At war with the new curriculum

Michelline Nawatises
Ester Shimbango



In the old curriculum grade 12 pupils were the only learners seen as matrics, but with the new curriculum in operation the grade 11’s will been seen as matrics too? The old education system was replaced in 2016 and is phasing out this year, and this drastic change has a huge impact on the academics and opinions of different pupils.

The system which was introduced by the former Minister of Education Katrina-Hanse-Himarwa, turned out to be a success. In the present Namibian curriculum grade 11’s and 12’s are seen as equal, because they are taught the same concepts, but that the grade 11’s are taught more advanced knowledge on said concepts.

They say all things have positives and negatives and so does this new season.

For most of the grade 12’s the new system is unfair, because it invades their space to shine as matrics like the previous matrics. They also stated that the new turn in does not give them a chance they deserve to be recognized as final matrics. Even though the current grade 12’s are privileged to be the very last official matrics, they still feel that they deserved a proper farewell by being the only matrics.

On the other hand the current grade 11’s are leaping with joy because they are appointed as matrics, but this is just in their dreams. “I feel bad about this new system as a grade 11 learner, because I feel like most of the attention is being laid on the grade 12s. Even though we are both facing out, it makes me feel like I’m just like the rest of the juniors”, said Selma Julius, a grade 11 learner.

The system brought a major change and a bit of confusion. It also weighs heavily on the teachers shoulders as they have to devote their most needed attention between the two educational systems. It is with great concern as this curriculum sabotages and limits the learners’ ideas. “I personally disagree with this new curriculum, because I see it as a disorderly change that can cause a lot of unnecessary chaos,” said Helvi Amakali, a grade 12 learner.

The two graduating groups are now caught in a tiff, as they both want to be the best and make waves during their final year.

Despite this, change is always good. We hope the two classes can find middle ground, give each other the necessary space and dominate their final year.