Curricula revisions from 2007

A qualitative improvement of the existing curricula in the primary and secondary school system is being planned by the Ministry of Education, National Education Commission, and the National Institute of Education (NIE).

This is in keeping with the requirement of a review and revision at the end of the eight-year curriculum cycle which began in 1999 with the education reform program. The curricula revisions will be implemented from January 2007, the Education Ministry said in a release.

The main focus of the change will be enhancing the competency based, and activity/problem based approach to learning with emphasis on project work, assignments, highlighting team work, leadership and other skills required in a competitive and rapidly advancing world.

Rote-learning and the out-dated teacher centred approach will be discouraged from Grade One. Content overload will be minimised significantly, making the new curriculum interesting and exciting for young children, promoting curiosity, imagination and creativity in learning. Multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and pluralistic values will be emphasised through relevant subjects in all grades.

The Ministry and the NIE have invited university academics with recent research and international exposure, and teachers from State and non-State sectors to participate in the new syllabus preparation.

Once the curricula changes are finalised, and syllabus revision completed, publishing the required books and teacher guides will begin. All new syllabuses, books and TGs will be modernised and brought on par with those like India, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK.

Preparation of examination papers will go through the same process so that a significant qualitative improvement is observed in the new examinations. Teacher training for this initiative will begin in early 2006.