The Institute of Applied Technology, Abu Dhabi Campus shares its campus with Sheikh Khalifa University and the Fatima School of Health Science. It is situated in the centre of Abu Dhabi City very close to The Higher College of Technology.
The IAT school system is a group of 5 technology-based high schools in the UAE, all of whom offer the same Career Technical Education (CTE) curriculum developed centrally by the Curriculum and Assessment Unit of the IAT Directorate. The Abu Dhabi school was the last of the schools to be formed when it opened its gates to new Grade 10 in 2006. Initially, the school was based at a renovated girls’ school, but these premises were quickly outgrown and the school moved to a new campus in November 2008. However, some facilities in the old campus have been retained, such as workshops and laboratories. The first group of Grade 12 students graduated at the end of the last Academic Year.
All 5 of the IAT schools offer specialized programs in Career Technical Education (CTE), from Grade 10 level through to Grade 12. The intake to the Abu Dhabi campus is all local Emirati boys in the age group 14 – 16 years. At the completion of Grade 12 these students graduate from the IAT with a Secondary Certificate in Applied Technology which is fully accredited by the local Ministry of Education.
The IAT Abu Dhabi prides itself on stakeholder involvement. The parent involvement is maintained by means of regular Parent Evenings after each Learning Cycle exam during which parents have the opportunity to discuss academic issues regarding their students with the relevant teachers and the school management. Recently, November 2009, a parents’ council was formed which provides an avenue for feedback on matters of concern. Furthermore, the school Counselors are in regular contact with parents.
The local industry and higher education are involved in the school by means of the Career Awareness Week and Open Day activities during which they (industry/higher education) are invited to attend, put up exhibition stands to market the company, do presentations to the students to market career opportunities for the students.