UAE's Ministry of Education is introducing a new model for the eleventh and twelfth-grade that will allow them to choose elective subjects

For students in the eleventh and twelfth grades in the general and advanced streams at public and private schools that use the Ministry's curriculum, the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates is adopting a new model that will allow them to select optional topics.

Through the selection of classes that match their academic level and talents, the model enables students to choose their own educational route. According to the ministry, the decision will only apply to 11th graders in the academic year 2023–2024 and will then apply to both 11th and 12th graders beginning with the 2024–2025 academic year.

The decision to introduce the optional subject model, according to Minister of Education Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, is a part of the Ministry's efforts to strengthen the educational system by using the finest global standards and practises.

This new approach is more adaptable and takes into account each student's particular strengths, enabling them to advance their knowledge and abilities. Students will have the information they need to pursue their preferred academic specialisations in higher education if they accomplish this.

According to the Elective Subjects' Model, students in the general and advanced streams in the eleventh grade beginning in the academic year 2023–2024, as well as students in the eleventh and twelfth grades beginning in the academic year 2024–2025, must complete six Compulsory Academic Subjects: Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies/Moral Education, English language, Mathematics, and Physical and Health Education. Two sets of electives will be created from the remaining topics. The first one covers three scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics. Three varied topics make up the second set of electives: computing, creative design and innovation, health sciences, and the arts.

The Ministry has said that the intended learning outcomes would remain in the electives model in accordance with its curriculum requirements. Students can select a study schedule that fits their interests, academic standing, and potential higher education opportunities. Depending on their preferred plan, each student will take a different combination of topics and classes.