Some fasting students in UAE brace for board exams during Ramadan
Many UAE schools shifted their important assessment tests away from Ramadan dates but others will have to test their students during this religious month. The CBSE and ISC/ICSE board exams take place in days when students fast due to their scheduling.
The holy month of Ramadan will start between February 27 depending on when the new moon is sighted. The CBSE board exams starting February 15 will compete directly with both ISC/ICSE tests on February 13 and 18 plus the start of Ramadan.
Students who fast during Ramadan will need to focus on their exams while also abstaining from food and water. But these teens said they can manage. Student Andaleeb Khan in Grade 12 has perfected fasting as part of her regular life habits.
“It’s ingrained in me. According to this teenager who is 17 and from India her fasting habit remains steady throughout every situation.
At the end of her fast period she experiences fatigue in the late afternoon but exams start early morning with multiple breaks. During my afternoon rest time I can sleep and then continue my study session later that day. She explained how she can study and eat at the same time.
During Ramadan Khan wants to stay free from excessive effort so he keeps his activities at a level he can handle.
People who want to fast will discover ways to make it work. Students should have no problem meeting their religious obligations and academic requirements. She fasts every day starting at nine years old and knows it takes practice but remains doable.
Mohammed Kenz from Grade 12 in Dubai plans his meals ahead to manage fasting during his school day. He starts his day early by eating suhoor to get the energy needed for the upcoming activities. He recommends taking regular pauses to refresh himself throughout the day.
I am used to fasting during Ramadan because I did it for 30 days before my exams. Since he began studying earlier in life the student at The Millennium School Dubai finds this habit simple to resume.
Every morning I wake up at 4 am to spend two to three hours studying before leaving for school at 7 am.
During this time Kenz takes short breaks from 6.30 PM to 8 PM for his iftar meal with his family. After that, I return to my studies.”
He follows fasting habits naturally because he practiced them for many years. I have practiced not eating or drinking all day for many years now. Since he started fasting at eleven years old the boy doesn't eat much before going to school.
How schools support students
Schools recognize Ramadan's specific demands on students so they create support programs for them.
“We have implemented several adjustments and modifications. Our students need to make use of the peaceful morning moments for their exam preparations explained K George Mathew who runs GEMS United Indian School in Abu Dhabi.
Our school community practices self-control and empathy during Ramadan. Our students benefit from this program by experiencing Islamic traditions while maintaining their education.
The examination schedule that starts at 9am and ends at 12pm will continue without disruption because principals made this decision. Students can better concentrate on their work without interruptions because they study during the peaceful period of this holy time Mathew stated.
School leaders made sure students wouldn't need to study hard last minute because they had been practicing since the beginning of the school year. School leaders start teaching students for board exams when they begin grade 10 and 12 study sessions in September.
Students begin their training right from day one to build their readiness for board examinations. The students have taken multiple tests and two model exams since the beginning of the year according to Lalitha Suresh, principal of GEMS Our Own Indian School.
Our students have received strong preparation through the entire school year so the exam schedule overlap with Ramadan should not affect their performance. Students' success depends mainly on their state of mind and their study plan. Students succeed at school and in their faith when they maintain the correct mindset. Students who keep a positive mindset and stay on track will succeed in both their exams and spiritual practices.
Comments