Latest news with #CredenceHighSchool
Khaleej Times
25-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
New timetable: How UAE KG students will learn Arabic through music, games
Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, all private schools in the UAE will be required to offer 200 minutes of Arabic classes per week at the kindergarten level. In response, schools across the country are revamping their early years curriculum to make Arabic learning engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply integrated into daily routines. According to the Education Department, Islamic Studies will also be taught to all Muslim kindergarten students for 90 minutes per week, the Ministry of Education recently announced. This may take the form of three 30-minute lessons or two 45-minute lessons per week. Deepika Thapar, Principal of Credence High School, said, 'Given KG students' developmental needs, our Arabic programme will emphasise play-based, multi-sensory learning through storytelling with interactive props, puppet shows, and music-based vocabulary activities. We are planning to implement a visual-heavy approach using picture cards, digital games, and hands-on activities that connect Arabic words with familiar concepts. Weekly parent-child phrase cards will bridge school and home learning. 'Our support framework includes comprehensive teacher training in early childhood Arabic instruction, ongoing coaching from Arabic language specialists, and extensive resource libraries with age-appropriate materials.' Schools are also planning to launch parent engagement programmes featuring family workshops and take-home activities. 'Quality assurance will be maintained through regular classroom observations, progress assessments, and feedback collection. Additionally, we're creating peer learning opportunities through buddy reading programmes with older Arabic-speaking students,' added Singh. Classes must also incorporate concepts of family, UAE geography, UAE environment, social values, and wider social studies into the kindergarten curriculum. Anita Singh, Principal of Global Indian International School (GIIS), Dubai, reiterated that the approach will continue to prioritise engagement, interactivity, multi-sensory experiences, and play-based learning, acknowledging young children's short attention spans and innate curiosity. Anjum Ali, Headmistress GIIS, added, 'We're currently revising our KG timetable taking into consideration the short attention spans of early learners; we intend to break down the 40 minutes into four sessions of 10 minutes across subjects. For age-appropriate, engaging Arabic teaching, we'll use songs, storytelling, puppetry, sensory play, and interactive games—creating a language-rich environment that aligns with KHDA's vision. Non-Arabic speakers will benefit from visual aids, dual-language prompts, and scaffolded interaction, encouraging natural language acquisition through meaningful play.' KG Arabic instructors to undergo KHDA-endorsed professional development KG Arabic instructors will undergo KHDA-endorsed professional development focusing on early childhood and dual-track techniques. Dr S Reshma, Principal-Director of Regent Gulf Indian High School Dubai, said, 'Several interim measures are being adopted. Timetable restructuring will be done by shortening or merging non-core sessions (e.g., PE, Music) to create dedicated time blocks. Rotational delivery model, ensuring all KG sections receive Arabic instruction daily through staggered scheduling. Split sessions will be organised, offering Arabic in shorter, age-appropriate segments (e.g., two 20-minute intervals). Embedded Arabic activities will be integrated into daily classroom routines (e.g., greetings, transitions, story time).' She explained that targeted training is being provided to KG and Arabic educators on early years language pedagogy. 'Co-teaching models and bilingual resources support consistent reinforcement. Parent engagement tools are being shared to encourage language exposure at home. Ongoing monitoring and feedback will guide refinements throughout the term,' added the principal.
Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE: From KG graduations to exams, how schools are gearing up for summer break
Schools across the UAE are preparing for the final stretch before the long summer break, with many institutions wrapping up first-term assessments, hosting competitions, award ceremonies, graduation events, and prom nights. The last day of school for most Dubai private schools following the September to June academic calendar is June 27, 2025. However, some Indian-curriculum schools will continue until June 30 before breaking for summer. Schools will resume classes after the summer break on August 25. First-term evaluations At Credence High School, teachers are managing multiple priorities as the term closes, ensuring a seamless balance between academics and co-curricular celebrations. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Teachers are completing first-term evaluations while preparing enrichment opportunities that will bridge into our second term, ensuring continuous learning momentum. Our assessment protocols ensure accurate first-term reporting, while our event management procedures allow us to simultaneously deliver world-class competitions and academic ceremonies without compromising educational standards,' said Deepika Thapar, principal of Credence High School. The school is ending the term on a high note with a flurry of activities. 'These final days have been extraordinary. We have simultaneously hosted the UAE CBSE Judo Championship for both girls and boys — a major sporting achievement at our school. Our Early Years students are celebrating with 'Joy Fest,' while older students compete in the iCreate Interschool Competition focusing on AI and STEM innovation. Combined with our award ceremonies recognising academic and extracurricular excellence, these events showcase the complete Credence experience — academic rigor, athletic achievement, and creative innovation,' added Thapar. While Indian schools conclude their first term, international curricula schools are marking the end of their academic year with celebratory and academic events. At GEMS World Academy in Abu Dhabi, the final fortnight is equally charged with energy and reflection. 'Our campus is bustling with celebration and planning for the future as the last two weeks of the academic year draw near. As we prepare for the next phases of our students' academic and personal journeys, our community is uniting to commemorate significant events, such as our unforgettable graduation ceremonies, where we honour the accomplishments and goals of our students,' said Principal Kelvin Hornsby. Looking ahead, the school is also preparing students for a productive break. 'Additionally, we are providing a variety of summer learning programmes to assist students in strengthening fundamental abilities, rekindling their curiosity, and getting ready with assurance for the upcoming school year. Students can take advantage of an exciting on-campus summer programme that offers enriching activities in innovation, enterprise, physical wellbeing, and national identity through partnerships with ESM Sports, 8billionideas, and Sandooq Al Watan,' he added. Celebrations at Dubai Opera House Meanwhile, at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis (WSO), end-of-year transitions are marked by a series of significant events across the school community. 'As the academic year draws to a close, WSO is alive with celebration and preparation. Primary students have met their new teachers on Transition Day, while secondary learners continue their exams with focus and determination. Graduations and proms for Foundation Stage, Year 6, Year 11 and Year 13 mark key milestones, and academic and sporting awards highlight student excellence,' said Principal Sarah O'Regan. The school's creativity is also on full display, with students gearing up for a showstopping performance. 'Our performing arts team is working hard, preparing for the epic Wellington Gala at the Dubai Opera House on June 20, showcasing talent from across the GEMS network. And yet, even with all of these exciting events very much a art of our final weeks, staff remain busy finalising reports, concluding learning, and readying the site for exciting summer improvements, rounding off another exceptional year at WSO,' O'Regan added.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
