Mission Saudi Aramco Schools provide each student with an excellent education in support of attracting and retaining an international workforce.

Vision Saudi Aramco Schools will be a preeminent school system where students achieve their maximum potential in a culture of continuous improvement.

Values

LearningWe believe that to achieve our maximum potential we must continually improve in our knowledge, understanding, and skills.

AchievementWe value education as both a personal and shared responsibility to acquire and apply new knowledge, skills, and habits of mind.

Excellence We expect every member of the school community to aspire to the highest standard for personal performance.

Integrity We embrace honest, responsible and ethical behavior.

Accountability We support and adhere to the Saudi Aramco Schools’ mission, vision and values.

Citizenship We model social responsibility, support our school communities, and cultivate healthy relationships.

Service We value learning achieved through engagement in organized efforts to support worthy causes.

Safety We nurture safe schools and are committed to the well being of our school communities.

Mission, Vision, Values

Saudi Aramco Schools

About Saudi Aramco SchoolsSaudi Aramco SchoolsSaudi Aramco Schools’ vision is to be a preeminent school system where students achieve their maximum potential in a culture of continuous improvement.

Dr. Tim Hansen - Superintendent

The SchoolsSaudi Aramco Schools began in 1945 as a one-room facility in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Over the decades, this Company-oper-ated school system, with permanent Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 facilities, has provided a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes academics, the fine arts, athletics, and co- and extra-curricular activities. The combination of a robust curriculum, instructional best practices, and technological sup-port helps students to prepare for a successful transition to fu-ture educational systems. The mission of Saudi Aramco Schools is to provide each student with an excellent education in support of attracting and retaining an international workforce.

The Saudi Aramco School system is located in the Eastern Prov-ince of Saudi Arabia where it currently operates in four Saudi Arabian Oil Company communities: Abqaiq and 'Udhailiyah in the south, Dhahran in the central area, and Ras Tanura in the north.

Each school campus is modeled after contemporary North American schools with spacious, networked classrooms, learn-ing media centers, art studios, music rooms, science labs, gym-nasiums, swimming pools and sports fields. Facilities ranging from band rooms to shaded playground equipment are part of every school. The community swimming pools, running tracks, bowling facilities, and tennis and racquetball courts are often used for school activities.

Faculty and CounselorsFaculty members are North American certified and, with ac-cess to world-class resources, provide a comprehensive edu-cational program which emphasizes the academic disciplines, arts, healthy lifestyles, athletics and activities. A technology-rich curriculum coupled with instructional best practices serves to prepare students for a successful transition beyond the PreK-9 program Saudi Aramco Schools endeavor to expand student cul-tural awareness and provide opportunities uniquely available to expatriates.

GovernanceSaudi Aramco Schools employs a Corporate School Board model of governance strategically comprised of representatives from Saudi Aramco organizations. The Board is an advisory and pol-icy-making body in matters relating directly to the educational program.

Parents are informed of students' progress through annual par-ent/teacher conferences, individual conferences as needed, mid-trimester progress reports, and trimester report cards. In the fall, an Open House in each school outlines both curricular and extra-curricular activities for the current school year.

Student ActivitiesAn intramural athletics program and clubs ranging from tech-nology to drama provide many avenues for student interest, development and recreation. The Student Council and National Junior Honor Society are active organizations. Field trips con-tribute to students' knowledge and understanding of cultures within Saudi Arabia and throughout the world. Community life is enriched through school events such as concerts, musical pro-ductions, art exhibits and sporting events.

Professional DevelopmentThroughout the year, professional growth and development opportunities are available to all staff members. Faculty mem-bers are encouraged to continue their professional education through college credit courses and professional conferences. In-service training is provided in best practices which support the curriculum and promote student learning.

The School YearThe Saudi Aramco Schools' calendar begins in September and ends in June. It is divided into three trimesters of approximate-ly twelve weeks each. The school week is Saturday through Wednesday, with weekends on Thursday and Friday. This sched-ule conforms to the Company and the national Saudi Arabian work week. The school day for students consists of six hours in Grades 1-9, five and one-half hours for Kindergarten, and two and three-quarter hours for preschool. Company and national holidays are observed.

Six schools, Grades PreK-9, are operated by the Company for dependents of eligible employees. Educational goals are set in concert with a corporate member school board.

The U. S.-based curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, language studies, music, band, chorus, art, physical education, technology, and exploratory courses.

Oral Language, Literacy, Numeracy, Activities to Promote Gross and Fine Motor Development, Music, Art, Physical Education and Social Skills

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Music, Art, and Band (Grade 5 only).

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Arabic, French and Spanish. Exploratory courses include Music, Art, Band, and Chorus.

