Dubai schools complete one full term with 100% in-person learning
Dubai schools are heading into spring break after an academic term that saw the resumption of 100 per cent in-person learning.
The start of the academic term witnessed a spike in Covid-19 cases, which disrupted students' education and prompted schools to switch to online classes. But the situation improved, with institutions bringing students back to campus in a staggered manner. Eventually, schools were able to resume in-person classes for all.
Campbell Douglas, principal/CEO, GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, said: "Stopping the need for bubbles, allowing people to be mask-free outside, and eliminating the need for temperature checks on entering the building have all felt like huge strides forward. They give a sense of freedom and a return to normalcy."
He highlighted that the resumption of trips, extracurricular activities and socially-distanced events also helped mark a return to pre-pandemic times.
"These are what give our schools life and for our students, (they're) experiences and opportunities to remember," Douglas said. "They are integral to learning and to the formation of character. Both teachers and students are so glad they can partake in these vital aspects of school life."
Back to school in high spirits
School communities have greeted the return to a 'new normal' with excitement. Head teachers reiterated that institutions adapted swiftly to unprecedented disruptions, changed curriculum courses and transformed the educational mindset completely.
Sangita Chima, principal, Amity School Dubai, said: "Great happiness and a feeling of triumph is expressed with the high energy chatter in the corridors and classrooms, as all students are engrossed in creative work around the inspiring learning spaces in our school."
Though it was challenging to resume in-person classes initially, Chima said the school received necessary support from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
"With (their) support, we implemented all recommended mitigation strategies necessary to maintain health and safety while giving access to in-person learning all throughout the pandemic," she said.
Dr Jay Teston, principal, Nibras International School, said: "Since September, we’ve remained open for face-to-face learning, except fora one-week closure, and our students, teachers and families couldn’t be happier. We consciously made that decision so that we could balance the needs of our students with the need to mitigate the spread of Covid and ultimately keep our community safe.”
Source: Khaleej Times
Comments