More schools welcome pupils back

Dubai: You have probably noticed the sudden increase in early morning commuter traffic. It's a sign! Summer vacation is over and pupils are back in school.

With the beginning of the new academic year for British curriculum schools, Gulf News visited a number of institutes as they opened their doors yesterday to welcome returning and new students.

Dubai International School (Nad Al Sheba Branch) started their new academic year by accepting more than 200 new students.

According to Elementary Supervisor Angele Saba, the school has arranged "new playing areas for the children, resource room, swimming pool, and a new administrative building, to name a few." The first day of school as she described it "is an organisational day where we help elementary kids get into their classes, and introduce them to their teachers and classmates."

Among the challenges, she said, is to deal with new children who are scared and nervous about their first day at school.

The school officials, she said, are ready to distribute all books except for the Arabic, Islamic and social studies textbooks. "We are still waiting for the Ministry of Education to supply them," she explained.

Shaman Fahd, a six-year-old new student and a UAE national, said that she is "very happy and excited" about her new school. "I like the toys and games in the school, and the teachers are nice to me," she said.

Her excitement was also shared by another UAE national student, Fatma Salah, who said: "I am back with my friends and teachers, and I enjoy my classes at this school, in particular Arabic."

English College began its new academic year by introducing students to their Sixth Form induction day. Students were gathered to attend a lecture presented by John Merrigan, General Manager of Caltex in Europe, African and Middle East, who introduced tips and strategies for students to consider as they are approaching crucial stages in their academic studies. He advised students to have a target while they are preparing for their academic studies and future careers.

Merrigan added that students should consider short and long-term targets, saying, "look beyond short-term achievements and set long-term targets."

"Success never stops. If you say I'm done, I'm successful, it means you're dead," replying to a student's question on defining success.

Sally Collins, a British-Iraqi student said that she was excited about her new academic year. "Quite nervous, you don't know what to expect. My targets for this year are to do well in my studies and join extracurricular activities," she added.

Among the challenges for Siddarth Cidambi is to balance his studies and social life. He said although his classes are demanding and difficult, he likes the school because, "it allows me to express my individuality."

Nick Jones, Head of Sixth Form, said his objectives are to get new and existing students integrated, to help them narrow and focus their attention, to encourage good study habits, and to create a balance between social life and work."