New curriculum of education in Zambia: Facts in details

Is the new curriculum of education in Zambia better than the old? For the past few years Zambia education system remained unchanged till December 2023. The aim of new education curriculum is to enhance quality and make the system more effective to meet the new changing world.

The implementation of this new curriculum is planned to occur gradually over a four-year period, aligning with international standards for curriculum changes.

Changes in new education curriculum

To improve the education in Zambia the ministry made the following changes:

1. Structural Adjustments

Early Childhood Education (ECE): Reduced from four to three years.
Primary Education: Shortened from seven to six years, with the entry age lowered from seven to six years.
Secondary Education: Extended from five to six years to incorporate two years of Advanced Level (A-Level) education. The traditional "Grades" system at the secondary level has been replaced with "Forms." Students will now write their school certificate examinations at the end of Form Four.

2. Assessment and Progression

Automatic progression from primary to secondary school has been abolished. Students will now sit for examinations at the end of Grade 6 to determine their eligibility for secondary education.

3. Language of Instruction

English has been designated as the language of instruction across all education levels, replacing the previously recognized seven local languages. However, code-switching is encouraged in foundational learning to support comprehension.

4. Subject Reorganization

Integrated subjects have been divided into their constituent disciplines. For example:
Social Studies: Split into Geography, History, and Civics Education.
Integrated Science: Separated into Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.

5. Advanced Level (A-Level) Education

A-Levels have been introduced in various pathways, including Social Sciences, Business, Finance, and Performing and Creative Arts, expanding beyond the traditional Natural Sciences.

6. Tertiary Education

The duration of degree courses has been reduced from four to three years, aiming to streamline higher education.

Advantages of new education curriculum

The new education curriculum in Zambia introduces several advantages aimed at improving the quality, inclusivity, and relevance of education. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improved Progression and Specialization

The introduction of Advanced Level (A-Level) education allows students to specialize in specific academic or vocational pathways, making them better prepared for tertiary education or the job market.
The curriculum introduces different pathways (Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Arts, and Natural Sciences) at A-Level, giving students more career-oriented choices.

2. Stronger Foundational Learning

Shortening primary education from 7 to 6 years helps children transition to higher levels of learning earlier.
Lowering the primary school entry age from 7 to 6 years ensures that students start their education journey earlier.
The emphasis on separate subjects (e.g., splitting Social Studies into Geography, History, and Civics) enhances subject mastery.

3. Higher Academic Standards and Competitiveness

The removal of automatic progression from primary to secondary school encourages students to work harder, ensuring only those ready for secondary education advance.
Students will now write their school certificate examinations at Form 4, making the secondary education system more internationally competitive.

4. Alignment with Global Education Trends

The introduction of A-Level education aligns Zambia’s secondary school system with global standards, making it easier for students to transition to international universities.
Degree courses at universities are shortened from 4 to 3 years, similar to global higher education systems, allowing students to enter the workforce earlier.

5. Strengthening of Science, Technology, and Vocational Education (STEM & TVET)

The new curriculum provides more opportunities for technical and vocational education, helping students who may not follow traditional academic paths.
The separation of Integrated Science into Biology, Physics, and Chemistry ensures better subject understanding, particularly for those pursuing STEM careers.

6. Improved Language Policy for Better Learning

English is now the official language of instruction at all levels, ensuring consistency in learning. However, code-switching (use of local languages) is still allowed for foundational learners to improve comprehension.

7. More Time for Skill Development.

The introduction of A-Level education within secondary schools gives students an extra year to develop practical skills before entering university or employment.
Students in the vocational and business education streams will gain industry-relevant skills that improve employability.

8. Phased Implementation for Smooth Transition

The curriculum will be implemented gradually over four years, ensuring that teachers and students have enough time to adjust to the new system.
Learning materials and teacher training will be updated progressively to support a successful transition.

Summary of new curriculum system:

Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6 (Final Primary Exams)

The "Grade" system at Secondary level will now be referred to as "Form".

Old New
Grade 7 = Form 1
Grade 8 = Form 2
Grade 9 = Form 3
Grade 10= Form 4 (Final Secondary Exams - "O" Levels)
Grade 11 = Form 5
Grade 12 = Form 6 ("A" Levels)

Then, tertiary education has reduced in years as follows:
1. University Degree = 3 years
2. Diploma =2 years
3. Certificates will be phased out
Therefore, the 2025 Curriculum Framework will be as follows:
1. Primary school education will end at Grade 6.
2. Learners will not automatically progress to secondary school after sitting examinations at Grade 6.
3. Junior and Senior Secondary School merged into Forms (1 to 4).
4. Introduction of Advanced Secondary level or "A" levels (Form 5 and 6).
5. R.E 2044 and 2046 merged.
6. Social Studies has been split into it's constituent subjects of Geography, History and Civics.
7. Science 5124 has been abolished. It's now Physics or Chemistry or both.
8. Integrated Science has been split into it's constituent subjects of Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
9. Schools to offer specialized "O" level and "A" level pathways depending on the guidelines to be provided.

Summary

These reforms are designed to align Zambia's education system with global standards, better preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors. To allow time for material distribution and teachers orientation the new curriculum will take 4 years to be fully rolled out.