Language Arts, Algebra, Science, U.S. History, Health, Physical Education, Arabic, French or Spanish. Exploratory courses include Music, Art, Band, and Chorus.

Language Arts, Geometry, Physics, World History, Health, Physical Education, Arabic, French or Spanish. Exploratory courses include Music, Art, Band, and Chorus.

Prior to completing grade 9, students are supported in planning for their studies beyond the Saudi Aramco School system. Parents and students have options to choose international schools in the Dhahran Area, or may elect to enroll in a variety of boarding schools around the world.

Saudi Aramco Schools' Community Education program serves Saudi Aramco employees and their dependents by providing opportunities for members of our community to both teach and learn. Courses cover a wide variety of academic and interest subjects including: ESL, foreign languages, exercise, art, crafts, technology, history, self-awareness, photography, desert driving and more.

Courses allow students to develop talents, acquire new skills and explore new areas of interest with day and evening hours that suit different family schedules. Four separate sessions provide flexibility and variety while accommodating school and family leave schedules.

– Measures of Academic Progress (MAP): Grades 3-9– Cognitive Abilities Tests (CogAT): Grades 3, 5 and 7– Writing Assessment Program (WrAP): Grades 3 - 9– Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT): Grades 8 and 9

Saudi Aramco SchoolsBox 73Dhahran 31311Saudi Arabia

THE SCHOOLS

ACADEMICPROGRAM

K-3 and K4

KINDERGARTEN –GRADE 5

GRADE 6 and 7

GRADE 8

GRADE 9

SecondarySchoolPlacement

COMMUNITYEDUCATION

STANDARDIZEDASSESSMENTPROGRAM

CONTACTADDRESS

Email: timothy.hansen@aramco.comTel: 966 3 877 1675Fax: 966 3 872 0783www.saudiaramco.com/sas

About Saudi Aramco Schools

Graduate ProfileThe Graduate Profile presents a set of expectations that reflect Saudi Aramco Schools commitment to be a preeminent school system where students achieve their maximum potential in a culture of continuous improvement.

Knowledge and Skills for the 21st Century

  •  Exhibits the skills, knowledge and understanding of academic disciplines and the arts

  •  Communicates effectively and expressively

  •  Makes informed decisions about the challenges of leading a healthy and well balanced life

  •  Skillfully and ethically use media and technology for personal development and academic  growth

  •  Evaluates the validity and integrity of information

Complex and Creative Thinker and Inquirer

  •  Exhibits intellectual curiosity through inquiry, purposeful research and reflection 

  •  Thinks flexibly, critically, logically, and creatively to solve problems

  •  Knows and uses a variety of learning strategies

  •  Organizes and processes information productively and generates new ideas

Interpersonal Skills and Collaboration

  •  Values information from diverse viewpoints and cultural perspectives

  •  Works cooperatively and collaboratively in a group

  •  Seeks opportunities to contribute to society

  •  Listens actively in an effort to understand others

  •  Develops and maintains positive relationships with others

Personal Qualities, Work Habits and Attitudes

  •  Continuously reflects on emotional, intellectual and social growth 

  •  Is a confident and independent learner who perseveres

  •  Identifies, plans and implements courses of action

  •  Approaches all situations with integrity, politeness, sensitivity, and tolerance

  •  Understands how to make ethical decisions and responsible choices 

Saudi Aramco Schools

Teacher ProfileThe Teacher Profile presents a set of expectations that reflect Saudi Aramco Schools commitment to be a preeminent school system where teachers achieve their maximum potential in a culture of continuous improvement so as to support their students in doing the same.

Planning & Preparation   •  Demonstrates knowledge of the learning process, content, and best practice pedagogy   •  Develops understanding of students’ current knowledge, skills,  interests, cultural heritage, and 

special learning needs   •  Works collaboratively to design and map coherent instruction consistent with SAS curricula   •  Employs appropriate instructional resources, engages learning support, and accommodates varied 

learning needs to enhance student learning   •  Thinks flexibly, critically, and logically to solve problems and address student needs

Instruction

  •  Engages students in meaningful learning experiences   •  Communicates clearly and accurately with students, parents, and colleagues  •  Uses a variety of strategies to provide timely feedback to students and inform planning   •  Uses assessment data  to  inform  instruction  that addresses  the  individual  learning needs of all 

students  •  Develops and implements questioning strategies to encourage creative and critical thinking   •  Employs different forms of technology effectively to enhance student learning and professional 

practice

Classroom Environment   •  Establishes a culture for learning with high expectations for achievement   •  Creates  and  maintains  a  respectful,  positive,  student-centered,  and  intellectually  challenging 

learning environment   •  Manages classroom procedures and organizes physical space effectively   •  Fosters caring and respectful relationships with students, parents, and colleagues  •  Listens actively in an effort to understand others  •  Takes responsible risks and embraces new experiences to promote learning

