In this season of festivities, it is often the time when we reflect on the years gone by and to look forward to an aspirational journey towards future goals. I’ve been fortunate indeed, to have built a career spanning the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates. For the past thirty years, this journey has been the most amazing destination in terms of curriculum excitement, learning and development. Consider for a moment, a collection of schools that intertwine the best of the British or American curricula foundations with the rich multi-cultural tapestry of the United Arab Emirates. Picture a place where students don’t just learn; they embark on a dual curriculum odyssey.
In this reflection, I invite fellow educators, school owners, aspiring investors, and curious parents who all embark on the quest for educational excellence to consider the advantages of an international education. As we discuss, I’ll unwrap a unique perspective on educational excellence that makes such a fusion a beacon of learning innovation on a journey for ever-greater attainment and progress.
Contents
The Harmonious Symphony of and Emirates’ Essence
In our educational voyage, let’s first unravel the harmonious symphony that emerges when the robust Western-based curriculum blend successfully with the essence of the Emirates. It’s not unlike orchestrating a grand musical piece, where each note complements the other, creating a masterpiece.
Nurturing Minds, Bridging Cultures
Education, at its core, is about nurturing young minds towards creativity and whether that is through reading, writing, mathematics, science, independent thinking, or the arts, in the world of international education in our charter schools it’s also about bridging cultural divides and bringing our children closer together in this 21st century globally minded world. By blending equally, the amount of curriculum time devoted to teaching in English and the requirements of the Ministry of Education curriculum in the students’ mother tongue. The approach strives not only to impart knowledge but also to foster a deep understanding and valuing the students own culture and national identity as well as diverse global perspectives in this educational ecosystem.
Question to Ponder: How can a dual curriculum approach contribute to fostering cultural intelligence and global awareness among students who are single nationality and whose first language is not English?
Student-Centric Learning: A Western-Emirati Fusion
In the heart of our educational odyssey lies a commitment to student-centric learning. At its heart, we believe in crafting an environment where every student’s potential is recognized and nurtured. We have a curriculum based on American core standards with a blended philosophy of 10 student profile attitudes that permeate our teaching and learning environment at the school which are intrinsically linked with the I.B. learner profile attributes. At times, this student-centric approach does have its challenges. We have a benchmark of international attainment measuring our attainment and progress through a curriculum based on American Core Standards and assessed by international benchmarks from the Measures of Academic Progress Test®(MAP) annually. This pits our students against age-related standards for first-language English Speakers in the USA. Imagine if you will, achieving MAP Growth, with our first language Arabic speakers. However, we are succeeding, and breaking through gaps in progress remaining, from the chasm caused by two years disruption during the recent global pandemic.
Our curriculum journey does feel like a quest at times: To create a balance between core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy, Science which are taught in English, giving students not only the ability to effectively communicate internationally but also the ability to shine a light on the ‘Awe and Wonder’ of higher-order thinking and creative questioning of scientific phenomenon explaining how the world around them functions.
Question to Ponder: How can empowering educators with dual curriculum expertise enhance their ability to create enriching learning environments?
Empowering Educators: The Architects of Tomorrow
As we navigate the dual curriculum landscape, let’s shine a spotlight on the architects and designers: educators. They are shaping young minds, adapting Western pedagogical methods to the unique cultural nuances of the Emirates. It’s a transformative journey, akin to building bridges. Our educators arrive in the UAE from several English-speaking countries. As an instructional coach, it’s my role to ensure that they adapt their own expertise to suit our model of education so that all classes and all teachers within each grade have synergy and follow the same lesson structure. Coming from a western-educated background it takes at least the first term for any educator to begin to thrive.
Question to Ponder: In what ways does a dual curriculum approach contribute to shaping students as responsible global citizens?
Investing in Tomorrow: A Call to Action
As our dual curriculum narrative unfolds, it beckons children to become leaders of their own country in the future. The school owners and investors have heeded the call to action from the United Arab Emirates Government Vision 2030 and National Agenda which states that: “ Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth.”
Investing in a school that embraces both Western and Emirati educational paradigms is not just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to shaping the future so that its youth succeed in the PISA test is the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment. The bond of that collective destiny not only in the country but also in its schools is stronger than ever. More and more of the top globally recognized players in education are investing in building schools here in the UAE, recognizing that this is a land of opportunity and vision.
Conclusion: In the tapestry of education, the fusion of Western wisdom and Emirates’ essence creates a masterpiece. As you reflect on this dual curriculum odyssey, consider the profound impact it can have on shaping not just the minds but the futures of students. It’s an invitation to join the journey towards educational excellence, where each step is a testament to the transformative power of a dual curriculum approach.
FAQ Section:
Q1: How does the dual curriculum approach benefit students academically? A1: The dual curriculum approach provides a well-rounded education, blending the strengths of Western academic frameworks with the cultural richness of the UAE, fostering holistic academic development and clear opportunities for student progress.
Q2: How can educators adapt to teaching in a dual curriculum environment? A2: Educators in a dual curriculum setting receive specialized professional development both in-house and by internationally recognized experts, equipping them to seamlessly integrate Western and Emirati teaching philosophies, ensuring a tailored learning experience for students.
Q3: What makes investing in a dual curriculum school a strategic decision? A3: Investing in a dual curriculum school aligns with the demand for globally competent graduates, offering a unique selling proposition that attracts students seeking a well-rounded education.
This dual curriculum odyssey is not just a theoretical exploration; it’s a call to action. Join the movement towards educational excellence that transcends borders and prepares students for a future where diversity is celebrated, and knowledge knows no bounds.
Reference Table:
Dual Language Education: A Promising 50-50 Model by Thomas and Collier (2012):
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251224119_Dual_Language_Education_A_Promising_50-50_Model
Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education (3rd edition):
Bilingual Education in the 21st Century: A Global Perspective by Ofelia García: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Bilingual+Education+in+the+21st+Century%3A+A+Global+Perspective-p-9781405119948
About the AuthorKerry Smith: Educational Advisory Committee Member Kerry Smith, a key member of the Educational Advisory Committee at Education Disruptor, is a Primary School Senior Leader and instructional performance coach. With an MA in Educational Leadership and a robust educational foundation, Kerry excels in educational leadership, external assessment leadership, and data analysis. Her portfolio includes roles as Principal, Head of Junior School, and Deputy Head in Europe and the UAE. Kerry’s commitment to educational excellence significantly contributes to the Educational Advisory Committee at Education Disruptor. |
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