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Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Students prepare for IBDP, IGCSE, GCSE exams; new academic year begins in Indian schools
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.'
Hi Dubai
29-01-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Schools Offer Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waivers Through Scholarship Programmes
Several schools in Dubai are offering scholarships with up to 100% tuition fee waivers for outstanding students excelling in academics, sports, performing arts, and other fields. These scholarship programmes aim to recognise and nurture exceptional talent, providing students with opportunities to access quality education while alleviating financial burdens. To qualify for these scholarships, students are required to submit a portfolio showcasing their achievements. School leaders emphasise that early preparation is key to securing these opportunities, advising families to begin their research at least a year in advance. Scholarship Opportunities Across Dubai Schools Leading educational institutions in Dubai, including those under the Taaleem and GEMS Education networks, have introduced a variety of scholarship programmes tailored to reward excellence. Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions at Taaleem, explained, 'Scholarship opportunities at Taaleem schools are designed to recognise and reward exceptional talent and achievement across various areas. For instance, Greenfield International School offers scholarships for students from Year 6 to Year 11, focusing on academics, sports, performing arts, and Arabic and Islamic Studies.' Similarly, Uptown International School in Mirdif provides scholarships for students excelling in academics, sports, Arabic, Islamic Studies, and performing arts. Meanwhile, Jumeira Baccalaureate School offers scholarships for students in Years 9 to 11, with a particular emphasis on academic and athletic accomplishments. Early Preparation is Key Whyte stressed the importance of early preparation for students and their families. 'Ideally, they should start exploring opportunities at least a year before applications open, which is typically around October for most Taaleem schools. Early preparation ensures sufficient time to meet deadlines and compile all necessary documentation,' she said. Scholarships can range from partial to full coverage of tuition fees, depending on the applicant's achievements and the specific programme. Beyond financial assistance, recipients often gain access to specialised mentorship programmes, extracurricular opportunities, and priority inclusion in activities aligned with their talents. GEMS Education's Approach to Scholarships Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented at GEMS Education, highlighted the importance of passion and dedication in scholarship candidates. 'We are looking for highly talented young people who are passionate about their talents and areas of interest. Their preparation lies in the journey of striving for excellence, and they will need to provide a curated portfolio of evidence,' he said. The newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships are open to students in Year 9/Grade 8 and Year 12/Grade 11, covering areas such as academics, Arabic Studies, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Sports and Athletics, Technology, Gaming, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Maintaining Scholarship Standards Scholarships are not a one-time benefit but require consistent performance. Arnold clarified, 'All scholarships will be offered for a minimum of two years, after which the candidate will either be re-evaluated or, if they received the scholarship in Year 12/Grade 11, have left school.' Whyte added that scholarships are reviewed annually, and students who fail to meet the required academic or performance standards may be placed on probation. 'If significant improvement is not achieved, the scholarship may be revoked or not renewed for the following year,' she said. Cash Bursaries and Affordable Education In addition to scholarships, some schools are committed to making quality education accessible by keeping tuition fees stable. Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools, shared, 'For the past six years, we have kept our fees intentionally affordable, ensuring that all 13,000 of our students across all three campuses benefit equally without the burden of any tuition fee hikes.' While the school does not offer selective bursaries based on need or performance, it rewards athletes and sportspersons with significant cash bursaries for winning medals at events such as the CBSE Nationals or excelling at national and international levels. Dubai's scholarship programmes provide a valuable opportunity for students to pursue their academic and extracurricular passions without financial constraints. By starting their preparations early and maintaining consistent performance, students can maximise their chances of securing these prestigious awards. With schools offering up to 100% tuition fee waivers, the future looks bright for Dubai's talented youth. News Source: Khaleej Times
Hi Dubai
27-01-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Schools Offer Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver Through Scholarship Programs
