The Algerian Ministry of National Education has announced partial changes to the country's primary school curricula. These changes, outlined in a guidance memo, aim to update certain information in textbooks to reflect current realities. The changes will be implemented by school principals under the supervision of inspectors. A set of guiding principles has been established to ensure uniformity and accuracy.
The changes affect various subjects, including civic education and history. In civic education textbooks for fourth and fifth grades, new information has been added, including Algeria's celebration of the Amazigh New Year on January 12 as a national holiday. The number of UNESCO member states has been updated to 194. The website of the Ministry of Culture has also been updated in the fourth-grade civic education textbook.
Further changes include updates to the regulatory framework for school administration and student discipline. A new provision has been added to the civic education textbook for fourth grade, stating that students and their parents are liable for compensation for damages caused. In the fifth-grade civic education textbook, changes have been made to the constitutional provisions, emphasizing the importance of respecting the constitution and laws.
The changes also cover the number of municipal council members, which has been updated according to the new population census. The frequency of municipal council meetings has been changed to every two months. Additionally, the roles and responsibilities of council members have been clarified. These updates aim to reflect the current administrative and legislative landscape in Algeria.
In geography textbooks for fifth grade, updates have been made to data on Algeria's coastline, natural resources, and industrial projects. The length of the Algerian coastline has been specified as 2148 km, including bays, coves, and islands. Information on water consumption, desalination plants, and major strategic projects, such as the railway line and mining projects, has also been updated.
However, some changes have been criticized by inspectors, particularly regarding the description of the Mediterranean Games in Oran. The event was initially presented as a future occurrence in 2022 but has since taken place. Inspectors have called for a clear statement acknowledging the event as a historical sporting achievement.
The Ministry of National Education has emphasized the importance of adhering to the updated information and guidelines outlined in the memo. Teachers and educators are required to present the updated information in a clear and educational context, avoiding unnecessary details and focusing on building students' knowledge and understanding. The changes aim to provide students with accurate and relevant information.
Key points
- Algeria updates primary school curricula with new information on national holidays, international organizations, and administrative changes.
- Changes affect various subjects, including civic education, history, and geography.
- Ministry emphasizes the importance of accurate and educational content in implementing the changes.
