Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has revealed the results of the first phase of evaluations for the National Identity Mark which covered 87 of the emirate's private schools.
The National Identity Mark is the UAE’s first annual school evaluation system designed to empower parents with valuable insights into the quality of national identity programs and related activities within the emirate's private schools.
Following the launch of the inspection framework in May 2023, ADEK dedicated a team of Emirati inspectors to evaluate 87 private schools with the highest number of Emirati students. 8 schools received an ‘Outstanding’ evaluation for demonstrating exceptional national identity integration within the curriculum, school provisions, and their impact on students. Notably, The British International School in Abu Dhabi was also rated 'Outstanding' in the latest Irtiqa’a inspection. The remaining schools which received an outstanding rating for their national identity programs include Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls; Sheikh Zayed Academy for Boys; Emirates National Schools, MBZ City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Khalifa City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Shakhbout City; Emirates National Schools, Branch 3; and ADNOC Schools, Sas Al Nakhl.
21 schools received a ‘Good’ rating, while 35 received ‘Acceptable’, and 23 received ‘Weak’ evaluations.
The National Identity Mark evaluations were based on the alignment of the school's national identity narrative, lesson observations, review of key documents, and most importantly, on interactions with teachers, students, and staff to evaluate impact across the school.
The National Identity Mark covers three domains: ‘Culture’ including history, heritage, and Arabic language; ‘Values’ including respect, compassion, and global understanding; and ‘Citizenship’ including belonging, volunteering, and conservation.
The next phase of evaluations will start the next academic year 2023/24. Private schools without national enrolment are encouraged to feature national identity programs and activities designed to engage their students with the country's rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions.
The National Identity Mark rankings are assessed separately from ADEK’s Irtiqa’a Inspection, which covers the performance standards of Abu Dhabi's private schools and provides recommendations for improved performance.
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About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner’s journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialized schools.
Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating, and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination.
ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi’s needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate.
With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognizes that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi’s vision.