CBSE Grade 12 results out: High marks, mixed emotions among UAE students; schools await tallying scores
Excitement and relief filled the air across homes and schools in the UAE today as the Class 12 board results were announced. Many students are celebrating impressive scores, though schools are yet to receive their results. The news of the result release spread quickly on Tuesday morning, prompting students to rush online to check their scores. However, a few students faced brief technical glitches while trying to log in. This year's board exams wrapped up on March 18, and while the initial results are now available online, students are reminded that these are provisional. Official mark sheets will be issued by respective schools and will be essential for university applications and other formal procedures. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Pramod Mahajan Principal, Sharjah Indian School, said, 'Student wise, candidates have started receiving their results. They are logging onto Digilocker to get their results. However, schools haven't started receiving the results. Once we start getting the results we will start tabulating at our level.' To pass the CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams, students need to score at least 33 per cent in each subject and overall. Those who narrowly miss the mark may still benefit from grace marks. Students who do not meet the passing criteria in one or two subjects will have another opportunity; the board will conduct compartment exams in July 2025. The application process for these exams is expected to begin shortly. Some schools who've received their results highlighted their outstanding pass rates. Deepika Thapar Singh, Principal & CEO, Credence High School, Dubai said, "We are proud to share that Credence High School has once again achieved a 100 per cent pass result in the CBSE Grade 12 Board Examinations." Our children have done well, and most importantly, they have done so with integrity, resilience, and a sense of purpose. These results are a reflection not just of academic achievement but of their journey as confident, compassionate, and future-ready individuals," she added.
Khaleej Times
25-02-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Ahead of Ramadan, schools reduce hours, complete syllabus, hold events
Some UAE schools have already completed their academic syllabus for the year in anticipation of Ramadan, which is expected to begin by March 1. Indian curriculum schools, which typically end their academic year by March end, have finished their syllabus, with institutions gearing up for the holy month. Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School, said, "Our school has already completed the syllabus for Grades 2 to 12, allowing students to focus on their year-end examinations without added pressure. Grades 10 and 12 are taking board exams, while other grades are engaged in revision sessions." Special Ramadan activities Principals highlighted that as Ramadan approached, a sense of unity and generosity swept through the school, creating a welcoming atmosphere. "Our lobby is beautifully decorated, reflecting the significance of this holy month. We have planned special Ramadan activities for Pre-KG to Grade 1 students, ensuring they learn about the values and traditions associated with this special time. Additionally, our charity drive programmes encourage students to embrace the spirit of giving and compassion," added Thapar. Several events and activities have been organised to celebrate the upcoming month of Ramadan. "Islamic studies sessions to deepen students' understanding of the holy month and its significance. School-wide iftar gatherings that foster a sense of community and togetherness and Ramadan-themed art competitions for younger students to encourage creativity and artistic expression." Adjusting pace of lessons School leaders also reiterated that they have communicated the shortened hours to families but will operate with the same timetable structure each week. Ian Plant, Principal/CEO of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South, said, "We have not accelerated the syllabus ahead of Ramadan. We intentionally put wellbeing first and feel that despite the shortened hours during the month, we can cover the content required for each subject in our curriculum. "We must adjust the pace of lessons and topics, but we will continue to place wellbeing at the heart of our daily practices. We acknowledge the importance of reflection, calm, and serenity that are at the heart of Ramadan." The school is making an effort to foster a sense of community and encourage a love for reading. With Ramadan just around the corner, headteachers also reiterated that such an event sets the tone for reflection and togetherness, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the season. "We are holding a Family Reading Picnic this week in which our parents have been invited to the school to read with their children. This event has been designed to support us in continuing to raise the importance of reading for pleasure and purpose across the curriculum and at home," added Plant. Connection with the Holy Quran Some institutions are launching the 'Ramadan Challenge', a series of daily activities designed to engage families in a meaningful exploration of Islamic practices and cultural heritage. "This challenge aims to strengthen communal ties and enhance spiritual growth throughout the holy month," added Belle Wagner, Academy Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis. "Furthermore, we are excited to offer Online Tajweed Classes for parents. These sessions are tailored to help our adult community members refine their Quranic recitation skills, fostering a deeper connection with the Holy Quran and enhancing their spiritual journey during Ramadan." School heads emphasised that students can successfully balance their spiritual and academic journeys when approached with the right mindset. "Regarding our broader curriculum, our objectives are carefully pre-mapped to seamlessly accommodate the holy month, ensuring smooth progression. By planning our objectives in advance, we are able to maintain our teaching schedule without added pressure. Our primary focus is to keep the curriculum flexible while aligning it with the cultural significance of the month," added Wagner.
