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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs- Single National Curriculum Implementation (2023-2024)

What will be the impact of Single National Curriculum (SNC) on UCS Curriculum?

UCS curriculum was already in alignment with the National Curriculum, 2006. SNC implementation does not have a major impact on the UCS Curriculum.

Will the students be taught from SNC Model textbooks/PCTB textbooks? If yes, how will you be able to maintain the quality of education?

The booklist includes only Urdu and Islamiat SNC Model textbooks by PCTB as per our previous practice. UCS curriculum is mainly UK and Singapore based and is of international standards. The textbooks on the booklist primarily consist of top tier international publishers and are carefully aligned with SNC.

If UCS is using Model textbooks, how will it be any different from a public school?

UCS is only using Urdu and Islamiat SNC Model textbooks by PCTB. We have trained teachers and have a robust programme for their continuous professional development. Our Teaching and Learning practices include Infinity, our Singapore based Learning Management System. The Infinity lessons encompass academic videos, online games, homework portal and clicker based assessments. Furthermore, we have a strong technology infrastructure and we continue to use digital resources and experiential learning to enhance our students’ knowledge and skills.

When will textbooks be available?

Our textbooks have either received No Objection Certificate (NOC) or are in the process of receiving an NOC from Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB). We are hopeful that some of the textbooks will be available by the end of September 2021.

In the absence of textbooks, what is being currently taught at schools?

Our schools have teachers’ copies of all the textbooks which are used for teaching and learning. The students are being assigned proper copy work to ensure they are well connected to their studies.

How are the students going to be assessed after the implementation of SNC?

The assessment framework is going to be the same as it was last year and has no impact due to the implementation of SNC. The only change in the assessment criteria is the addition of the new subject, Nazra.

What changes can we expect in our child with the implementation of SNC?

The curriculum of United Charter Schools has always placed the student firmly at the centre of all learning activities. Our students are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to become competent and confident learners. With the incorporation of SNC, our students’ will further strengthen their moral values.

How does online study model support subjects that require experimentation or hands-on activities?

UCS Connect, our online learning platform, has a number of activities that give students practical exposure to learning. Our teachers plan and conduct interactive online lessons that include well guided hands-on activities/experiments. For younger learners, these activities require parental involvement.

How will the students be able to understand General Knowledge and Social Studies with a sudden change in the medium of instruction (Urdu)?

Students will be supported throughout this transition of learning General Knowledge and Social Studies in Urdu. The teaching methodologies, classroom discussion, and the assessment criteria will help students cope with the change.

Can General Knowledge and Social Studies be taught in English instead of Urdu? If not, how will the school support students who are already struggling with Urdu?

As per the Punjab Government’s directive, the mentioned subjects have to be taught in Urdu. To facilitate the struggling students, initially a bilingual model is employed
where the terminology and jargon is taught using Urdu as well as English language.

FAQs- Generic (2023-2024)

Are United Charter Schools (UCS) affiliated with Beaconhouse?

Yes. UCS is a project of Beaconhouse.

What is the difference between Beaconhouse and UCS?

Beaconhouse has a standardised curriculum designed at the Head Office; Whereas, UCS has a textbook-based curriculum. There is a difference in fee structure.

UCS aims to provide quality education at international standards. Due to COVID-19, a paradigm shift has taken place in teaching and learning, and blended learning has become a necessity. UCS addresses this need in the form of INFINITY, our communication and information technology tool, powered by a Singapore-based Knowledge Platform, providing online lessons and assessments to your child, enabling parents and teachers to gauge the learning process of each child. This allows UCS to be accessible to our larger parent body; hence, increasing the spectrum of excellence in education.

What is the difference between ‘The Educators’ and UCS?

There is a difference in the fee structure and the Curriculum.

Is UCS a franchise?

Yes.

Which classes are being offered at UCS?

UCS offers both Matriculation and O-Level streams. Currently, all the Campuses are from Pre-Nursery to Class VIII. From 2024 onwards, both Matriculation and O-Level classes will begin.

Does UCS offer Matric or O Level?

UCS offers both Matriculation and O’ Level streams.

How many campuses does ucs have?

Currently, UCS has 29 campuses across Pakistan. However, many more are in the pipeline.

What is the future of students who complete O Levels from UCS?

The students completing O Level will be given priority in admission to A Levels Campuses of Beaconhouse Schools and HOMEBRIDGE which is an online A-Level Programme and is also a project of Beaconhouse.

How many Campuses are you opening?

This year we are opening five Campuses, four in Lahore and one in Faisalabad. However, the number will increase in the upcoming years. By next year UCS Campuses will be opened in most cities of Pakistan.

What are the locations of UCS Campuses?

