Latest news with #PrivateSchools
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Subjects, schools and gender – what the latest A-level data shows
Subjects, schools and gender – what the latest A-level data shows Business studies and physics are booming, while entries for French and German have sunk to a record low, this year's A-level results show. There is also evidence that the gap in performance between private and state schools is narrowing, but there remains a sharp gender imbalance among key subjects. Here the PA news agency takes a look at some of the long-term trends in the latest exam data. – Most popular subjects: What's up and what's down? While there was no change this year in the top choices for A-levels, with maths, psychology, biology and chemistry once again occupying the first four spots, there were big changes further down the chart. Business studies appears in the top five for the first time, up from sixth place in 2024. The subject has gained steadily in popularity in recent years, rising from 13th in the rankings in 2015 to 10th in 2020, eighth in 2022, then climbing one place in each successive year. Last year's fifth most popular subject, history, has dropped to seventh place, while physics has leaped from ninth to sixth. It is the first time since at least 2000 – the earliest available archive data – that no arts or humanities subjects have appeared in the top five. As in previous years, the top subject choices vary by gender. For boys, the most popular A-levels this year were maths, physics, economics, chemistry and business studies; for girls, it was psychology, biology, maths, chemistry and sociology. – French resumes its decline The number of French A-level entries has resumed its long-term decline, more than reversing last year's unexpected rise and suggesting the long-term future of the subject is grim. There were 6,858 entries in 2025, down from 7,544 in 2024 and the lowest figure since current data began. Entries have fallen 34% in the past 10 years and 53% in the last two decades. German has also resumed its descent after a small increase in 2024, with just 2,224 entries this year, down year on year from 2,431 and another new low. Entries for German have dropped 45% in the past decade and 62% since 2005. The one piece of positive news for the 'big three' foreign languages is a slight rise in entries for Spanish, with 8,325 in 2025, up from 8,238 in 2024, though below the recent peak of 9,139 in 2021. Among the smaller modern languages, the most popular were Chinese (1,624 entries, down from 1,643 in 2024) and Russian (1,118, up from 1,044). – State v private gap narrows The gap between the proportion of A-level entries at private schools receiving top grades and those at state schools has narrowed slightly. Some 48.5% of entries at independent schools – including city training colleges – were awarded A or A* this year, compared with 25.4% of entries at state-funded schools – a gap of 23.1 percentage points. This is down from 23.9 points last year, when the figures were 48.6% for independent schools and 24.7% for state schools. But it is larger than in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, when the gap stood at 21.3 points (43.9% for independent schools, 22.6% for state schools). During the pandemic the gap widened considerably, peaking at 30.0 points in 2021. – Gender imbalance persists Computing recorded the biggest gender imbalance towards males for the sixth year in a row, with boys making up 81% of entries and girls 19% – a slight narrowing on last year, when the figures were 83% and 17%. Physics (76% boys, 24% girls), accounting (73% and 27%) and further maths (also 73% and 27%) were the other subjects skewed most heavily towards males. The biggest imbalance towards females was in the subject of health and social care, as has been the case each year since 2021. In the double award for this subject, girls made up 96% of entries and boys just 4%, while in the single award the figures were 89% and 11%. Performing/expressive arts (92% girls, 8% boys) and English literature (80% girls, 20% boys) were other subjects with predominantly female entries.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Subjects, schools and gender – what the latest A-level data shows
Business studies and physics are booming, while entries for French and German have sunk to a record low, this year's A-level results show. There is also evidence that the gap in performance between private and state schools is narrowing, but there remains a sharp gender imbalance among key subjects. Here the PA news agency takes a look at some of the long-term trends in the latest exam data. – Most popular subjects: What's up and what's down? While there was no change this year in the top choices for A-levels, with maths, psychology, biology and chemistry once again occupying the first four spots, there were big changes further down the chart. Business studies appears in the top five for the first time, up from sixth place in 2024. The subject has gained steadily in popularity in recent years, rising from 13th in the rankings in 2015 to 10th in 2020, eighth in 2022, then climbing one place in each successive year. Last year's fifth most popular subject, history, has dropped to seventh place, while physics has leaped from ninth to sixth. It is the first time since at least 2000 – the earliest available archive data – that no arts or humanities subjects have appeared in the top five. As in previous years, the top subject choices vary by gender. For boys, the most popular A-levels this year were maths, physics, economics, chemistry and business studies; for girls, it was psychology, biology, maths, chemistry and sociology. – French resumes its decline The number of French A-level entries has resumed its long-term decline, more than reversing last year's unexpected rise and suggesting the long-term future of the subject is grim. There were 6,858 entries in 2025, down from 7,544 in 2024 and the lowest figure since current data began. Entries have fallen 34% in the past 10 years and 53% in the last two decades. German has also resumed its descent after a small increase in 2024, with just 2,224 entries this year, down year on year from 2,431 and another new low. Entries for German have dropped 45% in the past decade and 62% since 2005. The one piece of positive news for the 'big three' foreign languages is a slight rise in entries for Spanish, with 