Azkar, and the Biography of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Each grade level has a specific number of Surahs to memorize.

Savvas/My View: My View consists of five units per grade level; the unit concepts connect the curriculum from start to finish, scaffolding children’s prior knowledge. Considering our students are second language learners, we have condensed the curriculum while still sustaining all concepts and language development in tact within the school year. Please refer to department handbook for further details.

Our curriculum runs on a 2 weeks’ span including all skills & concepts that students apply first through guided practice, and then independently. The units and educational skills included in this curriculum include:

•Reading: comprehension skills, read aloud & decodables, fresh reads & fluency.

•Word Study: high frequency words, vocabulary, vocabulary skill, phonics & spelling.

•Conventions: grammar, daily journals and writing prompts.

Listening and Speaking:

My Perspective integration:Students will have opportunities to actively process receiving and responding to spoken messages through presentations, debates, role plays, public speaking & conversational English skills.

We follow Envision Math -Savvas. Students learn to see relationships, ask questions and try different approaches until they found what best suits them. It is a problem-based learning that challenges students and integrates their knowledge of literacy. Students cover one lesson per day (5 per week) usually one-topic runs for about 3 weeks which includes periods for activities, re-teaching & review, quiz, and topic tests. Students complete a quarter project that connects all concepts learnt within the quarter and is usually integrated with other subjects.

The Ghars Science program is built on the principles of the Scientific Method. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are used to drive the program ensuring students gain a high standard of Scientific thinking & inquiry skills and conceptual understanding. We strive to ensure that the study of Science is personal, relevant, and engaging.

The Science department is fully equipped with state of the art resources and science equipment ensuring students embark on a multi-sensory learning journey through their Science classes. The Science curriculum is designed to provide a hands-on, interactive, stimulating, engaging experience ultimately developing our young scientists’ minds into scientific thinkers & explorers. At Ghars, an inquiry based approach is utilized for Science this makes learning personal, relevant, and engaging and provides multiple levels of scaffolding to provide practice for all learners.

Students will experience the Savvas Elevate Science phenomenon based classes. Students will undertake one topic per week, which includes discussion, activity/lab work, lesson check and inquiry. Quizzes & topic tests are administered to assess student progress and gauge their level of mastery of key concepts, thus ensuring they are ready for middle school. One topic per lesson per week is completed, which includes discussion, hands on activity, experiments, lab work and lesson checks.

Ghars Students participate in the annual internal Ghars STEAM fair, where they are given an opportunity to express their scientific interest & conduct a unique piece of cutting-edge scientific research whilst applying the scientific method. Students are encouraged to experience hands-on learning through-out the academic year where they will create, design, develop & partake in their own science project trimesterly developing and fine-tuning their scientific & technical skills.

Literature is taught through My Perspective by Savvas. This is a student- centered learning environment where students learn to analyze text, cite evidence and respond critically. The core curriculum is condensed into 4 units per year (1 unit per quarter). Each unit includes: Unit introduction, whole class learning, small group learning & independent reading skills taken within the unit includes: Genre, close read, comprehension skills, analyze craft & structure, vocabulary words, word study & vocabulary skill. Students throughout the week also have grammar lessons which include assessments and worksheets.

We follow Course1/Course2 and Course3- Savvas. Alignment to the Common Core Standards with standards for mathematical practice development embedded throughout the program daily for middle school (Grades 6-8). Integrated intervention and powerful test preparation help all students master the standards and prepare for high-stakes assessments. One topic usually runs for 3 weeks including formative assessments in between the lessons per topic. Summative assessment is taken per quarter from chosen topics/lessons.

Savvas Education -Elevate Science for G6 & G7

Savvas Education -Interactive Science for G8

The Next Generation Science (NGSS) program features an innovative inquiry based approach that makes learning personal, relevant, and engaging. It features multiple levels of inquiry scaffolding to provide practice for all learners. Ghars follows the NGSS standards within the curriculum. Students will undertake one topic per week, which includes discussion, activity/lab work, lesson check and inquiry. Quizzes & topic tests are administered to assess student progress and gauge their level of mastery of key concepts, thus ensuring they are ready for high school.

One topic per lesson per week is completed, which includes discussion, hands on activity, experiments, lab work and lesson checks.

