- More than half surpass 90% while top three score more than 98% in impressive display of resilience, dedication and determination
- 19 of the top-ranked students are eligible for UAE Golden Visa
Seventy-two expatriate students graduated following examinations in accordance with the UAE Ministry of Education’s private school curriculum. More than half – 38 - notched up scores of more than 90%, 19 students attained more than 95% and the top three reached near perfect results in excess of 98%. Those scoring over 95% are eligible to receive the UAE Golden Visa, which provides long-term residency status, allowing them to live, study or work in the Emirates and enjoy exclusive benefits.
The Virtual Charter Schools initiative was launched in October 2020 with a focus on providing free education for expatriate students whose parents were unable to pay school fees due to Covid-induced financial hardships.
“These results speak volumes of the resilience, dedication, and determination of these students who, despite the challenges faced by their families as a result of the pandemic, were able to really apply themselves to their studies and deliver such impressive results,” commented HE Khulood Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Education Partnerships Sector of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
“All at ADEK and our Virtual Charter School partners are full of admiration for these students, the first to graduate from this pioneering initiative. We believe their performance will inspire others. In congratulating the students on achieving such distinctive results of national significance, we also thank them for demonstrating the inclusivity and uniformity of opportunity within Abu Dhabi’s education ecosystem and its wider community.”
The graduates received their certificates at a special ceremony at the capital’s Al Riyadh School attended by H.E. Sara Musallam, ADEK Chairman.
On receiving her certificate valedictorian Maraam Hussam Noah, who scored an admirable 99.15, was full of praise and appreciation for her teachers and colleagues.
“The Virtual Charter School helped myself and my colleagues survive the challenges which befell us during the pandemic. It took a lot of worry from our shoulders and gave us the chance to continue our education and achieve. My hard work has paid off for myself, but it is also a tribute to all the teaching staff and my fellow students who formed an immensely supportive community, which inspired me to give of my very best.
“I hope others who face challenging circumstances now realise that hardships can be overcome especially in Abu Dhabi where a first-rate education is really in reach of everyone.”
At its pilot launch in October 2020, the Virtual Charter School welcomed 579 students from 15 nationalities. Some 872 students from Grades 5-12 are now being educated via the visionary education option.