The third and final term of the academic year commenced yesterday for British and American schools, marking a significant period for students as they prepare for international certification examinations.

Schools reported full attendance on the first day, with educational administrations implementing comprehensive academic and organizational plans, tailored to the specifics of both the British and American curricula.

Attention focuses on a critical phase of the academic year, particularly for students preparing for international assessments.

Tasleem Kouther, Principal of Al-Salam Private School, stated that extensive meetings were held with teachers and administrators to review the action plan for this term, emphasizing the completion of the curriculum while allocating adequate time for revision and exam practice.

Kylie Wilkinson, Principal of New Dawn School, highlighted the fundamental differences in the British curriculum compared to other curricula established in the region, particularly its emphasis on continuity and uninterrupted academic progression.

She noted that the British system avoids long breaks, instead distributing holidays in a manner that considers students' psychological and mental wellbeing without negatively impacting the educational content's continuity.

Kafeeya Khan, Principal of Al-Salam Community School, announced that preparations for mock examinations for IGCSE and AS students would commence this week.

The school has established a precise timeline that includes organizing schedules, preparing examination halls, and reviewing subjects to ensure a realistic simulation of the final exams.

He pointed out that this period presents a significant challenge for both students and teachers as it assesses students’ comprehension of the entire curriculum and aids schools in identifying strengths and weaknesses in performance, allowing for remediation before the official examinations.

Administrators from several American schools confirmed readiness for the third term, highlighting that the focus would be on final evaluations, academic projects, and preparations for the SAT and AP exams for high school students.

Ghadeer Abu Shamta, Principal of Gulf International School, remarked that the school used the mid-term break to review educational plans and reassess student performance in previous terms, aiming to adapt the educational process to meet individual student needs.

She emphasized the importance of practical and research-based activities, with each high school student assigned graduation projects and research tasks.

Walid Arabi, Deputy Principal of Dubai American International School, stated that the third term represents a critical consolidation period for American curriculum students, particularly with the official end-of-year examinations approaching in May. He noted that the school is preparing for this term with detailed plans that include intensified revisions and short assessments, as well as organizing individual support sessions for students facing specific challenges.

He also highlighted the significance of direct communication with parents during this phase through regular meetings and detailed reports to ensure comprehensive monitoring of each student.