Two Abu Dhabi schools move to distance learning

A third has made some classes remote in order to adhere to safety protocols

Brighton College Abu Dhabi is one of three schools to switch to distance learning after Covid-19 cases were confirmed. Victor Besa / The National

Two Abu Dhabi schools have moved to online learning, while a third has made some classes remote.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi told parents the school would be switching to remote learning due to Covid-19 cases confirmed on its premises.

"To provide the safest learning environment possible for all our pupils, we have temporarily switched the entire school to remote learning with immediate effect," Michael Wilson, principal at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said in a letter to parents.

"We are working closely with the authorities to manage the situation and ensure all safety and hygiene protocols are strictly adhered to at school."

The school said parents will be informed of its reopening date, once cleared by authorities.

Brighton College Abu Dhabi has also switched all year groups – from nursery to year 13 – to distance learning.

On Saturday, the school informed parents that it would be moving to remote learning until further notice, due to Covid-19 cases at the school.

A third school, the British International School Abu Dhabi, has moved some year groups to online learning, after coronavirus cases were detected.

In its letter to parents, Brighton College said that health authorities have started contact-tracing to identify anyone at the school who has been in close contact with any of the Covid-19 cases.

If a child is identified as a possible contact, the school or the health authority will ask parents to ensure their child is tested for Covid-19.

Pupils who were close contacts with a confirmed cases must undergo Covid-19 tests.

To return to classrooms, pupils needed to quarantine at home for 10 days and produce two negative Covid-19 test results.

Parents were also asked to monitor their children for possible symptoms and keep them isolated from any family members who may be in the high-risk category.

Pupils at Abu Dhabi's private schools returned to classes at school in February after at least six weeks of online learning.

Some middle year pupils were returning to the classroom after 11 months of online learning.

While private schools in Dubai are open for in-person classes, all schools and nurseries in Sharjah will  continue teaching online for the rest of the spring term.

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