Party advocates introduction of science subjects at lower grade in schools

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has recommended the introduction of science at lower grades in schools.

MDC National Executive Committee Member, Julius Phiri, said this was in order to prompt interest in such technical subjects amongst learners at an early age.

Phiri in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, observed that the A-levels being introduced in schools involved more of science related subjects yet many children do not like the subject.

He noted that a lot of pupils would be hindered from progressing in education because of the nature of the subjects.

“It is the view of the party that science as a subject must be introduced at lower grades because if it continues to be introduced to learners at higher level, majority of learners would drop out,” Phiri stated.

He emphasized that science subjects should begin at lower grades because if they continue to be introduced at a higher level, majority of learners would drop out.

Phiri said the new curriculum that government intended to come up with should have started as a pilot project in technical schools to see how it performs.

He stated that government was likely to have a challenge as it could not review the curriculum before preparing the teachers.

“Introduction of science at lower grades is important. The kids are quick to grasp latest technologies which therefore shows that they can grasp science at a tender age but all they need is exposure,” Phiri said.

He stated that government should prepare to meet the costs for teachers and learners for practical jobs.

Phiri said it was also imperative that government explained to the public where the intended new curriculum had been tried before in order to measure the success ratios.

He stressed that the current review may not take the country anywhere as it was unlikely that this would be a successful programme.

Government recently unveiled the new 2023 Curriculum Framework for Zambia that seeks to adjust the structure of Zambia’s education system.

This was in a quest to provide guidance on the preferred type of education for the country, a development that had sparked a wide range of public concerns.

According to Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Joel Kamoko, early childhood education had been reduced from four to three years, while primary education level had also been reduced from seven to six years, with eligible entry reduced from seven to six years.

Secondary education level had been restructured and increased from five to six years to accommodate two years of A–levels thus, learners would be provided with four years of ordinary secondary education and two years of advanced Secondary (A level).

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.