The UAE is headed for a mid-term break starting next week.
Students will resume classes on Monday, October 23, the following week, after several institutions begin their holidays on Monday, October 16.
There are other schools that have announced that children will be off later in the week with many only enjoying a two-day holiday next week on Thursday and Friday, which amounts to four days if the weekend is included.
Schools are permitted some flexibility with the calendar as long as they meet the minimum number of school days with 188 days for the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum and 182 days for the international curriculum.
'Each lesson counts'
Taking place next week is the half-term break, so this week is a normal week of amazing learning, said Wayne Howsen, Principal, The Aquila School. Our Year 5 and 6 students took part in a drama workshop week this week as part of their learning. Essentially, each year group works together for one week to put on a production."
According to headteachers, students engaged in many extra-curricular activities and charity initiatives during the last one-and-a-half months to broaden their horizons.
School learning at some schools included students pitching their business ideas.
Howsen added, "We also have secondary students in Greece this week for hands-on culture and history lessons."
In order to achieve effective teaching and learning outcomes, school leaders emphasize lessons will continue until the last day of school.
"We will finish on Friday, 13 October for the mid-term break," said Jenny Evans, Senior Deputy Principal at GEMS Royal Dubai School. On Friday, student-led assemblies will celebrate achievements from the term so far." Learning continues until the very last day.
The introduction of new courses
It was common for schools to welcome new families in the new school year and introduce new courses in their curriculum, while making sure these families were comfortable with the institution's routine.
The week has been busy for Star International School, Midif, according to Principal Neal Oates. The Monster Phonics Curriculum was launched with students dressed as their favorite Monster Phonic. In the Primary, our students are taking their parents through their learning by presenting a showcase. As a growing school, we launched our Sixth Forum this year, and it has been an exciting time.
"We are ensuring that our new families in the school are integrating into our community."
Additionally, the principals mentioned other notable sporting events that will be held during the break at a competitive level.
Our half-term break begins on Monday 16 October, with students returning to school on Monday 23 October, according to Belle Wagner, Head of School, GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis. The Dubai Schools Games Par 3 Golf Championships is a notable event promoted by WSO during the half-term break. Over 1000 new students representing 107 nationalities have been welcomed since the start of the academic year."