The locations of the five Campuses are:

  1. Johar Town Campus: 7-C/II, PGECHS, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan. Ph: 042-35189820-21: 
  2. Gulberg Campus: 68/C-l, Gulberg lll, Lahore, Pakistan. Ph: 042-35718292-93
  • Paragon Campus: 21-S, Imperial Homes, Paragon City, Barki Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Ph: 042-37191663, 96
  1. Elite Town Campus: 111/A, Elite Town, Ferozepur Road, Kahna Lahore

Faisalabad Campus: 204/B, Eden Garden Road, Kashmir Underpass, Canal Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Ph: 041-8522991-92

Which curriculum is being used at UCS?

The textbooks included in the UCS booklist are Cambridge, Oxford, and Singapore-based.

Do all Campuses follow the same curriculum?

Yes, all Campuses follow the same curriculum.

Can I register my child online?

Yes, you can.

Is there a provision of ordering/buying books online?

Yes, you may order/buy books online. The procedure is:

  1. Login on ‘https://www.mybagpack.com’;
  2. Select, United Charter Schools’;
  3. Select the ‘class’ of your child;
  4. Options will appear on the left hand under the heading ‘Type’;
  5. Click on the option ‘Book Packs’ so a consolidated summary of the price book pack appears on the screen;
  6. Click, ’Add to Cart’. A window would appear;
  7. Click, ‘Proceed to Check Out’;
  8. You may create your ‘User login’ by entering your email address or you may continue shopping ‘as a guest’;
  9. Enter your ‘shipping address’;
  10. You’ll receive a ‘confirmation code’ on your given cell phone number;
  11. When you enter your ‘confirmation code’, your order will be confirmed.

What is the admission process?

You are requested to visit your nearby Campus to get your child registered, followed by an interview and admission test. Once your child is interviewed and clears the test, the challan form is issued. When the admission fee is deposited in the bank, your child’s seat is confirmed.

Is there a policy for a parent who wishes to pay the entire tuition fee amount for one Academic Year together?

Yes, we have the policy in place. Parents wanting to pay fees for the entire Academic Year will be given a discount of 6%; whereas, parents who are interested in paying the fee for half of the Academic Year, will be given a discount of 3%.

Is it co-education?

Yes, it is.

When do you segregate boys and girls?

There is no policy on segregating boys and girls at UCS. However, this policy can be reviewed as deemed appropriate.

What kind of facilities are provided at UCS?

At United Charter Schools, we have air-conditioned classrooms. Our schools are well equipped with the latest educational technology tools necessary for blended learning. Technology is embedded in the teaching and learning of all the subjects. Each Campus has a well-resourced library and playground.

What kind of co and extra-curricular activities are provided to students?

Co and Extra-curricular activities provide students with opportunities to polish their social, intellectual, communication, and interpersonal skills. Students at UCS are given exposure, not only to a range of academic and co-curricular activities but also, to physical and extra-curricular activities such as Sports Day, Dignity Day, declamation contests, reading activities, spellathons, and Annual Plays, etc.

Do you have trained staff?

UCS believes in the Continuous Professional Development of its School Heads and teachers. The Education Department at the Head Office provides ongoing training to all their staff so they excel in their profession.

From where can we get the books and stationery?

UCS books are available online at My Backpack and the designated booksellers.

From where can we get the uniforms?

UCS uniforms are available at the same booksellers from where you can buy books.

What SOPs are you following in the current COVID-19 situation?

At United Charter Schools, we care immensely about the wellbeing of our students and staff members. We follow all COVID -19 SOPs incorporating international best practices and the Government of Pakistan’s requirements.

Will there be examinations for Early Years and Primary Classes?

There is no Mid-Year or End of Year Examination from Pre-Nursery to Class 2. The result is based on continuous/formative classroom assessments. However, from Class 3 onwards, Mid-Year and End-of-Year Examinations are conducted. The result in these classes is based on continuous/formative classroom assessment as well as the Mid-Year and End-of-Year Examination.

What would happen in case the schools are closed down by the government?

The technologically enhanced infrastructure at UCS, including INFINITY and technology-savvy teachers as a result of rigorous teacher training has made it possible for UCS to easily adapt to online teaching if need be. Also, our Parents ’portal would help bridge the gap between our schools and the parent body.

What are the school timings?

The school timings are different for Early Years and Primary Classes. However, the 

school timings of both Early Years and Primary Classes remain the same throughout

Summers and Winters i.e.

Summer and Winter Timings-Early Years and Primary Classes

Monday to Thursday

Pre-Nursery will follow reduced timings at the beginning but eventually, the timings will be 8:00 to 12:30 p.m.

