Latest news with #ADEKAwards
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
Educators, school programmes honoured at ADEK Awards
Aiming to empower school communities to continuously raise the bar for quality education across the emirate - the second edition of the ADEK Awards concluded with winners announced across public, private, and charter schools, recognising outstanding contributions of educators and school programmes within Abu Dhabi's dynamic education ecosystem. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, this year's awards included 16 categories, with new areas highlighting efforts in AI integration, anti-bullying initiatives, school collaboration with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and expanded recognition for early education institutions. More than 500 submissions were evaluated by subject matter experts, who identified impactful initiatives and meaningful efforts that went above and beyond in creating nurturing learning environments where students can truly thrive. The Awards also recognised 17 schools for demonstrating significant improvement in student progress and attainment across Standardised Benchmark Assessments (SBA), in English, Math, and Science. The ADEK Awards are more than a recognition, it is a call to action and a reminder to nurture innovation and celebrate collaboration, empowering schools to champion best practices that will shape lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to society and are future-ready. The ADEK Awards aim to inspire a culture of continuous improvement where winning schools will also have the opportunity to share their best practices, enabling others to learn, grow and elevate the collective impact of education across Abu Dhabi. 6 Individual Award Winners: Individual Awards Principal of the Year Award Lee Dabagia from Summit International Schools Outstanding Teacher Award: Early Years and Primary Teacher Award Rehab ElShafey from Al Amal Kindergarten Secondary Teacher Award: Wafa Alshamsi from Al Jahili School Arabic Literacy & Culture Teacher Award: Lolwah Mansoor from Al Fateh School Students of Determination Teacher Award: Mahmoud Mohamed from Al Hosn School Unsung Hero Award: Sameera Mohammed from Khalifa City School 10 Programme Award Winners received cash prizes that are dedicated to improving the winning schools' initiatives. Programme Awards Best Parental Engagement Award: The British International School Abu Dhabi Best Student Wellbeing Programme: Al Rayaheen Charter School Best Professional Development Programme (Leaders): Al Riyadh Charter School Best Professional Development Programme (Teachers): American International School - Abu Dhabi Best Inclusive Practice Award: Al Dhafra Private Academy Best Reading Programme Award: Al Nahda National School for Girls Best Arabic Programme Award: Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls Best Anti-Bullying Programme Award Al Huiteen School: Best AI Programme: ADNOC Schools - Sas Al Nakhl Best ADEK Engagement Award: Madar International School. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge is the education sector regulator across the emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner's journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialised schools. Across early childhood and K-12, ADEK licences and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating, and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination. ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of higher education in Abu Dhabi, attracting higher education institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi's needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the emirate.
Zawya
6 days ago
- General
- Zawya
ADEK honors educators and school programs in second annual awards ceremony
2nd edition of the ADEK Awards concludes with over 500 submissions from schools and early education institutions in Abu Dhabi. Up to AED 7 million cash prizes awarded to 33 winners across 16 categories at individual and school program levels. New categories recognize achievements in artificial intelligence, anti-bullying, and collaboration efforts with ADEK Abu Dhabi, UAE – Aiming to empower school communities to continuously raise the bar for quality education across the Emirate - the second edition of the ADEK Awards concluded with winners announced across public, private, and charter schools, recognizing outstanding contributions of educators and school programs within Abu Dhabi's dynamic education ecosystem. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, this year's awards included 16 categories, with new areas highlighting efforts in AI integration, anti-bullying initiatives, school collaboration with ADEK, and expanded recognition for early education institutions. More than 500 submissions were evaluated by subject matter experts, who identified impactful initiatives and meaningful efforts that went above and beyond in creating nurturing learning environments where students can truly thrive. The Awards also recognized 17 schools for demonstrating significant improvement in student progress and attainment across Standardized Benchmark Assessments (SBA), in English, Math, and Science. The ADEK Awards are more than a recognition, it is a call to action and a reminder to nurture innovation and celebrate collaboration, empowering schools to champion best practices that will shape lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to society and are future-ready. The ADEK Awards aim to inspire a culture of continuous improvement where winning schools will also have the opportunity to share their best practices, enabling others to learn, grow and elevate the collective impact of education across Abu Dhabi. 10 Program Award Winners received cash prizes that are dedicated to improving the winning schools' initiatives. Program Awards School Best Parental Engagement Award The British International School Abu Dhabi Best Student Wellbeing Program Al Rayaheen Charter School Best Professional Development Program (Leaders) Al Riyadh Charter School Best Professional Development Program (Teachers) American International School – Abu Dhabi Best Inclusive Practice Award Al Dhafra Private Academy Best Reading Program Award Al Nahda National School for Girls Best Arabic Program Award Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls Best Anti-Bullying Program Award Al Huiteen School Best AI Program ADNOC Schools - Sas Al Nakhl Best ADEK Engagement Award Madar International School For more information on this year's ADEK Awards Winners visit the website: About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner's journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialized schools. Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating, and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination. ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi's needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate. With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognizes that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi's vision.
