Saudi education ministry plans 3-semester academic year from August

Saudi education ministry plans 3-semester academic year from August

JEDDAH: Education-related questions were answered by Saudi authorities on Wednesday ahead of the expected start of the new school year in August. In a press conference, Minister of Education Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh said that students are expected to return to in-person learning, with the academic year divided into three semesters instead of the usual two. The option of distance learning will also remain available, depending on student capacity in classrooms, he said. "The next course of action will be revealed in the coming days,“ Al-Asheikh said, adding: "Immunizations are the first step, and if we can ensure that, then we can ensure the return of students in the first semester.“ In order for students to receive the proper educational experience, the ministry and partners are looking at incorporating various aspects of the learning process, including in-person, distance and e-learning. Al-Asheikh said that the academic school semester will span 13 weeks with seven-day breaks. The year will also include 12 holidays, incorporating long weekends and an increased number of school days, to ensure that students "benefit from the learning experience as much as possible.“ Students are expected to return to class on Aug. 30 for the academic year, which