Working Together Australia - United Arab Emirates Mark Howland CEO DET International

Session Outline Overview of Abu Dhabi Education System Challenges Abu Dhabi Education Council plans NSW Department of Education and Training Experience in Abu Dhabi Schools to Vocational Education and Training Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute

Structure

Education in Abu Dhabi - ADEC Abu Dhabi Education Council ADEC established by Presidential Decree September 2005 Task to develop and implement innovative policies, plans, and programs to advance education in the Emirate to support National development Formal school system of universal, free government education established in the 1970s Widespread agreement time to change that system to serve the modern needs and bring achievement level of students in line with international standard Through ADEC, the federal Ministry Of Education for the UAE is committed to: o improving educational standards o spending significant resources to achieve world best practice

ADEC Initiatives Development of new standards-based curriculum for Grades K to 12 Establishment of new Vocational Training and Education Institute (VETI) to enhance the skills base of Emiratis; since moved to ACTVET Introduction of outcomes-based learning and teaching programs Public-Private Partnership initiatives Professional development programs for teachers and educational staff Development of leadership skills and professional development programs for principals and vice-principals

ADEC Schools Three Regions: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Western Region

Student Enrolment

Quick Facts Distribution of public school students – Nationals: 73%92,223 – Non-Nationals:27%34,071 Total126,294 Distribution of private school students – Nationals: 25%40,915 – Non-Nationals:75%124,105 Total165,020

Characteristics of Abu Dhabi Schools Physical resources generally of high standard Wide variations in class sizes, materials, infrastructure Gap in standards between Model schools and other government schools Professional development not widely established Gender segregation Some co-educational private institutions some attempts for co-education in the public sector Plans for women to teach all K-5 schools with boys and girls separate

Characteristics of Abu Dhabi Schools Teaching heavily reliant on text books The concept of benchmarking students against standards is new Males and females not permitted to teach on staff together Monocultural with a shared set of common values Presidential decree recently lengthened school year from 138 to 175 days.

Characteristics of Abu Dhabi Schools Teaching periods distribution

Challenges Identified by ADEC Quality Level of Instruction Curriculum and Learning Environment Availability of Quality Schools Poor Student Performance

ADEC Plans ADEC to focus on six key priorities: 1.Elevate school quality in Abu Dhabi to international standards 2.Improve access to P-12 Education 3.Provide students with affordable options of high quality private education 4.Preserve UAE culture and heritage and develop successful careers 5.Build ADEC capabilities 6.Actively engage stakeholders

DET International Experience School Curriculum Curriculum standards, teaching guides and parents’ booklets for ten subjects at each of Grades 6 -9 As above for thirteen subjects for Grades All curricula delivered in print and web-based formats Curriculum K-12 Directorate and DET International partnership NSW Board of Studies and Centre for Learning and Innovation significant players Curriculum based on NSW school curriculum and customised to education and cultural environment of Abu Dhabi Six Islamic cultural advisers provided input

DET International Experience School Leadership Program Individual profile of 328 principals based on data from: Assessment test based on ADEC Standards for School Leaders One-on-one interviews with 328 principals Observations of each principal at his/her school Analysis of data to provide recommendations for professional development for each individual

School to VET No VET in schools (VDEC and STS exceptions) VET options or career guidance minimal in schools Vocational level jobs traditionally not attractive to nationals Inadequate VET training providers Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 – ‘increased National Workforce Participation and Employability’ First government owned VET provider - ADVETI

Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute Contract signed 2007 Green field site Industry consultation – 10 diplomas Mapped against TAFE NSW diplomas Dual qualifications AQTF compliance audits On-going industry liaison 127 staff - 1,100 students Co-educational, day and evening programs Graduation March 2011

Thank you !! Shukran !!