Unified curriculum will help meet future challenges

A UAE newspaper has said that the Emirati School Model announced on Sunday by the Ministry of Education will have a far reaching impact on the education sector.

"The announcement, in line with international best practices, will bring uniformity in teaching methods across all public and private schools that follow the ministry’s curriculum", said Gulf News in an editorial on Tuesday.

It continued, "More significantly, it will introduce a standard assessment method for students across the country. While the new model is expected to overhaul school education sector in public and private schools, it upholds autonomy of other schools that follow international curriculums and they will be regulated by the ministry’s quality assurance and inspection division.

"The model will provide a unique Emirati character to the sector while adopting best practices from all over the world," added the editorial comment, explaining, "In addition to bringing the UAE’s education sector to international standards, it will also help to build critical thinking skills and developing innovation and teamwork among students.

"In the long run, the model, designed with the help of local and international experts, will help in seamless movement of talented teachers across the country and help schools attract quality manpower. As the new model aims to unify education systems and policies, schools across the country will see a uniformity in learning paths for students."

The Dubai-based daily concluded by saying that the ambitious move has the blessings of the country’s leadership, "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have said the new model will help the sector in meeting future challenges."