Next Generation School Dubai: An Interview with the Principal
With the news the brand new American/Islamic dual-curriculum school- New Generation School (NGS) is set to open in Dubai this summer, we ask the principal Dr Sheryl Steinberg Abukar, to find out more about what students and parents can expect at the new school.
Firstly, can you explain the non-islamic components of the curriculum a little more for us please?
The American curriculum being offered to students at NGS is comprehensive. It is based on the Common Core State Standards In literacy and math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in science, and the California State Standards for the arts, physical education, and other electives. This standards based curriculum embodies a clear set of expectations outlining what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level.
Next Generation School’s curriculum design implements the Universal Design of Learning to give all children in elementary, middle, and high school the opportunity to learn in their own unique ways. The behavioral and humanistic approach taken serves the mission, vision, and objectives of the school and encourages students to actively participate in their educational experience.
At Next Generation School we believe in creating a challenging, engaging learning environment that promotes intellectual, civic, and creative capacities within our high school students to reach their full potential.
Upon graduation in 12th grade, students will earn a high school diploma and be fully prepared for college and career pursuits.
Which bodies will NGS be affiliated with?
NGS intends to pursue dual accreditation through North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a prestigious educational organization in the United States, and the Council of International Schools (CIS). Furthermore, NGS aspires to become affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes in the future, eventually incorporating the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programmes.
Can you explain the Arabic and Islamic elements at NGS a little more?
Due to their tremendous benefit in developing moral character, civic duty, responsibility, and culture identity, Arabic and Islamic studies are two of the most important subjects taught at Next Generation School.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, our Arabic curriculum focuses on developing the four key language areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Rather than focus on rote learning, our students are engaged through various strategies such as developing higher order thinking skills, role playing, group work, and independent study projects in order to apply what they have learned to real life experiences.
Based on the guidance of the Ministry of Education, our Islamic Studies curriculum also benefits our Muslim student population by teaching the Holy Quran with a strong emphasis placed on understanding and proper recitation with tajweed, the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), principles of faith, rulings related to worship, and manners.
The primary objective and benefit of the Islamic Studies curriculum at Next Generation School is to create an atmosphere that nurtures students and responsible citizens that take Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a guide for improving their moral character and lives.
Can you describe for us, the typical family NGS school will appeal to?
NGS is an American Islamic School that will appeal to local and expat families that are searching for a school that will provide students with an outstanding academic and Islamic education in a school environment that supports their cultural identity and religious values.
How do you plan to fit all these elements into the school day? Will the NGS day be longer than general?
The school day at NGS will be slightly longer than in some schools. This is because equal emphasis is placed on producing academic excellence in both the Core and Islamic Studies curriculum. Students in grades KG2 and above will attend school from 7.30am to 3.30pm Students’ daily schedule will include classes in English, Math, and Arabic.
On alternate days, students’ will attend classes in Science/Social Studies, Qur’an/Islamic Studies, Fine Arts/P.E., and Life Skills/Electives.
In addition, students will be offered weekly classes in Library (English), Library (Arabic), and Computing.
What will differentiate the NGS from the other schools offering this type of dual-curriculum service?
Unlike most schools, NGS does not expect our diverse learners to adjust to the curriculum; rather Next Generation School’s educational framework will adjust the curriculum to the needs of our students. That means giving our students multiple ways of learning what they need to learn and multiple ways of showing what they’ve learned through hands-on activities.
Based on the best educational practices from around the world and inspired by the most innovative and internationally acclaimed teaching techniques, Next Generation School engages its students through three instructional methods:
The Breakthrough System
The Universal Design of Learning
Differentiated Instruction
Digital literacy is an essential component of student learning in the 21st century. Informational technology and the use of tech platforms are integrated into the NGS curriculum to provide opportunities for students to engage with technology in a meaningful and exciting manner. Whether it’s through the use of touch screen floors, learning corridors, 3D displays, augmented reality, or tablets, the objective is to present multiple avenues of application and expression that enrich the learning experiences of our students.
As a 21st century dynamic school, inquiry is at the heart of the NGS curriculum. Meaningful learning experiences are connected to the real world, in a way that students find engaging. Gone are the days of learning by mere rote memorization!
Today’s students must learn to think critically, ask questions, conduct in-depth research to problem solve, and develop life skills, analytical thinking and presentation skills. Next Generation School provides a caring and nurturing environment where students can develop the skills they need to succeed in a global society.
Students from KG2 will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective classes that serve to encourage the development of their innate interests and passions.
Another critical and unique component of the NGS curriculum is the Life Skills Program that is integrated with into the curriculum to ensure healthy social, cognitive, and emotional development of our students from a young age.
What in your opinion are the other activities/facilities /USPs of the NGS school?
Next Generation School’s curriculum includes quality extra-curricular activities that address the broad spectrum of student interests, at no or minimal additional cost to students. The program is divided into two areas:
Curriculum Enrichment
NGS’s Curriculum Enrichment program includes activities such as sports, special interest clubs, and community based associations.
In addition to the challenging academic program, enriched offerings in Quran, robotics, performing arts, sports, social/personal/physical education, language studies, and community service ensure the development of a well- rounded student.
Students at NGS are encouraged to join at least one extra-curricular program per semester. These curriculum enrichment activities will take place throughout the school year at varying intervals.
Curriculum Enhancement
Our Curriculum Enhancement Program focuses on academic programs that extend beyond the classroom to provide academic support. Study opportunities are available to students before and after school, and during breaks in the school day. The activities are homework clubs, study clubs, extra revision classes, and extra after-school tuition. Activities are also subject specific (i.e. Math homework clubs) and non-specific (i.e. to help develop organizational skills, study skills, coursework, and revision for exams).
One of the most salient USPs of Next Generation School is the importance and attention given to ensuring that students receive a high quality education in the core academic subject areas as well as in Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies. The goal of such an educational experience is to produce students who are strong academically, who have a strong sense of their identity, who exhibit excellent morals and values, and who use their knowledge for beneficial purposes.
