Arabic Exemption

Applying for an Arabic Exemption

Why should my child learn Arabic?
As a learner in the UAE we are all incredibly fortunate to live in a country where we can embrace a different culture and language to our home country.  This is a privilege that we should grasp proactively.  Living in an Arabic speaking country, and having the opportunity to learn this rich language is a afforded to few.

Arabic is a difficult language to learn.  The text is formed right to left, and it composed of a different alphabet.  However, this article, by the American Council for International Education provides us with seven reasons why ‘Now is the time to learn Arabic’.  

Article Link

In the UAE, Arabic lessons do not only teach us to read, write and understand the Arabic Language, but lessons also immerse our learners in rich culture.  Working with teachers who do not always have English as a First Language prepares our learners for the world of work, where we will inevitably be alongside second language colleagues. Learning Arabic also develops respect in our children, not only for our Host Country but also for the families we learn and live alongside of.  Our Arabic speaking children have to learn in English.   

However, it is recognised that for some children, learning their own first language may require additional support and time and therefore, adding a second language may cause complications. It must also be said that I have worked with children who have found the English language more difficult to learn than Arabic or Spanish, for example.  Therefore, each learner should be reviewed personally and decisions made with the team of educators to provide the best personalised opportunities possible.

Exemption Process
If you would like to understand if your child is likely to be granted an Arabic Exemption then please contact your school’s Head of Inclusion or SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) for further information.  The application is created with learner, parent, teacher, and inclusion team together and the school submit the application to the regulating body.  

The documentation required for an Language/Arabic Demotion or Exemption is as follows:

For a non Student of Determination:

• An official letter from the school, addressed to the regulating body and uploaded to the the regulating body Services Portal,  to clearly indicate:
  • The student’s Group (Grade/Year) and when s/he joined the school
    • Rationale to support the application 
    • School assessment report from the Arabic department
    • Last 3 years school report card with attainment levels across all subjects
    • Standardized Assessments (CAT/MAP teachers’ version)
    • The parents’ written consent
    • A plan for how the additional time will be used if an exemption is granted.
    • If the student is joining a UAE school after Year/Grade 6 and is new to Arabic please provide the last 3 years school report to demonstrate the student has not been exposed to Arabic.

For a Student of Determination:

• • An official letter from the school, addressed to the regulating body and uploaded to the the regulating body Services Portal,  to clearly indicate:
    • The student’s Group (Grade/Year) and when s/he joined the school
    • Rationale to support the application 
    • School assessment report from the Arabic department
    • Last 3 years school report card with attainment levels across all subjects
    • Standardized Assessments (CAT/MAP teachers’ version)
    • The parents’ written consent
    • Medical report : Up to date (18 months max.) comprehensive educational psychology report which could include:
      • Administered examination tests, receptive and expressive language scores, doctor’s recommendations and diagnosis.
      • A copy of the doctor’s medical license / DHA or CDA registration if assessed by a private practitioner.
    • The student social and emotional profile and the Individual Education Plan – IEP
    • Standardized Assessments (CAT/MAP teachers’ version)
    • A plan for how the additional time will be used if an exemption is granted.

Only the school can submit the above documents for approval. Parents are requested to provide the school with relevant documents.

Requests for exemption have to follow a specific procedure as follows:

• Parent requests exemption through the school – consent form.
• Schools support requests by sending the above documents with parent’s consent or endorsement through the the regulating body system attaching the above documents.
• Case is analysed according to criteria
• Proposal to support exemption (or not) is presented for approval 
• Parents and school informed within 10 working days.