Basic Education

It is divided into two levels as follows:

Primary Level
This level represents the first rungs of the formal educational ladder. It includes the (6-11) years old age group, and lasts for six years. This level is divided into the following two cycles:

• The first cycle combines the first three grades of primary education. Class-Teacher system is applied in all schools of this cycle. Under this system one teacher teaches all subjects – except English Language, Design and Technology, Music and Physical Education
  
  
• The second cycle combines the upper three grades. A subject-teacher system is applied in this cycle, as a specialized teacher teaches each subject.

The syllabi for the first and second cycles of basic education include the following compulsory core subjects: Islamic education, Arabic language, English language, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, family-life education, physical education, fine arts, songs and music; as shown in the Study Plans in Government Schools.

For the evaluation system, the formative evaluation system is applied in the first cycle aiming at reaching the student to master specific competencies of the subjects through a continuous teaching, diagnosis and correction process. The teacher bases on a variety of instruments and methods for evaluation, such as continuous systematic observation, daily training and practicing, planned activities, individual and group projects, and diagnostic and cumulative tests. The percentage of success is 60% of the total mark in each subject

In the second cycle all schools apply the above system, the percentage of success in the basic subjects (Arabic and Mathematics) is 60% of the total mark ,while the other subjects is 40%.The students in the first or second cycles have the opportunity to be re-evaluated in case of failure in the basic subject. For more details of the Students Evaluation System in Basic Education please refer to the Legislations and Regulations.

Intermediate Level

It is the third cycle of basic education. It is for the students of (12-14) years old, and lasts for three years. The student is admitted to this level upon completion of the sixth grade of primary education. A subject-teacher system is applied in this level; an educationally qualified teacher teaches each subject.

The syllabi for the third cycle of basic education include the following compulsory core subjects: Islamic education, Arabic language, English language, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, practical studies, and physical education as shown in the Study Plans in Government Schools.

For the evaluation system, the students are evaluated through systematic observation, daily training and practicing, planned activities, individual and group projects, mid-semester test, and final examination at the end of each semester. Students must attain an overall score at least 50% in each subject matter. If a student fails a subject matter he/she has the right to re-set the examination in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the evaluation and examination system. If a student fails more than one subject, he/she will have the right to repeat that grade for one time only, with the provision of remedial lessons for him/her. Failures in the intermediate level are allowed to set the examination as external students. Those who pass the examination are awarded Intermediate Education Certificate.
As from the academic year 1999/2000, the above mentioned student evaluation system has been implemented in some of the third cycle grades. For more details of this system please refer to the Legislations and Regulations

The Ministry of Education intends to develop the Intermediate Education comprehensively. An integrated plan is designed in order to achieve the Ministry's vision concerning education for all.