Kerala state exams to be held in UAE from May 26

For the first time since the closure of educational institutions in the UAE, the students who follow Kerala state syllabus will be back to school as exams for Class 10 to 12 will start on May 26.
The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams for Class 10 and Higher Secondary Education (HSE) for Class 12 will last till Saturday. As many as 603 students from nine schools will appear for Class 10 exams while 490 and 491 students from eight schools will appear for Class 11 and 12 exams.
The Model School Abu Dhabi has the most number of students taking exams, principal Abdul Kader V.V. said.
"We have 166 students for Class 10 exams, 87 students for Class 11 and 84 for Class 12. We are well-prepared to conduct the exams."
The Kerala government had earlier postponed these exams till first week of June as India extended lockdown till May 31. However, last week the state government reversed the decision and announced that the exams will be conducted from May 26.
Virtual meetings to cool nerves
Kader conducted multiple virtual meetings with school staff, teachers, parents and students, updating them on the guidelines to be followed.
"Additionally, we carried out orientation and counselling sessions for students. It's important to ease their exam stress and pressure."
Parents not allowed inside premises
The school will follow guidelines issued by local health authorities and the education department. Everyone must wear masks and gloves and follow social distancing.
"Parents will not be allowed inside school premises. First exam is by 12.15pm, parents may drop students 30-45 minutes before the exam and leave. They must return only to pick up students. We have to avoid crowding."
SAY for students who miss exam
Students can't gather at usual waiting hall but only in shaded open area with two-metre distance between them.
"We will check everyone's temperature. We have a school clinic with doctor and nurse. Anyone with fever can't write exam. Those with mild symptoms like head ache will be placed in a separate room to appear for exam."
The principal noted students who can't appear needn't worry as there will be Save a Year (SAY) exam conducted later.
Only 10 students in one hall
Following social distancing measures, only 10 students are allowed in an exam hall. Students are urged to bring their own pen and pencil to avoid sharing of stationery.
"All students, invigilators and staff must wear masks and gloves. If any student has difficulty in writing exam with gloves, they have an option to remove it. Hand sanitisers are placed in every hall. Students can bring their own hand sanitisers."
Disinfecting entire facility
Indian Embassy will deliver the packet of question paper to be opened inside the exam hall in the presence of an invigilator. Once the exam is over, all answer sheets will be couriered to Kerala. A Norka-Roots representative will oversee the procedures at exam centres. There will be CCTVs at all exam halls and centres. Disinfection is carried out at the entire facility before and after the exams.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com