Abu Dhabi to increase school day for pupils

Government high schools in Abu Dhabi will extend the school day for pupils by 90 minutes from the start of the next academic year.

Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will also have a further two classes, each of 45 minutes, four days a week, and a single 45 minute class every Thursday, according to a report in The National.

Dr Mugheer Khamis al Khaili, the director general of Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), said the extra classes were part of a 10-year plan to improve education standards in the emirate, and would help prepare pupils for university.

“This specialised programme for high school students will concentrate on subjects like mathematics, Arabic language, English language, physical education and leadership skills for the students,” he said.

The longer school day will begin on August 30. As well as the extra classes students will get a free lunch meal and transport home at the end of the day.

The academic year will also be increased for all primary and secondary schools by 10 extra days, bringing it to 165 days.

An Adec spokesman told the newspaper: “The point is not about keeping kids in school for longer hours, but giving them more time with their teachers.

”Teachers need to focus on problem solving and developing students’ analytical skills, not rushing through the syllabus. This is about less time on exams and more time on learning skills.”