A-Level Curriculum Explained: Key Takeaways from NCDC’s Webinar

On March 11, 2025, the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) hosted a webinar on Zoom and YouTube, focusing on the interpretation of the A-level curriculum. Gilbert Gift Siima, Manager of the Secondary Education Department at NCDC, led the session, explaining curriculum designs, syllabus structure, and practical teaching strategies. The webinar aimed to guide teachers and administrators in effectively implementing the curriculum to achieve desired learning outcomes. This article breaks down the key points discussed, offering insights into curriculum interpretation and its importance for education in Africa.

Unlocking Curriculum Potential: NCDC’s Guide to Quality Education

Education is the cornerstone of development, and a well-structured curriculum is essential for achieving quality learning outcomes. In Africa, where education systems face unique challenges, understanding and interpreting curricula is critical. On March 11, 2025, the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) hosted a webinar to address this very issue. Gilbert Gift Siima, Manager of the Secondary Education Department at NCDC, led the session, providing valuable insights into curriculum design and interpretation.

Curriculum Designs: A Foundation for Learning

The webinar began with an explanation of six key curriculum designs:

Subject-Centered Design: Focuses on specific subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology, emphasizing knowledge acquisition in these areas.

Learner-Centered Design: Prioritizes students’ needs, interests, and experiences, encouraging active participation and personal growth.

Problem-Centered Design: Organized around real-world issues, fostering critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.

Competence-Based Design: Focuses on developing specific skills, allowing students to progress based on demonstrated mastery.

Integrated Design: Combines multiple subjects to provide a holistic learning experience.

Spiral Design: Revisits key concepts at increasing levels of complexity over time.

These designs provide a framework for creating curricula that meet diverse educational needs across Africa.

Interpreting the Syllabus: A Step-by-Step GuideA

Mr. Siima emphasized the importance of understanding the syllabus, which is divided into three sections:

Section 1: Introduction and Rationale

This section explains the purpose of the curriculum, the rationale behind each subject, and the time allocated for teaching. It serves as a guide for teachers to understand the “why” behind the curriculum.

Section 2: Detailed Syllabus

Here, teachers find specific topics, learning outcomes, and competencies. Each topic includes the number of periods allocated, the skills students should acquire, and measurable learning outcomes.

Section 3: Assessment

This section provides guidance on school-based and end-of-cycle assessments, helping teachers evaluate student progress effectively.

Mr. Siima encouraged teachers to read Section 1 thoroughly before delving into Section 2, as it provides context for interpreting the detailed syllabus.

Practical Teaching Strategies

The webinar also addressed common questions about teaching practical subjects. Mr. Siima highlighted the importance of aligning teaching methods with the curriculum’s learning outcomes. He advised teachers to focus on measurable outcomes, using action verbs like “analyze,” “evaluate,” and “create” to guide lesson planning.

Conclusion

The NCDC webinar underscored the importance of proper curriculum interpretation for effective teaching and learning. By understanding curriculum designs and syllabus structures, teachers can better implement educational programs that meet the needs of African students. As education systems across the continent continue to evolve, such initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning in Africa.