Egypt’s Minister of Education and Technical Education, Tarek Shawky, on Sunday asserted that the academic year 2020-2021 will continue normally, but the school attendance will be optional for the rest of the first semester.
In a statement, the ministry said it took all required measures to protect students and teachers amid the second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Students can spend the rest of the semester (three weeks) at home, however, they will be obligated to continue their study and will also take exams in person at schools.
The statement added that the schools will operate regularly to receive those students willing to attend. The Ministry stated that it will not cancel any parts of the curricula.
As for students staying at home, they should follow the ministry’s channels on YouTube, in addition to other digital platforms. A teacher’s guide will be also available on the ministry’s website for parents of students staying at home.
The final exams for the first semester will begin on 10 January until 5 February, for students from fourth to ninth grade, the ministry noted. No exams will be held for students in grades less than fourth, according to the newly applied educational programme.
Exams for students at first and second grade of high school will be held online according to a schedule the ministry will announce later.
Shawky confirmed that the new decisions will be applied in both private and government schools, adding that in case the coronavirus situation went uncontrollably, the ministry will postpone the exams but will not cancel the semester.
