Amid new strategies and stringent health protocols and guidelines, thousands of students will return to schools in Oman as they reopen today.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the number of students in government schools reached 702,658 with an increase of 24,299 who will attend around 1,204 schools.
There are 1,191 schools for basic education, 22 new schools and 13 schools for post-basic education. The number of students in special education schools is estimated at 466 students attending in 3 schools.
A blended education with focus on emotional well-being, enhanced teacher-parent partnership and strict enforcement of Covid-19 protocols are some of the many arrangements made by the ministry.
While congratulating the students, teachers and administration staff on the occasion, Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, said: “This school year is witnessing a renewed start towards proficiency and development. The ministry seeks to achieve the safe gradual return of our students to schools in light of the developments of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“In line with the pandemic recovery plan, and based on positive health indicators, the ministry has developed the curricular and the educational evaluation system to provide a balanced and integrated education to address the educational loss of knowledge and skills that students were unable to acquire during the past two academic years”, she added.
In preparation for the students’ return which is happening nearly after 18 months in the Sultanate, schools have been thoroughly sanitised and disinfected against Covid-19.
Along with a remote learning system, there will be a student learning assessment programme, student affairs regulations and training plans for teachers.
A widespread vaccination campaign and rigorous screening protocols have prompted many families to opt for in-class learning this term, coinciding with the start of the 2021-2022 academic year at many schools.
According to the ministry’s plan, grades 1 to 6 students will be operated by the blended education system. Low-density schools, however, the number of students does not exceed 20 students to a class, will follow the direct education system where students attend classes on all school days.
The direct education system will be followed for grades 7 to 11. Schools with over 30 students to a class, however, will follow the blended education system while grade 12 students will be fully in person.
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