Under the patronage of HH Shaikha Al Yazia Bint Saif Bin Muhammad Al Nahyan

Conference highlights educational innovation and best practice in partnership

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 14 April 2013: Under the kind patronage of HH Shaikha Al Yazia Bint Saif Bin Muhammad Al Nahyan, Aldar Academies, in partnership with Cambridge Education, Mott MacDonald Ltd. and in participation with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, hosted "My Language is My Identity," a conference on Arabic Language at Al Bateen Secondary School on Sunday. The inaugural conference dedicated to the Arabic Language gave Aldar educators an opportunity to engage with leading education experts to share best practices and to evaluate innovative approaches to Arabic teaching and learning.

In her opening address which was delivered by HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Shaikha Al Yazia commended the initiative undertaken by Aldar Academies and said: "We believe in the importance of investing in early education, and high quality Arabic language teaching and learning is an integral part of this. Our vision is to bring up a new generation of Emirati citizens who are proud of their unique socio-cultural heritage and well equipped to lead the UAE into the next phase of its growth and sustainable development."

Dr. Karima Al Mazroui, Curriculum Division Manager at ADEC's P-12 Sector spoke about the importance of sharing new ideas and best practices. She said: "ADEC's vision is to encourage students to become life-long learners who are not only proud of their own language but are also proficient in other subjects and languages, since this helps enhance their intelligence, fluency and accuracy. Research has shown that education which helps encourage active engagement of children results in a much higher level of proficiency and a greater desire in students to progress in their language skills. The transformation of Arabic language instruction has placed Abu Dhabi on the forefront of Arabic education regionally and globally."

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Deputy CEO of Aldar Properties said, "It is a great honour and responsibility to prepare the leaders of tomorrow and we are committed to providing our young minds with a comprehensive, well-rounded education in both English and in Arabic. We understand that world-class teaching staff is the key to an engaging and effective education. Providing educators with the opportunity to learn from top education experts is a great way to enhance the quality of our teaching while embracing the importance of the Arabic language, culture and identity."

Hikmat Dweik, Senior Arabic Consultant of Cambridge Education spoke about the challenges and opportunities for leadership of the Arabic dimension. She discussed how to inspire thinking and learning in 3rd millennium schools. Other topics discussed by the delegates included best practices for teaching Arabic for non-natives, assessment for learning, how to keep students motivated, use of ICT technology and how to encourage team building.

Mrs Dweik, said: "As a Senior Arabic Consultant for private schools in Abu Dhabi, I focus on the quality of teaching, learning and standards of Arabic, Islamic and social studies. I am honoured to be part of such an inspirational conference where we can spread best practice techniques and help to improve the quality of education across the emirate."

About Aldar Academies:
Aldar Academies provides inspiring learning environments, combining the very best academic, arts and sporting facilities with the highest standards of teaching. As integral parts of the communities they belong to, Aldar Academies allow all our children to find and pursue their passions and prepare them for a future of success. Our schools are constantly winning the praise of the Abu Dhabi Education Council as providers of top grade education.

All Aldar Academies offer a British curriculum which has been specially adapted to the UAE, ensuring that all our students have access to an international education in a stimulating, multi-cultural setting where academic achievement is nurtured alongside personal development. From a single, 247-student facility, Pearl Academy, in 2007, Aldar Academies have grown into highly sought-after institutions serving 3,700 students at Al Muna, Al Bateen, Al Mushrif, Al Yasmina and Al Ain International School. Al Bateen School is a 'Candidate School' for the IB Diploma Programme and aspires to offer this programme in Years 12 and 13. This growth reflects the great confidence of parents, students, and Abu Dhabi's education authorities in the Aldar Academies model.

© Press Release 2013