fbpx

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs- Single National Curriculum Implementation (2021-2022)

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 (2021-2022)

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, which is designed at the Head Office; Whereas, UCS has a textbook-based curriculum.

As far as the mission and vision are concerned, UCS has the same mission and vision as Beaconhouse, and that is 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 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 for 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. Furthermore, all the current branches of UCS are owned/operated by the company.

Is UCS a franchise?

No, it is not a franchise.

Which classes are being offered at UCS?

All the Campuses are from Pre-Nursery to Class VI for the current Academic Year 2020-2021.

Where will the students go after Class 6?

By the next Academic Year, all Campuses will have Middle School. Later, UCS will have both Matric and O Level streams.

Does UCS offer Matric or O Level?

UCS offers both Matric and O’ Levels.

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

The students completing O Levels will be given priority in admission for A Levels at Beaconhouse Schools.

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?

UCS has Cambridge, Oxford and Singaporean based curriculum.

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. Please note that the registration fee is not refundable and does not confirm the admission.

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 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, 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?

Just like Beaconhouse, UCS believes in the Continuous Professional Development of its teachers. The Training 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 Bagpack and the following booksellers:

Campus Bookseller City Address Phone
Johar Town Campus BookBerry Lahore 8-G PIA Society Lahore 042-35134028, 0300-8883328
Gulberg Campus Jahangir Sons Lahore 48-C-2 Ghalib Road, Link M.M Alam Road, Gulberg-III, Lahore. 35771000-101
Paragon Campus Jahangir Sons Lahore 55-Commercial Area Imperial Garden Paragon City Barki Road, Lahore Tel: 37184355
Faisalabad Campus Trends Faisalabad 54-B, Gate # 4, Kohinoor City, Faisalabad Tel: 041-8554888, 0300-9656968

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 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 V: 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 V: 8:00 – 12:30 p.m.

Does UCS provide pick and drop services for students?

No, it is the parents’ 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.

*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.

Belgium      |     Malaysia     |     Oman     |      Pakistan      |     Philippines     |     Thailand     |     UAE