Get Ready for an Extended Break, Up to 7 Days of School Holidays in the UAE
As the mid-term break approaches, schools in the UAE are making preparations for students to enjoy a well-deserved pause from their regular studies. While the break starts next week, schools have some flexibility in setting the dates for their mid-term holidays.
UAE Schools Prepare for the Mid-Term Break
For some institutions, the break begins on Monday, October 16, and students will return to classes on Monday, October 23, the following week. Others have planned a shorter break, with a two-day holiday beginning on Thursday and Friday. This shorter break totals four days off when the weekend is included.
Minimum School Day Requirement
UAE schools have some flexibility in their academic calendars, but they must meet the minimum required number of school days. The Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum mandates 188 days, while international curriculums require 182 days.
Schools Continue Active Learning
Principals and school leaders emphasize that learning continues right up to the final day before the mid-term break. These last few weeks have seen students participating in various activities, including drama workshops, charity initiatives, and extracurricular activities.
At some schools, students have been showcasing their business ideas as part of their learning. Others have ventured abroad, such as a group of secondary students in Greece on a cultural and historical lesson.
New Courses and Activities
In addition to a break from regular studies, many schools in the UAE have introduced new courses and activities to engage students. The efforts to welcome new families to the school community and assist them in adjusting to the academic schedule have gone hand in hand with these curriculum additions. Schools are focusing on fostering a sense of belonging among their students and their families.
Competitive sporting events
Beyond the classroom, schools are also looking forward to competitive sporting events during the break. For example, the Dubai Schools Games Par 3 Golf Championships is a notable event on the calendar. Schools have welcomed a significant number of new students from diverse backgrounds, with over 1,000 new students representing 107 nationalities joining the school community since the start of the academic year.
Despite the break, the focus on enriching students' learning experiences remains a top priority, and schools are actively planning for a range of activities and opportunities for when students return to continue their studies.
Key Takeaways:
- UAE schools are preparing for the mid-term break, which begins next week.
- Schools have some flexibility in setting the dates for their mid-term holidays but must meet the minimum required number of school days.
- The last weeks before the break have seen students participating in a variety of activities, including drama workshops, charity initiatives, and extracurricular activities.
- Many schools have introduced new courses and activities and have been focusing on welcoming new families into the school community.
- Competitive sporting events and other opportunities continue to be planned for students.
