Saudi students return to school after 17 months of online education

RIYAD – Students in Saudi Arabia returned to school on Sunday, starting their new school year after completing 17 months of online education.

Only fully vaccinated students over the age of 12 can return to school, while elementary and preschool students are not allowed to return at this time.

Meanwhile, students who are not fully immunized or who are under the age of 12 have still started the school year through online platforms.

Deputy Education Minister Saad Bin Saud Al Fahid visited some schools to inspect preventive health measures on the first day of the school year.

“We are closely monitoring the plans of schools to receive students and the methods to regulate their entry and exit, as well as the redistribution of tables in classrooms to ensure social distancing,” he said.

Six million students from more than 25,000 schools nationwide resumed in-person lessons on Sunday, the ministry said.

In addition, Education Minister Hamad bin Mohammad Al-Sheikh revealed earlier that the new academic year will be exceptional by applying new curricula for the World Series, and the three-semester plan instead of the previous two-semester, which should guarantee the greatest benefit from school days and teaching resources.