UAE Abolishes traditional Exams, Ushering in New Era of Continuous Student Assessment
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In a sweeping reform of its educational practices, the United Arab Emirates ministry of Education has announced the complete cancellation of centralised second-semester examinations for all grade levels. The shift towards a continuous assessment model is scheduled to take effect with the commencement of the 2025-26 academic year and aims to alleviate academic strain on students while fostering improved learning outcomes.
A Paradigm Shift in Evaluation
The Ministry of Education confirmed that traditional, centrally administered second-semester exams have been replaced by school-based assessments tailored to individual student progress. This strategic move is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and cultivate critical thinking skills among the nation’s youth. The policy’s unveiling occurred during a media conference held at the Zayed Educational Complex in Dubai.
Assessment Guidelines by Grade Level
The revised assessment framework is structured to align with the developmental stages of students. Here’s a detailed look at how it will work across different grade groups:
| Grade Level | Assessment Method | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 1-4 | Continuous Assessment | Tracking individual academic progress and providing tailored feedback. |
| Grades 5-12 | School-Based Summative Assessments | Evaluating student performance based on ongoing work and projects, with centralised exams continuing in the first and third semesters. |
According to Mohammed Al Qasim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, the changes are intended to bolster academic support and allow students greater opportunities to explore their aptitudes and participate in extracurricular pursuits. He stated that the goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
Infrastructure Investments for the New Academic Year
Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri affirmed the contry’s preparedness for the 2025-26 school year, anticipating the return of over one million students starting August 25th. The Ministry has undertaken extensive infrastructure development and logistical planning to support this transition.
- Nine new public schools have been constructed across the Emirates.
- The new schools will accommodate more than 25,000 students.
- 465 existing schools have undergone comprehensive maintenance.
- 830 new educational staff have been hired.
- 46,888 laptops have been distributed to students.
- over 10 million textbooks have been delivered.
- 5,560 school buses have been deployed.
These investments reflect the Ministry’s commitment to creating a stimulating learning environment that equips future generations with the skills needed to thrive.
A Forward-Looking Educational Philosophy
This overhaul of the examination system exemplifies the Ministry of Education’s holistic approach to elevating the country’s education standards. By moving away from high-stakes, end-of-semester exams and toward continuous assessment, the Ministry hopes to foster a more flexible and comprehensive learning experience.
Officials highlighted that the new model will not only diversify evaluation methods but also enhance teaching quality by encouraging adaptive, student-centered instruction. The primary focus will be on measuring long-term learning and understanding, rather than solely assessing exam performance.
The Global trend Towards Continuous Assessment
The UAE’s shift towards continuous assessment is part of a growing global trend in education. Many countries are reevaluating the effectiveness of traditional examination systems and exploring choice methods that prioritize holistic student development. Finland, for example, is renowned for its emphasis on formative assessment and minimal standardised testing, resulting in consistently high educational outcomes. OECD research highlights the benefits of formative assessment in improving student learning and reducing educational inequalities.
Continuous assessment encompasses a range of methods, including projects, presentations, portfolios, and regular teacher observation. This approach allows educators to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style, informing instructional practices and providing personalised support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is continuous assessment? Continuous assessment is an ongoing evaluation of a student’s learning progress through various methods,like projects and class participation.
- Will ther still be any exams in the UAE school system? Centralised exams will continue for the first and third semesters but have been eliminated for the second semester.
- What are the benefits of continuous assessment? This approach aims to reduce student stress, encourage deeper learning, and provide teachers with a more complete picture of each student’s abilities.
- How will grades be steadfast without second-semester exams? Grades will be based on school-based summative assessments, evaluating ongoing work and projects.
- What resources are available to support teachers in implementing continuous assessment? The Ministry of Education will provide training and resources to ensure teachers are well-equipped to implement the new assessment framework.
- How does this change impact students preparing for higher education? The focus on continuous assessment aims to develop well-rounded students prepared for the challenges of university-level studies.
- What is the UAE doing to ensure equitable access to quality education? The construction of new schools and investment in educational resources demonstrate a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students.
