CONNECTOR.AE 28 CONNECTOR.AE 29 Kids And Education Kids And Education A Look At KHDA School Inspections School inspection reports are one of the most important aspects for parents choosing a private school for their child to attend. Since 2008, every year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, carries out school inspections that assess how well a school is run, and that help parents find the right school fit for their child. The schools are ranked in six different categories, from Outstanding at the top, followed by Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak and Very Weak. To receive a rating, the schools are evaluated in six key areas, Connector spoke to schools around Dubai gain insight into how the inspections are held and what happens behind the scenes at schools to better prepare for them. On each inspection, a team of inspectors visit the school over a period of three to four days, and assess the school on the set criteria. Mark Ford, Principal at The English College, where the school ranked Very Good in the 2023 KHDA reports said, “During the KHDA inspection, 7 or 8 inspectors visit the school. Each inspector focuses on specific aspects outlined in the UAE School Inspection Framework.” As schools are the leading ways to develop a child, one of the main aspects of the inspection is assessing the development and growth of the students. The inspection team visit classrooms to get a glimpse into how classes are run and the way the needs of the students are met. Inspectors also view the results from tests students have taken throughout the year, and evaluate the schools based on the targets they have set themselves to achieve. Maryssa Connor, Principal/CEO at GEMS Wellington International School, which assessed as Outstanding in the 2023 KHDA school inspection reports, and Senior Vice President of Education at GEMS Education said, “They use data from examinations and assessments to establish how well the students achieve and if they are making 1. The achievements of students 2. The personal, social development and innovation skills of students 3. The teaching quality of the staff 4. The school’s curriculum 5. The protection, care, guidance and support given to the students 6. The leadership and management quality at the school As the KHDA school report is broken down into various categories, parents can read through the areas of importance for their child and make a decision based on it. progress. Dubai schools set themselves challenging targets and use thorough selfevaluation against the KHDA framework to indicate what is going well and how they can improve further.” Shiny Davison, Principal at The Indian Academy School Dubai, that is ranked Good in the 2023 KHDA reports, further added, “Inspection judgements are drawn from evidence gathered by the inspection team, including observation of students’ learning in lessons, review of their work, discussions with students, meetings with the staff, parents, and governors, and review of surveys completed by parents, teachers, and students.” Parents play a vital role in the reports, as their feedback can help other parents in making a decision on which school to send their child to. As parents understand their child’s needs and requirements to develop, the inspection team reaches out to parents to understand the level of satisfaction the school provides.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzU4NjA=