UAE prepares to standardise government schools

The UAE’s Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) have announced plans to standardise education systems at government schools across the country.

The initiative will see the development of the ‘Emirati school model’ across all emirates under the country’s Vision 2021 reforms designed to make local education among the best in the world.

The model is defined by a “rich curriculum, excellence in student skills and courses, as well as high quality of education in full alignment to the expectations of the vision of the UAE leadership for the education sector”, according to state news agency WAM.

It will consolidate systems, policies and courses across public and private schools following the ministry system and promote the development of the Emirati school model.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, encouraged stakeholders to work together to enable all schools within the country to operate within a “homogenous framework” and produce graduates under the best international standards.

“The UAE has made many significant achievements in education and the next stage requires us to build on them under a unified framework in preparation for the comprehensive development which needs a common, unified education system that is capable of delivering national higher objectives guided by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” he said.

Starting from the 2017-2018 academic year the ministry and ADEC will work with teachers and administrative staff to explain the gradual delivery of the plan.

ADEC students in the 12th and 11th grades will continue their current curriculum to not disrupt their education.

Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, director-general of ADEC, called on parents to collaborate with the plans that are designed to ensure education in all schools focuses on “building character and national identity and links education to the needs of society”.

The ministry and ADEC have formed two committees to enable teachers to fulfill their responsibilities and establish new rules for the integration of legislators and executive bodies.