DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) has released a new education curriculum for primary education detailing sweeping changes that includes reducing the classroom years from seven to six.
The new document which is part of the ongoing transformation in the country’s education system also accommodates a window for pupils to learn new skills in their third to sixth grade.
Initially the existing curriculum had been championing on Reading, Arithmetic and Writing, but the new changes aim to ensure pupils acquire advanced knowledge after entering their third grade.
The new curriculum also introduces French, Chinese, Arabic in addition to Kiswahili and English as learning languages. The pupil joining primary education must be six years old and complete aged 11 years.
“The curriculum aims to ensure an educated Tanzanian with knowledge, skills and positive attitudes, who values equality, justice and education without limit in bringing sustainable national and international development,” read part of the new document.
It was unclear when the new document would come into effect but the HabariLEO newspaper reported on Thursday that the new developments were a result of the Education Policy of 2014.
In detail, the curriculum indicated learning efforts for a first and second grade pupil will aim at improving their Language skills, basic mathematics, culture, arts, sports, health and environment.
Primary three through six (grade 3 to 6) will advance the child’s language and communication skills, mathematics, social science, science and technology, arts and sports.
The social science course will include learning Tanzania’s history, ethics, Geography, and Environment. On Language, the pupils will also learn other international languages and sign language.
According to the Education Commissioner in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Dr. Lyabwene Mtahabwa the new curriculum has accommodated majority of public opinion. It also considered the new developments and trends in other countries.
