Dubai: From poor teaching to the use of physical and verbal abuse on students, the quality lapses of the education system in the emirate have been exposed in the School Inspection reports released on Saturday morning.
The individual performance ratings of all 189 public and private schools uploaded on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's (KHDA) website named outstanding, good, acceptable and unsatisfactory schools in Dubai.
With 22 unsatisfactory schools and 97 that are just acceptable, including the most expensive, GEMS World Academy, over 62 per cent of Dubai's schools have fallen below the required quality standards.
Out of the 109 private schools inspected, there were four outstanding, 34 good, 54 acceptable and 17 unsatisfactory schools. In the public sector, 32 were found to be good, 43 acceptable and five unsatisfactory while there were no outstanding government schools.
The reports that highlight key information from inspections conducted by the DSIB (Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau) between October 2008 to April 2009, have listed the use of physical punishment, non-compliance to Arabic and Islamic study requirements, poor teaching standards and unchallenging curriculum among others as some of the weakness among the unsatisfactory and acceptable schools.
Much to parents' dismay, a number of schools, both public and private have been found to be using physical punishment and verbal abuse to intimidate and threaten students.
The Bureau has asked Al Sharouq Private school, Grammar School and Al Maktoum Boys School, to name a few, to do away with all such methods to discipline students with immediate effect by revising the code of conduct for teachers.
"I cannot believe that schools that are supposed to nurture values of respect and restraint are still using these archaic methods of disciplining. I would appreciate it if the KHDA suspends the licence or levy huge fines on these schools," said Ishan Ahmad, a father of two.
The teaching and learning standards in schools have also come under fire with inspections pointing out a lack of consistency in teaching methods, the absence of the use of technology and access to wider range of learning resources, poor assessment and review of students' progress that promotes active learning of subjects including English, mathematics and science.
Another area of improvement across the broad spectrum is in the provision of Arabic and Islamic studies, especially in private schools.
It has been noted that many schools do not comply with the required hours of teaching of the two subjects whereas in government schools, poor English language teaching has been cited as a major flaw.
GEMS, which has several schools falling short in the provision of Arabic and Islamic studies, said one of the challenges that international schools have faced is to ensure that a broad and balanced curriculum is maintained while also ensuring that the expected number of periods for Arabic/Islamic and social studies are also delivered in their entirety.
"Currently GEMS educationalists are working collaboratively with Arabic/Islamic specialists to propose to the MoE [Ministry of Education]/KHDA a more engaging, innovative approach to the curriculum that will meet and indeed exceed the required content expectations while ensuring manageability of delivery within a school's weekly timetable," said Richard Forbes, Director of Communications and Marketing.
The schools have to submit an action plan of improvement, which the authorities will monitor through follow-up visits to schools every three months. The KHDA has made it clear that they will not hesitate to shut down the badly performing schools.
Parents who spoke to Gulf News said they were happy that the inspection reports would restrict the school fee hikes while forcing schools to improve their standards.
A parent from GEMS Winchester School, which is classified as 'acceptable', said he found the reports 80 per cent accurate.
"I am aware of the shortcomings of the school as pointed out in the report like lack of resources and space, poor health and safety standards etc.
"But I choose the school for my son as that was the most viable option for me. I hope the report will force the school to take the measures to give our children the best for what we pay," said V.A.
Outstanding Private Schools
Jumeirah College
Very positive relationships between staff and students that enabled the development of a highly effective learning environment. Continue to identify, promote and share best teaching methods to ensure that all students are challenged and supported appropriately.
Jumeirah English
Speaking School Imaginative curriculum design which resulted in highly motivated students who were very well supported in their learning. Extend the effective approaches to teaching and learning to further improve the quality of students' attainment in Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Jumeirah English Speaking School (Branch)
The involvement of all staff in supporting the improvement and development of the school. Ensure that all Muslim students receive the recommended teaching time in Islamic Studies, as requested by the Government of Dubai.
Kings Dubai School
Pastoral care which treated each student as an individual and was reinforced by an efficient and reliable tracking system. Implement consistently throughout the school the best practice in formative assessment.
