Students from Grades 3 to 12 in UAE public and private schools, following the Ministry of Education curriculum, have officially completed their second-term final exams for the 2024-2025 academic year. The exams, which commenced on March 10, concluded on Wednesday, marking the start of a much-anticipated break.

Exam Results Expected in Late April

According to the Ministry of Education’s approved academic calendar, the evaluation and release of second-term results will take place between April 21 and April 25. The ministry is expected to announce the detailed schedule in the coming weeks.

Three-Week Spring Break Begins for Students

Students can now enjoy a 21-day spring break from March 24 to April 13. However, teaching, technical, and administrative staff will have a shorter 14-day break, starting on March 31 and ending on April 13.

The spring break coincides with the Eid Al Fitr holiday, observed from March 29 to April 1. Regular classes for students and school staff will resume on April 14.

Professional Development for Teachers Before the Break

Before starting their holiday, teaching, technical, and school leadership staff will participate in a professional development programme from March 24 to March 28.

Third Term to Begin on April 14

The final term of the 2024-2025 academic year is set to begin on April 14 and will span 52 school days over 11 weeks. The end-of-year break will commence on June 30 for students and on July 14 for educational staff.

(Source: GN)

The UAE’s largest school network, GEMS Education, is taking a stand — launching a zero-tolerance crackdown on vaping in a bid to stamp out the habit before it takes hold.

From random bag checks to high-tech vaping detectors, GEMS schools are rolling out tough new measures to stop students from picking up the habit. 

Sensors in Schools

The battle against vaping is being fought with hi-tech gadgets. GEMS is installing state-of-the-art vaping sensors in key areas, including toilets and corridors — places where students are most likely to try and get away with it.

These sensors can:

• Instantly detect vapour and alert staff in real time
• Differentiate between vaping and other airborne particles
• Pick up distress words like “help”, alerting teachers to potential safeguarding concerns. The new GEMS School of Research and Innovation, set to open in August 2025, will feature these sensors from day one — marking a new era in school safety.

Big Health Threat

Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, has made it clear: this is a zero-tolerance policy.

“Vaping is one of the biggest health threats facing young people today. We refuse to stand by and let this dangerous trend take hold in our schools.”

Students caught vaping will face serious consequences. But instead of just punishment, GEMS is offering support — those found with vapes will attend counselling sessions to help them quit.

A Lesson for Life

GEMS wants to change the way students think about vaping altogether. That’s why anti-vaping education is now being built into the curriculum.

Teachers will work closely with health professionals to make sure students get the facts — how vaping affects their lungs, how nicotine hooks them in, and why so many people regret ever picking up a vape.

Parents are being brought into the conversation too. With awareness programmes and community discussions, GEMS is making sure the fight against vaping goes beyond the school gates.

A Bold Move

GEMS is making it clear: there’s nothing harmless about addiction. By combining strict enforcement, cutting-edge technology, and education, the school network is protecting young people from the dangers of vaping.

(Source: GN)

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is on the hunt for the UAE’s brightest minds, offering top-tier scholarships in more than 100 fields of study – covering everything from Artificial Intelligence to Mental Health.

Currently, about 1,222 students are reaping the benefits of this prestigious programme, studying at 150 universities across the globe. And now, ADEK has officially opened the 2025 batch for applications. The deadline for the Scholarships Programme is April 30, 2025.

What’s on Offer?

This scholarship programme covers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in key sectors including:
Technology – AI, Machine Learning, Renewable Energy, Clean Tech
Finance and Banking – FinTech, Digital Banking
Future of food – Sustainable Agriculture, Food Tech
Medical and Mental Health – Biotechnology, Behavioural Medicine, Family Therapy

On top of tuition fees, students will get:

• Performance-based financial rewards
• Expert mentorship & career guidance
• Internships and job opportunities with 180+ global organisations

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, candidates must be Emirati nationals aged 17-24, with:

• 85%+ in Grade 11 & 90%+ in Grade 12 (first semester)
• Unconditional offer from a top 150 global university
• IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60

ADEK has also launched a fast-track programme for high-achieving students (Grades 10-12), offering competitions, mentorship, and test prep to help them get ahead.

ADEK is teaming up with top universities in China, Italy, Russia, Hong Kong, and more to help students get the skills they need for the best jobs around the world.

(Source: GN)