In order for us to make the most of our students’ potential, it is essential that the native language be mastered. Research in language acquisition is unanimous on the advantages of bilingual education and the benefits it brings its learners at the level of their cognitive and social development, as well as the development of various executive functions. These benefits however, only transpire when high levels of proficiency are acquired in two or more languages. As such, Arabic, which embodies communal culture and history, will be on offer in every grade by highly skilled teachers who are painstakingly recruited and continuously trained. The Curriculum will start as a predominantly Arabic Curriculum in pre-school and lower primary levels combined with English language training. Gradually, content and teaching will be increasingly in English, with the objective to reach international test and exam requirements and hence providing the student with a sound basis for successful international college studies.
Traditionally, the teaching of Arabic has only focused on Arabic as a language and at best for humanities. In short, our native language has been excluded from use in all practical fields of science and technology. Our school program will strongly emphasize the use of the Arabic language as a language for life. It will therefore utilize the most advanced teaching methodologies, digital and otherwise, to enhance the learning of Arabic and its use by our learners in all areas of education. In this video, you will learn more about Nün Academy’s Arabic approach.
Our region encompasses a multitude of peoples, traditions and national histories. All too often the complexity of the region and its cultures and history is wholly excluded from the curriculum of otherwise excellent schools abroad and here in Saudi Arabia. We are committed to granting sufficient time and scope to regional and Islamic studies in order that students develop a well grounded sense of their own history and identity: a necessary precursor to becoming an active member of a global community. Central to the notion of grounding our learners locally and nurturing their true potential, is allowing them to internalize Islamic values and teachings through a program that values comprehension and application over rote learning. Our theme-based approach to Islamic studies will emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge, hard work, commitment and the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors.
Finally, we recognize the importance of educating our learners for life in a global village where international understanding is a key skill. To this end we endeavor to forge links with a wide range of people, groups and organizations from a divers array of countries within the KED network and beyond. Apart from our curriculum being “glocal” (global and local), Nün Academy is part of the KED Network connecting over 40 schools, 15,000 students and 1,500 teachers on 3 continents. Being part of this network allows us to get global input on our local teaching. Educational Directors meet regularly to continuously develop the KED Program to ensure its high quality and teachers and students interact and collaborate virtually and face to face through exchange programs.