Unsatisfactory Public Schools
Al Hudaibiah Primary School
Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Primary School Boys
Al Maktoum Boys School/Cycle 2
Al Watan Al Arabi Primary and High School
Mohammad Noor Primary School - Boys
Unsatisfactory Private Schools
Al Ameen School
Al Basateen Kindergarten Hatta
Al Falah Model Private School
Al Hesn Private School
Al Maaref Private School
Al Sharouq Private School
Arab Unity School
DEANS International School
Dubai American Scientific School
Dubai Arab American School
Dubai First School
European School of Dubai
Grammar School
Mirdif Private School
Star International School - Al Twar
The Oxford School
United International Private School
Do you agree with the results? Are you satisfied with the performance of the school your child goes to?
Your comments
Its amazing to know that KHDA is taking measures to improve the quatlity of education in UAE. A question - Will this apply to Special Needs schools too? Will there be a rating for schools/centres that cater to children having special needs?
Kaushal Sovani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 15:42
I must agree with Mr. Ali's comment on how can Arab Unity School, increase their tuition and bus fees having been termed as "Unsatisfactory". I being an Ex-student of Arab Unity School do not find it appealing that Arab Unity has been termed as Unsatisfactory. I must thank KHDA for the wonderful job they have done. Keep it up.
Mohammad Azam
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 15:34
Dubai Driving Schools also have to inspect for their torturing.
Abhilasha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 15:26
KHDA sholud monitor each school standard level and also carry out surprise visits along with routine monitoring system. And also to disclose the name of school, which is satisfactoy and un-satisfactory. At the same time they should provde direct network system to complain against the school.
Thaj
Abu dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 14:13
I suggest that the authority must carry out regular inspections and must take parents into confidence to express their concern about the education, school, staff, busses and the enviroment in the school and around the school. I have noticed several times that in Al Quasis, student from different schools and nationalities are involved in smoking. How did they slip out of classes? There should be an open forum, website or email where parents can register their complaints after providing sufficient identity to help authority maintain discipline in schools and check at the management of the school.
Umer Bin Habib
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 14:12
I agree with KHDA on assessing both private and public schools. Most school are below starndard and all they care about is the money they take from parents. I think penalty should be given to school with unsatisfactory results. KHDA also should work out set salaries for teachers and make sure it is implemented.
Abdul Rahman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 14:07
The maximum work has to be done by the parents at home. Its more than 80% of the job. I really wonder as to what the teachers do at school. All lessons are sent home to be written at home and apart from that they have Home works as well. When will the children study then? No time for studying during weekdays and weekends they give so much work that the children are always occupied only with their studies and they do not have any time for extra activities. The schools will have to take initiatives and ensure that all work and revision is done at the school itself. Also the syllabus is too much. much more than what is actually required for the respective class. The books they use for CBSE is of higher standard than what the usual CBSE schools all over use. This just overburdens the children and makes them frustrated whenever they are asked to study.
Sunitha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 12:36
I appreciate KHDA's effort in conducting such a survey, but I think the survey results are incomplete; still the schools where the majority of children study is not listed. The listed seem to be the expensive ones only.
Martin
Doha,Qatar
Posted: May 17, 2009, 12:35
i am not satisfied, there is too much pressure on children
Ceema
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 12:06
Parents are requested to do 80% of the teaching job. That leaves 20% for the schools to compete and that is very unsatisfactory. What is the schools role? Just to give out books and make sure the yearly program is over?
Om Sohaib
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 11:25
I am a resident of abu dhabi. one of my child is a student in gems instituitions. I think the school and the faculty is well-equipped. Only lacking is a play ground. hope that too will be solved in the next year, as it is going to shift to a new premise. Moreover, they have decided to introduce locker systems in schools to lower the burden of books, which is causing a lot of pains to the students. My other child is in another school in abu dhabi. Comparatively, i feel the school's transportation and the teaching procedures are not upto the marks. Teachers often talking in their mother language, hindering the proper English accent development. I keenly wish an investigation also be carried about the schools in abu dhabi and their transportation and teaching utilities.
Nejma Navas
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:39
We do agree with the ratings, however we are awating the ratings of many other schools but it seem that those schools would be rated only by next academic year. We also had the notion that schools with higher fees would have greater standards
Raj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:36
I think these reports are very much required to keep these standards maintained, even if they are not accurate sometimes.
My children go to the westminster school and the standard of arabic is such that even after studying arabic for 12 years they are not able to converse a little in arabic and this is the case with all the schools and not only westmnster.
