Following the launch of the inspection framework in May 2023, ADEK dedicated a team of Emirati inspectors to evaluate 87 private schools with the highest number of Emirati students.
Eight schools received an ‘Outstanding’ evaluation for demonstrating exceptional national identity integration within the curriculum, school provisions, and their impact on students.
Notably, The British International School in Abu Dhabi was also rated ‘Outstanding’ in the latest Irtiqa’a inspection, which covers the performance standards of Abu Dhabi’s private schools and provides recommendations for improved performance.
The remaining schools which received an outstanding rating for their national identity programmes include Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls; Sheikh Zayed Academy for Boys; Emirates National Schools, MBZ City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Khalifa City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Shakhbout City; Emirates National Schools, Branch 3; and ADNOC Schools, Sas Al Nakhl.
The National Identity Mark evaluations were based on the alignment of the school’s national identity narrative, lesson observations, review of key documents, and most importantly, on interactions with teachers, students, and staff to evaluate impact across the school.
The National Identity Mark covers three domains: ‘Culture’ including history, heritage, and Arabic language; ‘Values’ including respect, compassion, and global understanding; and ‘Citizenship’ including belonging, volunteering, and conservation.
The next phase of evaluations will start in the next academic year 2023/24.
Private schools without national enrolment are encouraged to feature national identity programmes and activities designed to engage their students with the country’s rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions.
The National Identity Mark rankings are assessed separately from ADEK’s Irtiqa’a Inspection.