Dubai: More Schools Move to Distance Learning
A growing list of schools has switched to distance learning as the UAE reports 3,453 new cases of Covid-19.
Many more UAE students are now studying from home, as cases of Covid-19 rise across the country. The news comes soon after all schools in Abu Dhabi were instructed to continue distance learning for a further three weeks.
For some schools, the entire physical campus is closed while in others only those students in year groups impacted by Covid-19 cases have been instructed to stay at home. So far, WhichSchoolAdvisor.com understands that the following schools have switched to distance learning, either in full or in part:
- Dubai English Speaking College (year 11 only)
- Horizon English School
- Dubai College (year 13 only)
- The English College
- Jumeirah College
- Dubai International Academy
- GEMS FirstPoint School
Some schools are closing their doors for as little as 48 hours, presumably to watch as the situation unfolds. Others will remain closed for a week or more.
A KHDA official has urged the community to 'place their trust' in the measures in place to protect students and staff . Mohammed Darwish, CEO of Permits and Compliance at KHDA, said:
"All private schools in Dubai continue to provide high-quality teaching and learning, whether online or face-to-face. During this time, it's important that we place our trust in the health and safety protocols that have been designed to protect school communities.
"These protocols give schools and parents flexibility to switch between distance and face-to-face learning so that students and staff can be safe in all circumstances. We're continuing to work closely with schools, parents and other government entities to make sure that protocols are followed and learning continues."
In a letter to parents, Matthew Tompkins, Principal and CEO of GEMS FirstPoint School, stressed that his school community was well prepared for the switch to distance learning. Referring to a rise in cases among students and staff, Mr Tompkins had this to say,
"We have been planning for this possibility and have full plans in place to deal with this situation. We are in constant contact with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and KHDA about these cases and are working closely with them. The affected individuals are already in quarantine and under the supervision of DHA."
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