Alifiyah
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:35
My daughter is studying in a school in Garhoud and we are quite happy with the curriculum and standards there. My daughter is very happy to go to school and misses it very much when she has long holidays. She is already worried that next year she needs to change the school as they have classes only till Grade 5. she is really unhappy about it. But we have no other choice.
Sasikumar Srambickal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:26
this is such a great survey, well done!
but it seems some schools are not covered in this survey, how come?
Shazia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:25
No,the fees they charge and the quality of education they provide was not at all satisfactory. In my children's school they have a projector but only plays cartoons that too what my kids take from home no educative cds are played. The committee should inspect without announcing the school about their visit then they will know the real situation about them.
Srividya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 09:43
This is a very good step taken by KHDA
Dinesh Divakaran
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 09:37
while this is rather disturbing for the schools in Dubai, what about the other emirates? i live in Sharjah and my daughter goes to school here would it not be a good idea to have a performance rating for such schools here.
K. Abuzahra
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 09:29
If Arab Unity School is under "unsatisfactory Private School" then how are they increasing the tuition and bus fees?
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 09:17
I dont agree with the results, unless I see the results against the criteria. I think the outstanding schools listed above are exorbitantly expensive! I have seen three schools and from what I saw I am not very satisfied with them.
Aswathy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 09:01
I agree with the results, i am not satisfied with the performance of the school my child is studying in. No decipline at all, the teachers can't control the students.
Ive
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:55
I note that many schools are compromising on standard of teachers they are employing (salary factor?). When I see my son's class notebooks checked by some (not all) of his subject teachers, I feel badly dismayed to discover that the teachers have signed 'correct' also for the 'wrong spellings' and sometimes even 'wrong content'. When pointed out through â??notesâ?? they feel bad about it in stead of realizing that and thanking the parents for bringing such lapses to their attention. I think the teachers should not take up such jobs if they are not confident of high standard of performance as it pertains to shaping the knowledge and future of young ones. They need to do some homework before teaching the chapter in the class. At the same time they should also be receptive to the remarks by the parents. The higher risk is that once the young children learn something â??incorrectâ?? they are likely to retain it for ever. So it becomes all the more important to employ teachers with sound educational and teaching background and periodical review of their performance should be conducted through a suitable assessment tool. All teachers should also exercise the habit of doing their own homework before teaching a chapter in the class for perfection in their output which is good for the school as well as the students.
Prabhat K. Verma
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:53
I am extremely thankful to the authorities who put KHDA in place to evaluate schools. My daughter studies in Cambridge International School and i found KHDA's evaluation very close to my evaluations of the school. Would greatly appreciate if KHDA could evaluate Indian schools as well. Once again i thank the authorities of UAE in ensuring higher standards of education and value return for parents money.
Indu George
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:51
Surely we are paying exorbitant fees for less quality in some schools. I would request KHDA also to audit schools, as I think some renowned ones have become money minded instead of contributing to the society.
Syed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:41
We are very much thankful to KDHA for doing this great task , normal parents cannot investigate that children education skill due to school performance or student.
Towqir Hatim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:41
With 22 unsatisfactory schools and 97 that are just acceptable, including GEMS World Academy, over 62 per cent of Dubai's schools have fallen below the required quality standards. If schools are just satisfactory how they can increase the tution fees?
Hussain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:31
Its much appreciated for KHDA has done the review and it should be done regularly. What about results of all other private schools? Why is Gulf News not publsihing that? We woud like to know about our children's respective school performance.
Shaik Abdul Majeed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:20
My daughter goes to Winchester in the gardens. Today after reading the contents about the school i,m a bit demoralised. Yes I very much agree to what have been said. In the 3rd term till date there were hardly any classes of French and Arabic instead they are shown cartoons/drawing. Other subjects are ok because I'm tough on my daughter and make sure she understands evrything. There are too many students in the class for a teacher to take care. Number of students in each class should not exceed 25 but there are 37-38 students in the class. The school should look into all the loop holes it has so that the parents who are sending their wards with a lot of hope and aspirations are fulfilled because they are our future.
Shama
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 08:08
My children are studying at UIPS, the result of the KHDA evaluation came as a no surprise to me. But that is the only school affordable for us at the moment.
Cora Rojas
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 07:51
My child goes to Star International School- Al Twar and i m highly satisfied by the the school. I do not agree with the KHDA report.
Amina Akram
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 17, 2009, 07:32
