JEDDAH — Many international schools in the Kingdom are conducting their final exams of this academic session in advance and closing early in view of the coronavirus outbreak even though the Ministry of Education has not issued any circular in this regard. Pakistan International School Jeddah (English section) has gone on record by issuing a circular to conduct exams early because of the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, which has claimed 115 lives so far in the Kingdom. A teacher of Faisal International School said that they are conducting the final exams of only the junior section early. Asked if the school has issued any circular regarding the same, she said, “It is understood that they are conducting the exams early due to the fear of the virus.” Other schools which are conducting exams in advance said that rising temperature and not the virus has forced them to take such a decision. Al Wadi International School has also advanced the final exams for its students. Dr. Padma Hariharan, director of Novel International School, said they are receiving an umpteen number of calls and messages from parents to announce an early summer break. “There is fear and panic among parents but our school will continue to function normally until and unless we receive a notice from the ministry to close early.” Officials and parents from Tawfiq International School, Jauhara International School, Al Waha International School, Manarat, and Al Falah International School among others said that no circular has been issued to conduct exams early, and the schools will close as scheduled in the beginning of the academic year. However, parents with whom Saudi Gazette spoke with said that they fear sending their children to school. In a meeting with owners of international schools on Tuesday, in the presence of officials from the Civil Defense and Municipality, Director of Education Abdullah Saqafi said that since no cases of coronavirus affecting students or teachers have been reported from any school or hospital, all schools should continue to function as planned.
