Gulf | Saudi Arabia

Saudi Shura studies plan to revamp school curriculums

The Saudi Shura Council is studying a proposal to restructure the Ministry of Education and revise the school curriculum to make the school atmosphere congenial for both Muslim and non-Muslim students.

  • By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
  • Published: 00:00 November 22, 2005
  • Gulf News

The Saudi Shura Council is studying a proposal to restructure the Ministry of Education and revise the school curriculum to make the school atmosphere congenial for both Muslim and non-Muslim students.

The proposal was made by the Committee of Education and Scientific Research. Speaking to Gulf News, a committee member said the restructuring process had stemmed mainly from the ministry itself and the Shura Council had not been involved.

Since the September 11 attacks on the US, the Saudi education system has been under scrutiny by Western countries. It has been accused of nourishing terrorism and hatred towards other religions.

Senior Saudi officials have urged teachers not to disseminate extremist views among pupils and warned that any teacher found doing so will be fired. On September 5 last year the then Crown Prince Abdullah told senior education officials: "Watch your teachers. We want to serve the religion and the homeland, not terrorism ..."

A number of measures have already been enforced in the Saudi educational system to prevent extremism. Some schools have held awareness activities.

The Makkah Education Administration organised information campaigns in schools to increase awareness of the dangers of extremism.

Representatives from Saudi's various education sectors have argued the present educational goal is a mismatch with the country's development plans and the changing times.

English teacher Mohammad Al Tayyar said materials should be provided to make the Saudi education competitive. He said English language, for instance, has been of concern to officials as it is being taught out of context of the society where it is spoken.

The kingdom's public educational system comprises 8 universities, more than 24,000 schools, and a large number of colleges and other educational and training institutions. According to the administrative restructuring plan, some departments will be merged while those that are redundant will be closed. The restructuring proposal has been welcomed in all education sectors as crucial for any development plan.

More emphasis on practical skills

The education philosophy in Saudi Arabia was established 55 years ago and has been subject to several review processes.

It reached its peak three years ago with the unification of the curricula for boys and girls.

English language was introduced as a subject in the sixth grade instead of the seventh. Education has also witnessed a shift in focus from theoretical to scientific fields and computer classes have been introduced.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

More from Saudi Arabia

  1. Saudi soldier killed in clashes with Yemen rebels

  2. Buses to Makkah with fewer than 25 pilgrims banned

  3. New colonies east of Occupied Jerusalem 'major obstacle'

  4. Saudi assault worsens refugee situation

All articles in Saudi Arabia

More from Gulf

Gulf News
Popular in News
News Editor's choice