UAE: Students prepare for IBDP, IGCSE, GCSE exams; new academic year begins in Indian schools

Khaleej Times

08-04-2025

Many students across the UAE are now gearing up for their high-stake examinations, as major international curricula prepare to commence their public exams for 2025.
Among the first to commence is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with exams beginning on April 25. The IGCSE and GCSE exams this year start on May 5.
This marks a critical period for thousands of students, educators, and families alike, as months of preparation culminate in these decisive assessments that can shape university admissions and future career paths.
Notably, this month also marks the beginning of a new academic year, for Indian curriculum schools which started their new session on Monday.
Preparations for IBDP examinations
Khaleej Times reached out to schools to learn more about the preparations currently in progress. Leah Telford, IB DP, CP Programme Coordinator at Greenfield International School, said, 'Preparations for the IBDP examinations are going very well. Our students are demonstrating strong commitment as they actively engage in revision sessions and make the most of the personalised feedback provided by their teachers.'
Students at several schools completed their recent mock exams, and are being supported with target revision resources to help them maximise their study time and approach the final exams with confidence.
'Teachers have advised students to create realistic study schedules, which will help them feel calm and prepared for the upcoming exams. To support their revision, students have also been encouraged to focus on key topics and skills and to actively use feedback to guide their study,' added Telford.
School leaders stressed while academic preparation is essential, students are also being reminded of the importance of taking regular breaks, maintaining healthy routines and continuing to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing.
Harry Allen, Assistant Head of Secondary, of GEMS International School Al Khail, said, 'All students are currently revising content, working through past examination papers and targeting individual areas for growth identified by their teachers. In addition, we offer Academic Priority sessions where any student has an opportunity to connect with teachers across all subjects outside of their regular class time and receive the support they need.'
Educators reiterated that the aim is to ensure that students approach the examinations with confidence, clarity and a healthy mindset.
Lisa Johnson, Principal, American Academy for Girls said, 'Our students are preparing for the Advanced Placement exams are entering the final stretch of review. Advanced Placement courses are unique in that they are college-level classes, and each syllabus must be officially approved by the College Board in the United States — the same organisation that oversees the SAT and ACT exams.'
Highlighting one of the challenges for students in American schools abroad is that the Advanced Placement exams are scheduled to align with the US academic calendar, typically finishing in May.
The official 2025 Advanced Placement exam window begins on Monday, May 5, and continues through Friday, May 16, as per the College Board's published schedule.
'This means our teachers must take a high intensity and fast-paced approach to covering the curriculum, often accelerating instruction well ahead of the typical local calendar,' added Johnson.
Schools headers noted it is also about focus on specific techniques such as 'timing, command words and making sure they answer the question in enough detail to gain the marks available,' said Richard John Dew, Principal, Jumeira Baccalaureate School. 'This period is very stressful for students but is also stressful for parents and teachers. The more schools, parents and students can work together the easier it will be, however, there is no doubt that it is one of the most challenging times.'
Improving learning outcomes
Meanwhile, Indian schools have been welcoming students for the new academic year that commenced on April 7.
Headteachers stressed that during the first term, they rolled out updated assessment frameworks, focusing on improving learning outcomes, critical thinking, and competency-based education.
Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam, Principal, The Central School, Dubai, said, 'The school has aligned the internal teaching strategies with these new expectations early in the term. There have been initiatives to strengthen school-parent communication, recognising the role of families in student success. Our initiatives included orientation meetings, the use of digital communication apps, and regular updates on school protocols.'
Other Principals also emphasised that their focus for the first term is to strengthen core academic foundations and to prioritise the social-emotional well-being of every student.
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal Credence, said, 'In alignment with our academic calendar, both formative and summative assessments are thoughtfully scheduled before the summer break. These are designed not only to monitor progress but to support individual learning journeys —balancing academic rigour with a nurturing and supportive environment. Beyond the classroom, this term also offers a dynamic line-up of co-curricular programmes, leadership initiatives, and community engagement opportunities. These experiences are essential in helping students discover their passions, build confidence, and develop a sense of agency and responsibility.'
A few schools will also conduct examinations before the beginning of the summer break.
Lini Shivaprasad, Principal, GEMS Millennium School — Sharjah said, 'As with every year, our senior and secondary students will complete their first summative assessment before we break for summer. All other grades will continue to have their formative assessments during this period.'