Latest news with #IslamicEducation
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Strict ministry guidelines for UAE students starting final exams this week
8 June 2025 23:53 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)With Eid Al-Adha celebrations now over, students across the UAE are set to put their knowledge to the test during the upcoming final exam session from June 10 until June 19. Targeting Grade 3-12 students, the centralised end-of-term assessments for the Academic Year 2024-2025 will be held at all public and private schools that follow the standard national curriculum issued by the Ministry of to the ministry, the final assessment results will be announced between June 30 and July 2, coinciding with the start of the summer break. Students who do not achieve passing grades will be eligible for a resit session from July 4 to 10, the results of which will be announced on July 14. Exam Guidelines The Ministry of Education has put forth a set of legally binding guidelines to ensure the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the exam process, urging students, parents and educators to abide by its instructions and to the guidelines, the exams for Grade 3 and 4 students will be paper-based, with mandatory in-person attendance at designated test venues. Grade 5-12 students will undergo both electronic and paper-based exams, depending on the subject and academic track, with physical attendance also are required to bring their personal laptops to complete the electronic portion of the exam. If a student doesn't have their own device or faces technical difficulties during the assessment, they can either complete their exams using school-provided devices (if available) or request an offline remote exams are generally not allowed, the ministry listed a series of exemptions, all of which have to be approved by the school administration prior to the assessment day. This includes people of determination who cannot sit for the exam physically; students who are receiving medical treatment outside or inside the country; students who are outside the country with a justified reason; and students in juvenile Ministry of Education has made it clear that teachers are not permitted to read central exam questions aloud to students, with the exception of those in Grade 3. In these instances, teachers may read the questions verbatim but are strictly prohibited from offering any explanation or hints to maintain fairness and ensure exam integrity. Exam Schedule Grade 12 students in the General, Advanced, and Elite streams will kick off their exams with Physics on June 10. English follows on June 11, then Islamic Education on June 12, Chemistry on June 13, Mathematics on June 16, Arabic on June 17, Social Studies on June 18, and Biology on June 19. Meanwhile, students in the Applied stream will start with Applied Science on June 10 and wrap up with Social Studies on June 18. For students in Grades 3 to 9, Science will be the first subject on their schedule, while Grade 9-11 students in the Advanced stream will begin with Grade 12 English exam will take place electronically in a timed writing format on a secure platform. Chemistry exams come with additional resources: students in the General and Advanced streams will be provided with printed periodic tables, while those in the Elite stream will access a digital version through the SwiftAssess are expected to arrive at the designated test venues at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam to collect their entry cards. Those who arrive more than 15 minutes late will be barred from entering the examination schools across the Emirates have also reminded parents to follow dismissal rules during the end-of-year exams, requiring students who leave in private vehicles to carry an official exit permit each need to print and sign the pre-approved permit form provided by the school and attach a recent passport photo of their child. Without this permit, students may face delays or be unable to leave the premises. Cheating and Disciplinary Measures Cheating in any form, whether through digital tools, social media, unauthorised materials, or traditional methods, is strictly prohibited under the Ministry of Education's latest examination guidelines. Any attempt to leak exam questions, use unauthorised devices, or communicate during exams is considered a serious violation. These rules apply not only to students but also to school staff and anyone else involved in breaching exam consequences for students start with behavioural score deductions and may escalate to a zero grade in one or more subjects for repeated offences. In more serious cases, students may be referred to behavioural assessment programmes, and schools may summon parents or guardians for formal discussions. Examination staff found violating regulations face disciplinary actions ranging from official warnings and pay deductions to dismissal or referral to legal ministry has also issued strict warnings against bringing electronic devices into exam halls, sharing information via social media, or using signals or gestures to communicate with peers. The use of printed or digital cheat materials is explicitly support enforcement, the ministry has urged students, staff, and parents to report violations through dedicated official channels, including a toll-free number, e-mail address, and an online reporting measures are reinforced by Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2023, which outlines legal penalties for individuals other than students who tamper with exams or assist in cheating. Offenders may face fines of up to Dh200,000, potential closure of involved businesses, confiscation of equipment, and even court-ordered community service. The law also requires all educational institutions to implement strict conduct regulations and disciplinary frameworks, with clear procedures for investigations and appeals. Resits and Appeals For Grades 3-11, all final scores are entered into the gradebook out of 100, while Grade 12 results are presented in letter grades and percentages. Subjects are divided into two groups - A (core subjects) and B (non-core). For Group A subjects, students must achieve at least 60 marks to achieve a passing grade, while Group B subjects are not included in the student's final who do not meet the pass mark in any Group A subject are eligible for a resit exam, which covers only core subjects. For Grade 12, this includes Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Physics, and