No homework for young pupils: Shake-up to UAE public schools for the year ahead

The UAE Education Ministry has announced a significant change for the upcoming academic year, eliminating homework for young pupils in kindergarten to grade two and restricting digital screen usage for grade six students. Speaking at a back-to-school readiness conference in Dubai, Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri highlighted the study's results, which indicated that screen time negatively impacted cognitive development.

The study involved 2,500 pupils across nine public schools, divided into two groups to analyze the effects of digital tool regulation. The findings revealed improved academic performance, better behavior, and stronger student relationships in classrooms without digital tools. Al Amiri emphasized that removing homework for young students would help them balance learning with family life and encourage daily reading at home.

The restriction on digital tools for sixth-grade students will apply to English, Arabic, science, and math subjects, with pupils using books, paper, and notebooks instead of digital devices. The ministry also plans to evaluate all public and private schools, introduce a specialized training week for teachers and school leaders, and change the assessment methodology for grades nine to 12, with a 50-50 split between central exams and school-based assessments.

Additionally, diagnostic tests will be included in schools to help teachers identify academic levels and learning gaps, allowing them to tailor instructional materials and teaching methodologies accordingly. With over 26,700 new pupils enrolling in public schools this year and 11 new schools and education complexes opening, the UAE's total public school enrollment stands at 1,277,000.

Schools are set to welcome students back on August 31, with authorities monitoring the situation for any potential shift to remote learning.