What specific option assessment strategies will be utilized in place of second-term exams,and how will they be implemented?
UAE abolishes Second-Term Exams for 2025-26 Academic Year: What Students & Parents Need to No
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a meaningful shift in its education system: the abolition of second-term exams for all students starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This landmark decision, impacting schools across all seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, dubai, Sharjah, ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah – aims to foster a more holistic and less stressful learning environment. This article, published on archyde.com, breaks down everything you need to know about this change, including the rationale, implementation, and what it means for students, parents, and educators.
Understanding the Rationale Behind the Change
This move aligns with the UAE’s broader vision for educational reform, focusing on skills-based learning and student well-being. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has emphasized that the decision isn’t about lowering academic standards, but rather about redefining assessment methods. Traditional exam-focused systems often prioritize rote memorization over genuine understanding and critical thinking.
Key drivers behind this policy change include:
Reducing Student Stress: Second-term exams contribute significantly to student anxiety and pressure.
Promoting Continuous Assessment: Shifting the focus to ongoing evaluation throughout the academic year.
Encouraging Deeper Learning: Allowing educators to dedicate more time to project-based learning and practical application of knowledge.
Aligning with International Best Practices: Many leading education systems globally are moving away from high-stakes, end-of-term examinations.
How Will Student Performance Be Evaluated?
With second-term exams removed, schools will need to adopt alternative assessment strategies. The MoE has outlined several acceptable methods, encouraging schools to implement a diverse range of evaluation techniques. These include:
Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes,class participation,and short assignments designed to monitor student progress.
Project-Based Learning (PBL): Students demonstrate their understanding through in-depth projects and presentations.
Portfolio Assessments: A collection of student work showcasing their skills and achievements over time.
Practical Exams & Demonstrations: Assessing skills through hands-on activities, particularly relevant for subjects like science and technology.
Classroom-Based assessments: Teacher-designed assessments tailored to specific learning objectives.
First Term Exam Weightage: Increased weightage might potentially be given to the first-term exams.
Schools are expected to communicate their specific assessment plans to parents and students well in advance. Continuous assessment will be key, providing a more accurate and comprehensive picture of a student’s learning journey.
Impact on Different Educational Stages
The abolition of second-term exams applies to all levels of education within the UAE, from kindergarten through grade 12. Though, the implementation will vary depending on the stage:
Early Years (KG – Grade 3): Emphasis will be placed on play-based learning and observational assessments.
Intermediate Stage (Grades 4-9): Increased focus on formative assessments, projects, and portfolio development.
Secondary Stage (Grades 10-12): While second-term exams are abolished, the importance of preparing for standardized tests like the EmSAT (Emirates Standardized Test) for university admissions remains.Schools will likely incorporate more practice tests and targeted support for these exams. EmSAT preparation will become even more crucial.
Benefits for Students, Parents, and Educators
this policy change offers several potential benefits:
For Students:
Reduced stress and anxiety.
More time for extracurricular activities and personal development.
Opportunity to engage in deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.
Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
For Parents:
Reduced pressure on their children.
Greater involvement in their child’s learning process through regular updates and feedback.
A more holistic view of their child’s academic progress.
For Educators:
More versatility to design engaging and effective learning experiences.
Opportunity to focus on individual student needs.
Reduced administrative burden associated with exam preparation and grading.
The Role of Technology in Assessment
Technology will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of alternative assessment methods. EdTech solutions can facilitate:
Online portfolio Creation: Platforms for students to showcase their work digitally.
Automated Formative Assessments: Tools for creating and administering quizzes and assignments.
Data Analytics: Providing teachers with insights into student performance and learning gaps.
Personalized Learning: Tailoring learning experiences to individual student needs.
Resources for Further Facts
UAE Government Portal: https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/ – Provides general information about the UAE and its government initiatives.
Ministry of Education (MoE) Website: (Official MoE website link to be added when available) – Will contain detailed guidelines and resources for schools and parents.
Local School Websites: Check your child’s school website for specific information