The A-Level Curriculum Development in Uganda will take three more years to finalize, according to the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). This announcement follows the successful rollout of the competency-based curriculum (CBC) for O-Level in 2020. Although learners from that system have advanced to A-Level, the government has not yet completed a tailored curriculum for Senior Five and Six.
Ms Grace Baguma, Director of NCDC Uganda, revealed that the current A-Level relies on aligned subjects with adjusted teaching methods. Consequently, this temporary approach helps bridge the gap between the new lower secondary system and the old A-Level framework.
“We maintained the subjects but restructured them to be more practical. Moreover, the teaching approach now fits the expectations of learners coming from lower secondary. It will take us about three years to complete the full review,” Ms Baguma stated during the 2nd International Conference on Curriculum Development at the NCDC headquarters in Kampala.
However, this delay has raised concerns among stakeholders. Many wonder how the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) plans to assess learners during this transition. In response, Ms Baguma clarified that UNEB will implement temporary scenario-based assessments, which already exist at the O-Level. As a result, these assessments will focus on critical thinking, practical application, and problem-solving instead of memorization.
“Our goal is higher-order thinking. We want learners to become critical thinkers. Therefore, the questions will demand practical solutions and intellectual effort,” she said.
Furthermore, Ms Baguma stressed that curriculum design is only one part of the process. In fact, implementation presents the biggest challenge. “The writing and design may be strong, but we need to build capacity. The system must empower teachers and schools to manage the curriculum effectively,” she explained.
Additionally, the ongoing review will likely lead to merging, modifying, or removing some subjects. This step aims to ensure that the curriculum aligns with global trends and builds on the skills learners gained at lower secondary.
NCDC’s Deputy Director, Mr Richard Irumba, urged all education stakeholders to embrace innovation. According to him, education must evolve to meet demands driven by technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, and changing societal needs.
Fortunately, the government has already allocated funding in the upcoming financial year to support this curriculum reform. Specifically, the funds will go toward curriculum development and extensive training programs that prepare teachers and schools for effective delivery.
Ms Baguma also confirmed that the new assessment models should be ready by December. NCDC and UNEB are working together to develop tests that match the updated learning methods. Consequently, these assessments will promote practical problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking, moving away from outdated memorization techniques.
Mr Irumba further emphasized the urgency of transforming education. “We are in an era where education must evolve rapidly. It must meet the demands of the 21st century, including advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the expectations of learners and society,” he stated.
Ultimately, the transformation of the A-Level Curriculum Development in Uganda will modernize the nation’s education system. While this process requires time, effort, and collaboration, it promises to deliver a more relevant, dynamic, and effective learning experience for future generations.
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