UAE Schools Reopen on October 19: Educators Advise Parents to Rebuild Routines and Ease Children’s Assessment Stress.
With assessments scheduled for some students following the October half-term holiday, school leaders across the UAE are encouraging parents to help their children return to classrooms feeling prepared, well-rested and confident.
For older students, particularly those in senior grades, the holiday provides an opportunity to review lessons and prepare for upcoming assessments. Younger pupils, meanwhile, may benefit more from gradually returning to their usual school routines.
Under the UAE’s unified academic calendar, the first-semester mid-term break runs from October 12 to October 16, with classes scheduled to resume on October 19.
Although some schools have planned assessments shortly after students return, examination schedules differ according to the institution, curriculum and grade level.
Schools Emphasise Assessments, Attendance and Daily Routines
Simon Crane, Head Master at Brighton College Dubai, confirmed that the school has scheduled assessments following the half-term break, including examinations for senior students.
He explained that regular classroom teaching would resume alongside the planned assessments, which are designed to evaluate students’ academic progress and identify areas where additional guidance or more advanced learning opportunities may be required.
According to Crane, assessments should be viewed as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding rather than simply as examinations that create pressure.
He encouraged parents to help children gradually return to consistent sleeping patterns and morning schedules before classes resume.
For academic preparation, Crane recommended shorter, focused revision sessions with regular breaks instead of intensive last-minute studying.
He also advised students to strengthen their understanding by recalling information from memory, practising questions and revisiting subjects or topics they find challenging.
These strategies, he explained, can make revision more productive while helping students avoid unnecessary stress.
Clear Communication Helps Students Prepare for Assessments
At the American School, Ajman, Principal Marah Kaddoura said the institution had taken steps to ensure students understood assessment requirements before the holiday began.
Particular attention was given to senior students, allowing them to prepare in advance and return to school with a clear understanding of academic expectations.
Kaddoura emphasised that effective communication between schools, students and families is essential to preventing examination-related anxiety.
She encouraged students to approach the new school period with confidence, concentration and a positive attitude towards learning.
The school’s priority, she explained, is to ensure that every pupil feels academically prepared, emotionally supported and motivated to perform to the best of their ability.
Kaddoura also urged parents to provide reassurance and encouragement during the transition back to school rather than placing additional pressure on their children.
By maintaining a supportive home environment and realistic expectations, families can help students approach their assessments with greater confidence and less anxiety.
Kaddoura advised parents to prioritise emotional support over academic pressure as children prepare to return to school.
She recommended helping students re-establish consistent sleeping habits while ensuring they have enough time for both revision and relaxation.
Parents should also make an effort to listen to their children’s concerns, acknowledge any worries about upcoming assessments and provide reassurance.
According to Kaddoura, this supportive approach can help students develop greater confidence, emotional resilience and a healthier attitude towards academic challenges.
Indian Curriculum Schools Prepare for Pre-Board Examinations
Schools following the Indian curriculum operate on a different academic schedule from institutions observing the UAE’s unified school calendar.
CBSE and ICSE schools generally follow an April-to-March academic year, with regular classes and first-term examinations continuing throughout October.
Instead of a longer October half-term holiday, these schools typically provide a short break around Diwali.
At Credence High School, the first round of pre-board examinations for students in Grades 10 and 12 is scheduled to begin on November 10, according to CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh.
Practical examinations are expected to commence around the second week of January, in accordance with CBSE guidelines.
Singh previously explained that schools were awaiting the tentative timetable for this year’s board examinations.
She noted that CBSE had released its provisional examination schedule on September 24 last year, followed by the final timetable in early December.
CBSE Sample Papers and Marking Schemes Key to Exam Preparation
While schools await the official board examination timetable, Singh encouraged students to make effective use of the latest CBSE sample question papers and marking schemes.
These resources provide valuable guidance on examination formats, question patterns and assessment expectations.
Teachers are also incorporating the official sample papers and marking criteria into their preparation of pre-board examinations, helping students become familiar with the structure of the upcoming board assessments.
Singh emphasised that the availability of updated sample papers and marking schemes is particularly important because they serve as a reference for this year’s board examinations.
She advised parents to ensure their children practise the sample questions thoroughly and carefully review the marking schemes to understand how answers will be evaluated.
This approach can help students identify areas requiring improvement, strengthen their examination techniques and prepare more confidently for their pre-board and final board examinations.
