New curriculum reforms approved for Grades 1, 2 and 6

The Cabinet has approved the implementation of the revised National Curriculum Framework, allowing education reforms introduced for Grade 1 this year to continue and paving the way for reforms to be implemented for Grades 2 and 6.

The approval was granted following a proposal presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

Under the revised plan, education reforms for Grade 6, which were postponed from 2026, are scheduled to be implemented in 2027, while the reforms introduced for Grade 1 this year will continue.

Preparations have also been made for the reforms, with activity books and teachers’ guides for Grades 1 and 2 covering all three school terms in 2027 prepared for printing.

Modules covering all three terms for Grade 6, together with the relevant teachers’ guides, have also been prepared.

The National Institute of Education (NIE) has trained master trainers for all primary and secondary subjects, while plans have been prepared to conduct teacher training at the provincial level.

The latest curriculum framework follows a review of the previous framework prepared by the NIE, incorporating observations and recommendations made through the Government’s education reform process.

The revised framework received the concurrence of the National Steering Committee for New Education Reforms on August 13, 2026.

A new policy guideline on school-based evaluation and assessment has also been prepared and approved as part of the reforms, taking into account the resources available within the school system.

The broader education reform process initially envisaged introducing the new curriculum for Grades 1 and 6 in 2026. However, the Government subsequently decided to implement the Grade 1 reforms this year and postpone the Grade 6 reforms until 2027. (Newswire)