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Discuss this article (45 Comments)Private schools lose top ranking over lack of Arabic classes
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Tuesday, 27 October 2009
ISLAMIC STUDIES: Dubai schools are being urged to focus more on Arabic language and Islamic studies. (Getty Images)
Some leading private schools in Dubai have lost their ‘outstanding’ rankings because they are not putting enough focus into the teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies, it was reported on Tuesday.
Dubai’s school authority, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KDHA), confirmed the move on Monday, the National reported.
According to the paper, three UK schools have lost their top ranking while a fourth is currently being inspected. The paper named the schools as two branches of Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah College and Kings Dubai, but did not specify which school was still being vetted.
Parent Andrew Turner, whose daughter goes to Dubai College, told the paper: “Parents are sending our kids to learn the British curriculum, not to study the Islamic culture and Arabic. We send them to a British curriculum school to get a British education.”
KHDA officials defended the move saying a high number of Emiratis and Arab expatriates attended private schools, so it was important to teach Arabic.
The latest news follows the resignation of the headmaster of Dubai College, Dr Carlo Ferrario, on Sunday over what he called interference from government agencies.
READERS' COMMENTS
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JESS grow a backbone
Posted by Ben, Dxb on Friday 30 October 2009 at 18:54 UAE time
The schools in question need to grow a back bone instead of pandering to the KDHA.
Who cares about the KDHA opinion? Most parents know that it doesn't mean squat.
But then again... as far as JESS are concerned, parents are not sensible enough to manage a hot cup of coffee, supervise children on the playground equipment, or decide that it is safe for their child to ride a bicycle to school.
Yes, they should be teaching Arabic to a high quality. And they have taught some Islamic culture already. However, too much will start to make it look like a state run religious institution.
They are already forcing my child to sing the UAE national anthem... for what? Not for his/her benefit, that’s one thing for certain. Just more pandering to the KDHA.
Posted by Ben, Dxb on Friday 30 October 2009 at 18:54 UAE time
The schools in question need to grow a back bone instead of pandering to the KDHA.
Who cares about the KDHA opinion? Most parents know that it doesn't mean squat.
But then again... as far as JESS are concerned, parents are not sensible enough to manage a hot cup of coffee, supervise children on the playground equipment, or decide that it is safe for their child to ride a bicycle to school.
Yes, they should be teaching Arabic to a high quality. And they have taught some Islamic culture already. However, too much will start to make it look like a state run religious institution.
They are already forcing my child to sing the UAE national anthem... for what? Not for his/her benefit, that’s one thing for certain. Just more pandering to the KDHA.
Arabic is the language of Islam?
Posted by AJ on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 21:06 UAE time
Since when? Muslims are spread all over the world, including parts where arabic does not exist. In India alone there are over 150 million muslims that dont speak a word of arabic; most of them rely on the arabic script only to read the quran. And what about all the non-muslims in those middle east countries that speak arabic as their first language?
With all due respect (with no offence meant whatsoever), even the quran & hadiths were written in arabic cause the local language in the region at that time was predominantly arabic. If the quran & hadiths were to be written in english, clearly their gist would remain the same, wouldnt it?
English is of England, Hindi of Hind (India), Spanish of Spain & Arabic of Arabs (arab nations), not Islam. And please do not question my religion here; its irrelevant.
Posted by AJ on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 21:06 UAE time
Since when? Muslims are spread all over the world, including parts where arabic does not exist. In India alone there are over 150 million muslims that dont speak a word of arabic; most of them rely on the arabic script only to read the quran. And what about all the non-muslims in those middle east countries that speak arabic as their first language?
With all due respect (with no offence meant whatsoever), even the quran & hadiths were written in arabic cause the local language in the region at that time was predominantly arabic. If the quran & hadiths were to be written in english, clearly their gist would remain the same, wouldnt it?
English is of England, Hindi of Hind (India), Spanish of Spain & Arabic of Arabs (arab nations), not Islam. And please do not question my religion here; its irrelevant.
no way
Posted by HD on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 16:06 UAE time
Myself being middle eastern I have nothing against Arabic or islamic studies, however I do not feel it is right for a government to ''force'' a PRIVATE SCHOOL to put more emphasis on the subject of Arabic or ESPECIALLY religion (Islam or any other). After all they are private schools and parents who are sending their children there are not forced to do so and can send their children somewhere else if they feel they would like their children to have more access to religion or middle eastern studies.
Posted by HD on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 16:06 UAE time
Myself being middle eastern I have nothing against Arabic or islamic studies, however I do not feel it is right for a government to ''force'' a PRIVATE SCHOOL to put more emphasis on the subject of Arabic or ESPECIALLY religion (Islam or any other). After all they are private schools and parents who are sending their children there are not forced to do so and can send their children somewhere else if they feel they would like their children to have more access to religion or middle eastern studies.
Arabic Language and Ismalic studies...? Ethics and Moral Science instead...
Posted by raju, Dubai, uae on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 14:26 UAE time
Forming the person, grooming an individual, imparting Human, Ethical and Moral Values ina world that does not seem to care less about everything else but self and self ego and everything that is of self be it religion, finance, family, property, posessiona dn wealth ME AND MINE is taking over or has already taken over the world of the grown ups and catching up on the little ones...
What is education that does not form good human beings (considerate of the needs of the day ) and imposes what is perceived to further certain goals and objectives only they know best?
Children should be taught a language that will help them now and surely in the future. Arabic should be taught as it it is a land that speaks that language and not for doing masters in Arabic and what will it benefit either the child or the teacher (one who imposes=state?)...
There is something missing or too much is being made of or a greater cause may be in mind.....???
I am an expatriate, give my services, live a good life, want good education for my chinldren and Human Values is what I value the most.....
Posted by raju, Dubai, uae on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 14:26 UAE time
Forming the person, grooming an individual, imparting Human, Ethical and Moral Values ina world that does not seem to care less about everything else but self and self ego and everything that is of self be it religion, finance, family, property, posessiona dn wealth ME AND MINE is taking over or has already taken over the world of the grown ups and catching up on the little ones...
What is education that does not form good human beings (considerate of the needs of the day ) and imposes what is perceived to further certain goals and objectives only they know best?
Children should be taught a language that will help them now and surely in the future. Arabic should be taught as it it is a land that speaks that language and not for doing masters in Arabic and what will it benefit either the child or the teacher (one who imposes=state?)...
There is something missing or too much is being made of or a greater cause may be in mind.....???
I am an expatriate, give my services, live a good life, want good education for my chinldren and Human Values is what I value the most.....
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