TVET elements to be integrated into primary school curriculum

Technical and vocational education (TVET) elements will be integrated into the primary school curriculum from next year, a move which education minister Fadhlina Sidek says will focus on building pupils’ skills rather than preparing them for jobs.

She said the curriculum would ensure that students acquire the relevant foundational competencies to face future technological changes through activities involving technology, design, product creation, problem-solving, creativity, computational thinking and safe work practices.

Fadhlina said the programme would also help develop pupils’ personal growth, communication and thinking skills, while strengthening digital fluency, responsibility, multiliteracy and lifelong learning.

“Project- and experiential-based learning will enable pupils to explore simple problems, generate ideas, design, produce, test and improve their work,” she said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.

“The provision and upgrading of infrastructure will be carried out in stages, taking into account suitability, safety, feasibility and schools’ capabilities.”

She said the ministry would provide clear curriculum documents for teachers, as well as teaching and learning support materials, guidance modules and structured training programmes through face-to-face sessions and e-learning.

Fadhlina was responding to a question from Salamiah Nor (PN-Temerloh) about the introduction of TVET education in primary schools from the 2027 school session, including curriculum content, teacher competency, facilities and the impact on pupils’ development.