User:Loethemoise/sandbox

History
The first forms of education in Saudi Arabia can be traced back to the time when the message of Islam was revealed and spread. Education is important in Islam, because Islam obligates both men and women to learn and gain knowledge. Schools were established, first by wealthy muslims and later by the Ottomans. These schools were called 'Kuttabs' (كُتَّاب) and were often connected to the mosque. Most of the time the imam of the mosque was also the teacher of the school, he teached the children how to read and write and recite Quran. During the 17th century education became more important, but all education was still mostly Islamic education.

In 1926 the country's first Department of Education was established by king Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. Through his reforms the number of schools and kuttabs started growing as well as the number of students that were enrolled. In 1951 this number had risen to 29,887 students and 226 schools. In 1957 the King Saud University was established, this was the first university in the country. In 1964 the first government school for girls was established.

Primary education
Primary education is compulsory for all children in Saudi-Arabia. Primary education lasts 6 years, from the age of 6 untill 12. The curriculum consists of Arabic, Islamic education, mathematics, science and art. In 2021 the ministry of education introduced a new rule that required schools to start teaching English from first grade onwards as well. The goal of this requirement is to improve the education outcomes. In 2018, 9% of the students were enrolled in a private school.