The Heritage Based Curriculum: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper is a critical synopsis of the recently rolled out Heritage Based Curriculum of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe which is expected to run from 2024 to 2030 in line with the country's Vision 2030 policy initiative. The Heritage-Based Curriculum represents a bold step in reimaginingZimbabwe's education system.While challenges are inevitable during this transition, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to ensuring its success.Parents, learners, and teachers are expected to familiarize themselves with the new curriculum for ease of implementation.One of the most significant changes in the HBC is the replacement of Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) with School-Based Projects (SBPs).Together, Zimbabwe can achieve an education system that not only honours its heritage but also prepares its learners for a brighter future.Each learner is now required to complete one School Based Project (SBP) per learning area annually.These projects emphasise hands-on learning and practical application of skills.The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued Secretary's Circular No. 9 of 2024, providing detailed guidelines for implementing SBPs across all educational levels.The transition to SBPs reflects the ministry's commitment to fostering innovation and problem-solving skills among learners.As a result of the introduction of HBC, schools have been instructed to cease all CALA activities immediately and adopt SBPs as mandated by the ministry.Since this is a relatively new curriculum, it became necessary to unpack it so that all stakeholders can appreciate its aims and objectives and how it looks like.