A curriculum geared towards reciting and memorizing the Holy Qur’an in an exceptional way through:

Understanding: students will know Allah by learning His beautiful names, most perfect attributes and deeds.

Memorizing: Students will understand and memorize verses from the Holy Qur’an.

Practicing: Students will act and behave according to Islamic Principles.

The program is provided by Kuwait MOE and is taught accordingly to the guidance provided by the MOE. The curriculum teaches the tenants of Islamic faith, traditions of the Prophet and the Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, ritual recitation of passages of the Quran, biography of the Prophet Muhammad and his peers, cultivation of aspects of Islamic culture.

Ghars offers a comprehensive curriculum for Arabic. This program is designed to meet the needs of heritage speakers and focuses on writing, grammar, vocabulary, speaking & listening. Students are provided with a rigorous program that is based on the National Curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education Kuwait.

Social studies is offered to students from grade 4 onwards. Students will study about Kuwait History, citizenship, transformation to independence, geography of Kuwait, political affairs, agricultural issues, neighboring countries, and geographical positioning.

STEM (G1-G8)

A comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, designed to prepare students for the growing technology-driven future. This program will integrate the four STEM disciplines through real-world applications and collaborative, hands-on learning experiences, promoting skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. We believe this program is a gateway to innovative opportunities, aiming to cultivate a culture of curiosity, resilience, and innovation in our students.

The English language curriculum is based on the development of reading and writing skills. It is based on the interest in creative thinking through the use of diverse effective strategies. These strategies are framed within an analytical and critical approach to build individual and collective experiences for a foundation that provides a promising future for their educational and practical lives.

In our high school,the Mathematics program depends on the use of the skills of analysis and logical thinking required for this stage. This is done by covering a wide range of basic subjects such as: AlgebraII & Geometry,Algebra II,Pre-Calculus/Calculus to prepare students for the required university majors.

An in-depth, robust, inquiry and practical driven Ghars High School Science program has been developed to ensure that our students are able to attend high caliber universities and fulfill their dream careers. The Science program entails the study of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and additional elective courses. Each lesson is inquiry based and driven through experiencing scientific concepts through experimental research, lab work, 3D modelling, research, data analysis, debate, discussion and projects. Students are equipped with life-long learning skills through-out the Science program setting them up for success in their future studies.

1- Curriculum to enrich young souls by understanding the names and attributes of God the all mighty through:

This is a curriculum that we take pride in. We are pioneers in creating our own Ghars curriculum, which is used to enrich students’ knowledge of the Names and Attributes of Allah the Almighty.

The Ghars curriculum focuses on:

Instilling Islamic values in the students by knowing and understanding the beautiful Names and attributes of Allah the almighty.

Educating students to praise and glorify the creator by adhering to Allah’s most perfect attributes.

Developing student’s character and enhancing their view of life, based on the understanding of the beautiful names of Allah.

Training students to live their daily lives and to behave according to the knowledge of the Names and Attributes of Allah the almighty.

Establishing a generation of true believers in Allah with Islamic values that spread peace and love throughout the world.

2-The Holy Qur’an

A curriculum geared towards understanding, reciting and memorizing the Holy Qur’an in an exceptional manner.
The Holy Qur’an Curriculum focuses on:

Understanding: will know Allah by learning His beautiful names & most perfect attributes

Memorizing: Students will understand and memorize verses from the Holy Qur’an.

Practicing: Students will learn how to act and behave according to Islamic Principles.

A program developed to ensure the successful memorization of the Holy Quran, helping both learners who distinguished students & diligent students.The Maqr’aa Program serves students on two levels: distinguished students & diligent students. Distinguished students are selected based on their impeccable ability to recite Quran (as evaluated by their Quran Teacher) and the students should have memorized a portion of the Quran. Parents of new Maqra’aa students are requested to complete a student-level form which is available on the school’s website (Registration tab->forms). Enrolled students from the previous academic year are automatically re-registered as they progress through the levels. Diligent students include those who face some obstacles during the recitation of the schools’ curriculum (delayed pronunciation, short memory span (slow in memorization), and also include new students, non-Arabic-speaking student, etc. from observations that may be noted by the teacher of the class). Parents are notified of the student's acceptance. Student may be nominated after they begin Maqr’aa according to what the teacher sees and according to student's needs.

