Schools to conduct classes on weekends for days lost to rains

dubai — Some Dubai schools are calling students in on weekends and others are holding virtual classes to make up for days lost due to the recent rains. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), schools are required to do so.

One school asked its students to come in this Saturday. “Please note that Saturday, January 18, 2020, will be a working day in lieu of Sunday, January 12, which was declared a holiday owing to inclement weather,” a circular by an Indian-curriculum school said.

Another school offers virtual classes or learning tools during and outside of the school day. “We use our virtual learning platforms to support our students’ learning, if they are unable to get to school or if the school is closed due to unforeseen circumstances,” said Maryssa O’Connor, principal and CEO of GEMS Wellington International School.

One school is developing an online platform to ensure that the learning continues even when students are not in.

Casey Cosgray, principal at Mizhar American Academy, said: “This programme would be enacted for days such as Sunday when the school is closed for safety reasons. Teachers will upload engaging learning activities on our online platform.”

Parents are urging more schools to adopt online tools. Farha Shafeeq said: “I think calling in students on a weekend is a bad idea because the bus services probably won’t be working and it’s inconvenient for parents also, as some of them have work. If it is younger kids, they should be given online resources or they can use their library time to catch up.”