ABU DHABI // Australia's largest teacher training body has appointed a full-time representative to Abu Dhabi as it tries to win lucrative educational contracts. The New South Wales Department of Education and Training - which has been involved in various projects with the Abu Dhabi Education Council over the past five years - has appointed Peter Hawkes, the director of international business at DET International, its global wing, to the post.
"It means that we are going to become much more a part of the local scene," said David Riordan, the chief executive of DET International. "We have had a relationship with key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi for some years. This is about an indication of a long-term commitment to ensuring that we are a solid partner in the UAE." The New South Wales department developed the curriculum standards that are being used for all grades in half of the emirate's schools,
In addition to vying for a contract to train school principals, Mr Riordan said DET International wanted to develop the materials, such as textbooks, computer programs, learning games, for those schools currently using its curriculum. klewis@thenational.ae