Ghars follows an enriching Arabic curriculum in addition to the general curriculum, to introduce Arabic language, intellectual skills and activities which enable students to develop linguistic skills through a core curriculum from Lebanon.

Teaches students basic Arabic skills depending on the student’s Arabic abilities. Arabic teachers will recommend struggling students to the program.

An optional reading program is offered students on a daily basis, where students start their day by enjoying free daily reading. The aim is to raise students’ reading level and increase their joy of engaging with books.

Students who lack in understanding of specific mathematical skills and are facing challenges despite following our rigorous curriculum are placed in Walk to Math based on recommendation of the teacher. This program targets basic math skills needed to follow the curriculum. It is provided as needed for 30 min on a weekly basis. As the student makes progress over the quarter, teacher’s make a final decision on the continuity of the program.

Academic Support (RTI) (G1-8)

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered approach to identifying and supporting students who may be struggling academically in Math or English. It involves three tiers of intervention, each providing different levels of support. The RTI team, including the head of the unit, will be in charge of implementing this program in our school. They'll ensure the interventions are effectively addressing students' needs and make necessary adjustments based on data-driven decisions.

Teaches different language skills, depending on students' English abilities, interests and needs.This program provides a home-school curriculum connection to facilitate optimal development of language skills.

Ghars offers school clubs that are usually on Thursdays at the end of the school day. An example of this is the Department of Islamic Studies entertaining clubs for boys and girls.Islamic Club for Boys and girls – it is an outreach program for students to help them socially. It teaches them Islamic values while having fun with their friends in a different environment other than their classroom.A wide scope of after school fun filled activities and field trips are arranged such as desert camping, go karts, horseback riding and different activities ..etc.

Ghars offers PE classes twice a week with a variety of physical attributes (General fitness, football, basketball, nutrition). Ghars follows the Virginia State Standards for Physical Education. The Virginia State Standards include five strands: skilled movement, movement principles and concepts, personal fitness, responsible behaviors and physically active lifestyle. The standards in each strand are sequenced to progress in complexity from grade level to grade level. Students are provided a variety of sporting activities, skills, experiences throughout the year developing students holistically.

Ghars uses the Virginia state standards (2013) for ICT grades 1-5, and TechnoKids standards of Learning for grades 6-12. Ghars has developed a robust curriculum based on the necessary skills for the 21^st Century. The curriculum meets the following standards of learning:

Basic operations and concepts
Social and ethical issues
Technology research tools
Thinking skills, problem solving and decision making
Technology communication tools

These standards of learning are met through the teaching of technology based skills, technology tools, use of resources, data processing, internet safety, productivity tools, decision making, coding and programming.

Ghars offers a comprehensive Art program which focuses on providing a student-centered, hands-on curricula to meet the creative and artistic needs of students. The arts nourish and stimulate the imagination, and provide students with an expanded range of tools, techniques, and skills to help them gain insights into the world around them and to represent their understandings in various ways. Students experience the use of oil, chalk, crayons, wax, glass paints, papier mache, clay, fabric, use of various textures, acrylics, pastels and more. Students’ art pieces are celebrated and show cased through the Ghars Art Exhibition.Arts education fosters bright, creative, and socially engaged students. The Art curriculum in KG is embedded in work stations and centers for young learners to experience a holistic thematic form of learning. Elementary Art is fostered around a hands-on experience-based curriculum.

Social Media Marketing (Gr.11-12)

Social Media Marketing course aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of various social media platforms and their potential for marketing, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Key areas of study include audience understanding, content creation, brand development, and data-driven strategies. The course prepares students for potential careers in digital marketing, entrepreneurship, public relations, or similar fields, while also emphasizing digital citizenship and responsible online behavior.

The school library equips students with lifelong learning skills and develops their imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens. The Ghars school library is a place for learning and thinking. It plays a key role in supporting and developing literacy and the enjoyment of reading in both Arabic and English. The library complies with the American Library Association standard and utilizes Follet-Education library system which provides a highly efficient library management and ordering system. Follet offers a wide variety of international Educational books with varying literacy works for our students. Ghars offers a comprehensive book-borrowing system for students from grades 1 to 12, staff and VIP members.