Overview of Education System
Oman’s education system historically has been highly centralized, giving the Ministry of Education the authority to make the majority of decisions regarding the country’s schools. However, the Ministry is currently implementing some decentralization at its 11 regional offices, with most administrative functions being performed in the regions. In 1998, the Ministry of Education began a reform project to replace the general education system, which was characterized by teacher centered, passive learning and high stakes examinations. The new basic education system emphasizes a student centered, active learning pedagogy and continual formative assessment.2,3 Activity‑based learning is central to the basic education system, and resources for hands on activities are incorporated into the Arabic curriculum. The popularity of the basic education pedagogy has resulted in the adoption of basic education resources and teaching techniques by general education schools. Assessments have moved away from using test items that assess rote learning and memorization in favor of those that assess higher order thinking skills. The implementation of continual assessment aligning with what is taught in the classroom will provide a more accurate picture of students’ needs and achievement. Although Omani schools use both the general and basic education systems, the conversion to basic education is 91.8 percent complete.4
A new post-basic education system introduced during the 2007–2008 school year (the year that the first basic education student cohort completed the 10th grade). The curriculum is organized on a “core plus electives” model, and students are given an element of choice even in the core subject areas. A diverse range of courses relevant to the varying abilities, interests, and aspirations of students has been developed. This provides students with opportunities for specialization (e.g., in science, information technology, and social studies), and to select general interest courses. The curricular model emphasizes the learning of key skills, or fundamental competencies that will enable students to operate effectively in a wide range of contexts. To assist students with their subject choices, the Ministry has established a Center for Career Guidance and career counselors are present in all schools that teach Grade 10 and above. Exhibit 1 shows an overview of Oman’s basic and post-basic education systems.
Exhibit 1: Structure of Basic and Post-Basic Education in Oman5
| Level | Grades | Structure |
| Basic: Cycle One | 1 to 4 |
|
| Basic: Cycle Two | 5 to 10 |
|
| Post-Basic (Secondary) | 11 to 12 |
|
Even though the number of private schools in Oman has been growing, the private sector continues to play a relatively small role compared to that of neighboring Gulf countries.6 As a result, the government still assumes most of the cost of providing education.