Dubai gears up for innovation to create future-ready students

dubai — A new report by the Education Development Trust (EDT), which puts the spotlight on the future of education, has outlined three key opportunity areas for Dubai’s private schools. Education for entrepreneurship and work readiness; Student happiness and wellbeing; and How best to accelerate the use of technology for future demand — been pitted as the key elements that will continue to advance the private schools in Dubai over the next 10 years.

In collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the report titled ‘The Future of Education’, is about creating “a climate to establish a blueprint” for education. “The world is changing around us, and though there is no blueprint for education, essentially, this report is looking to invent it,” Dr Steve Munby, chief executive of EDT, said at Monday’s reveal.

Conducted in the early part of 2017, the study investigated the innovative practices of five K-12 schools in Dubai which were identified as “future-ready” campuses. The participating schools, currently rated as ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘outstanding’, were Regent International School and Sunmarke School; Indian High School; Safa Community School, Gems Modern Academy; and Cambridge International School.

The report focused on five interesting cities around the world, with Dubai chosen due to its rapid improvement in outcomes for children, Munby said. “Dubai has one of the most improving education systems in the world. It doesn’t stand still. What parents want from a school is for their child to do their best academically, but also to be happy. If schools can balance both, then that’s where they will want to send their kids.”

Speaking about some of the key highlights witnessed in Dubai, Dr Anna Riggall, project manager at EDT, said its “collaboration between schools is great”. Following close inspection of the schools, she said they performed well when

I would love to have ‘friend making’ classes. I like the ‘happiness corridor’in our school because stimulates positive learning.” Yesh, Indian High School

Wellbeing and mental health in schools is being talked about more now than ever before so I have no doubt it will be a core focus of teaching training in the future.” Dr Steve Munby, chief executive, EDT

it came to using data to track the progress of students, and they all had a consistent system across the whole school. “What stood out was that all these schools built coalitions for change, where students, parents and teachers are working together as well as outside sources.” But the report did

I want to make an impact on the world through helping others and I think the growth mindset in schools is an important focus area.” Ayesha, Cambridge International School

identify “the need to balance three tensions” in schools.

“The curriculums on offer are already packed and dense, but where these schools excelled were in finding interesting ways to expand on it, from a holistic angle. That has to continue. And although individualised and standardised

I think financial skills and critical thinking would be a big part of the future. Respect and wellbeing would be among others.” Ziya, Safa Community School

assessments will remain part of the schooling process for some time, schools need to recognise other personal learning journeys.”

In a world that is no longer “standing still”, Dr Abdulla Karam, director-general of KHDA, said schools need to keep up with that and focus should be on innovation in schools.

And with regards to how these future-ready recommendations will impact teacher training, Munby told Khaleej Times: “Wellbeing and mental health in schools is being talked about more now than ever before so I have no doubt it will be a core focus of teaching training in the future.”

kelly@khaleejtimes.com