Oman’s new school subject: Preparing young people for the future with Environmental Sciences
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Oman’s new school subject: Preparing young people for the future with Environmental Sciences
Supported by Cambridge, Oman’s Ministry of Education has introduced a new subject for Grade 11 and 12 students: Environmental Sciences. Grade 11 students started studying the new course last September. They will go on to be the first students of the subject at Grade 12 in September 2025.
Introducing Environmental Sciences for Secondary students
In Grades 11 and 12 in Oman, students study at least one of the science subjects. Until last year, they could choose from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Now, students also have a fourth option: Environmental Sciences.
The Ministry of Education in Oman introduced the new subject to equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes related to the environment. Developing young people’s values and principles for a more sustainable future is a key priority under Oman’s Vision 2040.
The new Environmental Sciences programme aims to foster environmental awareness. It supports critical thinking and innovation. This helps prepare students to make informed decisions and contribute to the green economy. The course has a key focus on sustainability and marine ecosystems in Oman.
The Ministry estimates that more than 50,000 students will study Environmental Sciences in each year group in the future.
Collaboration with Cambridge
Cambridge and the Ministry of Education in Oman have a strong history of collaboration. They worked together to transform Maths and Science education for grades 1 to 12 from 2017 to 2024. This partnership has ensured a deep understanding of curriculum and context. It has enabled a shared vision for students to develop green knowledge and skills to progress to higher education and work in the future.
This history provides a firm foundation for the Ministry and Cambridge to collaborate on the new Environmental Sciences subject. Cambridge is supporting the Ministry to:
- create the new curriculum,
- publish textbooks and supporting resources,
- design and implement assessment tools,
- support teachers with training to deliver the new subject.
Curriculum development
The Ministry and Cambridge are designing a new curriculum for the Environmental Sciences subject. The curriculum equips students with scientific knowledge, as well as key skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and independent research.
The curriculum builds on concepts students have studied in lower grades. Its design actively engages learners and helps them apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
To develop the new curriculum, Cambridge and the Ministry are building on Cambridge’s international Environmental Management and Marine Sciences programmes. Schools around the world trust these courses. Experts carefully select elements of the Cambridge programmes and adapt them for the unique Omani context.
Key topics in the new curriculum include:
- management of climate change,
- physiology of marine organisms,
- future-proof fisheries,
- biodiversity and management of ecosystems,
- environmental research and data collection.
Teaching and learning materials: new textbooks and more
Cambridge is working with the Ministry to create Environmental Sciences student books for both Grades 11 and 12. They are also creating practical experiments, activities books and teachers’ manuals.
Specialists are aligning all the resources with the new curriculum. The materials bring together local context and internationally renowned Cambridge content. This includes Oman’s history, culture and landscapes. Examples use Omani flora and fauna – from sea turtles to mangrove trees. The books also reflect the skills learners will need for future studies and work.
Authors are writing the new books in both Standard Arabic and English. Most schools in Oman will study the subject in Arabic. Digital versions of the books are available for students who use screen-reader technology.
Assessment tools
Together, Cambridge and Ministry experts are developing assessment tools as part of the new subject. This includes continuous assessment methods. These help teachers track student progress toward key learning objectives. It also includes final assessments that students sit at the end of each semester.
Several assessment specialists at the Ministry are taking part in expert training with Cambridge focused on setting assessments for this new subject.
Teacher professional development
Teachers play a crucial role in bringing the new subject to life. Cambridge is working with the Ministry to support teachers, including:
- Providing specialist workshops for teacher trainers and supervisors. These cover new curriculum details, subject-specific support and teaching methods, and effective use of new materials in the classroom.
- Following the specialist workshops for teacher trainers, Cambridge is observing and evaluating teacher training to provide further support.
- Hosting online webinars for teachers to cover additional needs after their initial training. The webinars explore common challenges and how to tackle them.
- Cambridge is also observing live lessons and speaking with teachers and school leaders to understand their experiences. This helps Cambridge provide feedback and make recommendations for the future.
Exchanging and building expertise
Throughout their collaboration, Cambridge and the Ministry are embracing opportunities to build on one another’s expertise. This includes workshops, conferences, and visits to schools outside Oman to explore international practice.
Next steps
The first students of the new Environmental Sciences subject have just started their second semester of studies. When they graduate in 2026, this new subject will prepare them for the future. They can continue their education at a university in Oman or abroad. They will also be ready to enter the workforce with a stronger understanding of sustainability in both their careers and daily lives.
Dr Afaf Al Lawati, Director of the Applied Sciences Curricula Development Department, Ministry of Education, Oman, said: “Integrating environmental science into Omani schools will equip students with the knowledge and skills to pursue green careers, preserve Oman's unique natural heritage, and contribute to the nation's sustainable development vision for a thriving future.”
Dr Khalfan Alharrasi, In-Country Manager, Oman, Cambridge: “We expect the Environmental Sciences curriculum to have a great impact on students as they learn things that connect to their everyday lives. It’s not just scientific theory; they can see how environmental issues affect their communities. They are thinking more deeply and asking better questions to understand and solve these issues.”
