Private education sector a fundamental cornerstone of development of education system

The private education sector, which represents around 65 percent of students in Abu Dhabi, is a fundamental cornerstone of the development of the emirate’s education system.

The Education and Knowledge Department is keen to provide continuous support to this sector, which has led to significant progress in the performance of private schools, according to the latest statistics highlighting that 78 percent of students have achieved excellent and good results.

The department is also aware of the importance of this sector. Therefore, it has prioritised the participation of private schools in national programmes while preparing them to implement a range of initiatives, in line with the declaration of the wise leadership that 2018 will be the Year of Zayed. The department will also begin to apply an ethical education curriculum for their students this year.

Hamad Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Schools Sector and Quality Assurance at the Education and Knowledge Department, said that the department has called on private schools to take part in the Year of Zayed and draft initiatives that will highlight the achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his humanitarian legacy.

In her statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Dr. Karima Al Mazrouei, Advisor to the Chairman of the Education and Knowledge Department and Acting Executive Director of the School Education Sector, said that the subject of 'Ethical Education' will be adopted for Grades 1 to 9 and in the secondary phase on an experimental basis.

She added that the subject, which was launched as part of an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and in co-operation with local educational institutions, is one of the most important academic subjects that aims to realise the requirements of the national agenda of the UAE Vision 2021, and its pillars of community cohesion and investing in human resources.

The ethical education curriculum will replace a part of the social studies classes, where students will learn more about tolerance, respect, entrepreneurship skills, positive interactions and responsibility while highlighting the required skills for the labour market, including innovation, ambition and excellence.

It also includes activities of the "Special Olympics" as well as its principles and missions, especially given that the organisation of the regional Olympics championship from 17th to 22nd March, 2018, with the participation of more than 1,200 athletes representing 33 countries, is considered the largest preparatory sports event to be held before the Special Olympics World Games 2019 to be hosted by the UAE.

The subject will include main elements represented in ethics, self and community development, culture, heritage, civic education, rights and duties.

The ethical education curriculum aims to strengthen human values among the young generations through a range of activities. It will motivate them to communicate, accept other opinions, develop their personal skills and capacities, and equip them with the knowledge and the required tools to become good citizens and prepare for the future.

The curriculum considers the development of talents in all areas including music, art, literature and popular culture. The aim is to enable the youth to be open to other cultures around the world.