Jeddah Education Department launches the "Coming" and "Ready 3" competitions to raise academic achievement

The General Directorate of Education in Jeddah, represented by the Education Performance Department – ​​Educational Supervision Section, launched the third edition of the “Coming Soon” and “Prepared” competitions, coinciding with the second semester of the current academic year. This initiative is part of a package of strategic development programs aimed at improving educational outcomes and raising the level of learning results, directly aligning with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

A strategic context for enhancing global competitiveness

These initiatives are particularly important given the significant transformations underway in the Saudi Arabian education sector, as the Ministry seeks to bridge the gap between school-based test results and national and international assessments. These competitions represent a practical response to the demands of the current era, which requires preparing a generation capable of competing in international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS, in addition to national assessments like Nafs. This strategy aims to cultivate a culture of excellence and transform the school environment into one that fosters higher-order thinking and analytical skills, rather than rote memorization.

"Coming Soon"... A solid foundation for the initial stages

The Jeddah Education Department explained that the "Qadimon 3" competition is aimed at elementary and middle school students, the most crucial foundational stages in a student's educational journey. The competition focuses intensively on core subjects: mathematics, natural sciences, and Arabic language. This initiative aims to build a solid knowledge base and develop reading and mathematical skills, thus preparing students early for national and international assessments and improving teachers' professional practices through continuous feedback on their students' performance.

"Ready"... The gateway to university life

In contrast, the "Ready 3" competition targets male and female high school seniors in both the science and humanities tracks in public and private schools. The competition's importance lies in its timely execution, as it focuses on systematic preparation for the General Aptitude Test and the Achievement Test, which are the primary criteria for admission to Saudi universities. The initiative aims to enhance students' readiness and reduce the stress associated with these tests, thereby increasing their chances of securing places in specialized fields required by the job market and, consequently, mitigating the phenomenon of academic difficulties in their first year of university.

Expected impact locally and nationally

These competitions are expected to generate significant educational momentum in Jeddah, with the long-term impact extending to improving the Kingdom's ranking in global education indicators. Locally, they will foster a spirit of healthy competition among schools and education offices, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the education system. Nationally, preparing students equipped with 21st-century skills will bolster the knowledge economy and fulfill the leadership's aspirations to cultivate globally competitive citizens.