Latest news with #SPEA
Sharjah 24
21 hours ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
SPEA opens bridging program for "Proud to Be a Teacher" 5th batch
Recently, the SPEA launched a special bridging program for a new group of teachers. The first session was held online on August 4, with in-person sessions beginning on August 11 at the Sharjah Education Academy. This program is designed to help upcoming teachers build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, preparing them for their next steps in teacher training. Participants will learn essential skills such as improving their academic and language abilities, using research tools, thinking critically, and managing their learning effectively. The aim is to help them get ready for university and develop the self-discipline needed for a successful teaching career. Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, the Chairperson of SPEA, highlighted that this program is part of a strategic plan to enhance the education process by providing quality training for teachers. She mentioned that the "Proud to Be a Teacher" program reflects Sharjah's commitment to creating a sustainable education system that prioritizes the development of Emirati teachers. Ali Al Hosani, the Director General of the SPEA, stated that the bridging program is a vital step to prepare new teachers academically and professionally before they begin their postgraduate studies in teaching. This ensures that they acquire the necessary skills to meet quality standards in private education. Najla Al Mansouri, who leads the "Proud to Be a Teacher" program, shared that the curriculum was carefully designed based on the needs of new teachers. She stressed that this program is not just a preparatory course but a meaningful opportunity for teachers to gain valuable skills in managing classrooms and thinking critically. Since its launch in 2019, the "Proud to Be a Teacher" program has aimed to train local individuals from various backgrounds to become qualified teachers in private schools. It offers a recognized professional diploma combining both theory and hands-on experience, guided by experienced educators and training experts.
Gulf Business
a day ago
- 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.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SPEA enhances school readiness with policies and projects
Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the SPEA, emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in creating a supportive and secure learning environment. She stated, "Education is the foundation of society, and everything we do is aimed at empowering students and teachers, making schools places that drive positive change." Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the SPEA, highlighted the rapid improvements within the Authority, thanks to the ongoing support from the leadership. He mentioned, 'We strive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth by focusing on our people, improving schools, and promoting a culture of quality and excellence, which are essential for sustainable education.' The SPEA remains dedicated to upholding high educational standards and developing policies that enhance the educational experience in Sharjah, aligning with the vision of its leaders and reinforcing the emirate's reputation as a center of outstanding education. The Authority is taking important steps to prepare for the upcoming school year to ensure that schools are ready and meet safety guidelines. A week before classes begin, they will visit several schools to check their readiness. They are also working with the Roads and Transport Authority to ensure that school buses meet safety standards. Additionally, the Authority is collaborating with the Sharjah Police to manage traffic around schools, making it safer for students when they get on and off the buses. To further improve safety, the Authority is continuing its "Your Children Are Safe" project, which started in February 2020. Launched under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh D. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the initiative aims to keep students safe during their daily commutes. The project includes a digital platform that monitors school trips for private schools, ensuring that transportation services follows the right rules. This system helps reduce risks, builds parents' confidence, and enables quick communication in emergencies. The Authority is also focused on providing a well-rounded education that caters to all students' needs. They are developing new policies related to extracurricular activities and student wellness. They aim to strengthen partnerships with organizations focused on health, sports, and community education. This includes launching new projects that support both educational and extracurricular activities, working closely with parents and the community to ensure schools are effective community hubs that help students develop important future skills. Furthermore, the Authority supports the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions in the educational sector. This award aims to promote high standards of quality and innovation in education. Recently, the award launched a new online platform for its 31st edition to make participation more accessible and effective. They are also updating support materials and organizing events to encourage more involvement in education, fostering a culture of excellence and creativity. SPEA has introduced several plans to prepare schools for the upcoming academic year. This includes issuing guidelines, holding training sessions, and organizing discussions aimed at teachers and staff in private schools. The goal is to ensure that students receive a smooth and high-quality education. As part of a project to meet international education standards, the Authority has started preparing for an important study called the PIRLS test. This test measures the reading skills of fourth-grade students in private schools and involves participants from the emirate. The Authority is dedicated to supporting and improving private schools and nurseries, tailoring help to fit the unique needs of each institution. They are committed to enhancing the quality of education and assist school leaders in creating self-evaluations and improvement plans. Alongside this, there are also opportunities for professional development in cooperation with the Sharjah Education Academy. SPEA is executing key projects as part of its plan for 2025-2028, with special attention to educational initiatives that promote quality of life, support for the Arabic language, and partnerships with educational institutions to drive excellence and sustainability. One of the significant initiatives is "With Arabic We Rise," which aims to strengthen the Arabic language in schools. This program features visits to schools, specialized training for teachers, and monthly meetings to share effective practices. It also includes the launch of resource materials like the "Teach Arabic" series and a digital library. In addition, the Authority is planning an international forum for Arabic language teachers to coincide with Teacher's Day, highlighting the importance of Arabic in education and connecting it to future skills. These efforts reflect the Authority's commitment to enhancing the education system in the emirate, making it more competitive and sustainable, while focusing on nurturing a stimulating learning environment that looks ahead and invests in people.
