Grade 8 Students Embark on O-Level Syllabus Next Week

The Education Ministry has opted to initiate the O-level syllabus for Grade 8 students starting next week.

The adjustment stems from the evolving O'Level preparation strategy, with Cambridge subjects now commencing in the ninth grade. This shift, implemented in the 2016 syllabus modification, integrates key stage 4 subjects into Grade 8.

Education Minister Ismail Shafiu, addressing Mihaaru, emphasized that the most significant impact would be felt by Grade 8 students, altering their approach to studying O-level subjects starting next week.

Explaining the rationale behind this change, the minister highlighted the rescheduling of the O-level examination from May/June to October/November of the following year.

"So, for the students currently in Grade 8, we have decided that they are already exposed to the same curriculum in many schools where Cambridge [O-level subjects] are taught. Although it was officially stated that Cambridge subjects would commence in class 9, we are effectively covering a substantial part of the curriculum through highly integrated teaching," Minister Shafiu stated.

This adjustment provides a significant relief for Grade 8 students, allowing them a full two-year preparation period for their O-levels.

"Now, while not officially recognized, the teaching aligns with Cambridge standards. Officially, we will commence the Cambridge divisions in the second week [next week] and begin covering the syllabus for eighth graders. This marks a substantial shift in teaching, providing them with more than two full years [in number of days] before the October-November exam," added the minister.

With this alteration in the academic calendar, two student batches, currently in Grade 8 and Grade 9, will undertake O-levels next year. Grade 9 students will sit for O'levels in May/June.

Previously, the Maldives' academic year traditionally commenced in January. However, owing to changes in school attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the education cycle extended by six months, rescheduling the subsequent academic year to begin in August 2021.

In a departure from this approach, the present government has decided to revert to the January start for the academic year, effective from 2026.

The ongoing academic session for 2023-2024 commenced on August 8, 2023. As per the prior schedule, the academic session was scheduled to conclude on June 13, 2024.