Face To Face & Distance Learning Programme (2024) Cultural Sensitive Policy 2024
Introduction
The population of the UAE has grown dramatically over the last few decades due to the influx of non-nationals who have come to contribute to the economic diversification and cultural enrichment of Abu Dhabi. As a result, the emirate’s schools are currently represented by a high percentage of non- nationals – students and staff – who have infused the schooling sector with an international richness for the whole school community. While this has led the UAE to embrace its diversity through the principles of tolerance as embodied through the National Tolerance Program, there is simultaneously a growing need to ensure that members of the school community are aware of the culturally and nationally acceptable topics and practices in the educational context.
Purpose
- Provide guidance to schools on cultural consideration in the UAE to assist them in developing awareness on topics and practices that are culturally appropriate.
- Define expected school practices to ensure adherence to the current legislation of the UAE.
- Identify specific requirements to ensure teaching and learning resources are aligned with the UAE’s cultural sensibilities
Policy
Adherence to UAE Legislation
1.1 Schools shall ensure that members of the school community understand, respect, and adhere to the requirements identified in this policy, the Code of Conduct for Education Professionals in General Education (MoE, 2022), MoE Circular No. 1 of 2022 Regarding Private School’s Compliance with National Identity Requirements in the School Environment, MoE Circular No. 1 of 2023 Regarding Promoting a Safe School Environment, and all other legislation in the UAE.
1.2 The principal shall be responsible for ensuring that school practices and the content of all teaching and learning resources align with and respect cultural consideration as regulated within the laws of the UAE, including but not limited to the following:
- “Respecting the constitution, laws, and orders issued by public authorities in implementation thereof, observance of public order and respect for public morals is a duty of all residents of the union” (Article 44, Constitution of the UAE).
- “Preserving the Islamic and Arab principles and values, public morals, and the values, traditions, and systems of the state” (Clause 11, Article 11, Federal Decree Law No. (18) of 2020 Concerning Private Education).
- “Respect for national identity and sovereignty” (Clause 12, Article 11, Federal Decree Law No. (18) of 2020 Concerning Private Education).
- Penalties are applied for “Manufactur[ing], import[ing], export[ing], possess[ing], acquir[ing] or transfer[ing] with the intention of exploitation, distribution or display to others, writings, drawings, photographs, films or symbols or other things if they violate public morals” (Article 416, Federal Decree Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law).
Addressing Cultural Consideration in Schools
2.1 School Requirements: Schools shall have in place the following elements that address cultural consideration:
- Induction and Refresher Training: Schools shall organize an induction on cultural consideration awareness for all new staff, parents, and students. Refresher training shall equally be provided annually to returning staff, parents, and students to enable them to maintain their awareness of cultural consideration in the UAE.
- Vetting Resources: Schools shall establish processes and procedures for vetting, reviewing, and selecting teaching and learning resources as per Section 2.3 Learning Resources and Activities of this policy.
- Observation of UAE Cultural Practices: Schools shall adhere to cultural practices such as singing the UAE national anthem daily, observing official public holidays and national celebrations, and following protocol for flags and portraits as per the Positions of their Highness’ Pictures and Placements and Uses of Flags Manual. This includes ensuring that the only flag raised in schools is that of the UAE and portraits are those of the UAE’s leaders.
- Monitoring of School Communications: Schools shall regularly monitor all official and unofficial school-related communication channels (newsletters, social media, parent communication groups, etc.) to ensure their compliance with this policy.
- Response Mechanism for Non-Compliance: Schools shall establish processes and procedures for reporting and responding to any breaches of this policy in school.
2.2 Community Conduct: Members of the school community shall conduct themselves in ways that are mindful of cultural consideration, including the following:
- Respecting the UAE’s cultural and social norms, values, and traditions.
- Refraining from (directly/indirectly) promoting inappropriate stereotypes, preconceptions, and assumptions about the UAE and the region.
- Refraining from directly or indirectly encouraging any behavior, practice, or displays that are culturally inconsiderate, such as drug and alcohol use, smoking, violence, promoting alternative gender identity and sexual orientation, indoctrination, etc.
- Refraining from using symbols, colors, or imagery associated with any movement/beliefs related to political, social, or extremist religious groups that are culturally inconsiderate, such as misrepresentations of prominent figures, images that are gratuitously violent or sexual in nature, representation of pride movement, extremist ideas, etc.).
- Refraining from conducting any activities and/or using any content that leads to the indoctrination and promotion of religious/political extremism, racism, bullying, and all other forms of discrimination.
- Refraining from holding rallies, demonstrations, and protests on school premises or while holding a school-related event offsite.
- Ensuring that one’s appearance is culturally considerate. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Covering of visible body tattoos and any type of piercings for men and women.
