UAE | Education

Open after Eid, students say

Students are happy to get an extended break although some in senior grades are worried about completing the syllabus on time.

  • By Rabab Khan, Community Interactivity Editor
  • Published: 23:00 July 6, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Clockwise from top left: Kehkashan Basu, Kenneth Daniel Monis, Amani Anis, Shubhankan Mukherjee, Shamma Bu Hazza and Sultan Abdul Rahman.
  • Image Credit:

Students are happy to get an extended break although some in senior grades are worried about completing the syllabus on time.

They are ready to attend extra classes and make the effort to help their classmates who are fasting, to spend time with their families during Ramadan.

Here's what they have to say:

"Some schools are opening after Ramadan, but I disagree with the decision. I want schools to open prior to Ramadan, since with the delay we will not be able to complete our syllabus and assignments on time. Exam time would also approach faster, giving us less time to study. In effect, our performance and grades could get affected. The school hasn't informed us of the returning date yet, but I would appreciate it if it were as scheduled.''
Shubhankan Mukherjee
13-year-old student
Dubai

"The decision to postpone the school year to begin after Ramadan is great! This year, it is extremely hot and Ramadan will start during summer. It is never easy to manage school work and fast at the same time, but the heat will make it harder. Schools can extend class times to cover the syllabus. Our school has informed us that we might have extended hours during a normal school day to catch up on time lost due to holidays."
Sultan Abdul Rahman
16-year-old student
Abu Dhabi

"When I saw the report regarding extended holidays in the paper, I was quite surprised. Ramadan is a holy month and the people who are fasting need rest. If they are relaxed they can pray with full concentration. I respect the law and culture of the land and I believe that the ministry has taken the right decision. However, at the same time, the higher grades might have an issue completing their annual curriculum. I would also miss school, as it seems to complete my identity.''
Kehkashan Basu
9-year-old student
Dubai

"I am a grade 12 student and will be writing my board exams soon. For me, it doesn't matter if school remains closed during Ramadan. In such a senior class, students have to focus on completing the syllabus much before the final exams. But, I'm sure it would mean a lot for students who are fasting to get a break, as it is really hot. Even though this means staying back for extra classes later on during the year, it's better than bearing the heat while you fast. Besides, who wouldn't want an extended holiday?''
Kenneth Daniel Monis
17-year-old student
Sharjah

"I am a student of Al Raha International School, which is a private institution located in Abu Dhabi. We are supposed to go back to school on September 1. But I personally think that schools should remain closed during Ramadan. I live quite far away from school and have to take the bus every day. It takes me around an hour to get there. With the summer heat, it would be really hard to commute while fasting. Holidays mean we can stay at home and fast with ease.''
Shamma Bu Hazza
16-year-old student
Abu Dhabi

"I want the schools to open after the holidays, because then we would be able to spend time with friends and family during Ramadan. None of us would have to worry about going to school while we fast. Therefore, I think the decision to open schools after Ramadan is a good idea. I am not worried about time lost as our teachers spend a lot of time with each student and with their help it wouldn't be so hard to catch up. I think the authorities could reduce the winter break, or maybe keep some extra classes, only if necessary.''
Amani Anis
15-year-old student
Sharjah

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