Dubai Education Council announces "Dubai Schools"

The DEC's first initiative, "Dubai Schools" responds to the demand for world-class education from Dubai's growing multi-cultural population and the needs of a fast-growing economy.

Dubai Education Council's K-12 initiative has been developed in accordance with the Ministry of Education's work to enhance education and provide curricula enabling new generations to meet the work requirements of Dubai's knowledge economy.

The initiative seeks to attract a number of world-class international schools to Dubai. Schools operating under the "Dubai Schools" umbrella can establish either as branch campuses of reputed international schools or as new institutions offering various international curricula. All schools will be located in prime locations in Dubai to ensure easy accessibility.

The first schools in the cluster, set to be announced soon, will offer national curricula from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

"The "Dubai Schools" initiative is designed to strengthen Dubai's primary and secondary education in a changing and dynamic environment," said Ahmad Bin Byat, Chairman, Dubai Education Council. "With Dubai's economy increasingly diversifying into knowledge-based industries, "Dubai Schools" seeks to provide educational choices that help nurture future leaders and innovators. A world-class K-12 system is the first and perhaps, the most important component for turning this vision into reality. In addition, this initiative has been developed to meet the requirements of the diverse population and cultures residing in Dubai."

The "Dubai Schools" initiative also responds to the growing demand for private education. Student intake in Dubai-based schools has been increasing by 15% annually for the past five years.

In the academic year 2004-2005, 117,410 private school students were registered in Dubai compared to were 90,646 in 2000-2001, an increase of more than 26,764 students.

"The main role of the Dubai Education Council is to advance the education sector in Dubai to meet clearly measurable global standards. To help achieve this vision the DEC will leverage on the knowledge and expertise of established K-12 education systems to provide international curricula in Dubai," said Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Secretary General, Dubai Education Council.

"The Dubai Schools initiative will not build institutions, its role is to attract schools that are capable of providing an international quality of education," he added.

"Dubai Schools" will create a rigorous and continuous process of evaluation to ensure that schools under it are endorsed by leading international K-12 education accreditation authorities.

To establish under 'Dubai Schools' an institution must submit a plan which will be evaluated by international accreditation authorities. The accreditation authorities will advise 'Dubai Schools' on whether the school meets its education standards. 'Dubai Schools' will then provide a final approval for the school to set up.

All schools will undergo annual inspections by the accreditation authorities to ensure that their curricula, teaching methods, examinations and facilities continually meet international standards.

All teachers in "Dubai Schools" institutions will have to meet standards of qualifications and experience required to teach the curricula in its country of origin. To support the professional development of educational professionals and promote the application of the latest teaching methodologies, "Dubai Schools" will offer regular training to teachers, management and other professionals of its institutions.

Many of the schools will also offer specialised teaching to both gifted students and learners with special needs.

"Dubai Schools" institutions will support the active involvement of parents in their children's career development. It will also promote cross-cultural and international understanding as well as the teaching of the UAE's cultural heritage and language.

The "Dubai Schools" initiative is part of the first phase of the DEC's action plan to raise the quality of Dubai's education sector to meet global standards. While developing standards, the DEC also seeks to preserve local traditions, principles and cultural identity of the UAE.

The DEC seeks to enhance the role of educational institutions and schools in building a strong knowledge-based foundation for Dubai's social and economic development.

The Dubai Education Council was set up in July this year by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The council is mandated with devising strategies and programmes to develop and improve Dubai's education sector.