UAE ends Grade 12 EmSAT test & How it affects students

In making a big change to its education system, including plans for universal education and opening its universities to all, the UAE has been inching close to becoming the first gamified nation. The Grade 12 EmSAT test has been cancelled. This is applicable to many students and their families. University admission was a key requirement and EmSAT was a must. Students now have questions and mixed feelings. Talks about what this change is and what students can expect.

Impact of UAE's EmSAT Cancellation for Grade 12 Students: Key Changes and Benefits Explained — Impact of UAE’s EmSAT Cancellation for Grade 12 Students: Key Changes and Benefits Explained

They used EmSAT to test how skills in English, math, science. The idea was to see if students were ready for university. The education system is changing, however. But authorities want students to devote less time to standardized tests and rather spend their time on school coursework. To lower student stress, they say. It will also reduce learning about critical thinking and increase the learning about one time exams.

This is a good move, the experts say. Tests like EmSAT are increasingly being deemed to be the wrong way to measure potential in many countries. Dr. Education expert Fatima Al Mansoori says these tests often put too much pressure. It does not show all of a student’s skills and it also does not show the breadth. “What we’re doing is removing EmSAT, which gives them a chance to build better skills for university and work,” she says. It really sounds like what other countries are thinking about. What they’re trying to do is get rid of tests and allow them to become more creative and more adaptable.

But everyone is worried about what comes next. Without EmSAT, universities will be looking at other things. Instead, they will be more focused on grades in high school, extra curricular activities and other things. It will assist students who aren’t good at taking tests, but are strong in other areas. It says students will still have clear ways to get into university. All required things will get updated in the universities so that nothing goes wrong.

Your grades need to continue to be strong. And this matters even more for getting into university now. The reason they should also participate in extracurricular activity. More important skills will be beyond the classroom. It might be a good thing that EmSAT ends. This means students will be able to study less, and learn more.

References:

Arn News Centre. UAE announces cancellation of EmSAT for Grade 12 students. Published on September 25, 2024.
Dr. Fatima Al Mansoori, Education Consultant. Interview on the effects of canceling EmSAT, 2024.