UAE schools: What parents need to know about assessments after half-term break

With assessments approaching for some UAE students after the October half-term break, school leaders are encouraging parents to help their children return to classrooms feeling rested, prepared and confident.

For senior-year students, the break provides an opportunity to revise and prepare for upcoming examinations. Younger pupils, meanwhile, may need time to readjust to their regular school routines.

Under the UAE’s unified academic calendar, the first-semester mid-term break began on October 12 and continues until October 16, with students returning to school on October 19.

However, assessment schedules vary depending on the school, curriculum and year group.

Assessments and Regular Routines Remain Important

Simon Crane, Head Master at Brighton College Dubai, said the school had scheduled assessments after the half-term break, including for senior pupils.

He explained that students would return to regular lessons alongside planned assessments, which help teachers evaluate their progress and identify areas where additional support or further challenges may be needed.

School leaders encourage students to view assessments as an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learnt and understand the next steps in their academic progress.

Crane advised parents to gradually re-establish regular bedtimes and morning routines before school resumes.

He also recommended short, focused revision sessions with regular breaks instead of last-minute cramming. Practising questions, testing recall and revisiting difficult topics can help students prepare more effectively.

Parents Advised to Support Students Without Adding Pressure

At the American School of Ajman, Principal Marah Kaddoura said the school had ensured that students, particularly those in senior classes, understood the expectations for their assessments before the break.

She highlighted the importance of preparation and clear communication in helping students return to school with a better understanding of their responsibilities, rather than feeling overwhelmed by examinations.

Kaddoura encouraged students to approach their studies and assessments with confidence, focus and a positive mindset. She added that the school's priority was to ensure every student felt prepared, supported and motivated to perform well.

She also urged parents to focus on providing support rather than creating additional pressure.

Parents were advised to help children return to regular sleep schedules, balance revision with adequate rest, listen to their concerns and acknowledge their worries. These steps can help build students' confidence and resilience.

Indian Curriculum Schools Prepare for Pre-Board Examinations

Indian curriculum schools in the UAE follow a different academic schedule, with CBSE and ICSE schools generally continuing classes and first-term examinations during October.

These schools follow an April-to-March academic year and typically provide a short break around Diwali instead of following the same October half-term schedule as schools on the unified academic calendar.

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.

Students Encouraged to Use CBSE Sample Papers

Singh said schools were awaiting the tentative board examination schedule for the current academic year.

She noted that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had released its tentative date sheet on September 24 last year, followed by the final timetable in early December.

In the meantime, students can use the latest CBSE sample papers and marking schemes to prepare for their examinations.

Teachers are also using these resources to prepare pre-board examination papers and familiarise students with the expected question formats.

Singh emphasised that students should attempt the latest sample papers and study the marking schemes carefully, as these resources help them understand the examination pattern and expectations.

Balanced Preparation Can Help Students Return Confidently

As students prepare to return to school after the break, educators stress the importance of maintaining a balance between revision, rest and emotional well-being.

Parents can help by establishing consistent routines, encouraging manageable study sessions and offering reassurance instead of additional pressure.

With the right preparation and support, students can return to classrooms feeling more confident and ready to tackle their academic responsibilities.