Schools across the UAE are preparing to 'power down' as the two-month summer break commences on Monday, July 8, for the majority of educational institutions in the country. For most students, Friday, July 5, marks the final school day, with classes resuming on Monday, August 26, nearly two months later. Some schools are set to welcome UAE astronauts before the holidays begin. While a few are organizing year-end excursions and award ceremonies, others are arranging staff dinners and recognition events for support staff.
In contrast, many Indian schools have already started their summer holidays, having finished their first term last week. UAE astronauts are scheduled to visit GEMS International School, Al Khail, where Simon Herbert, Head of School/CEO, announced, "The final week at school is dedicated to celebration and community. We are also hosting a special event where two UAE astronauts from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will inaugurate our new Space Lab."
School leaders have emphasized that they will be hosting various events and activities during the week to honor the achievements of both students and staff. Tracy Crowder-Cloe, Principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, noted, "During the last weeks of the term, our students are celebrated during prize-giving ceremonies, highlighting successes across a range of awards relating to the school’s values. We will also host our end-of-year house events."
Students will participate in various end-of-year activities, including trips, talent shows, and concerts. The school will also feature a musical showcase with singing, an orchestra, a wind band, student rock bands, piano recitals, and an art exhibition. Additionally, the Pre-Prep students and staff will enjoy a Splash Day on their new campus.
Indian schools have also completed their evaluations before the summer break. Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai, mentioned, "We completed all our exams in the previous two weeks. This week we completed an error analysis for each student and a rigorous review of assessment data. We see an exciting KG Market Day, a 10-Day Maths Challenge, Talent Auditions, and fun class parties on a WWYW (wear what you want) on the last day before we say our goodbyes."
Other Indian schools concluded the term with a series of engaging events and programs for students and parents, fostering a sense of community and continuous learning. Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School, stated, "The term officially concluded on Friday, June 28, with a vibrant celebration filled with colour and excitement. Class parties brought students closer together, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories."
Principals emphasized that, even as schools closed for the long break, they planned to keep students partially engaged with vacation assignments. These tasks included exploring online digital reading resources to help students stay connected with their academics and improve their skills. "We also provided them with interesting projects linking their classroom learning with real-life applications. Such strategies to keep them cognitively engaged during the summer time makes it a lot easier for them to return to school life after the break," said Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam, Principal, Gulf Indian High School, Dubai.
