UAE | Education

Extended break will not affect education in UAE

Public school students will not be disadvantaged with the decision to start the new academic year after Ramadan, said a senior official from the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

  • By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 22:48 July 2, 2009
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Public school students will not be disadvantaged with the decision to start the new academic year after Ramadan, said a senior official from the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

Before the decision was announced to extend the 2009-10 academic year to the end of September among public schools and certain private schools (who follow the Ministry of Education Curriculum), ADEC had already announced the necessity of lengthening school days among most public schools, by adding an extra two sessions, four days a week, each for 45 minutes (a total of an hour and a half a day).

Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, spoke to Gulf News about the issue.

"ADEC realised that the number of school hours among certain public schools was less than average in comparison to international standards and schools, so found it necessary to extend those hours among Grades 10, 11 and 12 in order to prepare them for university."

He said ADEC is collaborating with the MoE to make sure that students receive quality education.

With regards to private schools, a senior official at ADEC said: "Most private schools work longer days anyway, so it's their decision how they want to adjust their timings," said Even though Gulf News has contacted Choieufat International School and Emirates National School, no spokesperson was available for comment.

However administrative staff from each school who wished to remain anonymous, hope that their schools start the 2009-10 academic year after Ramadan.

"ADEC feels extra hours are more important for older kids, to be more prepared for universities, and to be able to pass the CEPA exam (Common Education Proficiency Assessment)," said Dr Robert Thompson, Head of Special Project and External Relations at the ADEC.

Dr. Thompson told Gulf News that families, schools and education authorities in general are happy about the extended summer holiday.

"Ramadan is an important time for children and families."

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