The United Arab Emirates is introducing a significant change in its education system by replacing traditional exams with skills-based evaluations for students in the second cycle of public schools, the Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday.
This new approach will apply to students from fifth to eighth grade, marking a shift from conventional end-of-year examinations.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, detailed the reform as part of a gradual cultural shift aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
“While we have decreased the passing rate from 70 percent to 60 percent based on educational outcomes, the project requiring a full exam has not been implemented at any stage. We will apply this in the second stage to assess the readiness of both students and staff,” Al Amiri stated.
The minister emphasized that the final exams, which have been a staple of the education system, do not fully capture a student’s comprehensive understanding of the curriculum. “Any change in the educational process must be carefully measured to ensure it targets student needs and supports their educational journey,” she added.
Details regarding the new skills-based evaluation system remain scarce, including how student projects will be assessed and implemented. However, the Ministry of Education’s announcement comes alongside other significant updates for the upcoming academic year.
In preparation for the new school year, the Ministry has revealed plans to open 25 new educational institutions. This includes 12 new schools and 13 existing schools that have undergone extensive maintenance. Additionally, more than 5,000 new buses are being introduced to facilitate student transportation.
To welcome students back to school, educational institutions are actively distributing welcome-back kits and setting up new parent orientation websites. Schools are also coordinating staggered start times with neighboring institutions to manage first-day traffic congestion more effectively.
Parents are currently preparing for the return to school, with many opting for new supplies or second-hand items to manage costs. Reports indicate that some UAE parents are spending up to Dh2,000 per child on back-to-school essentials.
The transition from private to public schools has been notable, with approximately 20,000 students making the switch in 2023. This year, over 280,000 students are expected to return to government schools when the academic year begins on August 26.
The introduction of skills-based evaluations and new infrastructure investments reflect the UAE’s commitment to evolving its educational landscape to better meet the needs of its students and families.