Muscat – In a step towards broadening global language competencies, Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced introduction of Chinese as an elective subject for grades nine to 12 starting from the 2025-2026 academic year.

The pilot phase will see introduction of Chinese in four schools across two governorates. In Muscat, Sayyid Sultan bin Ahmed School will offer Chinese to grades 11 and 12, while Juwayriya bint Abi Sufyan School will extend it to grades nine to 12. Hay al Turath School and Al Shatha bint Jaber School in Nizwa, Dakhliyah will introduce the elective subject for grades 11 and 12.

This phase will enable MoE to evaluate the effectiveness of the project before rolling it out more widely.

The new language programme includes a structured curriculum with first-level (A1.1) and second-level (A1.2) textbooks. It will combine printed and digital resources to support diverse learning styles. Cultural activities such as student camps, competitions and interactive events will complement lessons, fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

Eventually, students will prepare for the Chinese proficiency test (HSK), allowing them to earn globally recognised certifications. The programme will be supported by digital platforms and interactive tools to enrich classroom learning.

An official from the Directorate General of Education in Dakhliyah confirmed that the subject will be taught this year at Al Shatha and Hay al Turath schools in Nizwa. He added that introduction of foreign languages, including Chinese, is part of MoE’s curriculum development plans to enhance the quality of education and equip students with wider competencies.

Dakhliyah currently has 168 government schools with a total of 116,625 students, supported by 10,514 teaching staff. To meet the requirements of the new academic year, 375 new teachers have been appointed who will attend a two-day orientation programme on August 27 and 28. Additionally, 368 teachers have been transferred from other governorates.

The directorate has completed maintenance work in 38 schools, implemented major construction upgrades in six, improved learning environments in eight, and refurnished laboratories in nine. Interactive whiteboards have been installed in 18 schools to modernise teaching.

In line with linking education to the job market, a new vocational and technical programme in travel and tourism will also be launched this year at Umm al Fadl School for Girls and Abu Obaida School for Boys, targeting 100 students in grades 11 and 12.

Additionally, the Department of Education Supervision has developed a new training plan titled Direct Experience. In collaboration with the Department of Administrative Affairs, the plan aims to support new and senior principals and teachers in raising educational performance and upgrading skills to align with modern teaching requirements.