Govt Prepares for Upper Secondary Curriculum Overhaul
The new secondary curriculum aims to prioritize competency-based learning, focusing on practical skills, critical thinking, and applied knowledge.
The government has unveiled plans to reform the upper secondary school curriculum to modernize the education system and better prepare students for today’s workforce.
Announced by ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi, the changes follow the recent rollout of a new primary curriculum, where the first assessments under the updated framework will be conducted this year.
The new secondary curriculum aims to prioritize competency-based learning, focusing on practical skills, critical thinking, and applied knowledge.
The Ministry of Education and Sports notes that this updated curriculum will emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, as well as life skills and vocational training.
However, the rollout of the primary curriculum faced significant hurdles that the government must address for the secondary-level changes to succeed.
Key challenges included limited teacher training, resource constraints, and a lack of preparatory materials, which made it difficult for schools, especially those in rural areas, to adapt to new teaching methods.
A major concern is the preparedness of teachers to adopt the new curriculum. Inadequate training has left many primary school teachers feeling unprepared, with education stakeholders calling for robust teacher training to ensure effective implementation at the secondary level.
Additionally, rural schools have reported difficulties accessing essential learning materials and technology, placing them at a disadvantage.
To prevent a repeat of these issues, experts urge the Ministry of Education to prioritize consistent resource distribution and collaboration with school districts to meet regional needs before the new curriculum takes effect.
Minister Baryomunsi acknowledged the lessons learned from the primary curriculum’s rollout, committing to a more inclusive and well-supported approach for secondary schools.
By engaging teachers, parents, and local authorities, the government hopes to foster a supportive environment for the changes.
Education experts also stress the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities to ensure equitable implementation across all regions, as schools in wealthier areas may have greater readiness for these updates.
As Uganda undertakes this significant curriculum reform, the government’s success will depend on its ability to address the challenges encountered in previous curriculum changes.
By prioritizing teacher training, resource allocation, and community engagement, Uganda aims to create an education system that equips its youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
