The Secondary Pathways System is the latest development in the secondary education stage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was launched by the Ministry of Education with the aim of updating the school curricula and linking them to the labor market, and qualifying male and female students for the labor market and university studies in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.
What is the Secondary Pathways System?
The Secondary Pathways System is a comprehensive development plan for the secondary stage, which has been implemented instead of the old system (general, memorization, and courses). The system aims to give the student the freedom to choose the appropriate specialization based on their abilities and inclinations from the secondary stage, instead of waiting until university.
The pathways system extends over three years and includes a first common year, followed by two years in the specialized pathway.
Available Pathways in the New System
The Secondary Pathways System includes 5 main pathways:
1. Computer Science and Engineering Pathway: Focuses on programming, artificial intelligence, electronics, and robotics. Suitable for students interested in technology and innovation.
2. Health and Life Pathway: Focuses on biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and healthcare. Prepares the student to study medicine, pharmacy, and nursing at university.
3. Business Administration Pathway: Includes economics, accounting, marketing, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Prepares the student for the labor market in the private sector.
4. Sharia Pathway: Focuses on jurisprudence, principles of religion, Arabic language, and Islamic studies. Qualifies for university studies in Sharia and law.
5. General Pathway: A flexible pathway that includes various subjects, suitable for students who have not yet determined their specialization or wish to have diverse university options.
How to Apply and Register
Students are automatically registered in the Secondary Pathways System when they enter the first secondary grade through the Noor system. At the end of the first common year, the student chooses the appropriate pathway based on a number of criteria:
- Grades in specialized subjects in the first year
- Aptitude and inclination tests
- Available seats in each pathway
- Recommendation of the student advisor
Benefits of the New System for the Student
The pathways system offers many benefits to students:
- Developing personal and specialized skills from the secondary stage
- Reducing the number of subjects unrelated to the student’s specialization
- Early familiarity with the labor market and its requirements
- Increasing opportunities for admission to competitive university specializations
- Preparing the student for the labor market directly after secondary school through the vocational pathway
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the pathway be changed after it is chosen?
A: Yes, the pathway can be changed at the beginning of the first semester of the second year according to the conditions and regulations set by the school and after the approval of the student advisor.
Q: Does the pathway affect university admission opportunities?
A: Yes, each pathway qualifies the student for specific university specializations. For example, the Health and Life pathway qualifies for medical colleges, while the Computer Science pathway qualifies for engineering and computer colleges.
Q: What is the first common year?
A: It is a school year in which all secondary students study the same basic subjects, helping them discover their inclinations before choosing the specialized pathway.
Q: Is the system applied in all Saudi schools?
A: Yes, the system has been gradually applied in all public and private secondary schools in the Kingdom.
Q: What if the student fails some subjects in the first common year?
A: The student can study the subjects they failed during the second year alongside the subjects of the chosen pathway.
The Secondary Pathways System is a major step towards developing education in the Kingdom. It gives students the opportunity to choose their academic path early and helps them build a successful professional future that aligns with the needs of the labor market and Saudi Vision 2030.
