'Dubai's growing education sector makes boarding appealing'

Dubai - With more institutional and structured support, most boarding students have deep, meaningful experiences

As Dubai's education sector continues to mature, the number of boarding school options available are sure to multiply and the emirate will become host to an increasing number of boarding schools. Slowly, the trend of UAE families sending their children abroad at the primary and secondary education levels will start to reverse, as more quality institutions of learning open their doors in the country. Of course, parents considering boarding options must take into account the typical factors when considering any school - the school curriculum, reputation, leadership, facilities, teacher profiles, and commitment to holistic development. There are many benefits of boarding schools, including the following.
Immersive learning experience
Boarders typically benefit from a more comprehensive offering of nonacademic activities than students at day schools, which should allow them to focus more intensively on their extracurricular interests and passions. Given that there is more institutional and structured support for these endeavors, most boarding students have deep, meaningful experiences with their out of classroom endeavors, not just a passing relationship with them.
Structured learning environment
Most boarding schools follow a structured after-class schedule that includes mandatory study hours, ensuring that students devote an adequate amount of time to their studies when the final bell rings. Students are able to develop strong study habits and manage their academic workloads more effectively.
Independent growth
From an early age, boarders are encouraged to think and act for themselves - valuable skills for both university and beyond. Boarders are taught they are accountable for their actions and are empowered to find ways, with institutional support, how to navigate their educational experience with less direct, daily support from their parents.
Sports
One of the challenges students face in Dubai is that many do not find the athletic offerings of their schools sufficient and seek external opportunities to develop their sports prowess and abilities at external academies. Boarding schools tend to take the role of sports very seriously in their students' personal development and invest heavily in providing them with the best support infrastructure in both coaching and facilities.
(The writer is founder and managing director, Hale Education Group.)