MDP expresses concern over lack of communication regarding changes to Grade 1 curriculum; updates have not been shared with schools, principals, or teachers

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern over the lack of communication regarding changes to the Grade 1 curriculum, noting that the updates have not been shared with schools, principals, or teachers.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP Education Committee, the committee's chairperson, Yauqoob Abdulla, noted that the proposed changes to the Grade 1 curriculum are scheduled to be implemented next year. Yauqoob expressed concern that, despite the year drawing to a close, the details of these curriculum revisions have yet to be shared.

Based on the information we have received so far, the earliest discussions regarding these changes are scheduled to be shared with teachers toward the end of November. This period coincides with final school examinations, meaning that even if the information is disclosed then, teachers will be left with no time to adequately prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Yauqoob Abdulla

Yauqoob stated that since November is the examination period, teachers will be preoccupied with marking and assessing student scripts. He further noted that once schools close for the holidays, teachers will not have the opportunity to prepare for the new Grade 1 curriculum by the time schools reopen in January.

Yauqoob stated that teachers would be forced to conduct lessons without adequate preparation, which would ultimately deprive students of the quality education they deserve. He further noted that these changes were being implemented without any consultation with experienced professionals in the field.

Furthermore, noting that the previous administration had introduced changes to the curriculum for grades one through five, Yauqoob stated that any modifications initiated at the grade one level must be consistently implemented through to the completion of grade ten. However, he observed that instead of following through with those existing reforms, the current government appears to be once again altering the curriculum for grade one students.

What we are witnessing is a process being carried out under a veil of extreme secrecy. However, the consequence of this approach is that students currently in grades one through five, who have been following previously implemented changes, are now being forced to revert. Starting from grade six, they are returning to a curriculum that was supposed to be revised but has remained unchanged until now.

Yauqoob Abdulla

Yauqoob expressed deep concern over the matter, emphasizing that schools should not be viewed merely as places where formal lessons are delivered and concluded. He further noted that, according to school principals, current policies offer no clear path to maintaining a healthy balance between academic education and extracurricular activities.