- Appropriate clothing in line with the school’s dress code.
- Ensuring the appropriateness of all school-organized events and celebrations to UAE culture, in adherence with this policy.
- Adhering to the laws of the UAE by conducting themselves accordingly.
2.3 Learning Resources and Activities: Schools shall establish a Resource Selection Committee to ensure that all teaching and learning resources are vetted for cultural consideration. The school shall ensure the following while reviewing and selecting any teaching and learning resource:
- The suitability and appropriateness of the teaching and learning resources intended for a certain age group.
- The suitability and appropriateness of the materials (topic/ content/ images) to the UAE culture, values, and national identity: For example, topics/ content/ images that are culturally inconsiderate or encourage undesirable habits/ behavior such as drug and alcohol use, violence, smoking, gambling, alternative gender identity and sexual orientation, indoctrination, etc., shall not be accepted.
- The suitability and appropriateness of political topics as per the approved UAE Social Studies curriculum.
- Schools shall establish a process, with full documentation, to vet or verify the suitability of all resources, which includes a final signing-off by the head librarian, the Resource Selection Committee, and the Principal.
2.4 Topics in the Approved Curriculum: Schools shall ensure the following when addressing potentially controversial topics:
- If the approved curriculum includes topics relating to biological reproduction, human evolution, or sex education, schools shall limit the usage of figurative explanations and scientific images/ photos required to address the relevant learning outcomes in a manner that is respectful and culturally considerate.
- Schools shall inform parents in advance of the lesson, including the topics that will be covered (and whether the topic will be covered in any assessments), and allow parents to excuse their child from attending the relevant lesson with a written exemption.
- If the approved curriculum includes topics relating to revolution, wars, or any other potential violent conflict, schools shall ensure that the required content is discussed and handled in the right formal educational context and presented objectively as related content may involve offensive, violent, or obscene imagery or themes. Schools shall limit figurative explanations and scientific images/photos required to address the relevant learning outcomes in a manner that is respectful and culturally considerate.
- If the approved curriculum includes any potentially controversial topics as part of the learning resources or activities required for the preparation of any high stakes exams, schools are authorized to teach these topics after seeking approval from ADEK.
- Where controversial topics may surface outside of approved curricula due to high-profile current events, schools shall follow UAE government direction and adhere to any directives issued by relevant federal or local UAE authorities.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 Schools shall ensure that explicit responsibilities have been conveyed to all parties. “Respecting the constitution, laws, and orders issued by public authorities in implementation thereof, observance of public order and respect for public morals is a duty of all residents of the union” (Article 44, Constitution of the UAE).
- Teachers shall: “Respect for national identity and sovereignty” (Clause 12, Article 11, Federal Law No. (18) of 2020 Concerning Private Education).
a. Develop lesson plans using resources approved by the school’s vetting process.
b. Conduct additional screening to ensure resources used and content presented to students are culturally appropriate.
c. Prepare and vet all online resources in advance of all lessons to ensure they are free of any culturally inconsiderate content, including (but not limited to) images, texts, color schemes, and terminologies referencing any of the topics covered in this policy.
d. Teachers shall avoid indoctrination when discussing political or cultural matters in class. e. Immediately report any content discovered in resources that may violate this policy to senior leaders and the Principal.
f. Ensure adherence to this policy, including data confidentiality requirements when posting school information on public
forums, such as social media channels.
a. Review and approve lesson plans and resources developed by teachers.
b. Ensure all resources and materials selected and/or developed are age and culturally considerate and have beenapproved by the school’s vetting process.
c. Supervise the use of resources and materials during lessons to ensure adherence to this policy.
d. Continuously monitor the content of the approved digital resources to ensure compliance with the regulations, policies, guidelines, and circulars issued by ADEK.
e. Immediately report any content discovered in resources that are noncompliant with this policy to the Principal.
3. Head librarians shall:
a. Develop lesson plans using resources approved by the school’s vetting process.
b. Review, vet, and sign off all resources requested and ensure that they are compliant with relevant requirements and are age- and culturally appropriate.
c. Submit the list of acceptable and non-acceptable resources to the Resource Selection Committee for review and approval.
d. Continuously monitor digital and non-digital resources and textbooks including their usage to ensure compliance with the regulations, policies, guidelines, and circulars issued by ADEK.
e. Immediately report any content discovered in resources that may violate this policy to the Principal will remove the resource from circulation.