one resit attempt is allowed, and failure to pass results in repeating the academic year. Students may also submit grade review requests for up to three Group A subjects, but only for the paper-based portion of the final scores are also marked out of 100, but final results are capped — 50 for Grade 4 and Cycle 2 students, and 60 for Cycle 3 — so that students with strong year-round performance maintain a distinction. The capped score becomes the student's final annual score in that subject. Exam Preparation Guidelines for Schools The Ministry of Education has instructed public schools to implement a comprehensive, five-stage plan to prepare for end-of-term examinations for the 2024–2025 academic plan calls for comfortable and properly equipped exam rooms with good lighting, working air conditioning, and seating that gives students enough privacy. There's also a strong focus on offering psychological support, especially for students of determination and those dealing with anxiety. In terms of logistics, the process includes downloading exam papers from central platforms, checking that technical systems and student data are accurate, and training teachers in electronic invigilation and marking. Schools are also expected to have contingency plans ready in case any technical issues or unexpected problems come up. To keep everything running smoothly, each school is forming specialist teams to handle different aspects of the exams. These include technical support staff, data handlers, exam coordinators, committee supervisors, and safety officers. Separate teams will also manage the printing and verification of papers for exceptional cases.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Sungai Kim Kim waste pollution victim aspires to become a neurosurgeon
PASIR GUDANG: A survivor of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste pollution incident and former Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Johor Bahru student, Irfan Wafiy Idham Wazir, 18, achieved outstanding results in the recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, scoring 9As. His achievement is all the more remarkable given the ongoing health issues he has faced over the past six years, which have significantly affected his mobility. Irfan Wafiy has myokymia, an incurable disease that causes certain parts of the body to tremble and be in a weak state. It may require a sufferer to rely on a cane, among other things. Prolonged activity causes him pain in both legs, and he tires easily. Nevertheless, he has shown that his condition is no obstacle to pursuing his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. This determined teenager not only excelled in all subjects but also earned A+ grades in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Islamic Education and Mathematics. "Alhamdulillah, I've had a passion for medicine since I was young. After experiencing the health effects of the river contamination first-hand, my interest in medical science deepened even further," he said. He has applied for the 2025/2026 academic session via UPUOnline, aiming to pursue medicine at Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA or the International Islamic University Malaysia. "I also hope to continue my studies in Australia and have applied for scholarships from Khazanah Nasional, the Public Service Department and Mara's Young Talent Development Programme. "I initially wanted to study in the UK, but the costs are too high," he said when met recently. Irfan previously relied on a walking stick and said the pain still lingers, even six years after the toxic waste exposure. Nevertheless, his determination to succeed has enabled him to progress from using a wheelchair and walking aids to now walking unaided — though not without limitations. "I still feel pain, especially in my left leg — sometimes even touching it is unbearable. I'm older now, and I can't rely on walking aids forever. When the pain subsides, I can walk without the stick for short periods. But when it returns, I have to rest." Reflecting on his five years at MRSM, Irfan said the early years were the most difficult as he juggled chronic pain with a demanding academic schedule. "I couldn't take part in outdoor or sports activities at all. This success was only possible thanks to the support of my family, teachers, and friends. "In my first year at MRSM, my results weren't great because I was still on medication that made me drowsy and affected my concentration. Once I stopped the medication, I was able to focus." His mother, Norlela Abu Hashim, 52, expressed pride and emotion over her son's achievements. "Alhamdulillah, Irfan now uses the walking stick less often. He helps me with house chores, but afterwards, he needs to rest due to the pain. "I can see his spirit is stronger and he's more independent. "When he told me he wanted to study abroad, I could only support and pray for his success. "As a mother, I won't stop him from chasing his dreams, even though I still worry about his health." Norlela also said that the court case involving her husband, Idham Wazir A. Wahab, 55, and other victims of the Sungai Kim Kim river pollution will resume this August. "It's a long process, but I still hope for justice and proper compensation for Irfan." He is among 41 plaintiffs who were victims of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste pollution who are seeking RM30 million in damages from 12 defendants, including the Johor state government and the Menteri Besar. The plaintiffs filed the suit in July 2019 against the 12 defendants, including the Johor government, the state Environment Department, the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Syarikat P Tech Resources Sdn Bhd, and an employee, along with two of its directors. In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants failed to ensure the safety and protection of Pasir Gudang residents from toxic waste pollution and did not promptly mobilise the State Disaster Management Committee to address the pollution in Sungai Kim Kim. The claims cover general and special damages, with specific attention to Irfan Wafiy, the worst-affected victim. The chemical waste pollution incident, first reported on March 13, 2019, affected the health of over 2,000 people and led to the closure of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang.
Daily Tribune
26-04-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
School lessons now include baby care and budgeting!
