The national curriculum sets out what students learn at each level of the education system, from pre-school through to secondary education. It is established under the Education System Framework Law (Law No. 14/2008) and approved by the Ministry of Education.
Curriculum by Level
Pre-School
The pre-school curriculum supports children aged three to five through play-based learning, early language development and school readiness. See Pre-School.
Basic Education
Basic education covers nine years of compulsory schooling, organised in three cycles. The curriculum brings together core subjects including languages, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, arts and culture, and physical education. See Basic School.
Secondary General Education
Secondary general education covers grades 10 to 12, combining a common core of subjects with specialisation in science and technology or social sciences and humanities. See Secondary General School.
Technical-Vocational Secondary Education
The technical-vocational curriculum combines general education subjects with practical training in a chosen occupational area. See Technical-Vocational Secondary School.
Recurrent Education
Equivalency programmes follow the core subjects of the basic education curriculum, adapted for youth and adult learners. See Recurrent School.
Languages of Instruction
Tetum and Portuguese are the official languages of Timor-Leste and the languages of instruction across the education system. The curriculum develops competence in both languages, and pupils in the early years are supported to move from the language they speak at home into the languages of schooling.
Curriculum Materials and Teacher Support
The Ministry produces and distributes the textbooks, teacher guides and lesson plans that accompany the curriculum. Teachers are prepared to deliver it through pre-service and in-service training coordinated by INFORDEPE.
Curriculum Reform
The curriculum is reviewed and updated so that it continues to meet the needs of students and the country. Read more about current work under Curriculum Reform.