Students excel in environmental awareness, highlighting the growing importance of environmental education in Dubai private schools
Dubai private schools continue to shine on the global stage, with the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 results showcasing their exceptional academic performance.
Conducted every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), TIMSS evaluates the academic achievements of Grade 4 and Grade 8 students worldwide. These assessments provide invaluable insights into the strengths and opportunities for growth in education systems globally.
Outstanding Science Scores
In the 2023 TIMSS results, Dubai’s Grade 4 students ranked fifth globally in Science, with an impressive score of 571 compared to the global average of 494. Grade 8 students also performed remarkably, securing fourth place globally, scoring 563 points against the global average of 478.
High Achievement in Mathematics
Dubai’s private schools also excelled in Mathematics. Grade 4 students ranked seventh globally, achieving a mean score of 564 versus the global average of 503. Grade 8 students ranked sixth globally, with a score of 561 compared to the global average of 478. These results underscore Dubai’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Commitment to Visionary Goals
These stellar outcomes highlight Dubai’s dedication to its Social Agenda and its ambition to position the city among the world’s top 10 for education. Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, praised the results, stating:
“This year’s TIMSS results highlight the commitment of Dubai’s private schools to providing world-class education in line with our wise leadership’s vision of investing in the future through education. The results also support the E33 vision, which aims to develop future-ready students who are not only proficient in core subjects like Mathematics and Science but also equipped with critical thinking and environmental awareness skills to navigate tomorrow’s challenges.”
Dubai’s education system is not only excelling academically but is also fostering sustainability and innovation, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Plan 2033 and its socio-economic agendas.
Curriculum and Community Highlights
Students in Indian curriculum schools led the way, scoring the highest across all subjects and grade levels. They were followed closely by students in International Baccalaureate (IB) and UK curriculum schools.
Emirati students in Dubai’s private schools also showed significant improvement in both Mathematics and Science, scoring above the global average and demonstrating progress since the previous TIMSS cycle in 2019.
Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Education Quality Assurance at KHDA, emphasised the collaborative effort behind these achievements:
“The TIMSS results underscore the quality and dedication of Dubai’s private schools in delivering world-class education. The consistent improvement in student performance reflects our shared commitment to raising standards and fostering an environment where every child can achieve their potential. This success is a testament to the hard work of our educators, the support of families, and the determination of our students to excel on the global stage.”
Focus on Environmental Awareness
For the first time, TIMSS 2023 incorporated a dedicated framework to assess students’ environmental attitudes and behaviors. Students from Dubai’s private schools excelled, ranking third globally for environmental awareness.
Ninety-seven percent of Grade 4 students and 91% of Grade 8 students in Dubai private schools expressed a strong commitment to environmental preservation, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability within the education system.
Positive School Environment
The study also surveyed students and parents on various aspects of their educational experiences. Notably, 90% of Grade 4 students and 84% of Grade 8 students in Dubai’s private schools reported feeling a strong sense of belonging to their schools, surpassing the IEA average of 87% and 79%, respectively.
Over 18,000 students from 185 Grade 4 and 159 Grade 8 private schools in Dubai participated in TIMSS 2023, representing the city’s commitment to global benchmarking.
Conclusion
Dubai’s remarkable performance in TIMSS 2023 solidifies its reputation as a global leader in education. The achievements of its private schools not only reflect their commitment to academic excellence but also their focus on fostering environmental awareness, innovation, and student well-being. As Dubai strives to fulfill its ambitious education and social agendas, these results serve as a testament to its progress.
For more information on KHDA’s initiatives and Dubai’s education system,