Abu Dhabi: In an effort to foster improvement in education from the primary to grade 12 level, Finnish education models will be implemented in two primary schools in the capital, starting from the new academic year.
The partnership between the two countries, highlighted by an agreement signed on Monday, by Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, and Pekka Peltonen, CEO of EduCluster Finland, is meant to apply the Adec curriculum and principles, using Finnish expertise and methods.
"Schools will teach the Adec curriculum using education assisting tools. We are not getting a curriculum from Finland, but the practical application will be by these [Finnish] tools," said Al Khaili.
The Finnish programme in particular was selected because of its accomplishments in the educational field.
"This discussion began due to the successful results Finland has achieved in its educational system," Dr Al Khaili said. "The Finnish curriculum and method of teaching is recognised internationally as developing well-rounded and innovative students. In addition, Finland has received top scores in the Programme for International Student Assessment."
Peltonen said: "What we have done is to develop international partnerships in the belief that creativity can result from diversity… the Abu Dhabi-Finland EPA Programme is a truly international partnership."
The two schools where the new model will be carried out are the Al Ameen Primary School for Boys in Abu Dhabi and the Hili Primary School for Girls in Al Ain.
"Regarding the two schools… If the experience is successful, then the model will be used for more schools," Al Khaili added.
