Primary and Secondary Schools in Jordan

The structure of basic education in Jordan comprises of two cycles- primary education and secondary education. In Jordan, basic education is the compulsory level of education that spans ten years. Secondary education lasts for two years, after which the students appear for the General Certificate of Secondary Education Exam. Primary and secondary education is free in Jordan for all, up to the age of fifteen. Additionally, The Ministry of Education also distributes school books.

The age for starting primary school for children in Jordan is six years. Jordan EFA report states that the enrollment in primary education has increased from 87 percent to 92 percent. In urban areas, the enrollment is 100 percent. Jordan has been measuring the learning achievement of students and compares their progress with international standards.

First Cycle- Primary Education in Jordan

Although the first stage of education in Jordan is two years of kindergarten, only the primary education is compulsory. Primary education consists of ten years of schooling, which starts at the age of five years and eight months.

 There are both public and private primary schools in Jordan. The primary school curriculum gives importance to basic literacy skills. Students are taught reading and writing in Arabic, arithmetic, history, civics and religion. For Muslim students, Islam is taught, and for non-Muslim students, their appropriate religion is taught. History of the Arabs and the Arab nation’s concepts are emphasized in primary level of education. Geography, science, and music are also taught at primary schools in Jordan. In addition, male students have drawing classes, while female students have embroidery classes. English has also been added to the official primary school curriculum. Some private schools in Jordan also offer French.

The progress of students is evaluated by the teachers. There are three examinations in each semester. The Primary schools award passing certificates to the students at the end of each academic year.

Second cycle- Secondary Education in Jordan

Secondary education in Jordan is divided into two categories- secondary education ending with the General Secondary Education Examination, and the Tawjihi and specialized vocational courses that prepare students to become skilled labors. Secondary education in Jordan is free, but not compulsory. The age of students entering into secondary education is 16.

Secondary schools in Jordan teach nine subjects to students, which include Arabic, Math, English, Social Studies, Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Studies. Except Christian students, all the other students should learn Islamic studies. Secondary education offers students specialized cultural and scientific skills and helps them meet the existing and future needs of the society. It enhances the knowledge that students had gained in primary education, and also prepares them for higher education. Secondary education lasts two years and students are required to take the Tawjihi exam in their appropriate branch at the end of the second year. The Tawjihi certificate is awarded to students who pass the exam.

Secondary education academic stream enables students to enroll into higher education programs offered by colleges and universities. The students, who pass the vocation exam, qualify for entrance to community colleges or universities for higher education or can get into the job market.