Dubai schools are all set to reopen for the next academic year. In fact, teachers have already resumed work. In a recent tweet from KHDA, teachers shared their experience of the first day in school. Students who have opted for campus learning will resume classes from 30 August.
KHDA in a recent circular said that face-to-face learning is the preferred model of education. However, the education authority also understands that parents have different views, especially in the first phases of re-opening. In order to bridge the gap, KHDA announced that schools can and should provide 100% distance learning to parents who request it. Dubai Schools Reopen In September: Are Parents Ready To Send Their Kids Back To School?
Dubai Students Don’t Need A PCR Test
There has been a lot of confusion on weather students will have to undergo Covid-19 PCR test prior to starting school. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) clarified that Dubai’s private schools will not need a Covid-19 test before they return to classrooms. An official notice sent to schools read:
“As we look forward to many students returning to school next week, we would like to confirm that Covid-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students.”
However, on the other hand KHDA made it mandatory for all school staff to carry out a Covid-19 PCR test prior to school re-opening for the new academic year/term. Staff who have recently carried out the test and have a copy of the result need not undergo a re-test. In case the test was made mandatory, as many as 295,000 children in Dubai’s private schools would have had to undergo the test. On another note, here are the other protocols for Dubai students.
Abu Dhabi Students Over 12 Years Must Undergo PCR Test
In Abu Dhabi, all students over 12 years of age must undergo PCR test. Schools in the emirate have announced a staggered start, with students between 4 and 11 years returning to classrooms from August 30. Classes will resume for those in kindergarten to Grade 5 under the US system, and for FS2 (Reception) to Year 6 under the British one. Students in other classes with start face-to-face lessons four weeks later. Daily temperature checks will be done for all staff and students.
Social Distancing
All those inside the campus must maintain 1.5 metres distance. the number of students in each class would be limited to 15. Kids will be given alternate break times to encourage physical distancing and avoid crowding.
Masks
All teachers and students above the age of six must wear masks while at school.