8,325 in 2025, up from 8,238 in 2024, though below the recent peak of 9,139 in 2021. Among the smaller modern languages, the most popular were Chinese (1,624 entries, down from 1,643 in 2024) and Russian (1,118, up from 1,044). – State v private gap narrows The gap between the proportion of A-level entries at private schools receiving top grades and those at state schools has narrowed slightly. Some 48.5% of entries at independent schools – including city training colleges – were awarded A or A* this year, compared with 25.4% of entries at state-funded schools – a gap of 23.1 percentage points. This is down from 23.9 points last year, when the figures were 48.6% for independent schools and 24.7% for state schools. But it is larger than in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, when the gap stood at 21.3 points (43.9% for independent schools, 22.6% for state schools). During the pandemic the gap widened considerably, peaking at 30.0 points in 2021. – Gender imbalance persists Computing recorded the biggest gender imbalance towards males for the sixth year in a row, with boys making up 81% of entries and girls 19% – a slight narrowing on last year, when the figures were 83% and 17%. Physics (76% boys, 24% girls), accounting (73% and 27%) and further maths (also 73% and 27%) were the other subjects skewed most heavily towards males. The biggest imbalance towards females was in the subject of health and social care, as has been the case each year since 2021. In the double award for this subject, girls made up 96% of entries and boys just 4%, while in the single award the figures were 89% and 11%. Performing/expressive arts (92% girls, 8% boys) and English literature (80% girls, 20% boys) were other subjects with predominantly female entries.
Gulf Business
12-08-2025
- General
- Gulf Business
Sharjah's 2025-2026 school year: Changes that parents should know about
Image credit: Getty Images With the 2025–2026 academic year on the horizon, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and successful return to classrooms for students in private schools across the emirate. From safety protocols and teacher training to academic policy enhancements and student wellness programs, the Authority has launched a full-scale readiness plan as part of its annual 'Back to School' campaign. The campaign reflects a broader vision to shape future-ready students equipped with skills that contribute meaningfully to society. Central to this vision is the idea that education must not only be safe and structured, but also inspiring, inclusive, and forward-thinking, Read- 'Education is the foundation of society,' said Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of SPEA. 'Everything we do is aimed at empowering students and teachers, making schools places that drive positive change.' In line with this mission, SPEA has expanded its operational and academic frameworks to promote quality learning environments across the emirate. This includes regular evaluations, policy upgrades, and cross-sector collaborations to ensure that every student has access to a world-class education. Ali Al Hosani, Director-General of SPEA, emphasized that the Authority is continuously evolving, thanks to strong support from Sharjah's leadership. 'We strive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth by focusing on our people, improving schools, and promoting a culture of excellence,' he said. 'These principles are essential for building sustainable, future-focused education systems.' Student safety front and centre As the school gates prepare to open, student safety remains a top priority. SPEA teams will conduct thorough readiness assessments at private schools across Sharjah in the week leading up to the new term. These inspections will evaluate everything from building infrastructure to classroom safety, ensuring that all schools meet regulatory standards. In addition, SPEA is coordinating with key government partners to safeguard students' commutes. In partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority, the Authority will inspect school buses to confirm adherence to safety standards and transportation regulations. A separate collaboration with the Sharjah Police will manage traffic around schools, creating safer environments during morning and afternoon drop-offs. A major pillar of SPEA's safety framework is the 'Your Children Are Safe' initiative, launched in February 2020. The digital platform monitors the transportation of students across private schools in real time. It ensures compliance with safety rules, enables fast emergency communication, and strengthens parent confidence by providing greater transparency into daily school travel operations. 'We want parents to feel that their children are in safe hands from the moment they leave home until they return,' said Al Hosani. 'Technology allows us to deliver on that promise.' Boosting quality through innovation and partnerships Beyond safety, SPEA is introducing a host of policies and programs to raise the bar for academic quality and student well-being. Updated operational guidelines have been issued to private schools, accompanied by training sessions and professional development workshops for educators and administrative staff. These sessions focus on improving instructional practices, supporting diverse learning needs, and maintaining positive school cultures. One of the core goals this year is to deliver a well-rounded educational experience. This involves developing policies that prioritize extracurricular activities, health, and wellness. SPEA is working closely with external organizations in the fields of health, sports, and civic engagement to launch new initiatives that promote holistic student development. 'Our aim is to make schools the heart of the community,' said Dr Al Hashimi. 