Jeddah Education Department launches "Coming" and "Ready" competitions to raise academic achievement
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the education system and improving outcomes, the General Directorate of Education in Jeddah, represented by the Education Performance Department – Educational Supervision Section, launched the third edition of the “Coming Soon” and “Ready” competitions. This initiative comes during the second semester of the current academic year as part of a broader educational movement aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capability Development Program, which seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi citizens.
An educational context that keeps pace with national aspirations
These initiatives are not arbitrary; they stem from a deep understanding of the importance of bridging the gap between high school graduation results and standardized tests (aptitude and achievement tests), as well as preparing students for international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. These tests are true indicators of the quality of education, and the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia seeks to improve the Kingdom's ranking in international indicators. This requires early and systematic preparation for students, starting from the foundational stages and continuing through high school.
"Coming 3": A solid foundation for the future
The third edition of the "Coming Soon" competition targets elementary and middle school students, crucial stages in the development of their cognitive framework. The competition focuses intensively on core subjects (mathematics, natural sciences, and Arabic language). Its objectives are:
- Developing reading comprehension skills and complex mathematical operations.
- Familiarizing students with question patterns in national (NAFS) and international tests.
- Improving teachers' professional practices by analyzing student outcomes and addressing learning loss.
"Ready 3": The gateway to university
In a parallel track, the "Ready" competition targets male and female high school seniors in both the science and arts tracks in public and private schools. This competition is of paramount importance as it directly impacts the student's university future, aiming to:
- Psychological and cognitive preparation for general aptitude and achievement tests.
- Reducing the gap between school grades and National Center for Assessment test scores.
- Increased opportunities for admission to competitive universities and specialized fields required by the labor market.
Implementation mechanism and expected impact
The Jeddah Education Department explained that the two competitions are subject to a precise organizational mechanism that begins with competition within individual schools, then progresses through the education offices, culminating in the final rounds at the general administration level. This methodology is expected to contribute to creating a positive competitive environment, increasing students' motivation towards self-directed learning, and providing school leaders and supervisors with accurate data on academic achievement levels, thus aiding in the development of evidence-based remedial and enrichment plans.
