Schools to focus more on science

DUBAI // Public school pupils in Dubai and the Northern Emirates will be taught under a new curriculum when they return to school in autumn.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education announced a reorganisation of its basic education programme for Grades 1 to 12 as part of efforts to develop Emirati talent in subjects including biosciences and space science.

Under this new system, high school pupils will no longer choose between a scientific or literary stream. They will be able to follow a common or advanced curriculum.

The ministry said the two-track system – common education and advanced – aims to equip children with the skills needed to succeed in higher education and meet the needs of the job market.

It is also meant to allow high school graduates to enrol directly in universities without having to go through a foundation year, which will be eliminated by 2018.

The new structure will prepare them to gain direct enrolment in engineering, medical and natural sciences programmes in UAE universities and those overseas.

The ministry said the decision to replace the two-stream system was prompted by the fact that most pupils opt for the literary stream, which reduces their career prospects in the current job market.

The country needs qualified Emiratis in areas including space, engineering, medicine, and information and communication technology, to meet the demands of projects across the country.

Pupils entering high school in Grade 10 will now have to choose between following a common or advanced curriculum.

Those in the advanced track will receive more in-depth instruction in maths, chemistry, physics and biology than common-track pupils.

Khawla Al Mualla, the ministry’s assistant undersecretary for education policies, said the plan followed a series of meetings with the heads of education zones, schools and specialists.

An agreement was reached to promote the two-course plan among students, teachers and parents, in preparation for the new academic year.