With the UAE Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge providing major changes towards the end of the academic year, how students will be assessed in Term 3 is being transformed. These new rules will guarantee equity as distance learning has been prolonged until April 17, 2026, and take some of the pressure off of exams. To students and parents in Abu Dhabi, these updates are critically known in order to sail through the final week successfully.
There are no Term 3 Exams in Select “Group B” Subject
One of the biggest changes is the removal of Term 3 assessments for certain non-core subjects under “Group B.” Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts and Theatre (Grades 1–10), and AI & Technology (Grades 1 -4) will now only be graded upon the performance of each term in terms 1 and 2.
This implies that students do not have to study to do final applications in these subjects. In its place will be their previous endeavors, which will directly translate into final grades, a relief to an already stressful online learning period.
Final Assessments are replaced with continuous assessments.
In the case of other Group B subjects, the system now leans more towards continuous assessment as opposed to traditional examinations. Courses such as Business Administration (Grades 910), and AI and Technology (Grades 512) will now be evaluated with the help of projects, assignments, and classroom activities.
This action is part of a general trend to holistic education. More than the use of high-pressure tests, students are rated on the basis of consistent performance, creativity and engagement over the term.
High Emphasis on Live interactive classes
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has clarified that passive learning is no longer good. Coming up with live and interactive lessons has been a requirement mandated in schools as opposed to depending on recorded material.
The students should be able to be active in the discussions, to answer questions, and to communicate with the teachers in real time. This will guarantee enhanced comprehension and enable faculty to evaluate the participation of students fairly in online classes.
Assessment Policy: The Use of Mandatory Camera-On.
One of the most controversial regulations has been the need to have cameras on during specific lessons and assessments by the students. The policy assists in confirming attendance and the students are actually engaged in some activities.
Even as there have been complaints of privacy by some parents, government officials have argued that such a measure is essential in order to uphold academic integrity and accountability in an entirely online setting.
Digital Projects and Portfolios Have Become Important
There is less or no examination so the most significant part of grading has been digital submissions. Online learning involves students doing their projects, presentations and assignments on the internet.
These online portfolios are now serving as the new assessment tests. Regular filing, innovativeness and quality of work would severely affect the end outputs and it is therefore important that the students remain organized and proactive.
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What Are These Implications to Students and Parents?
Generally, all these changes are aimed at ensuring that students are not discriminated against by the long distances of studying online. They are not only doing more memorization but also looking at abilities in skill-based assessment, targeting critical thinking and engagement.
To parents, this involves assisting the children in coping with assignments and being disciplined in live classes. To students, it is no longer about the last minute examination preparation but about being consistent.
FAQs
1. Can all this impact my overall GPA?
No, according to the officials the new system is meant to be fair and in no way will hurt the overall GPA calculations.
2. What are the topics that do not have exams in Term 3?
Term 3 assessments are not applied to subjects such as Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts, Theatre and early levels of AI and Technology.
3. How are they grading the students rather than exams?
The evaluation of students occurs in a form of continuous assessment consisting of projects, assignments, involvement/participation, as well as digital assignments.
4. Do we have to go to live classes?
Yes, attending classes live has become mandatory since it is now a part of the evaluation process.
5. What is the reason why the camera-on policy is implemented?
The policy provides active engagement and assists schools to confirm attendance and engagement during the online learning sessions.
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