Indian schools in UAE begin new academic year online from April 6
Hundreds of thousands of students in Indian curriculum schools across the UAE are embarking on a new academic year for 2026–27 online after some institutions began remote classes as early as Monday and most others on 6 April.
Schools have taken a blended approach to synchronous versus asynchronous learning so that students can keep up with live lessons and also pursue flexible activities when the school day ends.
These range from morning prayers and introductions to new teachers, to orientation sessions for students who were remote last year, and both remotes and in-person students alike participating remotely in student leadership induction ceremonies.
Live lessons should be interactive, short and student-centred but that doesn't mean these can't harness digital tools, multimedia resources and collaborative platforms to keep students engaged.
Through formative assessments, digital assignments, and targeted feedback to students regarding these tasks, teachers will track student progress to maintain the same, systematic approach for ensuring learning outcomes.
Continuous learning to keep students connected
Fatima Martin, Principal and CEO of GEMS New Millennium School elaborated on the approach. “The rollout of distance learning does not create meaningfully different academic or operational processes at the school, but rather moves them online. Teaching, learning, assessments, routines and student support systems go on as scheduled so that students, staff and parents continue to have continuity and familiarity.”
All planned events in the school calendar — including morning assemblies, student leadership induction ceremonies and other key engagements — will take place virtually, she added, “to ensure that student voice, leadership development and community connection remain at the heart of the school experience.”
The school has also reinforced technology support, streamlining access to devices and platforms; teachers are trained to handle any disruptions during live lessons, creating a learning atmosphere in spite of challenges.
Virtual orientations and parental support
Chitra Sharma, principal of JSS Private School, Dubai, explained how her school is prepared. “JSS Private School is fully prepared with all members of its community mobilised and ready for a smooth and uninterrupted start to the school year. Systems and processes have been streamlined across the district to support students entering new grades and classrooms, creating clarity and ease from day one.”
Virtual orientation sessions, structured assemblies and “meet-your-teacher” socials with incoming class teachers will all be designed to promote familiarity and reduce anxiety in the online environment.
“The first few weeks will have diagnostic and formative assessment, so teachers can get a sense of whether students are ready to return or if they need support so that we ensure there are no learning debts,” Sharma added.
Noufal Ahamed, managing director of Woodlem Educational, said his group has adopted a student-centric strategy to facilitate smooth transitions.
“We recognize that the beginning of each new academic year can be a challenge for students transitioning to new grades, especially when it takes place in an online format. To that end, we are providing parents and students with transparent communication in a timely manner, which includes hyperlinked timetables for instant access to schedules and virtual classrooms,”
Virtual orientation will allow students to meet their new teachers, and help them learn classroom procedures and the platforms they will use to learn this year, he said. “Early interactions are fundamental to build a sense of trust and belonging for students on day one,” he double tapped.
“To assist the parents, training sessions will be conducted for them through zoom so that they can help their respective children at home,” he added.
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