Staggered return to school for Abu Dhabi students

Private school pupils in Abu Dhabi will have a staggered return to classrooms for the new academic year.

Students from kindergarten to Grade 5/Year 6 can return on the first day while all others will be joining four weeks later.

The move is aimed at monitoring and evaluating how they adapt to the new precautionary measures.

Schools can choose between five re-opening models that include: full-day or half-day face-to-face learning, alternating days, alternating weeks or a hybrid model.

Full online learning is also an option for the first term, subject to prior coordination with the school.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for COVID-19 has outlined the measures in coordination with Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic, in coordination with @ADEK_tweet approves private schools’ plans to reopen with physical attendance for the upcoming academic year. pic.twitter.com/4OJfHxgJDX

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 16, 2020

Authorities have also clarified that no more than 15 students will be allowed inside a classroom when schools re-open.

COVID-19 testing is mandatory for staff as well as pupils above the age of 12, while all sports and extra-curricular activities will remain suspended.

Everyone on campus will be required to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres, while break times will be staggered to encourage physical distancing.

As reported by ARN News Centre last month, face masks are mandatory for staff and students above the age of 6 and there will be daily temperature checks as well.

Regular inspections will be carried out to ensure that schools are following the rules.

.@ADEK_tweet announced policies & guidelines for in-person attendance to the school year for private schools in #AbuDhabi. All staff, teachers, parents & students must comply with the precautionary & sterilisation procedures. pic.twitter.com/DPnf2ugpqV

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 16, 2020