Saudi Arabia Integrates Emerging Subjects into School Curriculum for 2023-2024 Academic Year
Update includes AI, cybersecurity, tourism among other modern subjects.
Riyadh - The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday that the Kingdom's National Curriculum Center has announced a comprehensive overhaul of school curricula for the upcoming academic year.
This update will introduce new subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Tourism and Hospitality, Fashion, Art and Design, and First Aid, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
These new subjects were developed through partnerships with key governmental entities, aiming to enhance critical thinking and technical competencies while incorporating innovative teaching methods.
The updated curricula extend beyond traditional classroom settings, integrating educational content into daily school activities including assemblies and national celebrations.
This creates a more holistic educational ecosystem.
The CEO of the NCC, Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, emphasized that this change represents a fundamental shift in how education is perceived and delivered.
The new AI curriculum, developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology alongside the Saudi Data and AI Authority, focuses on fostering self-learning to equip students with digital-era skills.
The Cybersecurity elective, created with the National Cybersecurity Authority, trains students in protecting themselves and their devices from cyber threats.
Other subjects such as Tourism studies, Fashion Art and Design, and First Aid have been integrated into the curriculum to reflect the country's strategic goals and modernize educational content.
The expansion of Chinese language instruction, which began last year, will continue with over 70 private schools joining the program that is set to expand in phases until 2029.
English courses for grades five and six now feature interactive stories to enhance language skills alongside critical thinking.
New teaching guides include a structured Qur'anic studies manual compatible with the Madrasati platform, as well as a Nursery Stage guide promoting play-based learning.
Student activities have been revamped to formally incorporate citizenship programs, science competitions including AI challenges, sports, and cultural arts such as heritage design during non-instructional time.
The NCC has plans to continue partnering with the private sector for licensing international content and ensuring timely textbook distribution.
This update will introduce new subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Tourism and Hospitality, Fashion, Art and Design, and First Aid, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
These new subjects were developed through partnerships with key governmental entities, aiming to enhance critical thinking and technical competencies while incorporating innovative teaching methods.
The updated curricula extend beyond traditional classroom settings, integrating educational content into daily school activities including assemblies and national celebrations.
This creates a more holistic educational ecosystem.
The CEO of the NCC, Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, emphasized that this change represents a fundamental shift in how education is perceived and delivered.
The new AI curriculum, developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology alongside the Saudi Data and AI Authority, focuses on fostering self-learning to equip students with digital-era skills.
The Cybersecurity elective, created with the National Cybersecurity Authority, trains students in protecting themselves and their devices from cyber threats.
Other subjects such as Tourism studies, Fashion Art and Design, and First Aid have been integrated into the curriculum to reflect the country's strategic goals and modernize educational content.
The expansion of Chinese language instruction, which began last year, will continue with over 70 private schools joining the program that is set to expand in phases until 2029.
English courses for grades five and six now feature interactive stories to enhance language skills alongside critical thinking.
New teaching guides include a structured Qur'anic studies manual compatible with the Madrasati platform, as well as a Nursery Stage guide promoting play-based learning.
Student activities have been revamped to formally incorporate citizenship programs, science competitions including AI challenges, sports, and cultural arts such as heritage design during non-instructional time.
The NCC has plans to continue partnering with the private sector for licensing international content and ensuring timely textbook distribution.
