Dear Parents, Guardians and Learners,

I hope that this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to provide further updates regarding End of Course Assessments, in order to provide answers to frequently asked questions and to provide links to all relevant documents that have been shared previously, so that they are easily accessible in one document.

Firstly, it is essential to ensure that any answer papers that are submitted, are done so in a timely fashion, but more importantly, in a way that ensures that their answers are able to be read clearly. With this in mind, can I ask all learners to download an application called “CamScanner”, which is free to use. Also, to please ensure that they practice using the app; taking and submitting photographs, converting them via the application to PDF files and uploading them to Google Classroom.

Additionally, learners should remember that only 2 tabs should be open during the assessment (the assessment question paper and Google Meets). We may ask learners to share screens at any time, and even to press “Alt+Tab”, or any other quick key that is deemed necessary at the time. Learners must practice sharing the screen on Google Meets, as we will be expecting this to be done extremely quickly for their assessment to be considered valid, as it should be a process that takes a few seconds at most.

It should be noted that attendance and punctuality was good during the Arabic and Islamic assessments, last week. However, it should be noted that absences will result in the paper being ungraded, as would be the case in board examinations, in order to maintain the integrity of the assessments. Additionally, late starters may receive less time to complete their assessment, finishing at the scheduled end time, despite starting late. If there are technical issues, please contact Ms. Joan either by email, secondary@alsalamcommunity.ae, or by phone, 052 383 0976. This should be done at least 5 minutes before the start of the assessment for us to consider providing alternative solutions. Though we will try our best to contact learners who appear to be late, we can not guarantee that this will be possible, given that there is only a fifteen minute window between entry and the start of the assessment. We encourage learners to be motivated and responsible, and ensure they are attending their assessments on time.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks for all of your positive contributions and our continued collaboration. Below, I have provided links to documents that will be useful, which includes responses to Frequently Asked Questions that have been provided by parents and learners.

As always, please feel free to continue to contact me, or use the FAQ Google Form, if you have any further assessment related queries, suggestions or comments. As always, I hope you remain safe, positive and I wish you all a blessed Ramadan.

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Harvey Furniss

Assistant Head of Secondary (Attainment and Progress)

Cambridge Assessment International Education recognises that the Coronavirus pandemic presents huge challenges to schools and parents.

To ease the financial burden on schools and families at the same time help students get on with educational journeys to award grades wherever possible, Cambridge Board have announced to reduce exam entry fees by 10%.

Please note that disbursement of the 10% can either be redirected to cover any outstanding tuition fee payments, applying a credit note to next year's fee payments or to refund the amount where applicable.