The 2026-2027 school year officially began yesterday, marked by a comprehensive school curriculum reform. A new program has been implemented across public educational institutions this academic year.
"According to instructions received at the start of the year, a 'study program' replaces the old school curriculum. The document has already been distributed to teachers, who are currently using it for their pedagogical preparations," said a general education college (CEG) director yesterday during the school opening. This program is the "result of curriculum reform implemented to enhance the quality of teaching and learning," according to the foreword by the Minister of National Education in this new program.
It includes significant modifications. New disciplines have been introduced. In secondary education, "Arts" is taught from grades 7 to 9. Civic Education is replaced by "Fanabeazana ho Olom-pirenenana Vanona" (FOV) from grades 6 to 9, now taught in Malagasy. This subject continues from grades 10 to 11 as "Citizenship Education" (EAC). "Economic and Social Sciences" (SES) and "Information and Communication Technology in Education" (TICE) are introduced from grades 10 to 12.
New Approach
Class hours for certain subjects have changed. History and Geography now have 4 hours per week for lower secondary classes, compared to 2 hours in the previous program. Content has also been revised. A new pedagogical approach is being applied. The study program focuses on learning outcomes, emphasizing student achievements and their ability to apply knowledge and skills in real situations. Practical activities, particularly outdoor activities and mini-project design and implementation, play an important role in the learning process. "This program encourages students to conduct more research," notes another public school director.
The reform caught some schools off guard. "We need to revise our schedule because the one we prepared isn't adapted to the new program, with new subjects and modified class hours," says a CEG director, noting that instructions arrived only days before the school year began. Finding an Arts teacher is also challenging for public institutions. "We don't have a specialist in this subject at our school," sources indicate. Some teachers believe the program content remains relevant but worry about the lack of textbooks, teaching materials, and laboratory equipment that could compromise its effective implementation.