RIYADH — First-term examinations for the second semester of Saudi public schools for the current academic year commenced on Monday. School administrations have underscored the importance of full attendance during the examination period, stressing that students who are absent will not be granted make-up exams except in cases supported by an official excuse. This is in accordance with the Student Assessment Regulations approved by the Ministry of Education at the outset of the current academic year.By scheduling examinations during Ramadan, schools aimed to curb absenteeism, a recurring phenomenon observed in several regions and governorates of Saudi Arabia during the holy month.The Ministry of Education had previously initiated the collection of preliminary data on students expected to be absent during Ramadan, enabling proactive monitoring, reinforcement of school discipline, and optimal utilization of instructional time. Schools were directed to adhere strictly to the approved start and end times of the school day, enforce the school uniform policy without exception, and take firm measures against late arrivals.Teachers were likewise encouraged to maximize the effective use of every minute of each class period. The ministry instructed its educational departments to prohibit the early dismissal of students before the official end of the school day except in emergency situations, and it held school administrations accountable for monitoring attendance and preventing truancy throughout the school day.The ministry has also directed all schools and staff to implement a comprehensive procedural framework to regulate the educational process during Ramadan. This framework is designed to ensure the continuity of learning outcomes and the fulfillment of educational objectives while honoring the spirituality of the holy month.It called for the adoption of flexible class schedules suited to Ramadan, strict enforcement of school uniform regulations, and the application of dynamic teaching strategies that alleviate monotony and take into account the physiological changes students may experience while fasting.The ministry also emphasized the immediate activation of communication channels with parents, the regular dissemination of weekly learning plans and disciplinary reports, and the prompt monitoring of any academic or behavioral challenges that may arise during the month. It stressed the necessity of swift, direct educational intervention to address such challenges without delay, thereby ensuring a stable and secure learning environment.RIYADH — First-term examinations for the second semester of Saudi public schools for the current academic year commenced on Monday. School administrations have underscored the importance of full attendance during the examination period, stressing that students who are absent will not be granted make-up exams except in cases supported by an official excuse. This is in accordance with the Student Assessment Regulations approved by the Ministry of Education at the outset of the current academic year.By scheduling examinations during Ramadan, schools aimed to curb absenteeism, a recurring phenomenon observed in several regions and governorates of Saudi Arabia during the holy month.The Ministry of Education had previously initiated the collection of preliminary data on students expected to be absent during Ramadan, enabling proactive monitoring, reinforcement of school discipline, and optimal utilization of instructional time. Schools were directed to adhere strictly to the approved start and end times of the school day, enforce the school uniform policy without exception, and take firm measures against late arrivals.Teachers were likewise encouraged to maximize the effective use of every minute of each class period. The ministry instructed its educational departments to prohibit the early dismissal of students before the official end of the school day except in emergency situations, and it held school administrations accountable for monitoring attendance and preventing truancy throughout the school day.The ministry has also directed all schools and staff to implement a comprehensive procedural framework to regulate the educational process during Ramadan. This framework is designed to ensure the continuity of learning outcomes and the fulfillment of educational objectives while honoring the spirituality of the holy month.It called for the adoption of flexible class schedules suited to Ramadan, strict enforcement of school uniform regulations, and the application of dynamic teaching strategies that alleviate monotony and take into account the physiological changes students may experience while fasting.The ministry also emphasized the immediate activation of communication channels with parents, the regular dissemination of weekly learning plans and disciplinary reports, and the prompt monitoring of any academic or behavioral challenges that may arise during the month. It stressed the necessity of swift, direct educational intervention to address such challenges without delay, thereby ensuring a stable and secure learning environment.
Authorities enforce strict no-retake policy for unexcused absences as first term school exams begin
