the international Australian School Launsh in Sharjah

The Australian Government of Queensland and Al Sharif group of UAE announced the first Australian school in the UAE is ready to open its doors for students from different nationalities in September 2005.

With its innovative design, and world class facilities, AIS will be well equipped to deliver a student centered, activity based learning environment to over 1800 multicultural students in the UAE. It will have indoor and outdoor activity areas, swimming pool, library and specialist rooms for science, art and music.

A gala dinner hosted under the patronage of His Excellency, Noel Campbell, Australian Ambassador to the UAE was held recently to celebrate the formal public announcement of the opening of the school.

"I am pleased that the first school in the UAE to use the Australian curriculum is opening in Sharjah in September", said the Ambassador. "The establishment of the Australian International School is an exciting development and one which underlies the growing education links between Australia and the UAE"

The Australian International School (AIS) in Sharjah has been created as a result of the agreement between the Australian State of Queensland and the Al Sharif Group in November 2004. Under the endorsement of the UAE Ministry of Education and the Government of Queensland’s Ministry of Education and Art, the agreement gives AIS the authority to deliver Australian Curriculum.

One of the conditions of this agreement is a yearly quality review by high ranking personnel of the Queensland Government Education Department. "Parents of the Australian International School can be confident about the educational quality of the programs being delivered at the school. The Queensland Minister of Education must be satisfied that all school programs, management processes, and staff meet the stringent control of the Department's standards, and this yearly review will give that assurance" said Ms Helen Lucas, Principal of Australian International School.

Lifelong Learning

Explaining the difference of Australian education, Ms. Lucas said: "The difference lies in the ability of our system to develop lifelong learners. Our schools focus on the holistic development of children. It is not just about passing exams and passive memorization based learning. It is about students constructing their own knowledge in flexible student centered environments."

"We are honored to say that the Australian education system is recognized by UNESCO as one of the finest in the world. The core curriculum for all grades from KG to 6 is based of an 8 key learning areas, common across Australia – English, European / Asian Mathematics, Science, Studies of society & environment, Technology, Art, Health & Physical education, and Language other than English (LOTE)." she added. "Arabic language and Islamic studies for Muslims are two special syllabuses offered at the school.

All the teachers were recruited from Australia and are preparing to arrive in August 2005. Teaching staff were chosen on the basis of their teaching experience and their commitment to become part of a multi-cultural international school"

"AIS will be initially open to youngsters from grades KG to 6 but will eventually cater to senior secondary year levels. It will not only specifically cater to the Australian community living in the UAE but is also aiming to serve parents and students from all nationalities for quality education," Ms. Lucas concluded.

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For more information about the press release, please contac
Jumana Radaideh
Promax Middle East
04 2829666

jumana@promax.ae