Dubai schools advise routine restoration as assessments approach after half‑term

Dubai: Khaleej Times reports that, published Thu 15 Oct 2026, 6:00 AM, as students prepare to return to classrooms on October 19, school leaders urge families to restore routines, manage assessment anxiety and help children prepare.

Assessments after half-term break

With assessments lined up for some UAE students after the October half‑term break, leaders say pupils should come back rested and ready to show what they have learnt. For older year groups the break can be a chance to revise, while younger children need time to settle back into school routines.

For schools that follow the UAE’s unified academic calendar, the first‑semester mid‑term break started on October 12 and runs until October 16, with classes resuming on October 19. The timing of any post‑holiday assessments varies by school, year group and curriculum.

Guidance from school leaders

Simon Crane, Head Master at Brighton College Dubai, said: “We are scheduling assessments after the half‑term break at Brighton College Dubai, including for senior pupils. Parents should expect a return to normal teaching alongside planned assessments, which help us understand pupils’ progress and identify where further support or challenge is needed.”

He added that headteachers encourage pupils to see these assessments as an opportunity to demonstrate learning and understand next steps.

Crane also advised: “Parents can help by gradually re‑establishing regular bedtimes and morning routines before term resumes. For revision, short, focused sessions with breaks are more manageable than last‑minute cramming. Encouraging children to test what they can recall, practise questions and revisit areas they find difficult can make revision more effective.”

At the American School in Ajman, Principal Marah Kaddoura said the school had made sure students, especially those in senior classes, understood assessment expectations before the break.

She said preparation and communication were central to helping pupils return with a clear idea of what they needed to do, rather than feeling overwhelmed by examinations.

Kaddoura stated: “As students return to school, we encourage them to approach their learning and assessments with confidence, focus, and a positive mindset. Our priority is to ensure that every student feels prepared, supported, and motivated to achieve their best.”

She urged parents to support their children through the transition rather than add to their stress, advising: “My advice to parents is to focus on support rather than pressure. Encourage your children to return to a regular sleep routine, and balance their preparation with sufficient rest, take the time to listen to your children, acknowledge their concerns to help children build confidence and resilience.”

Indian curriculum schools and pre‑board preparations

For Indian curriculum schools the academic rhythm differs. CBSE and ICSE schools generally continue with classes and first‑term examinations during October, reflecting their April‑to‑March academic year and curriculum requirements, and they usually give a few days off around Diwali instead of a half‑term break.

At Credence High School, the first pre‑board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 are scheduled to begin on November 10, according to CEO‑Principal Deepika Thapar Singh.

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

Singh said schools were still awaiting this year’s tentative board examination schedule. She noted that last year, CBSE released its tentative date sheet on September 24, followed by the final timetable in early December.

In the meantime, she said students could use the latest CBSE sample papers and marking schemes to prepare for their examinations, and teachers are using these resources to set pre‑board papers and familiarise students with the expected format.

Singh added: “What matters more is that CBSE has already shared the latest sample papers with marking schemes, on which this year’s board exam papers will be based. Our teachers are using them to prepare the pre‑boards, and parents should ensure that students attempt them and study the marking scheme carefully.”