4. Principals shall:
a. Form a Resource Selection Committee to review, vet, and approve all resources.
b. Implement and document the school-level process for the selection of teaching and learning resources as per Section 2.1.2 of this policy.
c. Provide, upon request, the full set of documentation for the vetting process as indicated in Section 2.3.4 to ADEK.
d. Communicate school-level processes and procedures to all staff.
e. Ensure all resources and materials selected and/or developed at the school are age- and culturally appropriate.
f. Ensure the delivery of cultural consideration awareness induction and refresher training.
g. Report any content discovered in resources that are non-compliant with this policy to ADEK and ensure it is immediately removed from circulation.
h. Ensure relevant staff engage parents to communicate that their school:
1) Entrusts parents to oversee their child’s use of the internet at home to minimize their exposure to inappropriate content.
2) Expects parents to immediately report to both the school and ADEK Parent Hotline (800 2335) any content in school resources that is noncompliant with this policy and always exercise caution when posting school information on public forums and social media channels.
PIPS School Plan
- Cultural Diversity in Curriculum: The curriculum in PIPS schools reflects the cultural diversity of the country, including the history, traditions, and contributions of both Emirati culture and the various expatriate communities. Textbooks and educational materials incorporate perspectives from different cultures to promote understanding and appreciation among students.
- Language Education: Emphasis is placed on bilingual education, with Arabic and English being the primary languages of instruction. This approach not only ensures that students are proficient in both languages but also facilitates communication and cultural exchange among students from different linguistic backgrounds.
- Cultural Competency Training for Educators: Teachers receive training on cultural competency to effectively engage with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This training equips educators with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued and respected.
Celebration of Cultural Events: PIPS School actively celebrate cultural events and holidays from various cultures represented within the student body. These celebrations provide opportunities for students to learn about different traditions, customs, and festivals, promoting cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
Respect for Islamic Values: While accommodating cultural diversity, PIPS school also uphold Islamic values and principles in line with the country’s cultural and religious heritage. Islamic education is integrated into the curriculum, teaching students about the pillars of Islam, Islamic history, and values such as compassion, honesty, and respect.
- Promotion of Tolerance and Respect: PIPS School promote values of tolerance, respect, and acceptance of others’ cultural differences. Initiatives such as multicultural clubs, intercultural dialogue sessions, and community service projects encourage students to embrace diversity and contribute positively to society.
- Inclusive Practices: Efforts are made to ensure that school environments are inclusive of students with diverse cultural backgrounds, including those with special needs or disabilities. Accessibility measures and support services are provided to ensure that every student has equal opportunities to succeed academically and socially.
Dress Code:
The traditional dress for men is the “kandura” or “dishdasha,” while women often wear an “abaya” or other modest clothing. While the UAE is relatively liberal compared to some other countries in the region, it is still essential to dress modestly in public places, particularly in more conservative areas.
Greetings and Gestures:
Greetings are important in Emirati culture. Handshakes are common, and it’s respectful to use the right hand for both greetings and while giving or receiving items.
Respect for Authority:
The UAE places a high value on respect for authority and elders. It is important to be polite and show deference to those in positions of authority, whether in the workplace or in social settings.
Public Conduct:
Public behavior is expected to be modest and respectful. Avoid public criticism or displays of anger.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Be sensitive to cultural and religious practices. For example, taking photographs of people without permission, especially women, may be considered intrusive.
Environmental Respect:
The desert environment is highly valued. Activities such as littering and harming the environment are strongly discouraged
- It is against UAE educational law to mention Israel as a country.
- There is no mention of Judaism as a religion, or anything mentioning the words Jew or Jewish.
- 6-pointed stars are not be used or displayed.
- World War II topics dealing with Hitler and the Holocaust are not mentioned unless special permission has been given by ADEK for inclusion in an internationally-established curriculum.
- Erroneous information (or defamation) about Islam or the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) must not be shared or seen.
- There can be no drawings or pictures depicting any Islamic prophet, Allah or Angels.
- The resource must not be strongly negative or emotional.
- There must be no pictures or drawings which violate public manners.
- There is nothing that promotes negative habits such as drug abuse, mixing of men and women, promiscuity, drinking alcohol, smoking, and so on.
- There is no alcohol, love scenes, non-Muslim worshipping, or entertainment places (night clubs etc.) in any resource or presentation.
- There are no sensitive images of abuse (e.g. child abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome).
- It is not permitted to falsely demonstrate historical fact.
- There must be no erroneous information (or defamation) of the government, history, heritage or society of the UAE.
- There must be no pictures, drawings or mention of pigs, pork or pork products.
- There must be no mention or illustration of magic in any of its forms.
- Evolution must not have presented as a factual account of Man’s development.
- There must be no detailed references to family celebrations and commemorations such as births, marriages and funerals.
- Communism as a political movement must not be mentioned unless an exemption is provided from ADEK as it relates to a required international teaching curriculum.
- There must be no customs that contradict the teaching of Islam.
- There must be no instances of swearing, tribalism, and defamation of Islam, sexual language, racism or disrespectful language.
Dr. Abdul Rashid
Principal