Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) revealed the first phase of evaluations for the National Identity Mark, covering 87 of the UAE capital’s private schools, according to news reports.
After launching the inspection framework in May this year, one team of Emirati inspectors from ADEK evaluated the schools with the highest number of Emirati students. Eight Abu Dhabi schools secured an “outstanding” evaluation for their national identity integration within the curriculum and school provisions, besides the impact on students, according to a report by news agency WAM.
The National Identity Mark is the UAE’s first annual school evaluation system, which aims to empower parents with valuable insights into the quality of national identity programmes and related activities in Abu Dhabi’s private schools.
The British International School in Abu Dhabi was also rated “outstanding” in ADEK’s latest results. The remaining schools which received an outstanding rating for their national identity programmes include Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls; Sheikh Zayed Academy for Boys; Emirates National Schools, MBZ City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Khalifa City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Shakhbout City; Emirates National Schools, Branch 3; and ADNOC Schools, Sas Al Nakhl, according to the same news report. Twenty-one schools received a “Good” rating, while 35 received “Acceptable”, and 23 received “Weak” evaluations, according to the same news report.
Photo by Kim Wendt, The Sheikh Zayed Academy / Rosan Bosch Studio
The National Identity Mark covers three domains: “Culture”, including history, heritage, and Arabic language; “Values”, including respect, compassion, and global understanding; and “Citizenship”, including belonging, volunteering, and conservation, WAM reported earlier.
The next phase of such evaluations by ADEK will start in the next academic year, 2023-2024. The rankings are assessed separately from ADEK’s Irtiqa’a Inspection, which covers the performance standards of the UAE capital’s private schools and provides recommendations for improved performance, stated local dailies.
October 2023
