Studying during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Student discipline and a flexible learning plan
With the dawn of the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in 1447 AH, schools across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including public, private, and international schools, witnessed a remarkable turnout of students. The Ministry of Education began implementing its approved operational plan to organize the educational process during the holy month, fostering a positive atmosphere that combined spirituality with a serious focus on academic achievement.
Ministry of Education plan: Flexibility to ensure continuity of learning
The Ministry announced that the actual study period during Ramadan will be limited to 11 school days, including the first-term exams. To balance the requirements of fasting with academic commitments, flexible school start times have been adopted across the Kingdom. In Riyadh, Mecca, and Al-Baha, classes begin at 9:00 AM, while in the Eastern Province, Tabuk, and Al-Jawf, they start at 9:30 AM, and in Al-Qassim at 10:00 AM. This accommodates geographical differences and allows students sufficient rest.
The ministry obligated all schools to implement the comprehensive plan aimed at regulating the educational process and enhancing school discipline, with an emphasis on monitoring absences and applying the regulations to ensure the seriousness of the work, and investing class time effectively to ensure the continuity of learning outcomes without laxity or leniency.
Historical context: Education as an established value in Ramadan
Continuity of education during Ramadan is a well-established practice in the Saudi education system, reflecting the state's commitment to ensuring students' academic progress is not disrupted. Over the decades, the Kingdom has developed mechanisms for organizing studies during this month to keep pace with social changes and students' needs. This approach aims to instill values of time management and discipline in young people, teaching them how to balance their religious duties with their academic responsibilities—an integral part of the holistic education the education system strives to achieve.
Importance and impact: Support for the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The importance of maintaining regular schooling during Ramadan extends beyond simply completing the curriculum. It directly contributes to the core objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes human capital development. By ensuring no educational gaps exist, this policy helps build a generation equipped with knowledge and skills, capable of competing globally. On a social level, maintaining the school routine helps organize the daily lives of Saudi families, while regionally, it provides a successful model for adapting public services to cultural and religious specificities, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in managing its affairs efficiently and effectively.
An effective partnership between the school and the family
The Ministry's directives emphasized the importance of active partnership with parents during this period. This is achieved by activating communication channels to send periodic reports and encourage children to adhere to the guidelines. Teachers were also urged to employ "active learning" strategies to break the monotony and accommodate the physiological changes students experience while fasting. Families play a pivotal role in creating a suitable home environment for studying and ensuring their children get sufficient sleep and proper nutrition, thus complementing the school's efforts and ensuring the best possible results.
