Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
In comparison with international standards, the academic year in Kuwait is relatively short and there are fewer instructional hours. The academic year comprises 33 weeks at the primary level and 32 weeks at the intermediate and secondary levels. While there has been a recent increase in the number of instructional hours per year at the primary level, it is still much lower than in other countries. At the intermediate and secondary levels, students are expected to receive 800 hours of instruction annually.
Prior to the 2015–2016 academic year, in Grades 1 to 9 mathematics instruction was allocated five periods per week, with periods lasting 40 minutes. Since 2015–2016, mathematics instruction has been allocated five periods per week, with periods lasting 45 minutes, at the primary to secondary levels. In Grades 10 to 12 (sciences branch), mathematics instruction is allocated six periods per week, with periods lasting 45 minutes. In Grades 11 and 12 (arts branch), mathematics instruction is allocated two periods per week, with periods lasting 45 minutes.
Prior to 2015–2016, at the primary and intermediate levels, science instruction was not differentiated by subject. In Grades 1 to 5, science is taught in three periods per week, with periods lasting 40 minutes. Science instruction increases to four periods per week, with periods lasting 45 minutes, in Grades 6 to 9. At the secondary level (Grades 10 to 12), class periods last 45 minutes, and science instruction is differentiated as follows:
- Grades 10
- Physics is taught in three periods per week
- Chemistry is taught in three periods per week
- Biology is taught in two periods per week
- Grade 11
- Physics is taught in three periods per week
- Chemistry is taught in three periods per week
- Biology is taught in three periods per week
- Geology is taught in two periods per week
- Grade 12
- Physics is taught in three periods per week
- Chemistry is taught in three periods per week
- Biology is taught in three periods per week
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
The Ministry of Education provides free textbooks to all public school students. Instructional materials and equipment used for mathematics and science include textbooks, teacher guides, teaching aids, computers, and calculators. Schools also have science laboratories.
Use of Technology
A variety of technological resources are used in instruction and for distance learning, including computers and calculators. Technical supervisors and school teachers are allowed to use whatever programs are available for teaching mathematics and science lessons. Computer teachers have introduced integrated lessons aimed at training students to use computers, and students are assigned activities that require computer use.