UAE schools prepare for post-break assessments as parents urged to ease student stress

As students across the UAE prepare to return to classrooms on October 19 after the October half-term break, school leaders are urging parents to help children ease back into academic routines and approach upcoming assessments with confidence rather than anxiety.

For senior students, the break offers an opportunity to revise and strengthen their preparation, while younger pupils may need more time to readjust to school schedules. Educators say a balanced approach, combining structured revision, adequate sleep and emotional support, can help students demonstrate what they have learnt without feeling overwhelmed.

Under the UAE’s unified academic calendar, the first-semester mid-term break runs from October 12 to 16, with classes resuming on October 19. Some schools have scheduled assessments soon after the holidays, although timings vary by school, year group and curriculum.

Assessments are part of learning, not just examinations

Simon Crane, headmaster at Brighton College Dubai, said the school had scheduled assessments after the half-term break, 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 was quoted as saying.

School leaders encourage students to view assessments as an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and identify areas that need further attention, rather than as a source of unnecessary pressure.

Crane advised parents to gradually restore regular bedtimes and morning routines before school resumes. He also recommended short, focused revision sessions with breaks instead of last-minute cramming.

Encouraging children to test their recall, practise questions and revisit difficult topics can make preparation more effective, he said.

At the American School of Ajman, principal Marah Kaddoura said students, particularly those in senior classes, had been briefed on assessment expectations before the break.

Clear communication and preparation, she said, help students return with a better understanding of what lies ahead instead of feeling overwhelmed by examinations.

“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,” Kaddoura said.

She urged parents to focus on encouragement rather than pressure as children transition back to school.

“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 and acknowledge their concerns to help them build confidence and resilience,” she said.

Indian curriculum schools turn attention to pre-boards

For Indian curriculum schools, the academic calendar follows a different schedule. CBSE and ICSE schools generally continue regular classes and first-term examinations in October, in line with their April-to-March academic year and curriculum requirements. Many schools instead provide a short break around Diwali.

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

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

Singh said schools were awaiting this year's tentative CBSE board examination schedule. Last year, the board released its tentative date sheet on September 24, 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 board examinations. Teachers are also drawing on these resources to set pre-board papers and familiarise students with the expected examination format.

“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,” Singh said.

As students return to their studies, educators' message to families is clear: preparation matters, but so do rest, reassurance and realistic expectations. A supportive home environment can help children approach assessments with greater confidence and make the transition back to school less stressful.