Education minister unveils new knowledge-rich curriculum for Flemish primary education
Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir has introduced new knowledge-rich minimum goals for primary and nursery education. The new curriculum aims to raise standards by adopting a more content-focused approach, inspired by the English model.
Presented at the Ursulinen model school in Mechelen, the revised goals focus on a more systematic acquisition of knowledge from a younger age. For instance, nursery pupils will now learn to recognise and pronounce at least 15 letters, count to 20, and know key geographical facts, such as identifying Belgium and major rivers. By the end of primary school, pupils will be expected to locate EU countries (and name their capitals), understand climate zones, and identify major world powers.
Behavioural standards are also set to become more explicit. They are intended to foster social skills, conflict resolution and classroom discipline.
Demir emphasised that improving knowledge is crucial for social cohesion and bridging educational gaps, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
In March, Demir travelled to London to visit some of Britain’s most highly regarded schools, including West London Free School and Michaela Community School. Her visit followed an international TIMSS report that highlighted the declining performance of Flemish pupils, particularly in science and maths.
With the help of education professor Daniel Muijs of Queen’s University Belfast, Demir is promoting new minimum targets for primary education in Flanders. The new curriculum seeks to raise standards in Flemish primary schools.
The new curriculum will be gradually implemented from September 2026, but will still be subject to close scrutiny by several advisory bodies. The final decision rests with the Flemish Parliament.
#FlandersNewsService | Zuhal Demir © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE