School classes and exams could be changed to help fasting students during Ramadan

(Picture by Getty Images)

Schools are being told to change revision classes and reschedule sports days to accommodate the needs of Muslim pupils fasting for Ramadan.

A new report is also urging schools to ‘show sensitivity’ when organising graduation celebrations and make PE lessons ‘less strenuous’ as fasting students could be weaker than normal.

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This year the Muslim holy month of Ramadan falls starts at the end of May and will clash with GCSE and A Level exams across the country.

It means that thousands of pupils could face sitting exams with empty stomachs, as those who have reached ‘maturity’ are forbidden to eat during daylight, in warm exam rooms at the height of summer.


The ASCL report has a raft of recommendations to help fasting pupils

Picture: ASCL

The report has been published by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), which represents more than 18,000 head teachers and college leaders.



Author Anna Cole said: ‘Young people should be made aware that Islam does not require them to put their futures in jeopardy.’

The report also warns a ‘combination of long days, higher temperatures as well as examinations’ putting extra pressure on young Muslims, many will still opt to participate in Ramadan.

The ASCL research paper concludes primary-aged children should not fast and recommends head teachers to ‘ease the pressure’ on Muslim students.

Recommendations include schools should make adjustments to accommodate the needs of fasting pupils, hold exams in rooms in the shade, change times of revision lessons and provide prayer rooms as well as to make sure exam rooms are in the shade with fans and bottles of water available.

The report warns ‘If a student taking an exam is showing any signs that they may be dehydrated, such as a headache or drowsiness, they should be advised to terminate the fast immediately by drinking some water.’

The report was written in consultation with scholars from across the spectrum of Islamic religion.

The guidelines said: ‘Observing Ramadan may bring many benefits to individuals and communities, but also has the potential to cause the individual temporary hardship through hunger and lack of liquids during fasting hours which may impact on physical wellbeing and cognitive performance.

‘Young Muslims and families, particularly those sitting exams this summer, will need to balance their obligations as Muslims with their studies and the importance of examinations for their future, noting that the pursuit of education is also a religious and moral duty for Muslims of both genders.’

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