As the UAE’s October mid-term break draws to a close, school leaders have urged parents to prepare their children for the return to classrooms and upcoming assessments while avoiding excessive pressure and stress.

Under the UAE’s unified academic calendar, the first-term mid-term break runs from October 12 to October 16, with students returning to school on Monday, October 19.

However, assessment dates will vary between schools depending on grade level, curriculum and education system.

Academic Assessments to Begin After the Break

Simon Crane, headmaster of Brighton College Dubai, said the school would conduct scheduled academic assessments for students, including those in senior year groups, after the mid-term break.

He explained that, alongside regular teaching, the assessments would help teachers evaluate students’ progress and identify those who require additional academic support or more challenging work.

He said the assessments were not solely intended to measure academic performance but also to give students an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned and prepare for the next stages of their education.

School Leaders Advise Parents to Prioritise Sleep and Stress-Free Study

The headmaster of Brighton College Dubai urged parents to gradually restore their children’s regular sleep schedules and morning routines before schools reopen.

He stressed that short, focused study sessions with breaks were far more effective than intensive last-minute revision.

Reviewing difficult topics, practising with sample questions and recalling information without referring to textbooks could also help students prepare more effectively.

Marah Qaddoura, principal of Ajman American School, said the school had explained assessment expectations to students, particularly those in senior grades, before the break began.

She urged parents to focus on emotional support, sufficient sleep, rest and building their children’s confidence rather than increasing pressure to achieve high grades.

Qaddoura stressed that listening to children’s concerns and maintaining a balance between study and rest would help them return to school feeling calmer and more motivated.

Different Exam Schedules at Indian Schools in the UAE

Schools following Indian curricula, including the CBSE and ICSE systems, operate on a different academic calendar, with the school year typically running from April to March.

As a result, first-term classes and examinations at these schools usually continue through October, with a short break also scheduled for Diwali.

Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO and principal of Credence High School, said the first round of mock examinations ahead of final exams for Grades 10 and 12 would begin on November 10.

Practical examinations are also expected to begin around the second week of January, in line with CBSE guidelines.

Students Advised to Use Official Sample Exam Papers

The principal of Credence High School said that while schools were still awaiting the release of the preliminary timetable for this year’s final examinations, students could use the latest sample papers and marking schemes published by the CBSE to prepare.

She explained that teachers also use these resources to design mock examinations and familiarise students with the exam format.

She said parents should encourage their children not only to complete official sample papers but also to carefully review the marking schemes and assessment criteria.

School leaders stressed that parents’ most important role during the final days of the break was to gradually re-establish daily routines, ensure children had sufficient time to rest and support them without creating exam anxiety.