Curriculum outlines the content knowledge and the set of skills that students are expected to master by the end of each grade level. The content knowledge cannot be existing in isolation from the context. Selecting the contexts for skills has to be related to the learners’ experience, needs and interests in and beyond school.

 

 

For instance, our UAE students will learn the standards outlines in the international curricula adapted by schools such as common core state standards, national curriculum, UAE ministry of education…but the application of the knowledge has to be connected to their daily life experience in UAE. The themes has to be derived from the UAE social studies context.

 

 

For example, a mathematics word problem about penguins and igloos in the North Pole is not as relevant as a mathematics word problem about Emirates towers, camels, Burj Al Arab, and the desert.

 

 

A relevant curriculum emphasizes on skills for learning, life and work. It connects the use of skills in learning, in the house, in the local community and the world of careers.