Abu Dhabi - The classes will resume on August 30.
Published: Sun 16 Aug 2020, 12:00 AM
Updated: Mon 17 Aug 2020, 8:29 AM
Parents have been given the option to choose in-person or remote learning for their children when schools reopen across the UAE in the new academic year.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education (MoE) said on Sunday that classes will resume on August 30. Campus learning will be implemented in line with the "highest standards of health and safety in the school environment".
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"According to the latest developments and based on the current health conditions, careful plans have been made to ensure a gradual return to (in-person learning) ... in all UAE schools without exception," said the MoE. "Parents have been allowed to freely choose their children's model of attendance - face-to-face at school or through distance learning for the first term."
The move is intended to achieve "stability within the school community" and to ensure the safety of students while meeting physical distancing requirements.
The ministry said a document on the students' return to schools has been developed with a set of protocols, requirements and precautions that must be followed by all the UAE education facilities. This will help achieve a safe, healthy and stimulating learning environment when operating during the Covid-19 pandemic, the MoE added.
Emirate-level education regulators in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah had previously given parents the option to choose e-learning for their children if they have safety concerns about in-campus learning.
Campus learning was suspended across all educational institutions in the UAE in March, as part of precautionary measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. Students in the country continued their education in the safety of their homes as education was imparted via video conferencing apps.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com