Ability-based classes to be introduced in UAE schools from next year

DUBAI // School pupils will be streamed into ability-based classes from next year under plans to enhance the UAE education system.

The blueprint for 2015-2021 was officially approved by the minister of education, Hussein Al Hammadi on Monday.

Students will be assessed on their performance in grade nine and sorted into general or advanced classes.

According to Al Ittihad, the Arabic sister newspaper of The National, students in the advanced track will benefit from direct admission in schools and faculties of engineering, medicine and natural sciences in the UAE as well as in outstanding international universities abroad.

Other objectives of the plan included developing pupils’ Arabic language skills and the elimination of the preparatory year between high-school and university or college starting in the 2018-2019 academic year.