UAE schools have reopened, with strict safety precautions. Pupils returned to classrooms on 30 August, for the first time since March. Schools in the country have resorted to various modes of learning to encourage students to begin the new academic year.
Schools in Abu Dhabi gave pupils the option to pick from five modes of learning. These include:
- Back to school full time
- Alternate days
- Half days
- Alternating weeks
- A combination
On the other hand, schools in Dubai left the decision to schools, allowing them to pick the method that best suited them. Here are five ways in which UAE schools have resumed for the next academic year:
1. Full Return
Schools with larger campuses and smaller number of students have returned fully. Over 1,000 pupils resumed school on 30 August, as parents felt in-person teaching was important for kids. On that note, only 11 Students Out Of 5,100 Students Came To This Abu Dhabi School On The First Day.
2. Half Days
A few schools in Abu Dhabi gave students the option to attend classed from school for the first half of the day. This will then be followed by online learning for the remaining half of the day. This method will reduce the number of kids on campus at one time.
3. Alternating Days
Down sizing the class capacity and other social distancing have made reopening challenging for schools with high population. The Indian High School has more than 17,000 pupils, making it one of the largest schools in the UAE. In order to meet the safety standards, the school will function at 50% capacity. This means students will come to school on alternate days of the week. Kids in kindergarten will have face-to-face classes once a week, while students from grade one to grade eight will will cone to school twice a week. Higher secondary students -grades 9- 12 will come to school thrice a week.
4. Alternating Weeks
Some schools in Abu Dhabi have chosen to switch better on-campus and online classes every other week. The mode of learning was made to comply with safety measures set by authorities that include physical distancing and limiting class sizes. Check out how restaurants around the world are following social distancing.
5. Staggered Return
Most private schools in Abu Dhabi are planning a staggered return for students. Students between 4- 11 years, kindergarten to grade 5 under the US system, and FS2 to year 6 under the British curriculum, started in-person classes on 30 August. Pupils in all other classes will resume face-to-face lessons after a month. Besides, schools in Abu Dhabi have made it compulsory for all kids aged 12 and above to be tested for Covid-19 before returning to classes. The delayed start will also give parents and students the time to complete the test. Here’s a list of all the reopening rules and regulations in UAE schools.