DUBAI - Schools are well prepared to cope with the 12-day break that begins on Tuesday, with most of them planning and completing lessons well ahead.
Many schools are slated to conduct examinations after the break while the others will conduct extra classes to complete the portions.
“Since we were informed a month in advance about the holidays, we rescheduled our teaching plan accordingly. The portions for the board examinations of Grades 10, 11 and 12 were completed by mid-November and the model examinations are in progress and will end this week.
“Though not comfortably, we have nevertheless managed to stick to our agenda,” said Vandana Marwaha, principal of Delhi Private School in Sharjah.
The extra classes on Saturdays have helped schools make up for the days missed during the year.
“Being aware of the number of working days in the UAE, the Ministry of Education has approved the special Saturday classes. The school also accommodates evening activities for those students who need added coaching,” said Darryl Bloud, principal of Dubai Modern High School.
Many schools will reduce the number of other holidays in the coming sessions that will ensure the smooth completion of the syllabi.
Neville Sherman, principal of Westminster School in Dubai, said it is possible that parents of students may extend this break to the entire month but since the portions were completed, it wouldn’t be much of a worry.
“Our new session begins in January and from then to April, our focus will be on studies. We will make up for the lost time by curtailing our spring break,” Sherman said.
Asma Malik of Shaikh Rashid Pakistan School said they would work during all Pakistani holidays to ensure no classes are lost.