Abu Dhabi: A group of 600 top-performing Emirati students, both boys and girls, in Grades 10 and 11 are due to complete a month-long overseas summer programme which offers English language, mathematics and science courses, as well as leadership and teamwork skills.
The Overseas Summer Programme, sponsored by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) for the sixth consecutive year, requires that the students selected score an average of not less than 80 per cent.
The students' conduct and behaviour, as well as participation in school activities are also factors considered in the selection from across the emirate of Abu Dhabi for the yearly programme.
The chosen public school students are due to travel to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland between June 30 and July 3, returning by July 30.
Great success
The programme, according to a statement by Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, ADEC Director General, started six years ago with only 60 students, accompanied by six supervisors.
"Due to the success of this experience and the high competition among the students to join the programme, this opportunity was extended to include a larger number of participants (600 students) who will be accompanied by 60 supervisors," the statement said. "The programme has proved successful over the past five years, according to feedback from participants."
