The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) recently conducted National Identity Mark inspections on 153 private schools in the region. Out of these, eight schools were rated outstanding for their national identity programmes that integrate Emirati traditions, customs, and values into their curricula. The evaluations also revealed that 33 schools were rated good, 79 were rated acceptable, and 33 were rated weak. Further inspections are scheduled to cover 60 more private schools before the end of the academic year.
During the initial phase of inspections, six schools requested a reassessment. Yasmina Private School notably showed significant improvement, jumping from a weak rating to a good rating. This highlights the importance of continuously developing and enhancing national identity programmes within schools. Dr. Sara Al Suwaidi, the Director of the Education Quality Assurance and Monitoring Office at ADEK, emphasized the need for schools to engage all stakeholders, including parents, in creating an enriched learning environment that goes beyond the classroom.
The National Identity Mark evaluates schools across three domains: Culture, Values, and Citizenship, covering aspects such as history, heritage, respect, compassion, and belonging. This assessment is separate from ADEK’s Irtiqa’a Inspection, which focuses on the overall performance standards of private schools in Abu Dhabi and provides recommendations for improvement. The goal is to empower parents to make informed decisions when choosing a school that not only excels academically but also enriches their child’s understanding of and connection to Emirati culture and values.
The strong encouragement from ADEK to schools to enhance their national identity programmes reflects a renewed determination among schools to continually improve and utilize frameworks that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. By engaging the entire school community, schools can create an inclusive and diverse learning environment that fosters a deeper connection to Emirati culture and values. The ultimate aim is to provide parents with comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of a school’s national identity initiatives, enabling them to select a school that aligns with their values and beliefs. With ongoing assessments and support from ADEK, schools in Abu Dhabi are actively working towards fostering a greater sense of national identity among students.
