Education UAE - Issue 25 - Back to School Guide 2025

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Mobility Another key benefit is mobility. In a dynamic expat hub like the UAE, families often relocate between cities or spend part of the year abroad. Such moves can wreak havoc on a child’s education, from curriculum mismatches to emotional upheaval. Flexible online schooling solves this by providing continuity across borders – students simply log in from anywhere in the world and carry on with the same curriculum and teachers. Whether a family is in Dubai, London or elsewhere, a consistent online programme ensures no disruption in learning. The result is stability and peace of mind for parents who no longer need to worry about lengthy school waitlists or mid-term transfers when life takes them elsewhere. (Notably, school waitlists in the UAE have reached record highs, so having a quality online alternative means families aren’t stuck without options.) Online schooling is no longer a stopgap. It’s a deliberate choice for families who want a model that adapts to them. Personalised Learning Perhaps the most powerful benefit of online schooling is the ability to personalise the experience for every student. At Minerva Virtual Academy, this is taken further than most. Freed from the costs and constraints of running a physical campus, the school invests heavily in individual support, most notably through its unique mentoring system. Every student at MVA is paired with a dedicated mentor from day one. Every student at MVA is paired with a dedicated mentor from day one, someone who combines academic oversight with pastoral care and practical guidance. Mentors are matched to the student. An athlete might work with an ex-Olympian, a SEND learner with a specialist, a gifted

student with someone who can stretch their abilities, or a child managing anxiety with a mentor skilled in mental health support. This level of support allows lessons to move at the right pace, feedback to be personal and timely, and timetables to adapt around travel, training, or family life. Mentors also help arrange work experience, guide university or career planning, and act as the main point of contact for parents, ensuring successes are celebrated and any challenges addressed early. At a glance, MVA’s personalised learning through mentoring means:  One trusted guide for academic, pastoral, and practical needs  Tailored learning pace and style for each student  Flexible timetables that fit life’s demands  Access to enrichment and work experience opportunities  A direct, informed link between school and home For many UAE families, this combination

of flexibility, continuity, and truly individualised attention is what transforms online learning from a convenient alternative into a life- changing education.

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