ABU DHABI // The Abu Dhabi Education council said it will “prescribe the appropriate punishment” after a number of students broke down a gate to escape the premises.
Students at the all-boys Al Sammalia School — Abu Dhabi “breached the code of conduct” after a mob of youngsters tried to break out of the school during teaching hours.
Photos and videos of the incident were widely shared on social media on Tuesday.
“Abu Dhabi Education Council confirmed that it has taken the necessary measures and actions concerning an incident of misbehaviour for a number of students at Al Sammalia School — Abu Dhabi, who have breached the Code of Conduct by trying to flee the school during school hours and did not comply with the regulations set forth in this regard,” Adec said in a statement. “The school principal reported the incident immediately to Adec School Operations Sector, where an ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the incident and coordinate with Department of Police Community.
“Following the investigations, it turns out that a number of students have committed an offence and confessed. Some of them confirmed that they recorded the incident through their mobiles and broadcasted it on social media.
“Adec emphasised the need to apply the Students Code of Conduct against the students who have committed such serious violations in order to address the problematic behaviour and prescribe appropriate punishment.”
Adec did not say why the students were trying to break out and attempts to reach the school were unsuccessful as the telephone number listed for the school on Adec’s website is that of a private residence.
Another number listed for the school on an Adec report was not working. That 2012 school report said Al Sammalia School, located in the Baniyas area, has 442 male students in grades six to nine. About 57 per cent of the students are Emirati.
rpennington@thenational.ae
