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:

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

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

3. Online learning: "Exploring online learning platforms and resources can offer a flexible and engaging way to acquire new skills and knowledge.”

He adds, “One key challenge we often face is the loss of academic momentum. After several weeks of relaxation, it can be difficult for students to regain their focus and motivation for learning. This is particularly crucial for our Post-16 students as they are at a critical stage of their educational journey.”

To tackle these challenges, educationists encourage establishing clear academic goals, implementing study routines, and providing access to resources and guidance that will help overcome the post-summer hurdles.

Games, puzzles and hands-on activities

Principals reiterate it is also the responsibility of the students and their parents to maintain an academic mindset and prevent any setbacks in learning progress.

Abigail Fishbourne, Director of Learning, ISP – Middle East says, “I recommend that students keep up with their reading on a broad range of subjects and interests, take time to record in a way that they enjoy - this could be writing, drawing or digital recording - and they should explore some personal interests or topics of study.”

Dr Jay Teston, Principal, Nibras International School says, “The summer holidays are the perfect time to catch up with our readings and our journaling. I usually recommend these two activities to our students to prevent the summer slide. Reading our favourite books keeps our minds fully engaged and actively imagining. Journaling, on the other hand, not only enhances writing, most importantly, but it keeps us thinking critically and deeply. When our students are cognitively busy during the summertime, it is a lot easier for them to return to the discipline of schooling after the break.”

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