Education reforms reach another milestone |27 July 2013

Minister Mondon addressing the gathering at the launch ceremony

The National Curriculum Framework 2013 replaces that launched in 2001. 

Minister Mondon said the new document establishes the principles and values that guide curriculum planning and implementation and outlines the essential competencies and life skills necessary for the development of successful lifelong learners. 

“The National Curriculum Framework also provides a richer, more flexible, inclusive and coherent structure for curriculum development to enhance learning in all our state schools,” she said.
To show the progress of curriculum and assessment development over the years two presentations were made by Elva Gedeon and Egbert Benstrong. 

Mrs Gedeon presented the history of curriculum development since before Independence during the 1970’s till the post Independence when the first National Curriculum framework was published in 2001.
Mr Benstrong said that the assessment framework will contribute immensely in determining pupil’s achievement.

The launch of the new document took place yesterday at the School of Education in the presence of Vice-President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, other ministers, Ambassador Bernard Shamlaye, principal secretaries and other government officials. 

Minister Mondon presents a copy of the new framework to Vice-President Faure

Also present were students, head teachers and teachers from various schools.
“Even if assessment is an integral component of curriculum implementation, we have developed a National Assessment Framework that provides a systematic model and more effective strategies for measurement of learning outcomes,” said Minister Mondon.

“The National Assessment Framework also provides a structure for better management of information on learners’ performance to improve teaching and learning in our schools.  Together, these two frameworks support a new vision for learning that focus on students’ need for 21st Century skills,” she added.

The minister further said that “the Division for Curriculum Assessment and Teacher Support (CCATS), in collaboration with teachers and other subject specialists, will undertake a review of different subject curricula and resources in line with the policy guidelines of the two frameworks. 

“We will ensure that schools are provided with the necessary professional support to implement the new curriculum framework.”
She also extended her appreciation to the vice-president for facilitating this collaboration as well as to all those who contributed in the growth of the two frameworks, as well as for the research work done and those who participated in the consultation sessions. 

The two frameworks will be placed on the Ministry of Education’s website to make them available to all.  The different partners and schools were also presented with an example of the two frameworks.

A small sketch was also performed by three students of the Mont Fleuri secondary school, to show their understanding of what the two frameworks encompass.