Emirati children to stay at school until after Grade 12



A federal law to make it compulsory for Emirati children to remain in school until they have completed Grade 12 is undergoing its final approval stage.

Currently, pupils may leave school at 14. However, the new law, which was approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislations yesterday, would mean children would have to remain in education until they have finished Grade 12.

This is normally when they are between 16 and 18, depending on how quickly they have completed the previous grades.

Many Emirati pupils drop out in Grade 10 at Government schools to take jobs that do not require a school certificate.

Ali Mihad Al Suwaidi, assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, said last night that discussions had focused on bringing the compulsory school-leaving age more in line with many other countries across the world.

"When the law is passed, it will require all pupils to complete Grade 12," said Mr Al Suwaidi.

He said the draft law had been prepared and approved but would now be discussed by the Cabinet and other federal bodies before being implemented.

Raising the compulsory leaving age is also on the ministry's 2010-2020 agenda. The current law is not always enforced and some children drop out of school earlier.

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Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

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How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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Schools can register for the Abu Dhabi Schools Championships at www.champions.adsc.ae

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