The Uganda National Curriculum Development Centre on Sunday 26th March presented to the public the progress of the implementation of the new O-level curriculum and what they have so far done in regards to the A-level curriculum.
In 2020 the NCDC introduced a new learning curriculum that is competence based focusing on what the learner intends to do in the future.
While addressing the media at National curriculum Development Center headquarters at Kyambogo, John Okumu the manager secondary said that the introduction of the new O-level curriculum has enhanced practical learning among students whereby children have ably acquired numerous skills.
“Absenteeism has reduced in classes that are implementing the new curriculum, learners are yearning every other time to go to school, there is less absenteeism in the new lower learning program.” Said Okumu.
The NCDC in conjunction with the ministry of education and sports are working closely together to ensure that the change of the A-level curriculum also comes to pass to make it be in line with the lower curriculum 2020 since most of the students in the lower classes today are following the new learning curricular.
In the new A- level curriculum, learners at senior five and six will have to study two career subjects in addition to contemporary studies full of practicals than theories and also the admission to occupation.
“The practical kind of education is to addressing the youth unemployment in uganda today by equipping them with skills to start up their own businesses after school.” Dr. Grace Baguma the Director NCDC
“After the student is done with the A-level, a DIT certificate will be issued so that this can be used as a basis for this student to reach out to the different job opportunities.” She added.
In the same presser, the National Curriculum Development Centre also Launched the 1st International conference On curriculum development to held on 26th to 27th of April all in the commemorating 50 years of existence and expected to have over 400 participants attending
physically and over 100 participants attending virtually from over 12 countries.
According to Dr. Richard Irumba the department director in charge of research consultancy and library services, this conference will bring together all stakeholders in the education sector to share experiences and practices on curriculum matter.
“The conference will help the country to promote curriculum research and development both nationally and globally” says Dr. Richard Irumba.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was established in 1973 with the mandate of developing and reviewing curricula and instructional materials for pre-primary, primary, secondary and some tertiary institutions.
The Centre also supports key stakeholders in curriculum implementation through training, development of teaching aids, research, quality control and publishing, among several other statutory functions.