{"id":103845,"date":"2025-06-21T08:38:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T08:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/govt-phasing-out-a-level-combinations-for-new-pathways"},"modified":"2025-06-21T09:11:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T09:11:39","slug":"govt-phasing-out-a-level-combinations-for-new-pathways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/govt-phasing-out-a-level-combinations-for-new-pathways","title":{"rendered":"Govt Phasing Out A-Level Combinations for New Pathways"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The Ministry of Education has announced plans to phase out the traditional Advanced Level combinations in secondary schools in favor of three newly structured learning pathways, a move aimed at improving students\u2019 academic and career readiness.<\/p>\n

The announcement was made on Friday, June 20, during the second day of National Education Conference, which serves as a platform to evaluate the progress of the Education Sector Strategic Plan, explore systemic challenges, and define a collective path forward.<\/p>\n

The Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana elaborated that under the new structure, three broad learning pathways will replace the current subject-specific combinations, such as Mathematics Physics and Geography; Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics, History Economics and Geography; Physics, Chemistry and Biology, among others. The new learning pathways are Mathematics and Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Languages.<\/p>\n

Officials and delegates during the second day of National Education Conference<\/p>\n

\u201cAll existing subject combinations will be organized under these three pathways,\u201d Nsengimana said. \u201cThis change is part of our broader vision to equip students with knowledge and skills to make informed choices, whether they continue to university or enter the job market [after secondary school].\u201d<\/p>\n

The implementation of the new system, which is part of education reform approved the Cabinet on June 9, will be gradual, the officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re working closely with schools during the summer holidays to assess their readiness. There will be no surprises,\u201d the minister said.<\/p>\n

He also clarified that students who previously completed A-level under the traditional combinations will not be affected. \u201cThose with certificates based on current combinations are fully recognized and will remain valid. This reform is not about punishment; it’s about increasing opportunities for learners and building the nation\u2019s future,\u201d Nsengimana maintained.<\/p>\n

Participants at the conference also discussed inefficiencies caused by uneven distribution of subject combinations, which lead to underutilized classrooms and teaching staff.<\/p>\n

Claudette Irere, the Minister of State for Education, said the reforms are designed to help students make more informed decisions about their future careers and contributions to national development.<\/p>\n

Claudette Irere, the Minister of State for Education, said the reforms are designed to help students make more informed decisions<\/p>\n

However, she noted that current dropout and repetition rates hinder this goal, particularly in lower secondary school.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis level of education needs the collective effort of all of us,\u201d Irere said. \u201cWe cannot achieve our ambitions when only 44.3 to 55.6 percent of students who start Senior One complete it. Senior Two, in particular, requires special attention because data shows that’s where many students drop out.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Rwanda strives toward its Vision 2050 education goals, the officials said these reforms aim to reshape the secondary education landscape, making it more inclusive, efficient, and aligned with national development.<\/p>\n

Participants follow a presentation during the second day of National Education Conference<\/p>\n\r\n