Computer science for grade 4 and 5 in SEZ

The initiative has been developed in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s work to enhance education and provide curricula enabling new generations to meet the work requirements of Dubai’s knowledge economy.

It also seeks to attract a number of world-class international schools to Dubai. Schools operating under the Dubai Schools umbrella can be established either as branch campuses of reputed international schools or as new institutions offering various international curricula.

All the schools will be located in prime locations in Dubai to ensure easy accessibility.

The first schools in the cluster, to be announced soon, will offer national curricula from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The Dubai Schools initiative is designed to strengthen Dubai’s primary and secondary education in a changing and dynamic environment, said Ahmad Bin Byat, Chairman, DEC.

With Dubai’s economy increasingly diversifying into knowledge-based industries, Dubai Schools seeks to provide educational choices that help nurture future leaders and innovators. A world-class K-12 system is the first and perhaps, the most important component for turning this vision into reality.

Besides, the initiative is also to meet the requirements of the diverse population and cultures residing in Dubai. The Dubai Schools initiative also responds to the growing demand for private education. Student intake in Dubai-based schools has been increasing by 15 per cent annually for the past five years.

In the academic year 2004-2005, 117,410 private school students were registered in Dubai compared to were 90,646 in 2000-2001, an increase of more than 26,764 students.

The main role of DEC is to advance the education sector in Dubai to meet clearly measurable global standards. To help achieve this vision, the DEC will leverage on the knowledge and expertise of established K-12 education systems to provide international curricula in Dubai, said Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Secretary General, DEC.

To establish under Dubai Schools, an institution must submit a plan, which will be evaluated by international accreditation authorities. All schools will undergo annual inspections by the accreditation authorities to ensure that their curricula, teaching methods, examinations and facilities continually meet international standards.

All teachers in Dubai Schools institutions will have to meet standards of qualifications and experience required to teach the curricula in its country of origin.