RIYADH — Minister of Education Hamad Bin Muhammad Al-Sheikh said that the development journey in the education system, including the development of curricula and educational plans, is a continuous process, and it is the first stage of development. Al-Sheikh made these remarks during a meeting on Thursday with the editors-in-chief of Saudi newspapers and heads of media channels, highlighting the enormous support the education system enjoys from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. “The recent developments in the educational system were the result of careful and specialized studies that the ministry has worked on during the past two years, which showed the urgent and rapid need for this real and deep development,” he said. The minister added that the recent initiatives were announced to meet the needs of the future which will raise the level of efficiency of the educational system in accordance with the best international practices in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. “Education is in the custody of the state, and its decisions are fortified with the partnership of society,” the minister said. “We aim to build a conscious and moderate person who is proud of his country, history and civilization and is ready to compete globally.” He noted that the ministry will continue to achieve the ambitious vision of the Crown Prince in enhancing skills. Al-Sheikh indicated that the ministry is confident in the efforts of its employees to participate in the realization of this development and to achieve it in reality, and to overcome all challenges, whether inside or outside the educational system. The Ministry of Education announced recently major changes in the next academic year. The changes are part of the ministry"s efforts to keep pace with and compete with the best international practices and to achieve the goals of the Kingdom"s Vision 2030, which aims to develop human capabilities. The new academic year will be divided into three semesters instead of two. Each semester will be spread over 13 weeks and there will a one-week vacation between each semester.