The Dubai Curriculum in Primary and Lower Secondary Schools
Dubai public schools use the UAE national curriculum to teach mathematics and science. Private schools use different mathematics and science curricula based on each school’s own curriculum. Mathematics curricula in private schools vary between a strong focus on mental calculations and content knowledge, such as numbers and operations, geometry, ratios and proportional relationships, expressions and equations, and data handling, to mathematical skills including modeling with mathematics, reasoning, investigative skills, and opportunities for real life applications in meaningful contexts. However, the effectiveness of delivery of content and skills varies widely from one school to another. Several private schools use curriculum standards to benchmark students’ mathematical skills with their peers’ internationally. At the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year, all private schools in Dubai were required to participate in international benchmarking in mathematics, English, and science. The mandate required full participation of students from Grades 4, 8, and 9 to correspond to the TIMSS and PISA grade and age assessments. The mandate was placed as a measure to ensure the country as a whole meets its National Agenda targets in education and education reform.
Science curricula in many private schools focus on developing students’ scientific understanding and knowledge through a practical approach. Nevertheless, scientific inquiry remains underdeveloped at the primary level in most private schools. Many private schools have implemented initiatives to improve the curriculum and increase independent investigative skills in mathematics and science education. However, more changes are needed to expand mathematics and science curricula in private schools to include more challenging material and better progression.