Nursery and KG: 8:00 to 1:00 pm

Classes I to onwards: 8:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Friday

Pre-Nursery: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Nursery and KG– 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Classes I to onwards: 8:00 – 12:30 p.m.

Does UCS provide pick and drop services for students?

No, it is the parent’s responsibility to pick and drop their child/ren

Do you have a backup in schools in case of power failure?

Yes. All campuses are equipped with generators.

Is there any specific procedure to opt for O' level/Matriculation

Yes, Bifurcation.

What is Bifurcation?

Bifurcation is a process of identifying a suitable educational trajectory for Class VIII students, determining between O Level and Matriculation.

What is the criteria to place a student in either the O' level or matriculation streams?

Student performance throughout the academic year in class VIII shall be assessed, with specific consideration given to the results of the Mid-Year Examination and the 3rd Periodic Assessment for stream allocation.

What is the minimum academic benchmark for the O' level and matric streams?

Matric: An overall 40% or more in all subjects in Class VIII. 

O-Level: An Overall 50% or more in all subjects in Class VIII.

What subjects are offered for matriculation in Punjab?

The UCS is offering Sciences only. Subject distribution is as under:

Class IX/X Matric (Punjab Region):  Physics, Biology or Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Urdu, Islamiat, Tarjuma-tul-Quran, Pak Studies, Ethics (compulsory for non-Muslim candidates)

What subjects are offered for matriculation in Sindh?

There is a slight change. The Matriculation subjects offered in the Sindh region are:

Class IX/X Matric (Sindh Region):  English, Urdu/ Sindhi for Sindhi medium, Mathematics, Physics, Biology/Computers, Chemistry, Islamiat/ (Ethics/Religious Studies for Non-Muslim candidates), Pakistan Studies, Geography (for foreign students only)

Who conducts the matriculation examination?

The relevant Provincial Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) conduct annual examinations according to their prescribed schedule, with separate examinations for Class IX and X.

What is the duration of the matriculation stream?

The duration is two years. The relevant Provincial BISE will conduct annual examinations separately for both Class IX and Class X upon the completion of their respective academic sessions.

What is the registration process with the matriculation board?

The relevant Provincial Matriculation boards provide the registration process and schedule to the schools, which the schools then follow to register their students with the board.

What are the benefits of the matriculation stream?

  • National Recognition
  • Basic benchmark
  • Lecture-based approach
  • Opens door to next level of education – FSc./FA/Diploma DAE/ACCA, etc.

What is the duration of o-level studies?

The Programme spans three years. In the first year (IX O). Students are introduced to O Level studies, and a significant portion of the syllabus is covered. In Class X O students will sit for the CAIE examination for Pakistan Studies, Urdu, and Islamiat. In Class XI O the students will appear in the remaining subjects.

What subject choices/options are available for the o-level students?

At present UCS is offering the following academic groups for O Level studies.

  • Sciences:

         Subjects: English, Urdu, Mathematics, Islamiat, Pakistan Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/,                                Computer/Additional Mathematics

  • Business Studies:

          Subjects: English, Urdu, Mathematics, Islamiat, Pakistan Studies, Business Studies, Economics,                                  Accounting

Which examination body conducts o-level examination?

Cambridge University conducts O-Level Examinations.

What is the subject distribution for the CAIE examination in year X O and year XI O?

In Year X O: Students will appear in the following subjects:

Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, and Pakistan Studies.

In Year XI O: Students will appear in the following subjects:

  • Sciences: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Computer/Additional Mathematics
  • Business Studies: English, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, Accounting

Which is the certificate awarding body for the CAIE examination?

Cambridge University awards O-Level certificate.

Is the O level certificate issued by Cambridge recognised in Pakistan and internationally?

Yes, the O-Level certificate is nationally and internationally recognised.

Which national institute authenticates certificates from CAIE and other examination bodies?

IBCC – INTER BOARDS COORDINATION COMMISSION, authenticates, equivalence, and verifies the certificates, up to Higher Secondary levels and equivalent having been issued from local or foreign authorised institutions or examining bodies.  An Equivalence Certificate is issued by the IBCC.

What happens if a student/candidate does not pass the CAIE examination?

The student has to reappear in the CAIE examination as a private candidate.

What are the benefits of O-level studies?

  1. O-Level focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  2. O-Level provides students with the opportunity to choose specific subjects based on their interests and career aspirations.
  3. National and International recognition
  4. Smooth induction/admission into International universities.
  5. The same subjects are offered all over Pakistan
  6. Students can opt for A-Level/Matriculation/IB/ACCA based on their interests and career approach.
*For academic queries please contact the School Head.*
*In case the schools are closed down by the Government due to any unforeseen reason, UCS will engage its students through online teaching.

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