Curriculum

MOE Subjects – Whole School Approach

Social Studies

Social Studies serves as a cornerstone for understanding the UAE’s past, present, and aspirations for the future. It directly links to key elements of national identity by:

1. Cultural Heritage:
   • Students learn about the UAE’s rich history, from the Bedouin lifestyle and pearl diving to the remarkable transformation into a modern global hub.
   • Emphasis is placed on traditional practices, such as falconry, camel racing, and dhow building, fostering pride in cultural achievements.
2. National Unity and Governance:
   • Lessons on the founding of the UAE and the vision of its leaders, especially the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlight the principles of unity and collaboration.
   • Students explore the federal system, the role of leadership, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
3. Global Perspective:
   • The curriculum integrates the UAE’s role in international diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainability.
   • Encourages students to appreciate their country’s contributions to global development, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility.
4. Values and Tolerance:
   • Promotes values of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity by exploring how the UAE is home to a diverse population while preserving its unique cultural identity.
   • Explains policies and initiatives that align with humanitarian values, strengthening students’ sense of belonging.

Islamic Education

Islamic Education connects directly to the ethical and spiritual fabric of the UAE, which is deeply rooted in Islamic values. It reinforces national identity through:

1. Moral and Ethical Foundation:
   • Teaches universal values such as respect, compassion, honesty, and justice, which are integral to the UAE’s social and political ethos.
   • Encourages students to apply these values in their daily lives, reflecting the societal principles of the nation.
2. Cultural Continuity:
   • Islamic teachings and practices, such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations, are presented as vital aspects of the country’s traditions.
   • Students are encouraged to engage with and preserve these cultural and religious practices, ensuring intergenerational continuity.
3. Historical and Religious Connections:
   • Lessons explore Islamic history, the contributions of the Golden Age of Islam, and the role of Islamic culture in shaping the region’s identity.
   • Highlights the importance of sacred sites and Islamic art, architecture, and calligraphy that are central to the UAE’s heritage.
4. Community and Social Responsibility:
   • Emphasizes charity, volunteerism, and social justice as pillars of a cohesive and harmonious society.
   • Encourages students to participate in community-building activities, reflecting the nation’s commitment to solidarity and progress.

Arabic Language

The Arabic language is a vital component of national identity, acting as the medium through which cultural, historical, and spiritual legacies are communicated. It supports national identity in the following ways:

1. Preservation of Heritage:
   • Arabic connects students to traditional poetry, folklore, proverbs, and literature that embody the values, wisdom, and stories of the region.
   • Through the study of Arabic, students develop an appreciation for the richness of the language and its role in preserving cultural narratives.
2. Cultural Unity:
   • As the official language, Arabic fosters a sense of unity among citizens and serves as a symbol of collective identity.
   • The language is a link between the past and present, ensuring that cultural expressions remain accessible and meaningful to future generations.
3. Global Recognition:
   • Mastery of Arabic empowers students to represent their nation’s culture and values on international platforms.
   • It instills pride in the language’s historical role as a medium for science, philosophy, and art during the Islamic Golden Age.
4. Educational and Professional Relevance:
   • Proficiency in Arabic is essential for participating in national institutions and understanding laws, traditions, and governance structures.
   • It enhances students’ abilities to engage deeply with their national identity and contribute meaningfully to society.

Integration Across Subjects with School Values

By integrating Social Studies, Islamic Education, and Arabic Language, the curriculum offers a holistic approach to shaping students’ identity while aligning with the school’s values of commitment, respect, responsibility, global leadership, and innovation:

