UAE schools urge pupils to complete full term before summer break

Some families have already travelled back home as the last week of the academic year fell after the Eid holiday

Pupils are returning to school for the final week of the academic year after enjoying a break for Eid Al Adha. The National

It is business as usual for many schools that remain open for the final week of the academic year despite there being just a few days left of term after the public holiday.

As the final school week is sandwiched between the Eid Al Adha holiday and the long summer break, some resident families have already travelled back home to take advantage of the week-long Eid holidays.

However, school principals have urged pupils not to miss classes unless there is a legitimate reason for their absence.

“We follow the Knowledge and Human Development Authority guidelines which advise that students are expected to attend the entire academic year unless a request for absence has previously been authorised by the school,” said Maryssa O’Connor, principal and chief executive of Gems Wellington International School and senior vice president of education at Gems Education.

Ms O'Connor emphasised that the rules were in place to protect the well-being of the child.

“It is important that parents notify schools if their child will be absent to ensure the whereabouts of the child is known and that they are safe.”

Any pupils who are on leave now have applied for prior permission, which has been approved, said another principal.

“Any families who have used the Eid break to travel have completed leave of absence forms for approval, as per our attendance policy,” said Rebecca Coulter, principal of Dubai British School.

Rebecca Coulter, principal of Dubai British School, said pupils who are not attending classes have applied for leave which has been approved. Photo: Rebecca Coulter

“The end of the academic year is always a special time for our students and our staff. It’s a chance to celebrate our many individual and collective accomplishments with our community, consolidate our learning and prepare for the new academic year ahead.”

Not mandatory to end year with Eid break

The KHDA had earlier stated it was at the discretion of the schools themselves when they end the term – as long as a certain number of days were completed and the last day of term was not before June 28.

In the current academic year, pupils must attend school for 188 days.

For Indian curriculum schools that start their academic year in April, summer break started on July 3.

While dates can vary from school to school, most terms appear to be ending on July 7.

Many of the academic calendars in Dubai show schools closing in early July. But several American, British and Indian schools have already closed for the summer break.

Classes remain in full swing in schools that are still open until next week, despite some families having already left for home after the Eid break.

“Of course, some families are already travelling given the timing of Eid Al Adha so close to the end of term, but many are still in Dubai, with their children in school for these last few days of the academic year,” said Campbell Douglas, principal and chief executive of Gems Wellington Academy-Al Khail.

“There is still plenty of teaching and learning taking place across all phases of the school, with a number of activities, lessons and celebrations planned.”

Top Dubai schools - in pictures

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Dubai American Academy is the only American curriculum school in Dubai to receive the Knowledge and Human Development Authority rating of 'outstanding' since 2011. Photo: Reem Mohammed / The National

Gems Jumeirah Primary School is one of the most sought-after primary schools in Dubai and has been rated 'outstanding' since 2010 by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Photo: Gems Jumeirah Primary School

Rated 'very good' by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Jumeira Baccalaureate School, which falls under the Taaleem Group, awards scholarships to pupils who have displayed extraordinary talent and achievement. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, has more than 4,000 pupils and welcomes children with a range of learning preferences, including pupils with special needs. Photo: The Winchester School

Delhi Private School Dubai has been rated 'very good' for five years in a row and has about 3,800 pupils. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National

Last year, Fairgreen International School won an award for being the 'Most Innovative School in the UAE' at the Top Schools Awards 2021. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

The Aquila School opened in September 2018 and is located in an area of Dubailand that runs between Al Ain road and The Centro/Villa communities. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

In May, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority published the first inspection report for South View School. The school achieved a 'good' rating, which is the highest rating that any new school can be awarded in their first inspection. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

Victory Heights Primary School received the award for the Best Primary School in the UAE during last year's Top Schools Awards. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

The JSS International School follows the curriculum laid down by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations. Photo: Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Pupils at Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou have a consistently outstanding performance in mathematics across all ages, DSIB's latest quality indicators report showed. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

The Indian High School is one of the most sought after Indian curriculum schools in Dubai. It received a 'very good' rating in its most recent inspection report. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Jumeirah English Speaking School at Arabian Ranches. The non-profit school was started in an apartment in Deira in 1975 with only 17 pupils. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

A fully-inclusive British curriculum school in the heart of the popular Arabian Ranches 2 community. The school has a 'very good' rating. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National