UAE's new state school operator to stage exams online

The new Emirates Schools Establishment approved the new exam schedule.

Emirates Schools Establishment said term 3 exams mark the end of the curriculum but not the end of the current academic year. Philip Cheung / The National

Tens of thousands of pupils at the UAE's state schools will sit online exams in June.

Tests to mark the end of term three for grades four to 12 will be held from June 8 to June 17.

However, pupils in grades one to three will not sit exams and will be given marks based on assessment.

This comes after the UAE Cabinet appointed a new operator for government schools and kindergartens across the UAE.

Emirates Schools Establishment is now at the helm and approved the new exam schedule.

While the Ministry of Education will regulate state schools, the new organisation will be responsible for their  establishment, management, operation and closure.

All employees in state schools, including teachers, administrative and technical teams, have become part of the new team.

Emirates Schools Establishment is also responsible for setting and supervising schools exams, starting from the end of the academic year 2020 to 2021.

Jameela Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education, is the chairman of the board, while Dr Rabaa Al Sumaiti is the director general.

The organisation will also provide training to teachers and school leaders.

Meanwhile, pupils in grades four to 12 will get a chance to sit mock tests from May 23 until May 27.

But if any issues arise during the actual tests, pupils will have the chance to resit in the following weeks.

Results will be announced during the first week of July.

It is not clear when in-person exams will be held, but schools – both state and private – are trying to return to normality after the Covid-19 crisis forced a move to online learning in March 2020.

Many schools are back welcoming pupils but parents can still opt for online learning.

Schools ready to return after Covid-19 closures

‘We Miss You’ banner posted on the boundary wall of the building. Pupils are being welcomed back after more than five months.

The Dubai British School in Jumeirah Park will welcome back 1,230 pupils on August 30. 'The National' takes a look at the Covid-19 precautionary measures taken to ensure staff and pupil safety. Campuses are beign reopened after more than five months of closure. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National

The entrance of the school will soon include thermal scanners. There are dedicated entry and exit points for primary and secondary sections.

Storage units have been placed at a distance to prevent gathering.

Tables in the canteen area are distanced by two metres.

Markings have been placed in hallways throughout the school to encourage social distancing.

A total of 130 automatic hand sanitisers have been fitted across the school.

Desks inside classrooms have been distanced and only two pupils per table will be allowed.

Posters promoting good hygiene are placed in hallways and different areas of the school.

Partitions are placed in Year 1 classrooms.