Written tests are back in primary schools

The Ministry of Education has reintroduced written exams for primary levels of school in both private and public Arabic schools, after a 10-year hiatus.
According to informed sources, the written exams will be compulsory for students in grades two to six.
Ameer Ahmed, an administrative officer at Andalus School, told Arab News that private and public schools were instructed to resume these exams for students in grades two to six.
He said that the Ministry of Education allocated the week before spring vacation for the exams, to ensure all schools undergo examinations at the same time.
Khalid Sabti, deputy minister of education, took the decision to reintroduce the three written exams last month and the decision will be implemented this week across the Kingdom’s primary schools. The three exams will cover all academic subjects with the exception of Qur’an, art and physical education.
Educators and administrators welcomed the ministry’s decision and said it was a positive step that would add value to the education system.
Ahmed didn’t know why the exams were suspended 10 years ago, but said that resuming tests for primary schools would be constructive and ensure the involvement of parents in their children’s education.