A week-long break has been announced by some private schools in Abu Dhabi starting today until February 13.
The mid-term break applies to schools that got approvals at the beginning of the academic year, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
“This is a routine break for schools that had applied for it. It’s not a holiday for all private schools,” an official from ADEK told Khaleej Times on Saturday. “Each school has its own calendar and some choose to have a short break during this period of the year. It will not affect the students’ results or their performance.”
Abu Dhabi expat, Musa E., whose three children go to Al Murooj Scientific Private School in Abu Dhabi, which is under the British curriculum, said he received a communication from the school about the week-long holiday on Wednesday.
“I have no issue with children getting school breaks as long as they cover the school curriculum for the academic year. What I am bothered is about the content. I always interact with my children to see what they have learned on a daily basis. All I can say is that the teachers are doing a great job.”
Another parent whose two kids go to Aldar Academy Al Muna said though she was not taken by surprise by the mid-term break, she is not happy about the regular academic breaks.
According to the ADEK, schools are obligated to inform school staff, students and parents of the annual school calendar. The minimum school days on the school calendar or academic year should not be less than 175 days, according to ADEK. The actual school days – including exam days – are 185 days, compared to 90 days of weekly and official holidays and semester holidays.
© Khaleej Times
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