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."

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

Related Articles

  1. UAE schools opt for extended working hours

    UAE schools opt for extended working hours

    UAE schools opt for extended working hours

  2. Parents welcome extension of holidays

    Parents welcome extension of holidays

    Parents and teachers welcome decision to extend holidays

  3. School year in UAE to start after Eid

    School year in UAE to start after Eid

    School year in UAE to start after Eid

  4. Universities will not alter academic calendar

    UAE universities will not alter academic calendar

  5. No exemptions from rule on start of school year

    No exemptions from decision on start of school year

  6. Start of work for public school staff in UAE set

    Start of work for public school staff in UAE set

More from UAE Education

  1. Schools mark National Day with shows

  2. SAT wiz: Top of the class

  3. London Business School honours Mohammad

  4. Space experience awaits students at US camp

All articles in Education

More from UAE

Gulf News
Popular in UAE
Readers' pictures
Your pictures

Readers' pictures

A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week

Latest news
Community Reports

More from Community Reports

Weather

More from Weather