A look at A Level Curriculum with Padington Chakabva

In the previous article I explored the Learning Areas from ECD right up to form four. Today we explore some of the critical Learning Areas for forms 5 and 6.
 
It is important that we keep in mind that the new curriculum states that as a requirement for completing form four, learners must engage in a Life Skills Orientation Programme that will encompass general and specific life skills training. This will be done through placement of learners in various work related programs in the Private Sector, the service sectors such as health and education and the uniformed forces. The period for the program will be five months.

Several questions arise concerning this LOP, it is important that stakeholders begin to familiarize with the five months life skills orientation program learners will be required to take to show that they have completed form four. Life after school can put some of the school leavers in confusion. Learners need to understand the skills that are needed in the society that they will be joining. It is important that as they are being prepared to leave school and join the society, learners already had a taste of the survival skills needed in the various sectors of the society, they have been oriented into the skills required for their possible areas of interest. The education system must be relevant to the society. Acquisition of skills, especially specific skills training in various sectors will surely be of greater importance to the learner.
 
Now for Forms 5 and 6. The new curriculum has various pathways. There is Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) which has disciplines such as Additional Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, ICT, Agricultural Engineering, Art, Physical Education, Sport. There is also Visual and Performing Arts which has disciplines such as Film, Theatre Arts, Music, Art, PE, ICT, Agric and so on. The Humanities and Languages include some of the following disciplines, English and indigenous literatures, Foreign language, Heritage Studies, ICT, Agric, PE, Sport, Family and Religious Studies and so on. Commercials will include Economics, Principles of Accounts, Business Studies, ICT, Agric, Art and so on while Design and Technology will include Wood, Metal, Food, Building, TG, Textile, Agric, Art, PE and so on.
You have noticed how diverse the pathways are and that the learner has a wide range of choices according to ability and interest. As it stands, there are learning areas cutting across the divide in the various pathways. The idea is to put a thrust on those areas that really critical to the main aims of the curriculum and the demand and needs of the society.

In the next article I will be exploring the implications of these Learning Areas to the Teachers and I will introduce the theme on Assessment as regards the new curriculum.
( Padington Chakabva is a seasoned Educationists, a High School Teacher and he was trained as a trainer in the New curriculum. Feedback can be given on 0785199703,)