Academic Curriculum
Explore the Lebanese national curriculum and Makassed educational objectives for kindergarten, primary, and intermediate stages.
Makassed schools in rural areas follow the Lebanese national curriculum, introduced in 1997 under Decree No. 10227, for all educational levels from kindergarten through Grade 9.
The curriculum aims to develop learners intellectually and personally, strengthen their national and social awareness, and build well-rounded individuals equipped with twenty-first-century skills.
Lebanese national curriculum
Kindergarten through Grade 9
Knowledge, skills & values
Educational stages
General educational objectives
Based on Makassed’s philosophy and educational policies, specific objectives guide each stage across rural Makassed schools.
Kindergarten
A bridge between children’s early natural learning and the stages that follow — shaping personality, self-directed learning, Islamic upbringing, and balanced development within a safe, enriching environment.
- Introduce children to the principles of Islam, good moral values, and appropriate conduct.
- Instil a spirit of citizenship and develop their awareness of their Arab identity and belonging.
- Introduce the principles of social relationships, cooperation, and positive attitudes towards their environment.
- Develop cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor skills, progressing from concrete to abstract concepts.
- Develop self-esteem, build confidence, encourage independence, and foster a sense of responsibility.
- Identify children’s individual talents and interests and provide opportunities to develop them.
- Promote healthy personal habits and environmental responsibility at school, at home, and within the community.
- Teach respect for rights, responsibilities, rules, and order.
- Introduce the basic principles of scientific thinking, including observation, analysis, and problem-solving.
- Foster a love of the Arabic language through enjoyable methods as a means of communication and self-expression.
- Develop basic communication skills in foreign languages (maximum of two) for simple everyday situations.
- Develop the basic skills required to use modern technology, including computers.
Primary stage
Provides the essential tools to access human knowledge and live responsibly within community and country — building foundations for academic achievement, language proficiency, and successful social integration.
- Acquire the values, morals, and standards of behaviour encouraged by Islam.
- Strengthen Arab identity by learning about the achievements of Islamic and Arab thinkers.
- Develop a spirit of citizenship and prepare learners to understand its values in all areas of life.
- Strengthen pride in belonging to Makassed and appreciate active participation in its activities.
- Build self-confidence and develop a balanced personality socially, emotionally, physically, culturally, and artistically.
- Develop a positive awareness of revealed religions and the human values they promote.
- Foster positive attitudes towards knowledge, work, and different professions.
- Strengthen understanding of rights and responsibilities towards self, family, and community.
- Promote confidence in and appreciation of the Arabic language, its heritage, and aesthetic qualities.
- Acquire essential knowledge and skills in the first and second foreign languages.
- Acquire essential knowledge related to the geography, history, culture, and civilisation of Lebanon, the Arab region, and the wider world.
- Develop critical and scientific thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning.
- Encourage cooperative work inside and outside the school to prepare for active participation in society.
- Develop effective time-management skills and an appreciation of the value of time.
- Raise awareness of protection and safety, healthy habits, and environmental responsibility.
- Develop essential skills required to use modern technology and diverse sources of information.
- Develop the ability to connect acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies and apply them appropriately.
Intermediate stage
A broad foundational education that builds on earlier learning, preparing learners to become active members of society and to make informed educational and career choices.
- Reinforce Islamic values and morals and understand their importance in organising different aspects of life.
- Strengthen Arab identity by highlighting the role and contributions of Islamic and Arab thinkers.
- Strengthen citizenship in all its dimensions and promote peaceful coexistence.
- Reinforce pride in belonging to the Makassed Association and recognise the learner’s active role in its objectives.
- Deepen self-confidence and develop learners socially, emotionally, physically, culturally, civically, and artistically.
- Promote positive attitudes towards revealed religions, human values, and the ideals they represent.
- Reinforce positive attitudes towards knowledge, work, and all professions.
- Strengthen understanding of human rights and responsibilities and encourage respect for laws and regulations.
- Develop scientific, religious, cultural, social, artistic, and physical knowledge and skills for critical thinking and innovation.
- Promote appreciation of the Arabic language, its contribution to civilisation, and its ability to respond to modern developments.
- Strengthen foreign-language skills while benefiting from the knowledge and cultures of other nations.
- Enrich knowledge related to the geography, history, culture, and civilisation of Lebanon, the Arab region, and the international community.
- Understand the importance of the Arab world’s economic, social, and political resources.
- Participate in cooperative and community-based activities that serve individuals and society.
- Develop awareness of effective time management and the positive use of time.
- Practise healthy and preventive habits and protect the environment and its natural resources sustainably.
- Develop skills in using modern technology, software applications, and information sources.
- Acquire knowledge and skills related to adolescence, particularly psychological and physical changes.
- Reinforce previously acquired knowledge and skills, connect them effectively, and apply them in different areas.
- Guide learners towards selecting the academic or vocational pathway that best matches their abilities and interests.
Partnership
Communication with parents
The school maintains regular contact by telephone, circulars, direct messages, and email to monitor academic progress and behaviour and keep families informed.
- Involving parents in meetings, projects, activities, celebrations, and school events, and evaluating them through surveys.
- Requesting parents to acknowledge and sign selected notices and instructions issued by the school.
- Giving parents opportunities to propose new ideas and provide constructive feedback.
- Enabling parents to participate in the election of the Parents’ Council in accordance with applicable laws.
- Benefiting from parents’ professional experience in career guidance and educational lectures.
- Organising lectures, seminars, and workshops for parents to support learners’ behaviour and academic performance.
- Regularly informing parents of their children’s progress through homework, tests, grade records, and observations.
- Informing parents of any agreement established between their child and the school to improve performance or behaviour.
- Regularly updating student and family information through forms and surveys prepared by the school.
- Engaging parents in evaluating the school climate and considering their suggestions.
- Scheduling regular parent meetings at the beginning of the academic year and throughout the year.
- Keeping parents informed about the teaching and learning process across all grade levels.
- Inviting parents to participate in selected classroom sessions when their contribution supports the topic.
- Sending weekly classroom newsletters outlining material covered, activities, projects, and assessments.