Several schools in Dubai are offering scholarships that can cover up to 100% of tuition fees to outstanding students in various fields, including academics, sports, and the arts. These scholarships are designed to recognize exceptional talent and achievements, with students required to submit a portfolio showcasing their accomplishments. Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions at Taleem, explained that the scholarship programmes at Taaleem schools, including Greenfield International School, Uptown International School, and Jumeira Baccalaureate School, cater to students from Year 6 to Year 11. These scholarships focus on disciplines such as academics, sports, performing arts, Arabic, and Islamic studies. 'Eligibility is based on a student's academic record and achievements in their chosen field,' Whyte said. For students interested in applying, school leaders recommend starting the scholarship hunt at least a year in advance. Most applications open around October, giving families ample time to prepare and submit required documents. Scholarships typically range from partial to full tuition coverage, with additional benefits like mentorship and extracurricular opportunities. At GEMS Education, the newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships focus on areas such as technology, gaming, and innovation, and are available for students in Year 9 and Year 12. Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented at GEMS, emphasized that maintaining the scholarship requires consistent performance, with candidates being re-evaluated after a two-year period. Some schools, like The Indian High Group of Schools, offer cash bursaries to students excelling in sports and academics, ensuring that talented students are rewarded for their efforts at national and international competitions. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
27-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver in some schools under scholarship programme
Some schools in Dubai provide up to a 100 per cent tuition fee concession to outstanding students in academics and other fields through their scholarship programmes. School leaders said to qualify for scholarships, students need to submit a portfolio as evidence of their achievements. Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions, Taleem, said, 'Scholarship opportunities at Taaleem schools are designed to recognise and reward exceptional talent and achievement across a variety of areas. Greenfield International School, located in Dubai Investments Park, offers scholarships for students from Year 6 to Year 11, focusing on academics, sports, performing arts, and Arabic and Islamic Studies.' Similarly, Uptown International School in Mirdif provides scholarships for students in the same year group who excel in academics, sports, Arabic, Islamic Studies, and performing arts. At Jumeira Baccalaureate School, scholarships are available for students in Years 9 to 11, with a particular emphasis on outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Eligibility for these scholarships is typically based on the student's achievements in academics, athletics, performing arts, or leadership. Candidates must demonstrate a strong school record and meet specific criteria, such as exceptional grades, notable competition achievements, or remarkable talent in their chosen field,' added Whyte. Scholarship hunt should start at least a year in advance 'To maximise their chances of securing a scholarship, students and their families are encouraged to begin their research and preparations well in advance. Ideally, they should start exploring opportunities at least a year before applications open, which is typically around October for most Taaleem schools. Early preparation ensures sufficient time to meet deadlines and compile all necessary documentation,' Whyte said further. Usually the scholarships offered by schools can range from partial to full coverage of tuition fees, with the percentage awarded based on the applicant's achievements and the specific scholarship programme. While the primary focus is on tuition assistance, scholarship recipients often gain additional benefits such as access to specialised mentorship programmes, additional extracurricular opportunities, and priority inclusion in activities aligning with their talents. Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented, GEMS Education, said, 'We are looking for highly talented young people who are passionate about their talents and areas of interest. Their preparation lies in the journey of striving for excellence, and they will need to provide a curated portfolio of evidence. We want to see the unfiltered picture of each candidate.' Maintaining scholarship mandates consistent performance Similarly, the newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships are open to students in Year 9/Grade 8 and Year 12/Grade 11 in the areas of academics, Arabic Studies, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Sports and Athletics, Technology, Gaming, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. School leaders stressed that the extent of scholarship is determined during the assessment of each candidate. 'But the scholarships are offered with a maximum of 100 per cent fee concession. The hope is to offer as many of these as possible.' When asked what happens if a student awarded a scholarship fails to maintain the required grades or performance standards, Arnold added, 'All scholarships will be offered for a minimum of a two-year period, after which the candidate will either be re-evaluated or, if they received the scholarship in Year 12/Grade 11, have left school.' Others also reiterated that maintaining the scholarship requires consistent performance by the student. 'Scholarships are reviewed annually, and students who fail to meet the required academic or performance standards may be placed on probation. If significant improvement is not achieved, the scholarship may be revoked or not renewed for the following year,' added Whyte. Cash bursaries in some schools Meanwhile, some school heads pointed out that they are committed to making quality education accessible to all their students by not raising the tuition fees. Punit MK Vasu, CEO, The Indian High Group of Schools, said, 'For the past six years, we have kept our fees intentionally affordable, ensuring that all 13,000 of our students across all three campuses benefit equally without the burden of any tuition fee hikes — despite being permitted to raise fees by the regulators.' Vasu stressed that instead of offering selective bursaries based on need, scholastic or co-scholastic performance, the school aims to maintain stable fees for everyone. 'However, we take pride in supporting and rewarding the achievements of our athletes and sportspersons, offering significant cash bursaries to all those who win medals at events such as the CBSE Nationals. We recognise and reward the exceptional talents of our athletes, academic and co-scholastic achievers, providing such cash rewards to all who excel at the national and international level,' he added.
