{"id":1282,"date":"2026-02-17T17:06:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T17:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitesd.reading.ac.uk\/inclusive-teaching-and-learning\/?page_id=1282"},"modified":"2026-02-19T13:08:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T13:08:29","slug":"supporting-students-during-ramadan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sitesd.reading.ac.uk\/inclusive-teaching-and-learning\/awarding-gap-toolkit\/practical-steps-to-address-awarding-gaps\/supporting-students-during-ramadan\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting students during Ramadan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This page offers a collection of teaching and learning resources on how to support students during Ramadan, by bringing together guidance from the sector along with informal blogs and documents produced by current Reading students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Ramadan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Excerpt from the student blog, ‘A Guide To Celebrating Ramadan<\/a>‘:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ramadan is the 9th<\/sup> month of the Islamic calendar and is the 4th pillar of Islam […] Those partaking in Ramadan abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The act of fasting itself is an opportunity for individuals to understand and reflect the pain and suffering of millions around the globe who live in poverty and for the participant to feel grateful for all they have.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Muslims all around the world are preparing for the holy month. They do this by offering voluntary fasts to get their body used to going without food for a period of time, read Qur\u2019an, donate to charity etc. The Islamic Calendar is based around the lunar cycle and so Ramadan rotates by about 10 days each year. During Ramadan, we have a meal called Suhoor which we eat before dawn to sustain us through the day. We then have our sunset meal called Iftar.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February and end on Wednesday 18th March. NB dates may vary depending on moon sighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How might Ramadan affect our students?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and a sense of connection to community and identity. However, for students who elect to fast, fasting can have implications for scheduling and academic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Theme<\/strong><\/td>Common student experiences<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Energy and focus<\/td>Altered energy levels, with potential for daytime fatigue, particularly during the first week.(1<\/a>, 2<\/a>, 3<\/a>)<\/td><\/tr>
Academic performance<\/td>The research is mixed, with some studies showing a negative impact and others finding no harm to academic outcomes.

The linkage appears to be context dependent and subjective. (1<\/a>, 2<\/a>, 3)<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Belonging and wellbeing<\/td>Ramadan observance is linked with an increased sense of psychological wellbeing. (1<\/a>, 2<\/a>, 3<\/a>)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Examples of inclusive T&L<\/h2>\n\n\n\n