The literal meaning of a curriculum is the course of study or program. But it is a strategic process of organized learning. Just like we cannot go to step two without crossing the step 1 similarly curriculum help us understand the steps in learning.

It is an organized process which gives direction to the learning experience. Different scholars have different opinions about the curriculum, but the primary aim is to provide the students with the opportunity of maximum growth and learning. The process of designing this is critical and different schools have a different way to do so. There are so many kinds of curriculum even schools are categorized on the curriculum basis which they follow.

For example, American curriculum schools in Sharjah are following an American curriculum which is standardized to the education system of that region. Most of the international schools are following an international program of education so that it is standardized in any part of the world. Other than giving direction and organizing the studying process there are broader functions of having a well-developed curriculum.

Following are few of those functions:

1-Enhance the individual growth:

Students are different regarding their knowledge, learning capacity, attitudes, interests and talents. Not everyone is going to learn at the same time and same way. Thus the curriculum is designed to maintain a balance of learning. The type of the curriculum, the method of delivery and review techniques can make it well-balanced offering the opportunities to learn and benefit from them. It has the space and capacity for every learner. Like some part of it is going to suit the fast learner and some of it will satisfy the creative learners.

2-Mental and social development:

Learning is not bound to the four-walled classroom, but it is beyond the curricular activities. A standard curriculum should consist of curricular and non-curricular activities because both are equally important for the mental and social as well as emotional development. If students cannot implement their learning into their daily life, then that particular curriculum is not serving its purpose. Learning is not a singular entity, but it is more connected to the everyday life and personality development.

3-Improving basic skills:

The focus is to ensure that with a particular curriculum students can read, write and understand the speaking skills. The knowledge is improving at every step, and they are more critical to the learning process. The activities should be about developing all of these skills.

4-Larger perspective:

Curriculum are holistic and broad which means they give the larger view about the practical world. In other words, it should broaden the horizon of the imagination and thinking ability of the students. For example, top-notch American curriculum schools in Sharjah are focusing on building students' mind with knowledge about the world and how their attitudes can make the world a better place for living.

Final note:

Without any doubt, the curriculum does play a role in the social, academic and personal development of the individuals and help them be better citizens.