UAE | Education
Parents in UAE disappointed by usual start to schools
The Ministry of Education on Monday confirmed that the academic year is set to commence as scheduled on August 31 - despite a plea by many public schools and parents for it to be delayed as it coincides with Ramadan.
- By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:25 August 4, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- Parents are concerned the start of the new school term will put a lot of stress on pupils as it coincides with Ramadan and is during one of the hottest months of the year.
Dubai: The Ministry of Education on Monday confirmed that the academic year is set to commence as scheduled on August 31 - despite a plea by many public schools and parents for it to be delayed as it coincides with Ramadan.
Last week Gulf News learnt that the education ministry was discussing whether to consider postponing the academic year. Ramadan is expected to start on September 1.
Mohammad Bin Hindi, Executive Director for Institutional Affairs and Supporting Services, in the Ministry of Education said that August 24 would be the official start date of the academic year 2008/2009.
"All administrative and teaching staff will resume their duties on the announced date while students will begin their studies on August 31 in reference to the ministerial decision concerning the academic calendar that was announced before and there will be no delay or postponement," he said.
Private schools welcomed the start of the academic year as scheduled since postponing the dates would impact on their curriculum and academic plans.
In a statement to Gulf News, GEMS Schools said: "We will reopen between Sunday, August 17 and Sunday September 7 - the exact dates of the new term are dependent on the school and the curriculum it offers. In regards to Ramadan timings, GEMS Schools will comply with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Education."
However, public schools and adult education centres say this year's Ramadan will have an impact on pupils with the hot climate and many students will take the opportunity to skip school days.
"I am not against starting the academic year as scheduled but I request on behalf of parents and students to give us at least a seven-day vacation at the end of Ramadan as it is known that we [Muslims] spend all night praying and reading the Quran in mosques," Mohammad Al Mass, Principal of the Al Ma'arif Secondary School for Boys said.
Benefit of students
Many pupils come in late and around 20 per cent are frequently absent during Ramadan. It is also estimated that around 10 per cent of the pupils come in late from every class and also around 10 per cent sleep during class, said Al Mass.
Starting the academic year during Ramadan could be de-motivating for pupils and the warm climate will significantly slow down their performance, said Mira Abdul Allah, undersecretary of Umm Ammar Public School.
It is also expected that around 70 to 80 per cent of students attending the Al Qurtoba Adult Education Centre will be absent during Ramadan especially as it falls at the beginning of the academic year, said Fatima Al Malek, the principal.
Bin Hindi said the Ministry makes decisions for the benefit of students. The academic calendar takes into consideration three basic factors: maintaining international standards and the number of school days, achieving a balance between the first and second semesters, and achieving coordination and communication with higher education institutions.
Parents say the extra religious rituals observed in Ramadan along with the extremely hot weather will be stressful for children.
"I am disappointed by the ministry for insisting in starting the academic year with Ramadan. It is a period for family gatherings, prayer, mediation and self-reflection. At least they should tell private schools to cut down on homework and assignments," said Palestinian national Khalid Karim.
UAE national Ahmad Al Merri, who has a daughter studying at a public school, said that the air-conditioning in classrooms and on school buses is not of good quality.
"If it were not for the hot climate of the country I wouldn't have advocated delaying the academic year."
An eighth grade student said: "Last year we got very tired after fasting because of homework, monthly tests and preparing for exams. I wish the education ministry would do something about this."
For Emirati national Mohammad Khalifa, postponement of the term would be better for pupils as teachers always try to finish the required material for the semester as fast as possible as classes are shorter in Ramadan.
"We will have to learn to adapt with the new Ramadan timings as it will only get tougher each year as it will be further into summer annually," said Maha Mohammad, a parent.
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