English is one of the core national curriculum learning areas. It builds the fundamental knowledge and skills in language and literacy from year one to six, which are necessary for successful learning in all other subjects. The Primary English Syllabus has been developed using an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach that was adopted in the Solomon Islands through the Education Sector Investment Reform Programme (ESIRP), begun in 2004. This syllabus replaces the previous 2001 syllabus.
The Primary English Syllabus takes into account educational documents produced by MEHRD, in particular the National Curriculum Statement (2013), Policy Statement and Guidelines for the Development and Implementation of the National Curriculum in Solomon Islands (2013), Policy Statement and Guidelines for Learners’ Assessment in Schools (2010) and the National Education Action Plan 2013 – 2015 (2012). As well, it draws upon key language documents, such as Policy Statement and Guidelines for the Use of Vernacular Language and English Education in Solomon Islands (2010). The Primary English Syllabus is also designed with reference to international best practice for teaching language in multilingual countries, such as the Solomon Islands.
The Syllabus has been designed using learning outcomes that identify the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that all learners should achieve and demonstrate by the end of year six. An OBE curriculum focuses on what learners can do after a teaching and learning experience, providing a learner-centred approach. This approach relies on the teacher knowing the desired outcomes to be taught, and structuring the learning experiences to enable learners to achieve those outcomes. Nguzu Nguzu Readers and Teacher Guides are the core resource used to support this syllabus.
To promote a contemporary and comprehensive English language education, this curriculum has been organised into three learning strands: Listening and Speaking (Oracy), Reading and Writing. These provide the broad learning contexts and are further subdivided into sub-strands in which the development of critical literacy skills is embedded.