Sharjah 24
6 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
SPEA: Launch of 31st Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence
The award enjoys the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It aims to realise the Emirate's ambitious vision of building an integrated educational system, continuing a journey that has spanned over three decades. The award seeks to honour leading educational figures—both individuals and institutions—while highlighting achievements that elevate the quality of education and enhance the skills of students, teachers, and educational leaders. Award Categories This year's edition of the award features two main categories. The first is the 'Outstanding Individuals' category, which encompasses several subcategories including outstanding educational leader—divided into upper and middle leadership—outstanding teacher, outstanding inclusive education teacher, and outstanding student from Year 3 to Year 12. It also includes the category for outstanding student (Special Categories), outstanding parent, and outstanding support staff. The second main category is 'Outstanding Institutions', which includes outstanding nursery, outstanding school, and outstanding institutions or partnerships that support education. In addition to these, the award introduces a special honour this year titled the 'Jewel of the Arabic Language Award'. This diverse and inclusive structure reflects the award's commitment to recognising all components of the educational system and supporting excellence across every level. Driving Educational Innovation Her Excellency Dr Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), affirmed that the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence serves as a dynamic platform that inspires innovation and creativity in the education sector. She noted that the Authority continues to develop the award's criteria and broaden its scope to align with Sharjah's forward-looking vision of establishing a comprehensive and sustainable education system. Dr Al Hashemi highlighted the award's key role in spotlighting outstanding achievements and supporting the talents of educators, students, and school leaders. She emphasised that the ultimate goal is to prepare empowered generations capable of facing future challenges with confidence and competence. Realising the Sharjah Ruler's Vision His Excellency Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), stressed that the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by embedding a culture of excellence and innovation within the educational community. He described the award as one of the most effective tools in achieving this direction. Al Hosani explained that the award aligns with the Authority's strategy to build an inspiring educational environment that invests in promising talent and recognises high-quality achievements. This, he said, helps instil the principles and standards of excellence both individually and institutionally across the educational landscape. He added that recognising exceptional efforts contributes to advancing development and innovation, strengthening Sharjah's status as a leading hub of knowledge and scientific excellence, and keeping pace with the Emirate's future aspirations to nurture outstanding generations capable of leadership and accomplishment according to the highest standards of quality. He also noted that the award adds substantial value to the series of educational and cultural initiatives launched by the Emirate, particularly those dedicated to preserving linguistic heritage and reinforcing the Arabic language as a fundamental medium for science and knowledge in an ever-changing world. Sustaining a Culture of Excellence Alya Ibrahim Al Hosani, Director of the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, reiterated the award's commitment to continuing its ambitious plans to support outstanding individuals in the education field. She underlined the award's efforts to overcome any challenges faced by participants and to adopt advanced methodologies that enhance excellence, creativity, and innovation within both the educational sector and the wider community. Al Hosani expressed her pride in the remarkable level the award has achieved, both in terms of the quality of entries and the increasing level of participation witnessed with each edition. This distinction, she stated, is the result of concerted efforts by those driven by the pursuit of excellence and a desire to embed it as a shared culture. Call for Participation The SPEA invites all educational professionals from various categories to participate in the 31st edition of the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence. The Authority has confirmed that nominations are now open to anyone with a genuine aspiration for excellence and a strong desire to showcase their achievements and innovative contributions. Interested applicants are encouraged to register via the official award website ( and are advised to review the award categories and criteria, as well as the general and specific conditions for each category, to ensure that nomination submissions align with the approved standards and requirements.
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Time of India
UAE: Sharjah confirms new private school calendar for 2025–2026, key changes every parent should know
Sharjah's Private Education Authority (SPEA) released the 2025–2026 school calendar for private schools/Representative Image TL;DR: Sharjah's Private Education Authority ( SPEA ) released the 2025–2026 school calendar for private schools (excluding foreign curricula). Classes start August 25, 2025, and end July 2, 2026; winter break runs December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026; spring break is March 16–22, 2026. The calendar aims for consistent academic planning and educational quality across Sharjah's private schools. The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has unveiled its detailed academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year, bringing structure and clarity to all private schools in the Emirate except those following foreign curricula. This move is set to help families and educators plan the new academic year with confidence. Key dates and schedule: Start of Academic Year: August 25, 2025 End of Academic Year: July 2, 2026 Winter Break: December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026 (classes resume January 5, 2026) Spring Break: March 23 to March 29, 2026 (classes resume March 30, 2026) This calendar specifically applies to all private schools in Sharjah, with the exception of those following foreign curricula, which have separate schedules. International curriculum schools usually follow a similar calendar but should confirm specifics with their school administration. Consistency and alignment: The calendar's primary aim is to ensure a level of consistency across diverse private educational institutions in Sharjah, promoting predictable term times, unified holidays, and coordinated breaks for students, teachers, and parents. This helps facilitate curriculum planning, timely assessments, and better student well-being throughout the academic year. Comparison to other curricula: Indian Curriculum Schools (such as CBSE, ICSE): Traditionally start their academic year in April and end in March, with a long summer break and a different schedule for holidays and examinations. Other Foreign Curriculums: May follow the Sharjah SPEA calendar or maintain alignment with their home country's educational frameworks, but still adhere to UAE regulatory requirements for the minimum number of instructional days and key holidays. These clearly defined dates empower parents and educators to confidently book holidays, organize extracurricular activities, and manage key family events. For educators, the structure makes lesson planning, exam scheduling, and professional development more efficient, while students benefit from fair periods of study and rest in line with best educational practices. Sharjah's 2025–2026 private school calendar is designed to foster consistency, quality, and advanced planning among families and educational institutions. By standardizing term dates and holiday periods, the SPEA ensures that Sharjah school communities are well prepared for a productive, balanced, and enriching academic year. FAQ 1. When does the 2025–2026 school year start and end for Sharjah private schools? The academic year begins on August 25, 2025, and concludes on July 2, 2026. 2. Are Indian curriculum schools included in this calendar? No, the released calendar applies only to private schools in Sharjah that do not follow foreign curricula. 3. What are the official dates for winter and spring breaks? Winter break is from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026; spring break is from March 16 to March 22, 2026.
