The Latifa School for Girls (LSG) was established in 1982 by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the aegis of the Government of Dubai. From the beginning, the School has offered a British curriculum leading to GCSE (General Certificate of Education) and A level (Advanced level). The Headmistress and most of the staff are British and there is a very strong Arabic and Islamic Studies Department staffed by well-qualified Arab teachers. The School has an established reputation for academic excellence and individualised attention to students' needs. Every teacher is expected to: encourage high standards in all aspects of school life contribute to the effective and efficient management of the School promote a school culture which is happy, purposeful and productive support and motivate students, teachers and other school employees encourage consultation and discussion. LSG is a day school for girls between the ages of 3 and a 1/2 and 18 occupying two adjacent sites. The School has a largely UK-educated staff of around 130: this includes a number of Arab members of staff who teach Arabic and Islamic Studies. LSG offers a comprehensive range of subjects leading to GCSE, AS and A level. Key Skills and non-examination courses are offered to girls in Year 12. The School regularly places girls in Oxford and Cambridge yet also educates girls who have significant learning difficulties. The School remains committed to providing a first-class education to all its students, whatever their abilities. The Secondary organizational structure, on the professional side, incorporates the senior management team (SMT), heads of department and heads of year. The SMT comprises the Headmistress, Deputy Headmistress, Senior Teacher, Head of Primary and Assistant Head of Primary. The SMT plus team includes an addition of two secondary staff representatives. Whilst heads of department are primarily concerned with academic matters and heads of year with pastoral, there is clearly an overlap between the two; all staff are expected to work together in the best interests of the students. There is also a careers officer and two examination officers. The Primary organisational structure, on the professional side, incorporates the primary leadership team (PLT) and Heads of Departments of Upper, Middle and Lower school. The PLT comprises the Headmistress, Head of Primary and Assistant Head of Primary. The PLT plus team includes the Heads of Departments, Literacy, Numeracy and Arabic Coordinators in each Key Stage as well as the Learning Support for Learning Coordinator. Specialised administrative, health, catering, media resources, library and maintenance personnel at both sites support the work of the teaching staff. LSG believes that two things are important: the quality of teaching and learning which takes place and the level of individual care and attention which every girl receives. At Latifa, both are given a high priority. The School's vision, which support these priorities, is: Latifa School for Girls promotes respect, pride in our achievements and the desire to do our best. We encourage everyone to: Discover and develop their individual interests and abilities; Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding in order for everyone to take full advantage of the opportunities life offers; Show respect for other people and cultures as well as for our environment; Build on the values, traditions and culture of the U.A.E. and the wider Arab world whilst recognizing our role in the global community.
