Abu Dhabi schools not exempted from teaching mandatory subjects: ADEK

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that schools cannot exempt themselves from the requirements for teaching compulsory subjects.

All schools must teach these subjects for the minimum amount of time required, in accordance with the Ministry's requirements. They must also adapt their teaching methods and provide the necessary resources to help all students meet the requirements for the UAE General Education Certificate (High School).

ADEK explained that, according to the school's curriculum policy, which must be implemented from the beginning of the 2025–26 academic year, the curriculum must promote the development of 21st-century skills.

These include interpersonal skills, collaboration, communication, analysis, synthesis, critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy, innovation, transferable life skills and a growth mindset.

This will be achieved through planned programmes. This includes fostering a positive school environment in line with the department's policy on student behaviour and promoting values such as teamwork, integrity, transparency and innovation.

Advanced skills

In accordance with the Department of Education and Knowledge’s policy for integrated safety in schools, the curriculum should promote advanced thinking skills (such as critical thinking and mental flexibility), as well as creativity, positive behaviour, high morals, self-management and adaptability.

Pursuant to this policy, schools should also promote awareness of integrated safety strategies and associated policies, as well as integrating aspects of the comprehensive positive behaviour model, healthy and safe food practices, mindfulness, and social and emotional learning, including emotional regulation and resilience.

ADEK also explained that, in accordance with the school's sustainability policy, schools must integrate sustainability principles into the curriculum at all levels. This will involve addressing school's vision for contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, as well as those of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and the Department of Energy.

ADEK emphasised that schools must ensure the curriculum contributes to preparing students for success at the next educational level and in future careers.

Parents must be informed of the impact of curriculum changes on their children and of the potential challenges that may arise from interruptions to their learning and progress.

Emirati students enrolled in a curriculum or field that relies on high-stakes tests who fail these tests must complete a series of compulsory subjects and courses, as measured by the continuous assessment system.

This is in order for them to be eligible to graduate and request equivalency for the UAE General Education Certificate (High School Certificate), provided that the standards are met.

Schools must communicate this appropriately to students and their parents. The curriculum must be balanced and integrated to ensure orderly progression within and between subjects, enabling students to progress through a specific sequence of learning outcomes.

It noted that the school principal is responsible for establishing the subject selection committee and ensuring that all textbooks and educational resources are vetted in accordance with the ADEK's policy on cultural considerations in schools.

The principal must also ensure that high-quality materials align with learning outcomes and standards at targeted grade levels and that additional educational resources are used to enhance teaching across all subjects. The school must also address potentially controversial topics as outlined in the Department of Education and Knowledge's policy on cultural considerations in schools.