In a groundbreaking move, the National Curriculum Council has announced the introduction of upgraded subjects for students in grades 9 to 12 across all provinces of Pakistan after a hiatus of 28 years. The decision aims to align the curriculum with the evolving demands of the modern era.
National Curriculum Council’s Initiative
Director of the National Curriculum Council, Dr. Maryam Chughtai, revealed that the initiative involves the introduction of new subjects in a phased manner, starting with Sindh and subsequently extending to Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The move is a significant leap forward as it marks the first time in nearly three decades that new subjects will be incorporated into the educational curriculum.
The upgrade, encompassing a total of 83 subjects, covers mandatory, optional, trade, and technical education. Dr. Chughtai emphasized the importance of this overhaul, citing that the last update for mandatory subjects was in 2006, while optional subjects saw their last revision in 1995. The move is seen as a crucial step to bring the curriculum in line with contemporary needs and advancements.
In the first phase, Sindh will witness the implementation of the new curriculum, offering students in the ninth and eleventh grades access to updated optional subjects. By the following year (2025), the curriculum will extend to grades ten and twelve, providing an upgraded educational experience for students in these higher grades. Notably, Sindh will have the autonomy to further refine its curriculum.
Despite financial constraints, the National Curriculum Council has issued notifications for the upgrade, covering various technical subjects. These include medical technology, fashion designing, graphic designing, media production, hospitality and tourism management, data coding, and more.
In the realm of elective subjects, students can now explore areas such as textiles, food and nutrition, general science, English literature, psychology, library sciences, modern world history, the history of Muslim India, Islamic civilization, philosophy, urban studies, sociology, Chinese, accounting principles, children’s development, typing and shorthand, education, health and physical education, Islamic history, home economics, Punjabi, German, economics, food and nutrition basics, home nursing, art and design, business principles, French, Persian, Arabic, and beyond.
The move is anticipated to provide students with a more diverse and relevant educational experience, fostering adaptability and preparing them for the challenges of the contemporary world. The National Curriculum Council’s commitment to periodic updates reflects a dedication to staying current with educational trends and ensuring students receive a well-rounded and dynamic education.
