Education reform is on its way with Egypt’s new high school educational system

Egypt Daily News – The educational reforms in Egypt, especially regarding high school, have become a significant focus for families, as these years are pivotal in a student’s academic journey. The Egyptian Minister of Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, has outlined the ministry’s plans for the 2024/2025 academic year, set to commence on 21 September, 2024.

Key Changes in the Education System:

1. Curriculum Reduction:
   • First-year secondary students will now study 6 subjects, down from 10. The new subjects include:
     • Arabic Language
     • First Foreign Language
     • History
     • Mathematics
     • Integrated Sciences (replacing separate Chemistry and Physics)
     • Philosophy and Logic
   • Geography will now only be taught as part of the literary section in the following year, and the second foreign language will be classified as a pass-fail subject that does not affect the total grade.
2. Gradual Reform in Subsequent Years:
   • For the second year of secondary school, students in the scientific section will study:
     • Arabic Language
     • First Foreign Language
     • Mathematics
     • Biology
     • Chemistry
     • Physics
   • The literary section will include:
     • Arabic Language
     • First Foreign Language
     • History
     • Geography
     • Psychology
     • Mathematics
   • The curriculum has also been redesigned to eliminate redundancy and enhance learning outcomes.
3. Third Year Changes:
   • In the third year, the focus continues with a reduction in subjects. The scientific division will study:
     • Arabic Language
     • First Foreign Language
     • Biology
     • Chemistry
     • Physics
   • Students in the mathematical division will study:
     • Arabic Language
     • First Foreign Language
     • Mathematics
     • Chemistry
     • Physics
   • The literary division will focus on:
     • Arabic Language
     • First Foreign Language
     • History
     • Geography
     • Statistics
4. Consultative Process:
   • The redesign of the curriculum was done collaboratively, involving experts, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the changes are well-received and beneficial for reducing the cognitive load on students.
5. Focus on National Identity and Skills Development:
   • The reforms aim to enhance students’ knowledge of Egyptian history and integrate skills necessary for the labor market. There is an emphasis on mastering one primary foreign language, with increased instructional time allocated.
6. Community Engagement:
   • The Minister underscored the importance of solidarity among all educational stakeholders in addressing challenges and fostering a reformative environment through continuous dialogue and communication.

Overall, these changes reflect a strategic approach to improving the educational framework in Egypt, lightening students’ academic load while enhancing their knowledge and skills for the future.