Overview
- The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the UAE federal entity responsible for education in all public schools.
- It has developed a national curriculum framework for a broad range of subjects, based on a set of standards and learning outcomes. This curriculum is also taught in some private schools in Abu Dhabi.
- This curriculum has been designed with a special emphasis on UAE values and culture.
- Arabic is the medium of instruction for all subjects except English.
- The MoE curriculum is offered across all emirates in the UAE is recognized by colleges and universities in the UAE.
Progression
- Private schools administering MoE curriculum are divided into Kindergarten (KG1 to KG2), Cycle 1 (Grades 1-4), Cycle 2 (Grades 5-8) and Cycle 3 (Grades 9-12).
- The focus in the Kindergarten years is to develop social skills and provide opportunities for students to build their self-confidence.
- Throughout Grades 1-8, students study the following subjects: Islamic Education, Arabic, Social Studies, Moral Education, English, Mathematics, Sciences, Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Design and Technology.
- In cycle 3, students are allocated into one of two tracks: General or advanced. Within each track, all subjects are compulsory. While both tracks include Arts and Science subjects, the advanced track has more emphasis on high-level Mathematics and Sciences. Students can choose their track based on their capabilities and interests.
|
Stage |
Age |
Grade |
|---|---|---|
|
Kindergarten |
4-5 |
KG1 |
|
5-6 |
KG2 |
|
|
Cycle 1 |
6-7 |
1 |
|
7-8 |
2 |
|
|
8-9 |
3 |
|
|
9-10 |
4 |
|
|
Cycle 2 |
10-11 |
5 |
|
11-12 |
6 |
|
|
12-13 |
7 |
|
|
13-14 |
8 |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
14-15 |
9 |
|
15-16 |
10 |
|
|
16-17 |
11 |
|
|
17-18 |
12 |
Assessments
- A diagnostic assessment for English and Mathematics is administered to all students in Grades 1-4. The assessment is developed externally by the MoE and provided to schools prior to administration. For the Arabic subject, a diagnostic assessment is administered to all students in Grades 1-12.
- Summative assessments for Grades 4-12 include formal externally-developed examinations for English, Mathematics, Arabic, Science, Islamic Education and Social Studies at the end of terms 1, 2 and 3.
- In Grade 12, students are required to sit Thanawiya al Amma examinations, dependent on the track they are enrolled in. Successful completion of the Grade 12 Thanawiya al Amma examinations allows students to apply for admission to federal universities within the UAE.
- All students in Grades 3-9 studying MOE curriculum must take ACER-IBT assessment in Arabic, Mathematics and Science (Arabic versions).
Accreditation
- The MoE is the highest educational authority for General Education in Abu Dhabi.