Image used for illustrative purposes. Photo: File
As the long winter break approaches, schools in the UAE are busy with internal assessments and preparing for evaluations. Students in the country will have a brief school month in December, with only eight days of classes. The first two days, December 2 and 3, are public holidays in observance of Union Day. Winter holidays will commence on December 17, followed by a three-week break, with schools set to reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Meanwhile, some Indian-curriculum schools in the UAE are already conducting their first round of pre-board exams before the final Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) exams in February. Lini Shivaprasad, Principal of GEMS Millennium School – Sharjah, stated, “Our Grade 10 and 12 students, who will be appearing for the CBSE board examinations in February/March, are currently undertaking their first round of model examinations. These include both theoretical and practical components to ensure students build confidence and are well-prepared for the main board examinations. We are also currently in the first half of our second term. Lesson progression tests, conducted as part of Assessments for Learning (AfLs), are a standard practice at our school and are being implemented across all subjects.”
Before the winter break, schools also have short unit tests planned for all exam-taking grades other than Grades 10 and 12. Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO Principal of Credence High School, commented, “As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming winter break, our students are engaging in numerous activities that showcase their dedication to learning and school spirit. Our students in grades 3-9 are fully immersed in ASSET assessments (skill-based benchmarking assessment testing for three core subjects of English, Math, and Science).” She added, “However, those in grades 10 and 12 gear up for their first pre-board exams scheduled from November 25 to December 9. These important evaluations provide valuable insights into each student’s progress and ensure they are well-prepared for future academic challenges.”
School leaders highlighted that with the weather improving, the school calendar is bustling with activities such as sports days, off-site trips, overnight camps, parent sports days, concerts, and fitness weeks. “In addition to academic pursuits, we’re excited to celebrate National Day on November 28. This joyous occasion brings our community together in a vibrant display of unity and patriotism. Beyond our campus walls, students of all ages have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and recreational field trips. These excursions, both local and international, foster strong bonds between peers and teachers while creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime,” added Singh.
Some headteachers emphasised that evaluations in their institutions are conducted periodically rather than being clustered just before the break. Simon Herbert, Head of School/CEO of GEMS International School – Al Khail, said, “Our school issues formative and summative assessments to help students gain an understanding of their overall progress. These are ongoing and not ‘bunched together’ just before the break – it is important to spread testing appropriately to avoid overload and stress at a busy time.” He added, “We also have sporting events, celebrations of teamwork, overseas sports trips, rock band competitions, chess tournaments, art displays, and much more, all running up until the end of term. We also welcome external speakers to talk to parents about important subjects like well-being for children, inclusion, and digital awareness.”
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