Students catalysts of change, says KHDA official

The purpose of education is to make a positive change in the world; students learn not only to improve their own lives but also the lives of others, according to a top official.

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, chairman of the board of directors and director-general of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), during the official inauguration of The Arcadia Preparatory School on Monday, said what makes a school stand out, aside from quality education and innovation, is when the students use the knowledge and skills they learn to make a positive impact.

"It is not our job titles that make us happy, it is the relationship that we have with each other and the contribution we make to the world around us that make us happy."

Dr Al Karam added that what makes a school stand out, aside from quality education and innovation, is when the students use the knowledge and skills they learn to make a positive impact.

Mohan Valrani, Arcadia's chairman, said: "It has been a year since we opened our doors and today's inauguration by Dr. Karam is a testament to the positive impact we have had on our children and community."

The Arcadia Preparatory School, which opened in August last year, is located in Dubai's Jumeirah Village Triangle. The school offers the National Curriculum for England to pupils studying from the early years foundation stage (FS1) to key stage 2 (Year 6).

According to school officials, Arcadia has a strong focus on the core subjects of Maths, English and the Sciences. It also offers Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP), aimed at inspiring and teaching young children the basics of entrepreneurship. For this Arcadia has partnered with international ideas company '7billionideas' to introduce the UAE's first junior MBA Programme.

Arcadia CEO Navin Valrani said: "Parents appreciate the fact that they are able to select from a range of enrichment opportunities for their children. As a school, we believe that education should be broad, challenging and balanced, and the programme is a unique practical expression of this ethos, delivered weekly to our pupils."

Our students are in the midst of preparing their investment pitches, and we have also covered the concepts of idea generation, fund raising and organisation structures. It is very exciting to have so many young CEOs in one room," he added.

Source: Khaleej Times