A number of UAE schools affiliated to Indian boards have begun their first term exams. Significantly, several schools in the UAE are offering a full exam experience to students in view of the country's successful COVID19 vaccination drive. The UAE recently launched vaccination efforts to inoculate children aged 12 and above in order to protect them from COVID-19 infection.

Explaining the examination process, Ambika Gulati, principal at The Millennium School, said that the school achieved success in welcoming Grade 10 and 12 students to take the exams on-site.

"We feel that it is important for students to take exams at school, as this helps them build their skills and confidence in attempting questions in exam-like conditions," she added.

In order to help parents and students understand the importance of taking examinations in schools, various educational institutions have been organising orientations and seminars. These orientations also create awareness about the health protocols implemented by schools to ensure complete safety of students at the premises.

Gulati further expressed delight in seeing a majority of students coming to school to give their exams. She added that students with medical conditions or any other concerns were permitted to take a proctored examination online.

It is important to note that students have also expressed excitement and confidence in earning their grades through fair means and hard work.

Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School, noted that the school has started its periodic reviews for all the grades. The school is using Google Forms and Exam.net to carry out the process, noting that these tools are accessible to both remote and face-to-face learners. Those students who have opted for physical learning are undergoing reviews at the schools in accordance with necessary safety protocols. Furthermore, teachers are invigilating and providing all necessary support to students through the Zoom app.

"The school has purchased Zoom and Exam.net licences to ensure the safety of our students," she added.

Annie Mathew, principal of Gulf Model School, pointed out that internal examinations for all non-board classes were conducted online. However, for board exams, students were given the option for on-site exams.

"Exams were conducted synchronously across classes using Google Forms. The students are expected to keep their cameras switched on during online exams and are monitored online by an invigilator," she said.

Lalitha Suresh, Principal at GEMS Our Own Indian School, noted that the school has begun exams for Grades 4 to 12 for the current term. She added that students who have been attending online classes will take the exams virtually, while those attending physical classes will give their exams in schools itself.

"We have had requests from parents of some students wanting to write the exams in school and we have approved them if we are able to maintain social distancing protocols," Suresh added.

The school has also informed all students of senior sections that next term onward, their exams will be conducted at school only. Suresh said that the school has changed its examination pattern to include more case studies in order to ensure that actual learning is tested for students.