'By integrating academic learning with extracurricular enrichment, we help students build the life skills they need to thrive.' The Authority also continues to support the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, now in its 31st edition. The award honors outstanding contributions to the education sector and promotes best practices in teaching, school leadership, and innovation. This year, SPEA has launched a new digital platform to streamline participation and increase accessibility. Updated support materials and a series of promotional events are also planned to drive greater involvement from educators and schools across the emirate. Preparations are also underway for Sharjah's participation in the PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) assessment—a global benchmark that evaluates the reading skills of fourth-grade students. SPEA is working with schools to prepare students for this high-stakes assessment, aiming to showcase the emirate's academic strengths on the international stage. Arabic language in the spotlight A standout initiative for the upcoming school year is the revitalized focus on Arabic language education. Through its 'With Arabic We Rise' campaign, SPEA is actively promoting Arabic language proficiency as a cornerstone of national identity and future readiness. The program includes a wide array of actions: regular school visits to assess Arabic language instruction, targeted training sessions for Arabic teachers, and monthly forums to exchange effective classroom strategies. It also introduces new resources, such as the 'Teach Arabic' series and an interactive digital library filled with engaging content. To further champion the Arabic language, SPEA is organizing an international forum for Arabic teachers. This event, scheduled to coincide with Teacher's Day, will serve as a platform to share global best practices and reaffirm Arabic's vital role in modern education. 'Language is more than communication, it's culture, identity, and connection,' said Al Hosani. 'Through this program, we are preserving the past while preparing students for the future.' Looking ahead All of these efforts align with SPEA's 2025–2028 strategic vision, which emphasizes quality education, sustainability, community collaboration, and the strengthening of Arabic language instruction. By fostering dynamic learning environments and forging strong partnerships, SPEA is positioning Sharjah as a regional leader in educational innovation. As students across the emirate prepare to head back to class, the message is clear: the future of education in Sharjah is safe, smart, and full of promise.
The National
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Arabic lessons daily in all UAE private schools for kindergarten pupils
All private schools in the UAE must teach Arabic to kindergarten-age pupils for 40 minutes each day from the start of the new academic year in support of a nationwide push to champion the use of the language from an early age. The Ministry of Education on Sunday announced the directive as part of a wider plan to instil Emirati and Arabic values and culture. The strategy mandates that Arabic language lessons be held for 200 minutes a week (40 minutes daily), increasing to 300 minutes (an hour a day) by the 2027/2028 academic year in all private schools, across all approved curriculums. The ministry said Arabic will be taught by qualified early childhood teachers using approved educational resources and age-appropriate teaching methods, suitable for native and non-native speakers. The kindergarten stage is typically taught over two years in UAE schools, from the age of four. Under the new policy, Islamic studies will be taught to all Muslim children in kindergarten years for 90 minutes each week, divided into two 45-minute lessons or three each lasting for 30 minutes. Private schools must also include social studies in kindergarten education, which will focus on concepts of family, UAE geography and environment, social values and wider social studies. These will be taught through simplified, play-based approaches throughout the daily school programme, inside and outside the classroom. "This initiative aims to strengthen the national values of children from an early age, nurturing a generation that is proud of its national identity, proficient in its mother tongue, and well-grounded in the values of family, society, and the geography and environment of the UAE," the ministry said. The ministry will provide private schools with instructional frameworks for all three subject areas before the start of the new school year at the end of August. The new guidelines will come into effect in the new school year, supported by advisory visits to private schools. In partnership with educational authorities, the ministry will also conduct regular inspections starting from the 2026/2027 academic year to verify compliance with the guidelines. The move comes soon after Abu Dhabi announced a similar initiative to integrate Arabic language into preschool earning. Promoting the Arabic language In 2023, Abu Dhabi unveiled plans to rank private schools on their efforts to promote UAE culture and tradition and encourage use of the Arabic language among Emirati pupils. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge — the capital's private education regulator — launched the National Identity Mark, an annual school rating system aimed at measuring work being done to integrate core Emirati values into studies. In June 2022, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, urged teachers to promote Arabic in schools. He stressed the importance of the use of Arabic, and focusing on the need to develop new teaching methods for the language as well as encouraging youngsters to learn it. 'The Arabic language is our belonging to the Quran,' he said in an address to teaching staff at the Sharjah Education Academy. 'The Arabic language is a stockpile of our history, our knowledge and our culture. The Arabic language is what holds firm our belief in our religion. The Arabic language is what unites us from the furthest corners of the Earth — from the far East to the far West, we are united under one language.' Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in May last year that there was an urgent need to foster Arabic language skills in young people.
Khaleej Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE announces 40-minute mandatory Arabic classes daily for KG students in private schools
UAE approved mandatory Arabic classes at the kindergarten stage for all private schools, for a duration of 200 minutes per week. Islamic Studies will also be taught to all Muslim kindergarten students for 90 minutes per week, the Ministry of Education announced. In addition, the authority has approved mandatory guidelines for teaching social studies in kindergarten. These mandatory classes and guidelines will be implemented from the 2025/2026 academic year and will apply to all private schools in the UAE, across all approved curricula.
