The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Private schools in Sharjah are re-opening for the new academic year and Sharjah Private education Authority (SPEA) is working with them to implement a stringent action plan ensuring health and safety during these times.

The SPEA is following a flexible plan for the re-opening of private schools with 3 study modes.

Considering the concerns of the parents, this flexible plan will ensure the restart of the education process and gradual return to the face-to-face learning.

The SPEA is providing the options for 100 per cent Distance Learning in the new academic year.

The SPEA said if parents are reluctant to send kids to the schools in the first phase of reopening, they can choose the distance learning option.

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To ensure gradual return of students to school premises, the SPEA said all schools must invite students to school buildings until they reach the target capacity for their reopening.

However, the SPEA said the use of electronic platform must continue.

All schools will continue with their electronic platforms and allocate daily time for distance learning. This is done to compensate for the short school days and meet the minimum requirement of hours per school year.

The new academic year will start from August 30, 2020 and SPEA is preparing Sharjah Private Schools for the re-opening.

All schools will be following the guidelines and precautionary measures will be met.

A private school in Sharjah sent a circular to parents on SPEA’s implementations.

The circular reads, “As we approach the beginning of a new term we hope to welcome the students back after a relaxed and well deserved summer break.

The Distance learning Programme has been very successful and has been rated by SPEA as ‘Developed’ in the recently conducted Distance Learning Review. “We are now working towards preparing a safe and healthy environment in keeping with the SPEA guidelines for reopening schools in September.

“The safety and well -being of all our stakeholders has always been a priority at Our Own English High School, Sharjah, and we will ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to provide the highest levels of sanitization and cleanliness.

“We are happy to share the details of the new Blended model of delivery which will include an optimal balance of online and face to face sessions.”

The school also said that the school will be providing face to session sessions with 50% capacity on a weekly rotational basis. In keeping with the guidelines regarding social distancing each section will be divided into 2 cohorts.

The school will follow a five - day week where students will come to school for face to face sessions every alternate week. The online synchronous sessions will be live streamed with ample opportunities to clear doubts and engage in lesson transactions.

However a 100% Distance Learning approach will be provided in case of the following:

• Students who have been advised to be quarantined at home.

• Students in the high risk category.

• Students who are feeling unwell and are unable to attend school.

• Family members exhibiting symptoms and the parents wish to keep their wards at home.

• Parents who do not feel comfortable to send their wards to school.