While the exact start dates may vary slightly based on local moon sightings, this year’s Ramadan is expected to begin in the country on March 12. Headteachers are striving to minimize assessments and keep them low-stakes during Ramadan, prioritizing support for students to dedicate ample time to family and prayer rather than intensive studying.
Nav Iqbal, Principal and CEO of GEMS Metropole School – Motor City, explained, “We are currently conducting mock examinations for our Year 11, 12, and 13 students. These exams have been deliberately planned to avoid coinciding with Ramadan or adding extra pressure on students during the Holy month. All internal assessments for our younger students will be completed before Ramadan starts. Currently, there are no external examinations scheduled or due to be completed by students during Ramadan.”
Principals emphasize their understanding of the importance of Ramadan among Muslim families and the personal challenges this period brings. They aim to avoid adding any unnecessary stress or barriers to their students during this significant time.
Helen Hurford, Vice Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, stated, “We don’t have any external exams scheduled between now and Ramadan. Instead, we have internal in-class assessments as usual, within secondary lessons. We always try to minimize assessments during Ramadan to support students in having as much time as possible for family and prayer during this period, rather than studying.”
She added, “However, in cases where removing an in-class assessment would hinder student learning and progress, we allow the assessment to proceed, but only with low stakes, reduced duration, and a focus on specific topics. All in-class assessments are referred to as ‘Checks for Understanding’ to ensure they do not cause anxiety for students.
For most international curriculum schools, almost 10 days of the spring break will coincide with Ramadan. However, for Indian curriculum schools, both internal and CBSE Board examinations are currently in progress, resulting in upcoming holidays for these institutions as well.
Rashmi Nandkeolyar, Principal and Director of Delhi Private School (DPS) Dubai, mentioned, “Internal examinations will conclude by March 6. Board Examinations will conclude on April 2.” For CBSE schools, March marks the end of the academic year, so instead of a spring break, these institutions observe an ‘End of Academic Year’ break.
“Pre-primary students will enjoy their holidays from March 11, while holidays for Grades 1 to 8 will commence on March 18. Students will return to school on April 1, marking the start of the academic year 2024-25,” added Nandkeolyar.
Principals emphasized that for schools conducting exams during Ramadan, they will ensure that the examinations take place within the abbreviated working hours typically observed during the month.
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO and Principal at Credence High School, explained, “During the annual internal exams, the school functions only for half a day, and due to this timing, there will be no changes to our schedule for the few exams falling in Ramadan.”
Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam, Principal of Gulf Indian High School, Dubai, said, “Our students will have annual exams starting from February 28. Therefore, two subjects will be conducted during Ramadan. CBSE board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 will conclude by April 2.” He noted that this year, Ramadan commences three weeks ahead of the new academic year, causing the majority of the students’ short vacation after their annual exams to coincide with Ramadan, just before the start of the new academic year.
“This means the shortened hours will have less of an impact on managing academics, planning lessons, and timetabling,” added Kottakkulam.