Watch: Fingerprint attendance system introduced in Saudi schools

Watch: Fingerprint attendance system introduced in Saudi schools

In the footage, a number of school students are seen using the machines to register their attendance before entering the class.

There was no official word on how many schools where this system is already in effect and if there is a specific timetable to apply it nationwide.

More than 6 million students in different educational stages returned to school on Sunday across Saudi Arabia after a two-month summer vacation.

The three-semester school year in the kingdom will be spread over 38 weeks and feature 60-day different holidays, in addition to a 68-day summer break.

According to an official schedule, the first semester will run until November 16. The second semester is due to begin 10 days later and run until February 22. The third is scheduled to start March 3 and end on June 10.

As of the new school year, new subjects such as earth sciences, space and event managements are introduced in the secondary school stage.

The Saudi Education Ministry has said it will teach earth and space sciences as part of the secondary school curricula starting from this academic year.

The plan was unveiled as two Saudi astronauts completed a 10-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The decision to teach the earth