As final exams for the 2024-2025 academic year commence on Tuesday, June 10, across public and private schools following the national curriculum, the Ministry of Education has issued clear guidelines regarding student attendance and support measures. These crucial exams, for students in grades 3 through 12, will run until June 19.
When Can Students Be Excused from Exams? Seven Valid Reasons
The Ministry of Education has identified seven specific scenarios where students may be excused from attending their final exams. These valid excuses are detailed in an official absence form provided by the Student Performance Assessment Department.
To ensure an absence is officially accepted, students or guardians must submit the original excuse form to the exam committee head within two working days of the exam date, remembering to keep a copy for their records.
Here are the officially approved reasons for missing an exam:
- Exemption for Non-Muslim Students: Non-Muslim students are excused from taking Islamic Education exams.
- Medical Conditions: A valid absence requires an accredited medical report.
- Bereavement: Absences due to the passing of a first or second-degree relative.
- Official Government Summons: Supported by formal documentation from a government authority.
- Sudden Emergency Travel: For unforeseen travel necessities.
- Unexplained Absence: These cases are accepted only after review by the authorities.
- Other Clearly Stated Reasons: Any other reasons must be clearly explained by the student or guardian.
Important Note on Excuse Submission: For Grade 12 students, excuse forms are forwarded directly to the centralised Exam Results and Evaluation Centre. For grades 3 to 11, schools are responsible for retaining these forms on file. The acceptance or rejection of an excuse requires official signatures: the head of the evaluation centre for Grade 12 and the school principal for all lower grades.
Consequences of Unjustified Absence: Failure to submit a valid excuse within the stipulated two-day timeframe will result in the absence being marked as “unjustified” in the “Al Manhal” electronic system. Such unexcused absences can negatively affect a student’s final results, in line with Ministry regulations. These measures underscore the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining discipline and fairness during exams, while also showing understanding for genuine emergencies.
Ministry’s Extensive Preparations and Support for Exam Period
Alongside the exam guidelines, the Ministry has rolled out a comprehensive readiness campaign to ensure an optimal testing environment. The School Operations Sector has issued seven key directives to administrative and teaching staff, emphasising a holistic approach to student well-being and academic readiness:
- Positive Role Modelling: Teachers are encouraged to demonstrate professionalism and emotional stability.
- Supportive Environments: Ensuring calm, structured exam venues.
- Educational Care: Providing psychological and emotional support to boost student confidence.
- Logistical Readiness: Full preparation of all exam resources and venues.
- Strict Adherence to Rules: Consistent enforcement of exam regulations for fairness.
- Understanding Exam Importance: Highlighting exams as crucial for learning and character development.
- Reinforcing Educational Mission: Reminding teachers of their vital role in shaping future generations.
These directives highlight the crucial role of teachers in fostering a supportive, focused, and equitable atmosphere, recognising that emotional stability significantly impacts academic performance.
Student Support Campaigns: Nurturing Mental Readiness
To further support students academically and mentally, the Ministry has released a motivational video on its social media platforms. Featuring a high school student, the video offers practical advice for managing exam stress and organising study effectively.
Students will begin their summer vacation on June 30, while teaching and administrative staff will commence theirs on July 14.
