The Ministry of Education and Sports has dismissed rumors regarding imminent changes to the A-Level curriculum, clarifying that the new curriculum is still under development and will require four years to complete and implement.
Since overhauling the lower secondary curriculum in 2020, the country has been eagerly awaiting similar reforms for A-Level.
The current curriculum is now competency-based; focusing on what the learner can do rather than merely acquiring knowledge.
However, the A-Level review process has faced financial and logistical challenges. Students transitioning from the revised lower secondary curriculum to Senior Five will continue under the old A-Level curriculum with minor adjustments.
Filbert Baguma General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), expressed concern over the lack of communication from the government.
“Teachers only hear about the abridged curriculum in the media. We haven’t been formally informed about what will be taught. The government must handle this carefully to ensure learners are not disadvantaged,” Baguma said.
Similarly, the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union noted that they had not been briefed about the curriculum changes, despite their crucial role in its implementation.
Ministry of Education spokesperson Dennis Mugimba reassured stakeholders, explaining that the revisions aim to reduce redundancy and outdated content in the curriculum.
“We have streamlined the content, making it more concise’’ Mugimba stated
He adds that the complete overhaul will take four years to finish and implement, allowing sufficient time for preparation.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to teacher training, revealing that seven billion shillings have been allocated to ensure the effective rollout of the abridged curriculum.
“Teachers will receive training on the competency-based approach, similar to what is currently used in O-Level. Students transitioning from Senior Four will continue their studies without disruption,” Mugimba added.
Addressing concerns from parents and learners, Mugimba dismissed the circulating rumors as baseless.
He assured the public that the revised curriculum would only be introduced after two sets of A-Level candidates finish the cycle under the current system.
The ministry called for patience and understanding, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and addressing stakeholders’ concerns.
