Dear Ash Mount Community,
It has been a really exciting week for us at Ash Mount. Our school website is now ready to launch, and we have officially started admissions for our very first students. It has been wonderful to hear from so many families already, and the level of interest in a school that offers an international curriculum while encouraging creativity and purpose is inspiring.
As I’ve spoken to parents, I’ve loved hearing your wishes for your children, that they learn in a way that feels meaningful and that they develop both a local and global perspective. Dubai offers this in such a unique way, with its facilities, cultural opportunities, and position in the world. We are very lucky, both as expatriates and as part of the local community, to live and learn here.
This week I also joined training on assessing our youngest learners and explored assessments in Arabic that reflect our philosophy of learning and teaching. It reminded me how important it is that assessment is authentic. At Ash Mount, we want our assessments to do two things: to celebrate what children can do, and to show clearly where we can help them grow.
So why do we assess children?
The simple answer is: to understand progress. Assessments are not there to label children or to rank them against each other. They are tools to help teachers know what to do next, to help children see how far they’ve come, and to give families a clearer picture of the journey.
Here are a few thoughts for parents at different ages:
- Pre and KG: Most assessment is play-based and observational. Share with teachers what you notice at home, it builds a fuller picture of your child. Celebrate the small wins: putting on shoes, learning a new word, making a friend.
- Grades 1–5: This is a great age to focus on progress. Ask “What are you proud of this week?” or “What felt tricky but you tried anyway?” Effort and persistence matter just as much as outcomes.
- Secondary: Assessments begin to feel more formal, and stress can creep in. Keep routines steady, prioritise sleep, and remind teenagers that an assessment shows where they are today, not who they are. A calm conversation, “What part felt challenging?” often helps more than focusing on a mark.
Children need to know that they are not being measured against others, but against their own potential. Good assessments show the amazing things children can do, while also highlighting where the gaps are so they can focus their energy in the right place.
For older students especially, assessments can feel heavy at times. Parents can support by breaking tasks into steps, listening without judgement, and reminding them that one grade does not define them. And always, if you are concerned or have questions, keep talking with the school. Working together is the best way to support every child.
As we close Week 4, I wish you a relaxing and happy weekend. Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey with us.
