The situation will be reassessed during the week and the period may be extended if required, based on further guidance from authorities
Schools across the UAE have begun adjusting or postponing examinations after authorities announced a temporary shift to distance learning from Monday, March 2, to Wednesday, March 4.
Though learning has shifted online nationwide, the bigger question for many families is what happens to exams.
At an Indian school in Ras Al Khaimah, all remaining exams for Grades 1 to 9 and Grade 11 have been cancelled, according to a circular issued on Sunday. The school said marks from previous exams or model tests in cancelled subjects will instead be used in preparing annual results. Retests will be held in failed subjects in line with exam norms.
In Dubai, Al Sadiq Islamic English School confirmed that any examinations scheduled during the affected period will be postponed, with revised dates to be communicated later.
The developments come at a crucial point in the academic calendar, with many schools, particularly those following Indian curricula, conducting final examinations at this time of year.
At Abu Dhabi-based Shining Star International School, Principal Abhilasha Singh said examinations will be conducted remotely, following procedures similar to those used during the Covid period.
Earlier, multiple institutions including GEMS schools informed parents that classes would shift to distance learning in line with nationwide directives issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Schools said learning continuity and ongoing evaluation would continue remotely, while transport services, after-school activities and external programmes would be suspended during the three-day period.
For families following CBSE and ICSE curricula, schools have said UAE government directives take precedence, and any impacted examinations will be rescheduled, with revised timetables to be announced once confirmed.
In a circular to parents, GEMS Our Own Indian School said families will receive detailed schedules, including whether classes will be delivered live or through recorded sessions.
Authorities have described the move to online learning as a precautionary measure taken in the interest of safety and wellbeing. Further updates from schools on revised exam schedules are expected in the coming days.
The UAE has the infrastructure in place to transition seamlessly to remote learning when required, a system successfully deployed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Distance learning also continues to be activated during weather-related emergencies, as directed by authorities, ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar while prioritising student safety.
© Khaleej Times
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