Experts stress school attendance in Ramadhan

MUSCAT: During Ramadhan, daily routines naturally shift. Sleep patterns change, evenings stretch longer, and mornings can feel more demanding. Amid these adjustments, maintaining regular school attendance becomes more important than ever to ensure continuity in learning and protect students’ academic progress.
While Ramadhan holds profound spiritual significance, educators emphasise that it should not be viewed as a break from academic commitment. Instead, it presents a valuable opportunity to reinforce discipline, responsibility and effective time management among students. Schools across the Sultanate of Oman have adjusted schedules to accommodate the month’s rhythm, yet the expectation of attendance remains unchanged.
Educational specialists warn that repeated absences — even if occasional — can gradually create learning gaps that are difficult to close. School curricula are structured sequentially and cumulatively, particularly in subjects such as Mathematics, Science and Languages. Missing lessons disrupts this progression, often leaving students struggling to grasp subsequent concepts.
Abdulla al Ghadani, a school social worker, explains that Ramadhan can serve as an ideal setting to nurture self-discipline. “However, we sometimes observe families becoming more lenient regarding attendance during this period, assuming that shorter school hours or fasting justify absence,” he says. “Students who miss school repeatedly during Ramadhan often experience increased academic stress later, especially before examinations, due to accumulated lessons.”

He adds that the consequences extend beyond academics. “Frequent absence can make students feel disconnected from their classmates and the school environment, which affects their sense of belonging and motivation.”
From a classroom perspective, teachers highlight the importance of continuity. Khoulood Abdullah, a subject teacher, notes that regular attendance ensures lessons proceed smoothly and fairly for all students.
“When some students are frequently absent, we are often required to revisit previously explained material, which can slow down the curriculum,” she says. “Although students may think they can rely on textbooks or notes from friends, classroom learning goes beyond written content. It includes discussion, interaction and practical activities that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom.”
She adds that Ramadhan offers an ideal opportunity for students to develop stronger time-management skills. “With structured sleep routines and limited late-night screen time, students can successfully balance worship, rest and academic responsibilities.”
Families remain the cornerstone of student discipline and stability. Parents play a crucial role in establishing routines, regulating bedtime and ensuring children are prepared for school. Excusing absences due to late nights or mild fatigue may unintentionally signal that attendance is optional, shaping long-term attitudes toward responsibility.
Umm Mohammed, a mother of two middle school students, shares her experience. “In previous years, we occasionally allowed our children to stay home if they felt tired during Ramadhan . But we noticed it affected their performance and commitment. Now we organise their schedules carefully, reduce late-night device use and maintain balance.”
She emphasises cooperation with schools. “We maintain regular communication with teachers and monitor progress. When students see alignment between home and school, they understand that education is a shared priority.”
Rather than viewing Ramadhan as an obstacle, educators encourage families to see it as a season for cultivating resilience and accountability. Fasting itself teaches patience, endurance and self-control — values that can extend into academic life.
Maintaining consistent attendance reinforces healthy routines and prevents the lethargy associated with irregular schedules. Educational experts agree that stability in daily structure — even with adjusted hours — significantly supports academic performance and emotional well-being.
Moreover, schools during Ramadhan often foster a distinctive atmosphere of reflection and community. Students not only continue academic learning but also develop empathy, cooperation and mutual respect — values best experienced through consistent participation.
Ensuring student attendance during Ramadhan is not solely the responsibility of schools. It requires coordinated efforts between educators and families. Open communication, early intervention in cases of repeated absence and positive reinforcement can help prevent academic setbacks.
Addressing absenteeism begins with understanding underlying causes — whether fatigue, time mismanagement or lack of motivation — and responding with constructive solutions rather than leniency.
As Oman’s education system continues to evolve, consistent attendance remains a foundational pillar of student success. Ramadhan , with its emphasis on discipline and reflection, serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual growth and academic excellence are not mutually exclusive.
Through conscious partnership and shared responsibility, families and schools can ensure that the holy month becomes a period of both spiritual enrichment and sustained educational achievement.