Professional Responsibilities   •  Demonstrates a commitment to the Saudi Aramco Schools mission, vision, and values   •  Pursues continuous professional growth through reflective practice and regular engagement in 

individual and collaborative learning activities   •  Leads and encourages student participation in extracurricular activities   •  Communicates with and engages families in the instructional program  •  Fulfills professional responsibilities  •  Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance 

Saudi Aramco Schools

2012-2013 Calendar

Approved by School Board November 2011 Subject to Saudi Aramco Operational Calendar

Begin/End TrimesterCompany Holiday

Professional Development/Planning

Parent Conference Week

Report Cards Mailed

Ramadan

Required Teacher Work DayNon-Student Contact Days

TRIMESTER I ( 62 days) September 1 ........................................ First day of Trimester ISept. 22-23 .................................................... Company HolidaySept. 29-Oct. 24 .................................................. MAP & CogATOctober 20-24.................................... Parent Conference WeekOctober 27-29 ............................................... Company HolidayOctober 30-31 ............... Professional Development/Planning (Non-student contact day)December 4 .......................................... Last day of Trimester I

TRIMESTER II (63 days)December 5 ................... Professional Development/Planning (Non-student contact day)December 6 ........................................... SSAT (Grades 8 and 9)December 8 ......................................... First day of Trimester IIDecember 18 ............................................ Report cards mailedDec. 22-Jan. 9 ................. Professional Development/Planning

(Non-student contact days)January 17 .................................................. SSAT make-up dateJanuary 19 ..................................................... Company HolidayFeb. 23-March 6 .......................... ERB WrAP writing test datesMarch 23 ....................................................... Company HolidayMarch 27 .............................................. Last day of Trimester IIApril 9 ....................................................... Report cards mailed

SPRING INTERSESSIONMarch 30-April 10.......... Professional Development/Planning

(Non-student contact days)

TRIMESTER III (57 days) April 13 ............................................... First day of Trimester IIIMay 4-29 ........................................................... MAP test datesJune 8 ........................................................... Company HolidayJuly 1 ................................................... Last day of Trimester IIIJuly 16 ....................................................... Report cards mailed

SUMMER INTERSESSION July 2-31 ..........................Professional Development/Planning

(Non-student contact days)August 3-6 ..................... Professional Development/Planning

(Non-student contact days)August 7-12 ................................................... Company HolidayAugust 13-28 ................. Professional Development/Planning

(Non-student contact days)August 31 ......................... First day of 2013-2014 School Year

SAUDI ARAMCO SCHOOLS 2012-2013 CALENDARA Learning Community Dedicated to Continuous Improvement

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SAUDI ARAMCO SCHOOLS 2012-2013 CALENDARA Learning Community Dedicated to Continuous Improvement

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A Learning Community Dedicated to Continuous Improvement

SAUDI ARAMCO SCHOOLS

Learning PrinciplesLiteracy is at the heart of learning.

  •  Students  learn writing and  reading  strategies  to  comprehend and  represent  knowledge  in  all subject areas using traditional and emerging media.

  •  Teachers engage in professional reading and writing and professional development to support student learning in reading, writing and subject area content.

Learning is an active, social act.

  •  Students build relationships and engage with people of many abilities and beliefs in order to learn and solve real-world problems in their lives and the lives of others.

  •  Teachers  in every subject area and grade  level participate  in  learning communities to promote student performance and model how adults and professionals learn.

Learning about learning establishes a habit of inquiry.

  •  Students self-assess and use feedback to reflect and plan on their strengths and weaknesses.

  •  Teachers explicitly teach metacognition strategies to their students and use these strategies to improve professional practice.

Assessing progress is part of learning.

  •  Students  need  multiple  opportunities  in  a  risk-free  environment  to  assess  their  own  progress toward learning goals through regular, timely and specific feedback.

  •  Teachers continually use formative assessment of student progress to guide professional planning and track student progress toward instructional goals.

A key goal of learning is fluent and flexible transfer.   •  Students  use  prior  knowledge  to  construct  new  understandings  and  how  they  organize  this 

knowledge influences how they learn, make meaning, and apply what they know.

  •  Teachers accommodate differences in prior knowledge,  interests, styles, and learning needs as they work to help students.

Learning results from the thoughtful planning of instruction.   •  Students  learn  best  when  the  learning  designs  include  clearly  stated  goals  and  performance 

expectations framed around genuine questions and meaningful challenges.   •  Teachers facilitate learning through developing purposeful instruction and assessments based on 

the Saudi Aramco Schools’ curriculum.

Saudi Aramco Schools