'Unsatisfactory' institutions say they are confused

Dubai: "Being ambitious is good. But one has to be realistic and that is more important." That is how Tabinda Al Ghizala, principal of Pakistan Education Academy reacted to the poor ratings her school received in the KHDA inspections.

The four decade old community school that sits on a huge campus on the Oud Metha road, has been rated "Unsatisfactory". But Tabinda says there is nothing much she can do to turn around a school that charges fee as less as Dh280 and deals with a large number of "illiterate parents".

"The inspectors pointed out a number of things in teaching methodology, use of information technology in classrooms and more emphasis on co-curricular activities.

"We are following a pattern for decades now. How is it possible to bring about drastic change overnight?" asks the principal.

Yardstick

She told Gulf News that the ultimate yardstick for a school is the results they produce and her schools' academic credentials speaks for the quality they deliver though they have failed in the KHDA's quality test. "We should be doing it right that our students consistently pass out in flying colours. The system we follow should be right that we were awarded the best overseas Pakistani school," pointed out Tabinda.

However, one parent from the academy said he is sending his three children to the school because there is no other choice. "Teachers lack professionalism and they do not respect the nobility of the profession. I am not happy with how my children are being taught. There is nobody to take initiative for reform," said the father who did not want to be named.

Other principals of "Unsatisfactory" schools have also taken strong exception to the poor ratings they have received.

Rafiq Rahim, principal of Al Majd Indian School said one of the disappointing factors is that KHDA inspectors did not consider the particulars of the Kerala syllabus that the school follows while insisting on practical-oriented approach to teaching. "There is no practical examination till Grade 10. So we have to follow methods that suit the curriculum," said Rahim. He said while the students and parents are happy about the quality they provide, it is humiliating for them to carry the "Unsatisfactory" tag.

Jhausia Iqbal, principal of Little Flowers Indian School that follows CBSE curriculum, says the school had no clue what the Inspectors expect and hence could not prepare well.

Have your say
How do you rate the standard of the school your child goes to? Does the school upgrade its facilities right before the KHDA inspections? Do you believe schools improve because of these inspections? Tell us.