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- GEMS Dubai American Academy and Jumeirah College to pioneer drone programmes within schools
- Future competitions will include a racing league, real world scenarios using drones, opportunities for internships and hardware/software experts to showcase their abilities
- Dubai Civil Aviation Authority along with industry experts to implement similar prgrammes across schools in the UAE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: GEMS Education announced the launch of an Education programme using Drones– to be conducted at GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA) – along with a Drone Display which was held at the school campus on December 12.
GEMS Dubai American Academy along with Jumeirah College will be pioneering the program and focusing on specific aspects that meet school requirements and opportunities such as embedding the programme within the curriculum and/or as an extracurricular activity.
The curriculum will involve an integrated training programme that includes a Ground School (Flight Theory, Safety and Regulations), Simulator Training (competency based training based upon minimum proficiency standards) and Flight Training (actual real-time operation of drones in).
Representatives of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Jumeirah College, Exponent Technologies and DAA were present at the show and will closely work together on the successful implementation of the programme and also propose the same to other schools in the country.
Michael Gernon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Innovation, Research and Development, GEMS Education said: “There is a current and future need to train not only drone pilots, but solution experts and engineers. Bringing a new perspective into academics and learning, incorporating drones in education can help motivate students put their curiosity into good use in addition to the rich educational environment it can provide. The programme will help equip students with vital cross curricular skills required to encourage problem-solving and analytical thinking in real-world scenarios.”
The Commercial Drone Show was led by Exponent Technology Services, who are experts in creating solutions such as surveillance, infrastructure inspections, power and water utilities for government departments. They demonstrated the use of drones in real-world scenarios – delivering packages with, security cameras, traffic monitoring and drone taxis. They also illustrated the tremendous growth in drone applications over the last half decade and the speed with which these applications are being developed and implemented.
The programme will be made available for middle and high school students. However, there will be opportunities for younger students to take up certain aspects of the study – programming, stable flight with small drones and build dummy projects etc.
Currently, the minimum age to grant official permits to fly drones outdoor is 16 years. However, an educational permit will be introduced where students will be allowed to use facilities at specific times under the presence of a commercially qualified pilot.,
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About GEMS Education:
GEMS Education is a pioneering education company. Through our schools, consulting practice and our charitable foundation we are advancing education for all. Every day in our schools around the world, we prepare thousands of children of all ages for real world success. We are a catalyst and delivery partner. We work with governments, donor agencies and private clients to improve education systems, and provide vital training for young people in an increasingly competitive world. Through the Varkey Foundation we campaign for, and support initiatives that change lives through education.
For more information, please contact:
Yasser Alvi | Deepti Naidu
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971) 4 4507 600
Email: yasser.alvi@bm.com
deepti.naidu@bm.com
