How schools are working to do things differently this academic year
Increased parent involvement, focusing on teaching the Arabic language or growing organic food within school – these are just some of the new academic year resolutions the UAE schools have taken on.
Khaleej Times spoke to three different schools on their new school year resolutions and all of them have made significant changes to help improve the quality of education for students.
One school, for instance, wants parents to have a strong voice in their school advisory board. They are encouraging for more parent involvement this new school year.
“GEMS FirstPoint School aims to be ‘a local school in a global setting’ and as such our intention this year is to be the central hub for our community in Dubailand,” said Stephen Sharples. CEO and principal of GEMS FirstPoint School.
“We have strengthened the voice of our parents and invited local community, academic and industry representatives to join our local advisory board to further embed our presence in the community and to broaden opportunities for all of our students.
“We have over 100 nationalities and work to make ourselves the first-choice British school in our community. We want all our students and parents to feel part of something special and to have a genuine stake in their community school. It is also our intention this year to focus the work of our parent council so that parents have a greater say in the curriculum and after school provision.”
The school is also using the help
We aim to be ‘a local school in a global setting’ and as such our intention this year is to be the central hub for our community in Dubailand.” Stephen Sharples. CEO, principal of GEMS FirstPoint School
of the technology this year to enhance communication methods between parents and teachers.
“Each year group now has its own ‘organic garden’, we have a new ‘Village Green’, doubled our IT provision and upgraded our green areas. We have focused teacher training on Arabic, Islamic Studies and English Language Support and built on our excellent special education needs (SEN) provision by adding more experienced staff and targeting additional resources in these important areas,” Sharples said.
“We also have a new Y5-8 curriculum team who have designed a new learning model for middle school students, which are now taught in ‘faculties’, much like a university 1st year model. For example, our faculty of computing, enterprise and technology, allows students to access specialist teachers and facilities in business,
We will improve the quality of Arabic classroom instructions and student learning to ensure our students learn to communicate fluently.” Lesley Isherwood, CEO, principal of GEMS Al Barsha
robotics and computing and thus innovate, design and build their own projects using university grade tools, CAD/CAM software and machinery.”
The GEMS Al Barsha National School has also taken up several new school year resolutions, including a greater focus on teaching the Arabic language to students.
It recently opened its boys’ school from year 1 to year 9, which is located next to the girls’ school. It offers a bilingual programme, which runs from FS1 to year 2.
“We will continue to build and improve the quality of Arabic classroom instruction and student learning to ensure our students learn to communicate in the local language fluently,” said Lesley Isherwood, CEO and principal of GEMS Al Barsha.
“At the heart of our inspirational British-style curriculum across the two schools is an exceptionally
We have introduced a new non-negotiable policy, which focuses on dress standards, tolerance and attendance, for both students and parents.” Anthony Cashin, principal of GEMS Metropole School
strong focus on the development of happy bilingual and biliterate life-long learners, leaders and global citizens who also have a very strong understanding and appreciation of national identity, UAE culture, heritage and tradition.”
Meanwhile, the GEMS Metropole School in Motor City has introduced a new ‘non-negotiable policy’ to their school, which focuses on dress standards, tolerance and attendance.
The school has 3,200 students and is aiming for a 98 per cent attendance record for each and every student.
“The non-negotiable is not just for the students, but also for the parents and staff. So, I think this is something new we’ve brought to the school this year,” said Anthony Cashin, principal of GEMS Metropole School.