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi honours outstanding educators and school programmes at 2nd ADEK Awards
14 June 2025 15:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The second ADEK Awards has concluded with winners across public, private, and charter schools, recognising outstanding contributions of educators and school programmes within Abu Dhabi's education on the success of the inaugural edition, the 2025 awards included 16 categories, and provides recognition and financial prizes totalling AED7 million to 33 winners, with new areas highlighting efforts in AI integration, anti-bullying initiatives, school collaboration with ADEK, and expanded recognition for early education than 500 submissions were evaluated by subject matter experts, who identified impactful initiatives and meaningful efforts that went above and beyond in creating nurturing learning environments where students can truly awards also recognised 17 schools that showcased improvement in student progress and attainment across Standardised Benchmark Assessments (SBA) in English, Math, and Science. The ADEK Awards aim to inspire a culture of continuous improvement where winning schools will also have the opportunity to share their best practices, enabling others to learn, grow and elevate the collective impact of education across Abu Dhabi. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Outstanding contributions of Abu Dhabi's education sector shine at ADEK Awards ceremony
11 June 2025 22:10 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)In a vibrant celebration of educational achievement and innovation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), honoured winners of the second edition of the ADEK Awards on award, spanning 30 categories, acknowledged outstanding contributions across the emirate's education sector, including teachers, programmes, and institutions that exemplify excellence and a forward-looking approach in line with ADEK's strategic over 500 submissions and a total prize pool of Dh7 million, this year's awards showcased both the depth and diversity of the educational initiatives taking place in Abu to Aletihad, Mariam Al Hallami, Executive Director of Early Education at ADEK, emphasised the evolution of the awards."This year, we expanded the categories to include critical emerging areas such as AI integration, anti-bullying initiatives, inclusion and wellbeing, and Arabic and reading programmes," Al Hallami submission underwent a rigorous review process conducted by expert panels tailored to specific topics, she continued."One of the most exciting outcomes was how schools responded to these new categories," Al Hallami noted. "Once they saw the potential recognition, many schools ramped up their efforts, launching new programmes and refining existing ones, particularly around AI and student wellbeing."The award journey spanned approximately three months, beginning with open submissions and followed by detailed assessments."The awards are not just about celebrating end results. They serve as a catalyst for innovation and improvement in education. They encourage schools to reflect on their practices and to strive for measurable impact," Al Hallami addition to the awards, ADEK is fostering student engagement in technology through summer and winter camps focused on AI, and initiatives like 42 Abu Dhabi provide further training and exposure for young of the institutions recognised for its holistic approach to education is the British International School Abu Alan Cocker highlighted the importance of community involvement and parental engagement."We believe in listening first," he said. "Our school uses a 'You Said, We Did' model to incorporate parent feedback into decision-making. We run regular workshops, coffee mornings, and language classes to ensure parents feel empowered and included," Cocker told emphasised that true educational success involves a partnership between the school and families, particularly during pivotal moments such as transitioning into school, selecting academic pathways, or navigating personal challenges. "We don't just deliver decisions to families; we walk the journey with them," he said. "This is their school too, and it needs to feel like a safe, inclusive space for everyone."
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Award-winning principal urges parents to boost reading habits among children
After winning the Best Principal Award at the ADEK Awards 2025, Lee Dabagia of Summit International School in Abu Dhabi, actively called for parental involvement in reading and AI responsibility among students. An overwhelmed Dabagia, who is a seasoned educator from Indiana, USA, attributed his win to the unwavering dedication of his teaching team. Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the event, Dabagia said, 'My advice to parents is limit their screen time at home, make sure there is a library of something to read at home. We surveyed our parents and realised there's not enough reading materia l in their houses... give them a book. It's simple, but true,' urging families to steer their children away from excessive screen time. Dabagia, who moved to the UAE 12 years ago and brings over 30 years of experience in education and administration, expressed deep concern about the impact of AI and social media on student learning. He noted that the examination season is increasingly complex due to students' ability to access AI tools even within 'lockout browsers.' 'We are trying to teach our students respect, responsible use of AI... I'm hoping that as we use that model, use it for something more productive and practical, our students will kind of dovetail with that and understand, that this is a tool that can make my life easier, but it's also a tool that I need to respect,' he explained. Disruptive role of social media Beyond AI, Dabagia emphasised the disruptive role of social media in education and student well-being. 'Trying to balance our students to authentic learning... Accessing curriculum and putting the social media aside for a time is a big challenge for us,' he said. 'Students are in the privacy of their rooms, but they don't understand how dangerous it can be... so we have spent a lot of time teaching them about that responsibility.' The annual awards event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), celebrated outstanding contributions across the emirate's education sector. This year, over 33 educators, schools, and initiatives were honoured across 30 categories, with more than Dh7 million awarded in prize money. 'There are basically multiple award categories. Some are individual, and then there is a program award categories and standardised benchmarks... We received more than 500 submissions altogether,' said Mariam Hallami, Executive Director of Nurseries and spokesperson for Early Education Initiatives. Expanded categories Notably, this year featured expanded categories, including artificial intelligence, anti-bullying, inclusivity, and student well-being. 'What was different this year is the expanded, new categories... schools did more programs and initiatives to kind of try win this award,' Hallami added. 'So, the award is not just for an outcome, but it encourages schools to adopt new programs and expand their impact.' Among the notable winners were Al Huiteen School in Liwa, which earned the Best Anti-Bullying Programme Award. 'As part of our anti-bullying initiative, we've implemented a school-wide programme that focuses on instilling core values in students. By strengthening relationships between peers, students, and teachers, we've fostered a sense of accountability and mutual respect. This has played a crucial role in the success of our anti-bullying efforts and ultimately helped us earn this award today, ' said Liaili Abu Rumman, a social worker and instructor at the school. Meanwhile, The British International School Abu Dhabi secured the Best Parental Engagement Award, winning Dh100,000. 'We've got a really clear ethos... a genuine home away from home for our community,' said Aine McGlue, Head of Secondary. 'We have run parent events such as (different) tools around the city to help parents connect. We have parent heads meetings regularly, which is where they get to come in and meet with the senior leadership team, and we explore initiatives together. Many ideas are generated from the parent community. So for example, if Internet safety or certain aspects of wellbeing are on the parent community's mind, that will drive our agenda. We then action plan together. We come up with 'you said and we did approach' where they know that their (parents) decisions and input is actually driving forward improvements across. This prize money... will go straight back into the community to look at how we can develop and grow our current offer.'
