Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SHP)

Abu Dhabi, Feb 12: The Ministry of Education on Tuesday, February 11, announced the launch of the 'My Optimum Time' initiative, which deals with elimination of homework and measures for optimal utilisation of a student's time.

The initiative is intended to strike a balance between the student's lessons and activities. It applies to public schools that follow the ministry's curriculum. Commencing from the next week the intiative will include merging two continuous sessions without a break, for a 90-minute session in Arabic, English, mathematics, science, design and technology subjects, as per a statement from the ministry.

Lubna Al Shamsi, acting executive director of the School Operations Sector said, "Under the new system, school timings will not be affected and things will remain as usual."

"The initiative will be implemented in 256 government schools, including 23 schools in Dubai and 233 schools in Abu Dhabi with effect from February 16," he added.

The class will include five minutes for mental stimulation, 50 minutes for applying the lesson skills, and the rest of the time will be divided into various activities.

According to Shamsi 'My Optimum Time' will have evening learning centres for teachers, where the student will get the opportunity to benefit from printed and electronic sources for a longer period.

The ministry believes the new initiative will strike a balance between the student's academic requirements or studies and his daily family life, which is an essential part of his personal growth and development. The new system will also create more time for student club activities.