Sunday, Jan 11, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai: Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director-General at the Education Ministry, has announced the implementation of an advanced English language programme aimed at improving the language skills of grade 12 pupils, in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The initiative was ordered by the minister of education to elevate students' English language standards in order for them to gain acceptance into leading universities, both in the UAE and abroad.
The programme, which is for grade 12 Emirati pupils only, will focus on improving reading, writing, listening, and communication skills.
It will be held at Zayed University's and the Higher Colleges of Technology's language centres in Dubai every Saturday. Emirati pupils will undergo 80 hours of classes for 15 weeks.
Unrealistic
A certificate will be given to the pupil at the end of the programme, which is entirely funded by the education ministry. However, the pupil will pay refunded nominal fees to ensure their commitment throughout the programme.
Ahmad Al Shaikh, a grade 12 pupil, said it was an essential programme but said "the ministry is very unrealistic. We are in our final year and need every single day off or free time to study. Besides, sometimes we use our Saturdays for tutorial home lessons or come into school for revision."
"I wish they'd implement it as part of our curriculum if they are so keen to raise our English language standards," added Mouna Khalifa, another grade 12 pupil.
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
