UAE summer holidays: School heads urge students to beat ‘summer regression’

UAE summer holidays: School heads urge students to beat ‘summer regression’

School heads in the UAE are advising students to be mindful of “summer regression” as they prepare for an upcoming two-month summer break, which will commence in less than a month for most schools.

Principals emphasise the importance of recharging one's energy through restful activities after intense periods of study, but they also express concerns that indulging in complete relaxation for the entire duration of the break may place students at a disadvantage, resulting in what is commonly referred to as "summer slide" or "summer learning loss" when they resume school in September.

This decline in academic abilities tends to be more pronounced among older students, with higher grade levels experiencing a greater extent of learning loss.

Albertha Huyser, Principal/CEO of GEMS Cambridge International Private School – Sharjah, says, “To combat learning regression, there are several strategies we can employ. Encouraging students to engage in activities that foster continued learning and intellectual growth is essential."

Huyser lists three ways in which students can keep their minds stimulated:

"Reading books, both fiction and non-fiction, can help expand their knowledge and vocabulary."

"Participation in educational programmes or attending summer camps with educational components can provide valuable learning experiences outside the traditional classroom."

"Exploring online learning platforms and resources can