Minister clarifies unified academic dates

Dubai: The unified calendar between public and private schools for the following academic year should have similar midterm vacations with flexible start and end dates, said the Minister of Education.

The Ministry of Education sent a circular last month to announce the unified vacations and academic dates between public and private school, which many schools found inapplicable.

The announcement stipulated that all schools would begin on August 26 and end on May 29.

Most schools following the British Curriculum have their examinations in June. Management at schools voiced their opinion through the media that the Ministry of Education (MOE) should consider their views when it comes to such matters.

Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, sent a clarification to Gulf News. He said, "Private schools that start their academic year in September are asked to ensure that school vacations in December and January are in line with those of government schools."

"Additionally, private schools may announce start and end dates of the academic year in accordance with the norms of the curriculum they are delivering and the requirements of the students," he added.

The decision aims to revamp the educational system in the UAE by structuring a plan for the improvement of education in equivalence with developed countries, said Dr Hassan.