Saudi Arabian National Curriculum

The Saudi Arabian National Curriculum is designed and regulated by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, providing a structured framework for K-12 education. It emphasizes Islamic studies, Arabic language, and cultural identity, alongside a balanced focus on mathematics, science, social studies, and English language. The curriculum has been undergoing modernization in recent years to incorporate more STEM subjects, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

1. Structure of the Saudi Arabian Education System

The Saudi education system is divided into three main stages:

• Primary Education: Grades 1-6, for students ages 6-12.
• Intermediate Education: Grades 7-9, for students ages 12-15.
• Secondary Education: Grades 10-12, for students ages 15-18, with specialized tracks for academic or vocational pathways.

Upon completing Grade 12, students receive a High School Diploma (Thanawiya) and may pursue higher education at universities, technical colleges, or vocational institutes.

2. Core Subjects in the Saudi National Curriculum

Primary Education (Grades 1-6)

• Focus: Building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, Islamic education, and an understanding of local culture.

• Core Subjects:

  • Islamic Studies: Quranic studies, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and Tawhid (Islamic monotheism) are central to the curriculum, emphasizing memorization and understanding of the Quran and basic Islamic principles.
  • Arabic Language: Reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills in classical Arabic (Fusha) and the basics of Arabic calligraphy.
  • Mathematics: Number operations, geometry, measurement, fractions, and basic problem-solving skills.
  • Science: Introduction to life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, and environmental studies.
  • Social Studies: Saudi Arabian geography, history, culture, and an introduction to civics and citizenship.
  • English Language (introduced in Grade 4): Basic vocabulary, greetings, simple phrases, and introductory grammar, with a focus on oral communication and reading comprehension.
  • Physical Education: Basic motor skills, team games, and fitness activities to promote health and physical well-being.

• Learning Focus: Developing fundamental academic and social skills, fostering a strong Islamic and cultural identity, and promoting curiosity about the natural world.

Intermediate Education (Grades 7-9)

• Focus: Expanding academic knowledge and skills, introducing more complex concepts in core subjects, and preparing students for high school.

• Core Subjects:

  • Islamic Studies: Continued Quranic memorization, Islamic history, ethics, deeper study of Hadith, and understanding of Islamic laws and beliefs.
  • Arabic Language: Advanced grammar, literature, poetry, essay writing, and comprehension, with an emphasis on classical Arabic and rhetorical skills.
  • Mathematics: Algebra, geometry, data handling, probability, and an introduction to more abstract problem-solving techniques.
  • Science: Divided into general categories of biology, chemistry, and physics, focusing on scientific inquiry, experimentation, and understanding key principles.
  • Social Studies: Saudi Arabian history and culture, geography of the Arab world, introduction to global history, and an emphasis on civic responsibilities.
  • English Language: Development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with increased vocabulary and more complex grammar structures.
  • Physical Education and Health Education: Fitness, sports, teamwork, and personal health, with some schools offering extracurricular sports programs.
  • Art and Technology (where available): Basic creative arts, crafts, and introductory computer science or digital literacy.

• Learning Focus: Building critical thinking, expanding language skills, strengthening scientific understanding, and enhancing social and cultural knowledge.

Secondary Education (Grades 10-12)

In Grades 10-12, students begin to specialize by choosing either a scientific (science-focused) or literary (humanities-focused) track, depending on their interests and career goals. Some schools may offer a vocational track as well.

• Core Curriculum in Secondary School:

  • Islamic Studies: Advanced study of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), Quranic interpretation (Tafsir), and Islamic history, with an emphasis on ethics and morality.
  • Arabic Language: Further development in classical Arabic, essay writing, Arabic literature (including poetry and classical texts), and rhetoric.
  • Mathematics: Differentiated by track; science students study advanced mathematics (algebra, calculus, trigonometry), while humanities students focus on general math concepts.
  • Science Track: Includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science, with in-depth laboratory work and experimentation for those pursuing a science-focused diploma.
  • Humanities Track: Includes Social Studies, History, Geography, Psychology, and Economics, with a focus on analytical skills, historical context, and understanding societal structures.
  • English Language: Emphasis on academic English skills, literature, critical reading, essay writing, and oral presentations to prepare for university or work.
  • Physical Education and Health: Continued focus on physical fitness, mental health, and wellness.
  • Technology and Career Skills (optional): Computer science, information technology, and vocational courses in areas like business, engineering, or health sciences, depending on school offerings.

• Assessment and Graduation Requirements: Students must pass the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (GSECE) to receive their high school diploma (Thanawiya) and qualify for university or technical college admission.

3. Emphasis on Islamic Education and Cultural Studies

Islamic education is a core component at all stages of the Saudi curriculum. The curriculum includes:

• Quranic Studies: Memorization, recitation, and understanding of Quranic verses.
• Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh): Detailed study of Islamic laws, ethics, and values.
• Islamic History and Culture: Education on the history of Islam, the lives of prophets, and the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.
• Moral and Ethical Development: Students are taught the importance of values like honesty, compassion, and respect for others.

This emphasis reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Islamic values and cultural heritage and aims to foster a deep understanding and respect for Islamic principles.

4. Recent Curriculum Reforms and Modernization

Under the Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has introduced significant reforms to align education with global standards and workforce needs:

• STEM Emphasis: Increased focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to develop skills needed for emerging industries and to support economic diversification.
• English Proficiency: Enhanced English curriculum, with earlier introduction in primary grades and a stronger emphasis on reading, writing, and speaking skills to prepare students for global engagement.
• Digital Literacy and Information Technology: Introduction of computer science, coding, and digital literacy in intermediate and secondary school levels.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE): Expanding vocational pathways with courses in fields like health sciences, information technology, business, and engineering to prepare students for the workforce.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Shift towards inquiry-based learning, project-based assignments, and interdisciplinary approaches to encourage creativity and analytical skills.

These reforms are designed to equip students with skills needed for both local and international opportunities and align with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy.

5. Assessment and Examination in the Saudi Curriculum

Assessment in Saudi Arabia involves continuous evaluation as well as standardized exams, especially in secondary education.

• Primary and Intermediate Levels: Students are assessed through quizzes, assignments, mid-term exams, and end-of-term exams. Performance is recorded in progress reports that track their development across subjects.
• Secondary Level: At the end of Grade 12, students sit for the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (GSECE), which determines eligibility for higher education institutions. This includes exams in Arabic, Islamic Studies, Mathematics, Science or Humanities (depending on the track), and English.

In addition to exams, some schools use project-based learning assessments, particularly in subjects like science and technology.

6. Key Features of the Saudi National Curriculum

• Emphasis on Islamic and Cultural Values: Islamic education and Arabic studies are central to the curriculum, ensuring students develop a strong cultural and religious identity.
• Balanced Approach to STEM and Humanities: Tracks allow students to pursue either scientific or literary interests in secondary school, promoting both academic and vocational skills.
• Integration of English and Digital Skills: Reflecting Vision 2030 goals, there is an increasing emphasis on English language proficiency and digital literacy.
• Global Awareness and Citizenship: Social studies, civics, and ethics education promote respect for diversity, community service, and an understanding of global issues.
• Preparation for Diverse Career Paths: Vocational and technical education options prepare students for the workforce, supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy.