Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
Grade at Which Specialist Teachers for Mathematics and Science are Introduced
All teachers of the first year in intermediate education (Grade 7) and beyond have specialization in mathematics and science, as are most fourth grade primary education teachers. Some teachers who are well qualified, have considerable teaching experience, and have participated in a significant amount of professional development courses are allowed to teach mathematics and science provisionally, even if they do not have a minor degree in these subjects. In the future, these teachers will be replaced gradually by academically qualified specialist degree holders.
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
Mathematics laboratories, visual aids, and computer laboratories are found in most of the Kingdom’s schools. There are also supplemental materials, such as geometric figures, teaching aids, and illustrated textbooks with accompanying exercise books. In addition, there are guidebooks, teacher’s manuals, flash cards, posters, and computer software specifically prepared for teachers.
Use of Technology
There are no policies for calculator or computer use at the fourth year of primary education (Grade 4). In the second year of intermediate education (Grade 8), calculators may be used to assist students in understanding specific skills. Computers also are used at this grade, and students are sometimes asked to visit certain websites. Computer use as a formal subject is introduced in Grade 7 in public schools, but is practiced as an extracurricular activity in all grades. In private schools, computer use starts as a formal subject in Grade 1.