Closing the gap between school and university

The KHDA's Dubai Schools Agency is launching a summer programme in English language skills, a step aimed at ending the need for a foundation year.

The course targets National Grade 12 graduates from public schools in Dubai who have some knowledge of the English language.

The course, to be held at Dubai International Academic City, starts on June 15 and lasts for eight weeks. It is free of charge.

Fatma al Marri, CEO of Dubai Schools Agency, said, "Our activities for this summer vary between the extra-curricula that combine entertainment with education in Moltaqa Al Ma'refa, and some extensive programmes that aim to bridge the gap between school and university."

She added, "This gap represents a big challenge to our educational system. It is weighing down on the process of development, where it takes up time and money that should be better spent preparing students to join the job market.

"We have several plans to overcome this challenge. Some of them are going to be applied in the near future, and others are going to be applied soon.

These include the current extensive programme that we have launched to enhance the English language skills of national students who require extra help so they can enrol directly into their majors, without spending a year in foundation."

DSA launched an advertising campaign to encourage and recruit nationals in this programme that will support them at such an important stage of their academic lives.

The registration has now begun.