Schools across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome millions of students back tomorrow, Sunday, the 29th of Rajab, 1447 AH, marking the start of the second semester after the mid-year break. This return comes amidst extensive preparations by the Ministry of Education to ensure a smooth and organized start to the academic year in all regions and governorates of the Kingdom.
Timeline for the second semester
The Ministry of Education explained in its detailed statement that the second semester of this academic year will continue for 19 weeks, concluding on Thursday, Muharram 10, 1448 AH. The total number of actual school days during this semester is 92, including periods of in-person instruction and examinations, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to maximizing instructional time to enhance learning outcomes.
Studying during Ramadan and extended holidays
Taking into account the spiritual and social aspects of the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry has decided to limit the school year to only 11 days during this period. This measure aims to ease the burden on students and their parents, enabling them to perform their religious duties with greater ease, while ensuring the continuity of the educational process without any complete interruption.
The academic calendar for this semester also includes three diverse breaks totaling 28 days. These breaks have been strategically distributed to break the monotony of the long semester and provide sufficient rest periods to refresh students and teachers, thus contributing to creating a stimulating learning environment that supports the mental and physical health of all members of the education community.
The context of educational development and Vision 2030
This meticulous restructuring of the academic calendar comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to develop the education sector in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the Human Capital Development Program. Through organizing classes and distributing holidays, the Ministry aims to achieve an ideal balance between academic discipline and the flexibility necessary for social life, which will positively impact students' academic achievement.
Educational and social importance
This calendar is of paramount importance not only educationally but also socially; clear and advance planning of holidays and school days allows Saudi families to prioritize their schedules. Furthermore, reducing school days during Ramadan reflects the Ministry's responsiveness to societal needs, strengthening trust between educational institutions and the community, and underscoring that the student is at the heart of the educational process in all organizational decisions.
