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2The curriculum objectives are holistic and flexible. 3Students are put at the centre of the curriculum and individual differences are respected 4The curriculum promotes activity-based methods, experiential and participatory learning 5The curriculum recognizes the important role of formative assessment in promoting student’ development

6The assessment system should combine formative with summative assessment.

7The curriculum expands the range of learning resources and opportunities available

Part 2: Introduction to The General Objectives

The fundamental aim of the new curriculum is to develop students’ comprehensive language competence. This comprehensive language competence is achieved through the five general objectives as shown in the following diagram:

Diagram 3: Comparison of the Old and New Curriculums

Language skills and knowledge form the basis of comprehensive language competence

The students’ attitudes to learning strongly influence their learning and development

Successful learning strategies improve the effectiveness of students’ learning

Cultural awareness ensures students use language appropriately

The overall descriptors for comprehensive language competence (i.e. a combination of all five general objectives) for 1