The General Directorate of Education in Al-Ahsa Governorate announced the official school schedule for the holy month of Ramadan this year, covering all educational levels in the governorate. This decision comes as part of the commitment to organizing the educational process in a way that respects the special nature of the holy month. Attendance for public school students has been set for 9:00 AM, aiming to balance the demands of academic achievement with the spiritual atmosphere of fasting.
Timetable details for the school day
According to the circular issued, the Al-Ahsa Education Department has reduced the school day in all public schools, kindergartens, and special education institutes for boys and girls to five hours daily. This schedule will be implemented starting from the first day of Ramadan. The department has set the start time for the first period at 9:15 AM, a measure aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and facilitating students' arrival at school without delay.
Reducing class time and easing burdens
In a move aimed at accommodating the physical and mental strain on students during fasting, the administration has decided to reduce the duration of each class period in all schools to just 35 minutes. This measure is based on educational studies that emphasize the importance of condensing the curriculum into shorter time slots during fasting periods to ensure maximum concentration and comprehension among students, while also reducing their physical burden.
The context of flexibility in the Saudi education system
This regulation falls within the general framework of the Saudi Ministry of Education's policies, which in recent years have granted education departments in regions and governorates flexible authority to determine school hours in accordance with the geographical and social conditions of each area. This flexibility is part of the Ministry's strategy to foster an attractive learning environment, taking into account individual differences and changing circumstances, particularly during religious and climatic seasons, which positively impacts learning outcomes and the psychological well-being of students and their parents.
Organization of continuing (night) education
Regarding continuing education, the administration has implemented a different schedule that takes into account the needs of students in this track. It has directed that classes for boys' schools be moved to the evening, starting at 9:00 PM sharp, allowing students to perform Taraweeh prayers and attend to social obligations before classes begin. Conversely, classes for girls' continuing education schools will begin at 2:15 PM. The decision to reduce class periods to 35 minutes applies to both boys' and girls' continuing education schools as well, to standardize class times and ensure educational equity.
Social and educational impact
This carefully planned schedule is expected to contribute to a perfect balance between academic life and religious observances. The delayed start of the school day also allows students sufficient rest after suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Fajr prayer, thus reducing fatigue and drowsiness in classrooms. Furthermore, this timing helps alleviate traffic congestion during the morning rush hour, enhancing the safety and smooth flow of movement for the local community in Al-Ahsa Governorate during the holy month.
