Several Indian curriculum schools in the UAE are gearing up to commence their examinations shortly, with students preparing for the half-yearly exams, typically slated for the second week of September. Principals report that almost all syllabi for these upcoming exams were concluded prior to the summer break. Some institutions also communicated the revision plans and exam schedules to students and parents before the holidays began.
Indian schools initiated their new academic year in April, covering a substantial part of the syllabus before the extended summer vacation that started on July 8. Lini Shivaprasad, Principal of GEMS Millennium School – Sharjah, noted, “As a CBSE school, we have scheduled term examinations to start in the second week of September for Grades 3 to 9 and 11. Before the summer break, we distributed the exam timetable and related syllabus to ensure students could manage their study schedules during the break while also enjoying their holidays.” She further mentioned that a revision plan was shared with parents before the students returned to school on August 26, which is currently being implemented across all classes preparing for the term exams.
School leaders emphasized that students are now actively engaged in learning and preparing for the upcoming assessments. Abhilasha Singh, Principal of Shining Star International, stated, “Our half-yearly examination will start in the third week of September. Revision activities are conducted a few days before the exams. Upon students' return from the break, we conduct target-setting based on their baseline and previous exam performance within the first two days of school reopening.” Students set personal targets based on their past performance, with teachers identifying those needing additional support. “These students receive extra assistance to meet their targets, while those with higher abilities are encouraged to push themselves to reach their full potential,” Singh added.
Principals also outlined detailed plans for the semester, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing both academic and extracurricular experiences. Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School, explained, “As we begin the new semester, we are focusing heavily on assessments to improve teaching and learning. From October 7, students from primary to senior secondary levels will take their half-yearly exams.” She noted that dedicated teachers will provide substantial support through revision worksheets, quizzes, and practice tests to ensure students are well-prepared and confident.
Additionally, students are enthusiastically preparing for intra- and inter-school competitions in sports and academic activities. “Their commitment to balancing academic and extracurricular activities fosters holistic development, promoting a comprehensive approach to education and personal growth,” she concluded.