Saudis excited at English in govt-run primary schools
(Arab News) – The Saudi Ministry of Education’s project to introduce English language teaching in government-run primary schools is receiving enthusiastic response from teachers, students and parents in the Eastern Province.
“There is an increased awareness among Saudis about the importance of learning English from an early age,” said Najah Al-Rayes, central supervisor at the Education Ministry in the Eastern Province.
“They are particularly happy because in the past they had to approach private schools to get their children conversant with the nuances of the English language.”
Speaking to Arab News on Monday, Al-Rayes said the project is being implemented in stages.
“Two years ago we introduced it for Grade 4 girls in only six schools in the region and now we have the project running in 119 government primary girls schools,” she said.
“In the coming years, it will be introduced to all Grade 4 girls in 251 primary schools in the Eastern Province.”
She said some of the best English courses are being taught to children. “Our curriculum is from Oxford, Pearson and Macmillan, and it is really very interesting,” she said.
“The curriculum includes the teaching of the English alphabet and numbers, in addition to initial applications and practice books.”
Al-Rayes admitted that there were challenges as well.
“Sometimes in far-off places, we do not have women teachers so that hampers the effort. We then have to hire temporary staff to fill the gap. On other occasions, some of the staff go on long vacations and maternity leave, that also creates challenges … But we are managing and all efforts are being made to make it a successful project,” she said.
The government has made teaching English in primary schools a priority. Saudi academics have long underlined the need to teach English at primary level.
“Being the most popular language in the world and also a gateway to modern knowledge and progress, English should be considered an effective tool to help our younger generation succeed in the contemporary world,” wrote columnist Ali Al-Khabti.
