Muscat: The Ministry of Education has issued a clarification following discussions over the regulatory framework for morning orientation in schools, confirming that school assemblies, the national anthem and other educational practices will continue.

The Ministry said these activities remain “national and ethical constants” linked to the beginning of the school day, adding that the new framework is intended to organise their implementation in ways that are flexible, safe and effective.

According to the Ministry, the framework aims to make better use of the period before the first class by preparing students for learning, strengthening national identity and values, encouraging positive discipline and increasing student participation.

It also seeks to take into account health and safety requirements while ensuring that learning time is preserved.

The framework provides for three implementation models: classroom morning orientation, integrated morning orientation and guided school assembly.

The Ministry stressed that key national and educational components will remain in place, including the national anthem, flag salute, chants, recitation of the Holy Quran, educational and national messages and segments, as well as student participation.

The new system will be piloted for one semester across a representative sample of schools.

Its implementation will then be monitored and evaluated using specific indicators, while feedback from schools and the wider educational field will be used to further develop and improve the framework.

The Ministry said the initiative is designed to create a more flexible and effective start to the school day while maintaining discipline, strengthening identity and values, protecting learning time and supporting students’ safety and quality of education.