Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed reviews the progress of educational projects during his visit to Adek in Abu Dhabi

The Graduate Competency Framework (GCF) is a game-changing new approach to education that will prepare Abu Dhabi schools for generations of resilient and inspired lifelong learners.

The new framework, designed by Adek, will enhance the academic journey of students in grades 1-12 in private and charter schools in the UAE through competency-based learning, providing important new skills to prepare students for the future.

The framework will be supported by an interconnected ecosystem of schools, parents and government, providing parents, guardians, teachers and other education stakeholders with guidance on the new competencies that young people will acquire during the schooling process.

It will see students master 21 skills across seven key competencies: entrepreneurship, teamwork, critical thinking, cognitive agility, global citizenship, digital fluency and financial literacy. Its launch follows a successful pilot project in 10 schools in Abu Dhabi, where students are taught modules on digital fluency and financial literacy.

Adek Chair Sara Musallam said: “This framework will ensure that our approach to education is fit for purpose in the 21st century and that our students are ‘future-proof’ to face challenges and seize opportunities.”

“Our students will be able to acquire transversal skills in a ‘real life’ environment and apply them to their areas of interest. We intend to equip every Abu Dhabi student with the skills, competencies they need to be successful in life and values, to be future-oriented, respected global citizens and responsible leaders with an embedded culture of independent, lifelong learning. We will do what we will do for them to live as adults, to further their studies and to enter the workplace in the community Get ready,” she added.

Adek will work with schools to integrate the competency-based framework into their curriculum through dedicated resources supported by project-based turnkey modules, extracurricular activities, public and private partnerships, and competitions. The school’s senior leadership team and teachers will be trained to implement the framework’s competencies, with teachers empowered to deliver the learning modules they see fit for their students.

“Teachers will be free to use different forms of monitoring and assessment to determine student progress in core concepts and competencies. Schools will assess student progress at the end of each cycle and Year 12 students graduate with transversal skills to support them Access to higher education and future careers. To achieve this, we are improving the school’s academic curriculum, upgrading policies, compliance requirements and inspection protocols, and strengthening parent engagement. We have begun working with industry partners to co-produce content and challenges students will be trained to overcome,” said Musallam.

The launch of the framework represents a shift in Abu Dhabi’s approach to education and ecosystem, and aims to further improve the country’s ranking in the Global Education Index. Last November, the UAE ranked first globally in three indicators related to SDG 4 on quality education, including ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. The UAE also ranks first in the Primary Education Enrolment and Literacy Index of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report.

“The framework reinforces the country’s leadership in providing quality education. It is a transformational, future-focused approach that furthers Abu Dhabi’s vision of a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy, “Musallam said.