Want to learn how to take care of babies, manage a family budget, and help out at home? Well, guess what? These are now part of school lessons! Starting in Grade 4, students are learning 'family education' with two fun lessons each week. Children will get to try everyday tasks like washing dishes, managing water use, and keeping their room tidy. As they progress, children will even learn how to care for babies, including feeding, bathing, and taking care of them, plus how to manage money—like saving and spending wisely. 'We want to help kids grow into responsible, caring people who can make strong and loving families,' says Education Minister Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma in a written reply to Shura Council member Dr Fatima Abduljabbar Al Koohiji. 'By the time you're in secondary school, you'll learn even more! You'll discover how to make budgets, support mothers during pregnancy, and learn important skills like changing diapers, helping babies sleep safely, and cutting down on family expenses.' These lessons are part of subjects like Islamic Education, Arabic, and Social Studies, so you can understand how families work, how to share responsibilities, and how to treat everyone fairly. 'Everyone in a family, whether they're young or old, has rights and responsibilities,' says Juma. Dr Al Koohiji had asked what the Ministry was doing to equip young people with the skills to manage family life, and how teachers were being trained for it. To support this, the Ministry has launched training for teaching staff, including induction for new recruits and retraining for others. New teachers are getting extra help, and other teachers are learning new ways to support students who might have challenges at home. The Ministry is also working with special organizations to make sure all teachers have the best training to teach these important life skills. So, get ready to learn all these amazing skills in school, and become a family expert!
ARN News Center
22-02-2025
- General
- ARN News Center
Arabic learning compulsory for kids 0-6 in Dubai private schools
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced a new policy to enhance Arabic language education in early childhood. This initiative mandates Arabic language education for children aged birth to six years at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai. The move aims to help children develop their Arabic language skills from an early age, making learning both fun and culturally enriching, as well as nurturing pride in Emirati culture, language and heritage. It encourages a play-based, inquiry-driven approach to Arabic teaching and requires schools and early childhood centres to offer diverse learning models to meet the needs of both native and non-native speakers. At least one-third of instructional time will involve Arabic teachers engaging children with interactive, culturally relevant activities. Additionally, schools must ensure Arabic teachers are qualified and supported with professional development. Parents are also encouraged to support their children's language learning both at school and at home. The policy will be rolled out in phases, starting in September 2025, with the first phase focusing on Arabic education for children aged four to six. Additional phases will extend to all children from birth to six years in the coming years. This latest initiative is a key component of 'Loughat Al Daad', one of the 28 initiatives under Dubai's Education 33 strategy. 'Daad' refers to a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and 'Loughat Al Daad' translates to "the language of Daad," focusing on improving Arabic language acquisition and deepening understanding of UAE culture and heritage. Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at the KHDA, said that instilling a love for the Arabic language from early education ensures that all children, whether Emirati, Arab, or non-native speakers, can immerse themselves in the UAE's language and culture. Additionally, the KHDA has also updated the requirements for the teaching of national mandatory subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education from Grade 1/Year 2 to Grade 12/Year 13 in Dubai private schools. Updates include increased instructional time and changes in the language of instruction for Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Arabic for Arab students, and updates on UAE Social, Moral, and Cultural Studies for non-Arab students. These changes will come into effect from September 2025 for schools that start their academic year in September, and April 2026 for schools that start their academic year in April.
TAG 91.1
21-02-2025
- General
- TAG 91.1
Arabic learning compulsory for kids 0-6 in Dubai private schools
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced a new policy to enhance Arabic language education in early childhood. This initiative mandates Arabic language education for children aged birth to six years at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai. The move aims to help children develop their Arabic language skills from an early age, making learning both fun and culturally enriching, as well as nurturing pride in Emirati culture, language and heritage. It encourages a play-based, inquiry-driven approach to Arabic teaching and requires schools and early childhood centres to offer diverse learning models to meet the needs of both native and non-native speakers. At least one-third of instructional time will involve Arabic teachers engaging children with interactive, culturally relevant activities. Additionally, schools must ensure Arabic teachers are qualified and supported with professional development. Parents are also encouraged to support their children's language learning both at school and at home. The policy will be rolled out in phases, starting in September 2025, with the first phase focusing on Arabic education for children aged four to six. Additional phases will extend to all children from birth to six years in the coming years. This latest initiative is a key component of 'Loughat Al Daad', one of the 28 initiatives under Dubai's Education 33 strategy. 'Daad' refers to a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and 'Loughat Al Daad' translates to "the language of Daad," focusing on improving Arabic language acquisition and deepening understanding of UAE culture and heritage. Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at the KHDA, said that instilling a love for the Arabic language from early education ensures that all children, whether Emirati, Arab, or non-native speakers, can immerse themselves in the UAE's language and culture. Additionally, the KHDA has also updated the requirements for the teaching of national mandatory subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education from Grade 1/Year 2 to Grade 12/Year 13 in Dubai private schools. Updates include increased instructional time and changes in the language of instruction for Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Arabic for Arab students, and updates on UAE Social, Moral, and Cultural Studies for non-Arab students. These changes will come into effect from September 2025 for schools that start their academic year in September, and April 2026 for schools that start their academic year in April.
