Algerian primary schools to prioritize English over French in new curriculum

Algeria’s Ministry of Education announced a landmark change to the national curriculum: English will now be introduced to primary‑school students before French. The revision, set to roll out in the upcoming school year, represents the first systematic move to place English ahead of the language of the former colonial power in early education.

Historically, French has dominated Algerian schools since independence in 1962, serving as the primary foreign language and a gateway to higher education and public administration. Over the past decade, however, policymakers have voiced concerns about the country’s linguistic alignment, arguing that English offers broader opportunities in a globalised economy and aligns with the nation’s aspirations for greater integration into international markets.

The new teaching sequence will see children aged six to ten receive foundational English instruction in the first two years of primary school, followed by French lessons in later grades. Curriculum developers say the shift aims to strengthen basic communication skills in English while preserving French as a valuable second language. Textbooks and teacher‑training programs are being updated to reflect the revised order, and pilot projects in several provinces have already reported positive student engagement.

Reactions to the policy have been mixed. Some educators welcome the change, citing the growing demand for English proficiency in science, technology and commerce. Others caution that the rapid transition could strain resources, particularly in rural areas where qualified English teachers are scarce. Parents, too, are divided; while many see English as essential for future employment, a segment of the population worries about the erosion of the French cultural legacy that has shaped Algeria’s modern identity.

The language reform underscores a broader trend among North African nations reassessing post‑colonial linguistic ties. By foregrounding English in primary education, Algeria signals a strategic pivot toward new international partnerships while still maintaining French as a secondary language in later schooling years.