Second-round exams offer 3,500 students a final chance to reach university

More than 3,500 secondary school students who failed some subjects in the first round of exams will have a second chance to finish their Grade 12 studies and move on to university. The second round of exams will start on August 23 and run through August 27, coinciding with the start of the new school year for teachers and staff.

Education experts urge students to use this opportunity to recover, rather than seeing it as a further failure. They recommend setting realistic revision plans, prioritizing tough subjects and making the most of the limited time available. Farida al-Obaidli, an educational expert, says students should learn from their mistakes in the first round, avoid repeating them, and focus on time management, key concepts, and sufficient rest.

Family support is also crucial, as parents should avoid blame, comparisons, and pressure, instead creating a calm environment to help students regain confidence. Nasser Jabr al-Marri, an academic, describes the second round as equivalent to a year of study, noting that passing required subjects could help students avoid repeating Grade 12 and start university on time.

He recommends concentrating on revision, minimizing distractions, and studying with peers. Hasan Dibsan al-Qahtani, principal of Al Wakra Secondary School for Boys, advises students to rely on the textbook as the primary source of preparation, stay focused on the approved curriculum, seek clarification from teachers, and establish a disciplined routine with adequate rest.

The experts agree that the second round should be seen as a genuine opportunity to improve academic futures, provided students have a clear plan, disciplined preparation, family support, and self-confidence. Students and parents are advised to check the Ministry of Education and Higher Education's official website for the official examination schedule and details.