More than 3,500 secondary school students who were unsuccessful in some subjects during the first-round examinations will have a fresh opportunity to complete their Grade 12 studies and progress to university, with second-round examinations beginning on August 23.
The second-round exams for students from Grade 1 through Grade 12 will run from August 23-27, coinciding with the start of the new academic year for school staff and teachers.
Education experts and educators have told reporters that the second round is a valuable opportunity to recover from setbacks rather than an extension of failure, urging students to use the remaining days for focused revision, address areas of weakness and approach the exams with confidence rather than anxiety.
According to the experts, 3,501 secondary-school students will sit the second- round examinations.
With only days remaining, they stressed the importance of setting realistic revision plans, prioritising difficult subjects and making effective use of available time.
Educational expert and writer Farida al-Obaidli said the second round represented an important opportunity for Grade 12 students to make up for shortcomings in the first round.
She advised students to prepare a realistic revision timetable, divide subjects into manageable sections and identify areas requiring additional attention.
"The student needs to learn from the mistakes made in the first round and avoid repeating them," al-Obaidli said, stressing that long hours of intensive study do not necessarily guarantee success.
Instead, she urged students to focus on time management, priorities and the key concepts in each subject, while ensuring sufficient sleep and rest.
Al-Obaidli also highlighted the importance of family support, particularly as students may approach the second round carrying anxiety over their earlier results.
Parents, she said, should avoid blame, comparisons and excessive pressure, and instead provide a calm environment that helps students regain confidence.
Academic Nasser Jabr al-Marri described the second round as a "chance equivalent to a year", noting that passing the required subjects could enable students to avoid repeating Grade 12 and proceed to university on schedule.
He encouraged students to devote their remaining time to revision, minimise distractions and concentrate on subjects requiring greater preparation.
Al-Marri also recommended studying with peers, saying that collaborative revision could strengthen motivation, facilitate the exchange of information and help clarify difficult topics.
Hasan Dibsan al-Qahtani, principal of Al Wakra Secondary School for Boys, stressed that the textbook should remain the primary source of preparation, as examinations are based on the prescribed curriculum.
He urged students not to divide their attention among too many resources, but to concentrate on the approved material, revisit difficult lessons and seek clarification from teachers.
With the examination date approaching, al-Qahtani also called for discipline, effective time management and a balanced daily routine, including adequate sleep and rest.
The experts agreed that the second round should be viewed not as a reminder of past disappointment, but as a genuine opportunity to correct course.
With a clear plan, disciplined preparation, family support and self-confidence, the remaining days could make a decisive difference to students' academic futures.
Students and parents are advised to check the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE)'s official website for the approved examination schedules and details.