Crown Prince’s ‘moral education’ enters curriculums

The moral education initiative for school curriculums had been announced this year by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

ABU DHABI // Educators have welcomed the introduction of “moral education” to school curriculums, as thousands of them prepare to return to the classrooms today.

The initiative was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

It aims to promote ethics, personal and community growth, culture and heritage, civic education, and rights and responsibilities in pupils.

“It is such an important addition to Abu Dhabi and we look forward to seeing moral education rolling out in other schools,” said Brendan Law, headmaster at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.

“We are delighted that such an important initiative has been introduced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.”

Mr Law said moral education had been included in the Cranleigh Code, which encouraged pupils to be socially aware and responsible.

He said it was tied to the school’s rewards programme, which aimed to recognise excellent pupils and those with strong sporting or musical abilities – but also those who demonstrated kindness, empathy and tolerance.

Assemblies, one-to-one sessions with students and continuing campaigns thoughout the year would enforce the value of a moral code, he said.

Peter Carpenter, Aldar Academies’ director of education, also said moral education was a welcome initiative.

“Regardless of age, our aim is to prepare students for life and, although academic success is very important, we educate ‘the whole child’,” Mr Carpenter said.

“This means helping young people to understand the important contribution they can and should make to society. It also means behaving properly with respect and understanding, courtesy and empathy towards others.”

Mr Carpenter urged pupils to take pride in the values of excellence, creativity, passion, respect and collaboration.

“We really believe that by following these values, our students are on their way to a successful future. And to help instil them in students, all academies’ staff and teachers apply our values every day.”

Dubai British School has also placed an emphasis on moral education for the new academic year. Principal Brendon Fulton said the school and its parent company, Taaleem, welcomed the initiative.

“Since our inception, we have placed a strong emphasis on not only developing academic, cultural and sporting talent, but also on developing well-rounded citizens who are able to contribute meaningfully to society.

“From a very early age, DBS students are provided with opportunities to engage in community development initiatives, to understand cultures other than their own, and to develop an appreciation of their rights and responsibilities as members of society.”