UAE academic calendar is an essential guide for students, parents, and educators in planning for the school year. It outlines important dates and events like term start and end dates, examination periods, holidays, and breaks.
Having a clear understanding of the academic calendar allows families to coordinate vacations, extracurricular activities, and other commitments around the critical school schedule.
The calendar provides structure and organization for the school year and helps ensure students’ learning experiences remain on track. By consulting the calendar early and often, parents can be proactive in balancing both school obligations and family time.
Academic Calendar 2024-25
Term Start and End Dates
The 2024-2025 academic calendar has three terms for most schools:
- First Term: August 28, 2023 – December 10, 2023
- Second Term: January 2, 2024 – March 24, 2024
- Third Term: April 15, 2024 – June 28, 2024
The first and third terms are longer, approximately 12 weeks each, while the second spring term runs for about 10 weeks. It’s important for students and parents to be aware of these start and end dates for scheduling purposes and tracking academic progress between terms.
Examination Periods
Examinations are concentrated at the end of each academic term, usually over a 2-3 week period. Key exams include:
- First Term Exams: November 27, 2023 – December 10, 2023
- Second Term Exams: March 11, 2024 – March 24, 2024
- Third Term Exams: June 17, 2024 – June 28, 2024
These assessment periods are critical for evaluating student learning and mastery. The exams also often determine advancement or placement in subsequent classes and grade levels.
Events
In addition to standard class sessions, the academic calendar includes special events like:
- Back to School Night: September 7, 2023
- Sports Day: February 2, 2024
- Science Fair: March 3, 2024
- Founder’s Day Celebration: April 23, 2024
- Award Ceremonies: June 25, 2024
These occasions foster the school community, allow students to pursue unique interests, and provide exposure to activities outside of academics. Parents should take note of these dates early on.
Holidays and Breaks
Winter Break
Students and teachers get a well-deserved opportunity to recharge during winter break from December 11, 2023 to January 1, 2024. Many families travel during this holiday period.
The break allows students to relax, pursue non-academic interests, and celebrate the holiday season without worrying about schoolwork.
Spring Break
Following the second academic term, students enjoy spring break from March 25, 2024, to April 14, 2024. This offers another valuable chance for rest and renewal before the final term.
Families sometimes take vacations during spring break, but students also use it to catch up academically if needed.
Summer Break
After the school year ends on June 28, 2024, students begin summer break. At approximately eight weeks long, summer break enables participation in camps, family travel, enrichment programs, and other activities students cannot do during the academic year.
It also allows time to prepare for the subsequent school year beginning August 28, 2024.
Conclusion
Parents should carefully add all major academic year dates and deadlines to their calendars. Similarly, students should record the schedule in planners or devices. Actively consulting and managing the academic calendar enables families to have a rewarding, enjoyable, and successful school year.
With some preparation and organization around these key dates at the outset, parents and students can make the most of the exciting 2024-2025 academic journey!