Algiers – Sweeping changes to Algeria’s Baccalaureate and BEM (Brevet d’Enseignement Moyen) examinations will not be implemented before the 2027 academic year, according to educational advisor Kamal Nouari. This announcement aims to reassure students and parents amidst ongoing discussions about educational reforms.
Nouari emphasized that any modifications to the curriculum or examination systems will be introduced gradually, following careful planning and consideration for pedagogical stability and student welfare. He stated that reforms would not be implemented mid-year without prior notification in the official framework for the current academic year.
Speaking to DZWatch, Nouari explained that the committee responsible for curriculum development has concluded its work. Their recommendations include a comprehensive overhaul of programs to incorporate new knowledge and modern sciences. A key focus will be on strengthening core subjects within each academic stream and streamlining the curriculum to allow students to explore various subjects before selecting their specialization in middle school.
The proposed reforms also involve the introduction of new academic streams, such as computer science, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and cybersecurity. However, these changes are slated to take effect from the 2026/2027 academic year onwards, ruling out their application in the 2026 examination cycle.
Regarding the Baccalaureate exam, Nouari highlighted that the number of streams has remained largely unchanged since 2007, with the exception of the arts stream. He noted an imbalance in the number of subjects, their weightings, and the duration of the exam, which currently spans five days. The proposed reforms aim to reduce the exam duration to three days by focusing solely on core subjects while retaining the three languages for all streams.
For the BEM examination, suggestions include incorporating the annual average with the exam score or calculating the average across middle school years. Furthermore, a digital system for student orientation based on their academic performance is being considered, replacing the current system of common core streams. The National Committee for Quality Education has recommended prioritizing core subjects in secondary education, aligning with these proposed changes.
These reforms represent a significant shift in Algeria’s educational landscape, promising a more focused and relevant curriculum for future generations.
