Latest news with #Kottakkulam
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Spring break in UAE: How schools are preparing for next term, new academic year
Schools in the UAE are focused on achieving their academic targets before the spring break, urging senior students to continue their studies during the holidays. Some institutions said they will use this period to prepare for the new curriculum. Spring break for most international curriculum schools will last for three weeks, from March 24 to April 14, 2024, with Indian schools closing for the end of their academic year. The schools will be utilising the time to set up classrooms, ensuring a smooth transition for students into the next school year. This break also aligns with the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, which will be observed from March 29 to April 1. Mohammedali Kottakkulam, Principal, The Central School Dubai, said, 'As this period is the end of academic year for CBSE schools, we are busy preparing the New Year curriculum and getting classrooms ready for our students in order to ease their step into a fresh learning year.' Principals are advising students to use this time to set academic or personal goals for the upcoming year. 'They must reflect on what worked and what didn't in the past year and create a plan for improvement, catch up on reading to relax and stimulate their mind. We suggest they use the break as an excellent opportunity to reconnect with loved ones.' Finalising year-end results In the interim period, the school staff are busy finalising year-end results, tracking student progress in internal and external assessments. 'They are also preparing scheme of work for the new lessons, organising parent-teacher meet, orientation for both existing and new parents and providing professional development sessions to equip the staff with essential skills to deal with challenges. On the whole, we are all geared up to step into a promising new academic year of 2025-26,' added Kottakkulam. Educators are also highlighting that students find a balance between rest and light productivity during the break. Belle Wagner, Academy Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, said: 'While relaxation is essential, it's also a great opportunity to stay engaged and keep the mind active. Reading, hobbies, or educational activities can keep the mind active without being overwhelming.' 'Older students may want to set aside some time for revision to prepare for upcoming exams, ensuring a smoother return to school. Additionally, some of our staff members are running revision sessions for their students to provide extra support during the break,' added Wagner. Several high-stake exams after spring break Many high-stake exams like IGCSEs/GCSEs, IB, or SAT/ACT exams tend to take place shortly after the spring break. Therefore, school leaders emphasise the importance of students focusing on preparation while maintaining a healthy balance to manage stress. Dara Devereaux, Head of Secondary Boys at GEMS Wesgreen International School – Sharjah, said, 'For students in exam classes, there has been a strong focus on intensive revision prior to the spring break. Students have been working hard on past papers and refining their exam techniques. Teachers have tailored intervention work, ensuring that any gaps identified during mock exams are addressed, allowing students to enter the break with more confidence.' Other headteachers also emphasised the importance of students spending time outdoors, enjoying fresh air, and reconnecting with family to support overall well-being and mental clarity. Devereaux added, 'We always encourage our students to take a balanced approach during their school breaks and ensure they get time to enjoy their surroundings and spend time with family and friends. We emphasise that they should balance their studies with rest and relaxation, and ensure they are physically and mentally ready for the challenges ahead. It's important to create a targeted study schedule that allows for focused work on areas that need improvement while also incorporating relaxation.'
Khaleej Times
10-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Quick reads, videos: UAE students' reading habits are changing; here's why
Short reads are becoming more popular among Gen Z students, while long reads are gradually losing their appeal in the digital age, pointed out UAE educators. A recent poll by YouGov in the UK revealed that 40 per cent of Britons haven't read or listened to a book in the past year. The survey also found that the average British adult read or listened to three books last year. Meanwhile, academics in the UAE stressed that reading long-form texts, such as books, remains crucial for success in higher education and various professions. They also pointed out that changes in young individuals' reading habits could have major implications for education, the workforce, and families. Emphasis on reading full-length books Mohammedali Kottakkulam, Principal, The Central School Dubai, said, "In today's world, where digital distractions are everywhere, the appeal for short reads is hard to ignore. With education focusing more on bite-sized content and multimedia, the way Gen-Z reads is changing. These short-form pieces offer quick knowledge but often lack the depth needed to develop critical thinking skills." Therefore, school heads believe in striking a balance. "While we acknowledge the value of quick reads, we place a strong emphasis on reading full-length books. Our students dive into the culture of reading, participate in lively book clubs, and take part in thoughtful literary discussions." Schools are designing curricula to help students hone their reading abilities, enabling them to engage with complex stories and explore various perspectives. "But it doesn't stop there; we actively nurture a reading culture through engaging library programmes, immersive storytelling sessions, and read-aloud sessions by staff and students. We also work closely with parents to encourage reading habits at home. Inspired to think critically "Our goal is to inspire students to think critically about what they read and engage deeply with literature. Combining contemporary reading practices with a strong appreciation for classic works prepares students for a future where knowledge is vast, yet true understanding remains invaluable," added Kottakkulam. Principals also underlined that the reading material volume available today has significantly increased. Arogya Reddy, Principal, Ambassador School Sharjah, said, "As a result, schools provide numerous resources and encourage students to read. However, children are now more engaged with social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, which expose them to a vast amount of unfiltered information in various formats. This shift in content consumption makes them less inclined to read traditional books or digital texts. "The strong visual appeal of social media often influences children more than the depth of the information itself. With the rise of audiovisual content, books are now available in audio formats, and comics have been transformed into animations. Consequently, children prefer watching content rather than reading it. Even in kindergarten, where teachers traditionally narrate stories, these stories are now readily accessible as videos on platforms like YouTube, leading both educators and parents to rely on them for storytelling occasionally." UAE reads The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced a rich programme of workshops and storytelling sessions across Dubai Public Libraries for Reading Month 2025, held under the slogan 'UAE Reads.' This initiative supports the National Policy for Reading 2026, aiming to promote core values, nurture the literary and artistic landscape, and highlight the impact of the written word on individuals and communities. Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, underscored Dubai Culture's dedication to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem and encouraging reading as a daily habit. He said, "Reading Month has become an annual literary and intellectual event, encapsulating cultural values and advancing knowledge across society. It also celebrates writers, intellectuals, and thought leaders through initiatives that nurture an enlightened generation, ready to drive the nation's development and future aspirations."
