Abu Dhabi: An innovative new school programme, The Journey of Discovery, has been launched by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec). the campaign aims to have pupils explore their future potential and what they would like to become.

The campaign will be introduced across all schools, from all grades, and is the first of its kind to be launched in the UAE.

Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Adec’s Director-General, explained, “The Journey of Discovery is a full campaign that Adec has launched for the start of the new school year. This is a journey we would like to include everyone in, but specifically the student.”

“We want the students to think that going back to school is not just another year and an end to their summer vacation, but rather the start or the continuation of a full discovery through the year in which they will learn a lot, such as their abilities, their goals, and their ambition.”

Al Qubaisi also explained how teachers will be a fundamental part of the programme.

“Our teachers are very creative, and the schools’ leadership is also very excited and looking forward to this campaign. We just want to give them the concept of the campaign, and then teachers will build their own discovery experience around this concept.”

“The teachers will be taking part in many activities and exercises individually as well as with the student, to motivate the student towards their goals and aspirations.”

The entire concept of the Journey of Discovery, Al Qubaisi said, “is brand new, it’s the first time that this is being done, and it is a new start. We don’t want to say back to school, but let’s all get together on this journey of discovery where the students will learn about themselves, what they want to become, and build towards that together.”

Parents will also be a key part of being involved in the journey, according to Al Qubaisi.

“We want the parents to join in, we want them to start planning with their children, discovering and learning what their children’s ambitions and goals are, and helping them towards it.”

The Journey of Discovery programme will change the traditional school setting as well, according to Al Qubaisi, with the programme making children think and plan for their future while in school, and sharing this with others in order to build towards their chosen career path.

 

-Sami Zaatari is a trainee at Gulf News