UAE Schools Gear Up for Winter Break with Assessments and Activities

As the long winter break nears, schools across the UAE are ramping up internal assessments, academic preparations, and an array of extracurricular activities. December will see students attending just eight days of school due to the Union Day public holidays on December 2 and 3, followed by the winter break.

In the run-up to the holidays, schools are balancing evaluations with vibrant activities to maintain student engagement. For most grades, unit tests are scheduled, excluding Grades 10 and 12, who are preparing for their pre-board examinations.

“At Credence High School, students from Grades 3 to 9 are currently engaged in ASSET assessments, a skill-based benchmarking test for English, Math, and Science,” said Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO and Principal. “Meanwhile, our Grades 10 and 12 students are gearing up for their pre-board exams, running from November 25 to December 9. These assessments are crucial for providing insights into their progress and ensuring readiness for future academic challenges.”

A Packed Calendar of Activities

With cooler weather setting in, schools are also buzzing with non-academic events. From sports days and fitness weeks to overnight camps and off-site trips, students have ample opportunities to explore beyond the classroom.

“National Day celebrations on November 28 will be a highlight, bringing our community together in a spirited display of unity and patriotism,” Singh added. “Additionally, students are participating in a variety of field trips, both local and international, fostering peer and teacher bonds while creating lasting memories.”

Simon Herbert, Head of School and CEO at GEMS International School – Al Khail, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach. “Our assessments are ongoing, with formative and summative evaluations spread out to avoid clustering just before the break. This approach prevents stress during a typically busy time.”

Herbert also pointed out that the term includes several enriching activities, such as overseas sports trips, art exhibitions, chess tournaments, and rock band competitions. “We also host external speakers for parents, discussing key topics like child well-being, inclusion, and digital awareness,” he noted.

Balancing Academics and Engagement

Schools are ensuring students remain academically focused while enjoying the festive period. Teachers are using this time to review progress and reinforce learning, while extracurricular activities foster camaraderie and holistic development.

As schools in the UAE embrace the final weeks of the term, they are striking a balance between academic rigor and the joy of community engagement, ensuring students enter the winter break enriched and ready for the challenges ahead.