In a significant development, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Education Government of Pakistan has issued a notification approving the National Curriculum of Pakistan. This marks the end of a seventeen-year period since the previous curriculum was notified in 2006. The long-awaited curriculum development for grades 9 to 12 has been carried out in an inclusive manner, involving relevant stakeholders from across the country.
Extensive Stakeholder Engagement:
The process of developing the new curriculum involved extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure that it represents the diverse perspectives and needs of the education community. Policymakers, academics, practitioners, parents, and students from various regions of Pakistan were actively consulted during an intensive consultation exercise. Policy dialogues and curriculum workshops were conducted nationwide, allowing stakeholders to provide valuable feedback and insights.
Thorough Review Process:
Following the regional curriculum workshops held in each province, a final curriculum workshop was convened at the NCC Secretariat in Islamabad. This workshop brought together nominated experts from all provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan to review and finalize the curriculum for nine core subjects. The subjects covered in the curriculum include Urdu, English, Islamiat, Pakistan Studies, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science.
Implementation Plan and Stakeholder Meetings:
To ensure effective implementation of the newly approved curriculum, several meetings of stakeholders were convened. These meetings provided a platform for detailed deliberations and discussions on the practical aspects of curriculum implementation. After careful consideration and input from all stakeholders, the curriculum has been notified for the Islamabad Capital Territory and institutions under the Federal Ministries.
Phase-wise Introduction:
The introduction of the new curriculum will be carried out in a phased manner. The syllabus for classes 9 and 11 will be implemented in 2024, while the syllabus for classes 10 and 12 will be introduced in 2025. This phased approach will allow educational institutions and teachers to adequately prepare for the curriculum changes, ensuring a smooth transition for students.
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Provincial Review and Notification:
In addition to the notification issued by the Ministry of Federal Education, an implementation plan has also been released. It outlines the process for provinces to review and notify the curriculum in accordance with their respective Acts and laws. This decentralized approach acknowledges the regional diversity within Pakistan and empowers provinces to tailor the curriculum to their specific educational requirements.
The approval of the National Curriculum of Pakistan after seventeen years marks a significant milestone in the education sector. This comprehensive and inclusive approach to curriculum development will contribute to a more relevant and effective education system, better equipped to meet the needs of students in the 21st century. With the implementation plan in place, provinces are now set to embark on the task of reviewing and notifying the curriculum, ensuring a consistent and unified approach to education across the country.
