Secondary school students feted for academic excellence

Dubai: Recognising performance in the June 2008 University of Cambridge International Examinations, the Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cambridge Awards 2009 were presented on Monday night.

The awards recognise outstanding academic achievements by secondary school students in the UAE.

The event was held in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and was held at the Mina Al Salam Hotel in Dubai.

Students received awards for attaining the highest marks in the world in the Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS/A Level examinations in June 2008, and the highest marks in the UAE in Cambridge International A-Level examinations.

Additionally, the Cambridge Award for Outstanding Achievement was also presented to the highest achieving male and female students in each region in recognition of their overall performance across a range of Cambridge IGCSEs and Cambridge International AS/A Level subjects.

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of KHDA, said: "Following the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a knowledge-based economy, Dubai has set the benchmark in the region for quality education. KHDA continuously invests relentless efforts to elevate the quality of curriculums, teaching techniques and the educational environment with the objective of providing a globally recognised workforce capable of handling all the challenges of the job market."

Schools also submitted nominations for the following awards to be presented at the ceremony: the Cambridge Special Achievement Award for a student who has demonstrated outstanding performance while overcoming significant personal challenges; the Cambridge Award for students who have made a significant contribution to the life of a school; and the Cambridge Inspirational Teacher Award for a teacher who has inspired students and made a positive impact on the school.