Ministry of Education confirms full readiness for new academic year

The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that public schools are fully prepared for the 2024-2025 academic year, with students set to return on Monday, August 26.

This announcement follows extensive efforts by the Ministry to ensure a smooth start to the new school year.

At a recent press briefing, attended by key figures, including Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri and other officials, the Ministry outlined its proactive measures taken over the summer. These include enhancements to the school environment, educator training, and upgrades to infrastructure and support services.

Updates related to student assessment policies were also announced. For Cycle 2 (Grades 6 to 8) and Cycle 3 (Grades 9 to 12), assessment weightings will be adjusted to 35 per cent for the first term, 30 per cent for the second, and 35 per cent for the third, reflecting the term lengths and expected outcomes.

Additionally, formative assessments will now account for 40 per cent of the evaluation, with central assessments at the end of each term at 60 per cent, emphasising the importance of continuous measurement of academic and skill-development outcomes throughout the year.

A project-based assessment will replace the central exam for Cycle 2 students in the second term, focusing on skill measurement and helping students put theoretical knowledge into practice.

The Ministry has also launched a national back-to-school campaign titled ‘From Student to Leader,’ focusing on enhancing community involvement and supporting the development of future leaders.

In preparation for the new academic year, 25 schools have been opened, including 12 new ones and 13 that have undergone significant maintenance.

The Ministry has also completed upgrades at 311 schools and produced approximately 10 million textbooks, with many converted to digital formats. In addition, 34,000 laptops will be distributed to students in Grades 5 and 9, and over 5,000 school buses have been inspected and optimized for safety.

The Ministry is also conducting its largest-ever survey on student wellbeing and is rolling out over 30 new curricular and extracurricular projects to support students’ cognitive, cultural and social development.

The Ministry of Education has announced its readiness for the 2024-2025 academic year during a press briefing, launching a national back-to-school campaign under the slogan "From Student to Leader." pic.twitter.com/2SQuZUiVIX

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 20, 2024