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Paradigm shift in school education system: New modules-based curriculum expected in 2023  

18 Apr 2021

  • Compulsory subjects reduced 

  • More variety in optional choice subjects 

  • Emphasis on self-learning 

  • Public views sought to iron out kinks 

 By Yumiko Perera    A new authentic modules-based curriculum is set to be introduced to the education system, The Sunday Morning learnt.  According to State Ministry of Education Reforms, Open Universities, and Distance Learning Promotion Secretary Dr. Upali Sedara, the new programme would diversify education, allowing children to not only learn compulsory subjects but a variety of other subjects of their choice.  Under the proposed new system, all subjects would henceforth be termed as modules. A set of modules would be presented for each term. The number of mandatory modules would be four (presently there are over four compulsory subjects). In addition, there will be a large optional curriculum from which children, from grade six onwards, can select as per their preference.  Noting that this would allow the curriculum to be more diversified, as it focuses on brushing up the skill levels of children, Dr. Sedara emphasised that the essential learning components of the new curriculum would largely contain teacher-led modules while the optional learning components would be student led, where children would have the chance to explore broader self-learning methods. Though the framework in this regard has been finalised, Dr. Sedara noted that they are still in the process of considering public views to iron out certain aspects of it. “This is going to take some more time, given that this would be a paradigm shift.”  He emphasised the need to train teachers, principals, and other teaching staff in order to be able to accommodate these new changes.  Explaining that curriculum changes in Sri Lanka usually take place every eight years, Dr. Sedara elaborated that the new curriculum is expected to be introduced in 2023. “Given that this needs to be done across the country, it is only natural that it would take some time; especially because it would have to be done in batches. It can't be done overnight.”  Highlighting that there is a legal requirement to inform school systems about the new reforms and the possible changes at least two years prior to the changes, Dr. Sedara stated: “We are now preparing the relevant circular and hopefully within the next couple of months, we would be able to send the circular across.” Under the proposed new system, the curriculums of grades one, two, six, eight, and 10 are expected to be replaced in 2023, while changes to the curriculums of grades three, four, five, seven, nine, and 11 are expected to be introduced in 2024, The Sunday Morning learnt.  However, speaking to The Sunday Morning, Ministry of Education Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera said: “Although nothing can officially be said with regard to this, we will be continuing with the present curriculum for now. With reforms, a new curriculum can be expected in the future.” Efforts made by The Sunday Morning to contact Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris for more insight regarding the matter, proved futile. 


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