A-levels to transform secondary education

 …First intake opens in February 2027, expanding opportunities for specialised study and progression to university.

By NATION REPORTER

ZAMBIA will introduce Advanced Level education in February 2027, in a major curriculum reform designed to deepen academic specialisation, broaden learners’ career choices and strengthen preparation for university education.

The change introduces a two-year advanced study stage under the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework, giving learners opportunities to develop greater knowledge and competence in subjects linked to their future studies and careers.

Announcing the reform during a media briefing, Education Minister Harry Kamboni said it was intended to prepare young people for the demands of a modern, competitive and knowledge-driven economy.

Under the new structure, secondary education will comprise Forms One to Four, leading to an Ordinary Level qualification, followed by Forms Five and Six, leading to an Advanced Level qualification.

The significance of the reform lies in the wider range of specialised pathways it opens to learners, covering academic, technical, creative and vocational fields.

Alongside Natural Sciences, Agricultural Science, Computer Science and Business Studies, learners will be able to pursue pathways in Design and Technology, Social Sciences and Languages, Performing and Creative Arts, and Physical Education and Sports.

Other options include Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism, Textile Design and Technology, and Nutrition and Food Technology.

The breadth of these pathways reflects the reform’s ambition to develop skills across different sectors of the economy and give learners more scope to pursue their interests and abilities.

Students will be permitted to register for a maximum of four A-Level subjects, selected according to approved combinations. This will allow them to concentrate on a smaller set of subjects at greater depth.

Grade 12 graduates from 2024, 2025 and 2026 will be eligible to apply for the first intake, opening the new pathway to recent school-leavers as well as those completing their secondary education this year.

From 2029, holders of the Zambian A-Level qualification will be able to progress into appropriately structured university degree programmes, subject to the relevant admission requirements.

The qualification will therefore establish an additional stage of preparation for higher education, although admission to university will remain conditional on applicants meeting institutional and programme requirements.

Mr Kamboni said the reform would broaden learner choices, strengthen academic specialisation and equip young people with the skills and competencies needed for national development.

The briefing was also attended by Permanent Secretary for Administration Noriana Muneku, Permanent Secretary for Educational Services Dr Kelvin Mambwe, and Examinations Council of Zambia Executive Director Dr Michael Chilala.

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