1. Commitment:
   • These subjects emphasize dedication to understanding and preserving the UAE’s heritage, fostering pride in its cultural, historical, and spiritual foundations.
   • Through the study of Arabic, students commit to mastering their national language, ensuring its continued relevance in the modern world.
2. Respect:
   • Islamic Education instills deep respect for the values of compassion, tolerance, and acceptance, which are central to the UAE’s diverse society.
   • Social Studies encourages students to value the contributions of various communities, both locally and globally, promoting harmony and mutual understanding.
3. Responsibility:
   • These disciplines teach students their responsibilities as active citizens, emphasizing the importance of contributing positively to society through service, leadership, and civic engagement.
   • Islamic principles and social lessons guide students to take ownership of their actions, making ethical choices that align with societal and national values.
4. Global Leadership:
   • By highlighting the UAE’s role as a global leader in diplomacy, innovation, and sustainability, Social Studies inspires students to envision their potential as future leaders on an international stage.
   • Arabic Language fosters a deeper connection to the global Arab community, empowering students to represent their nation and culture with confidence and pride.
5. Innovation:
   • While rooted in tradition, these subjects encourage students to think critically and creatively, finding innovative ways to preserve and promote their heritage in a rapidly evolving world.
   • Social Studies and Arabic Language explore the UAE’s strides in modern technology, architecture, and cultural diplomacy, showcasing how innovation is interwoven with identity.

Together, these subjects and values work in harmony to prepare students who are proud of their heritage, respectful and responsible citizens, and forward-thinking leaders. This approach ensures that students are deeply rooted in their national identity while embracing global challenges with innovation and resilience.

The Importance of Classical Arabic in Education and Beyond

Classical Arabic, or Standard Arabic (Fus’ha), holds a unique and vital role in the UAE’s education system, particularly within the Key Stage 3 (KS3) framework. It is not just the language of instruction for subjects taught in Arabic but also the cornerstone of cultural preservation and linguistic mastery. Using and teaching Classical Arabic ensures that students develop fluency in a language that transcends regional dialects, connecting them to their heritage and fostering academic and social success.

Classical Arabic in Schools

In the UAE, schools are committed to teaching and communicating in Classical Arabic for all subjects delivered in Arabic. This approach is reinforced by the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) initiatives, which aim to standardize the use of Fus’ha across classrooms. By emphasizing Standard Arabic:

1. Unified Communication: Students engage with teachers and peers in a language that is universally understood within the Arabic-speaking world, eliminating confusion caused by regional dialects.
2. Enhanced Linguistic Skills: Immersive practice in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Classical Arabic helps students master grammar, vocabulary, and literary analysis.
3. Connection to Heritage: Classical Arabic is the language of religious texts, historical documents, and timeless literary works, linking students directly to their cultural and intellectual heritage.
4. Preparation for the Future: Proficiency in Standard Arabic prepares students for academic pursuits, careers, and roles as global citizens, while preserving the integrity of the language as a symbol of national identity.

The Role of Parents in Supporting Classical Arabic

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing the use of Classical Arabic outside the classroom. By creating a home environment that values and practices Fus’ha, families can complement school efforts and enhance their children’s learning experience.

Ways Parents Can Support Classical Arabic at Home:

1. Communicate in Fus’ha: Use Standard Arabic in daily conversations to help children become comfortable with its structures and vocabulary. This practice strengthens their confidence and fluency.
2. Expose Children to Arabic Media: Encourage reading newspapers, books, and poetry written in Classical Arabic. Watching Arabic news channels or educational programs also provides real-world applications of the language.
3. Create Language-Rich Environments: Designate family activities that incorporate Classical Arabic, such as storytelling, reading aloud, or discussing cultural and historical topics.
4. Encourage Writing and Speaking: Motivate children to write journals, letters, or essays in Fus’ha and engage in discussions using the language, fostering their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively.
5. Lead by Example: When parents model the use of Classical Arabic, it signals its importance and value. Children are more likely to adopt and respect the language when they see it practiced by their role models.

The Long-Term Impact

When schools and parents work together to emphasize Classical Arabic, the result is a generation of students who are linguistically skilled, culturally aware, and prepared to engage meaningfully in their communities. By ensuring that Standard Arabic is not just confined to the classroom but embraced in daily life, we at CBS hope to strengthen its efforts to preserve the UAEs cultural identity and equip students for a globally interconnected future.

By embedding the use of Classical Arabic in both educational and home settings, CBS wants to ensure that this rich, historic language continues to thrive as a vital medium of communication and learning.