AJMAN // A private school opening in September aims to address demand from Emirati parents for an international education for their children.
The Ajman Academy, which will use the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, has been funded by the emirate's ruling family, who are also benefactors of the Ajman University of Science and Technology.
Anthony Cashin, foundation director of the academy, said the idea followed the success of the university. "The rulers felt a need to build a school where their children could truly receive an international education," Mr Cashin said.
He said Arab parents wanted schools that offered an international model, balanced with their culture and language.
"We don't want to be one of these schools who pay lip service to the teaching of Arabic. This often leads to disappointment of parents of children in international schools," he said. "We aim to pay particular focus on the Arabic language and will apply a more hands-on approach to learning."
The schools will start by enrolling 250 pupils for its Primary Years Programme this year. It has applied for IB candidacy for now, and will apply for accreditation in two years.
The rigorous IB curriculum is recognised by university admissions offices worldwide.
The 60,000-square-metre campus is to have music and drama rooms, an art studio and indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
In the past few years, many Emiratis have moved away from the public education system. In Dubai, 58 per cent of Emirati pupils study in private schools.
Sara Al Shaya, an Emirati mother of twin boys, studied at a private school and wants the same for her children.
"Yes, public education is free but I need for my boys to be well-versed in English," she said. "In public schools the emphasis is Arabic with perhaps a lesson or two in English. When they graduate and go to a university which teaches in English, they will face a lot of difficulty."
However, she said, she was in search of a school that would not ignore where she came from.
"I would like the school to follow the best international system but teach Arabic and Islamic studies the same way it is taught in public schools," she said. She plans to enrol her children at Ajman Academy.
Dr Farah Sarraj, assistant director and head of the Arabic curriculum at the academy, said there was a malaise in the teaching of the language. "A lot of it comes from the same methods used year in and year out," she said.
She said the school would introduce Arabic lessons by linking lessons to real-life scenarios and through poetry.
"Pupils struggle to find context in which it is used," she said. "We will not deliver the matter as just literature or grammar but try to go beyond it by introducing different kinds of text, so that they can also expand their vocabulary."
Mr Cashin said the school would draw pupils from neighbouring emirates.
Asma Skhir, the Sharjah mother of a four-year-old boy, said she was looking for a school closer to home.
"I need a school that can tap into my son's talents and hone them," she said. "I have not found one in Sharjah yet and sending him to one in Dubai means he has to start his journey at 5am. I heard about the academy and like the values followed by the IB system that will ensure a well-rounded education."
Mr Cashin said the fee structure of the school had not been confirmed but would be in line with schools following a similar curriculum.
