B2noun2K

Curriculum

UK /["/kəˈrɪkjələm/","/kəˈrɪkjələ/"]/US /["/kəˈrɪkjələm/","/kəˈrɪkjələ/"]/

Definition

the subjects that are included in a course of study or taught in a school, college, etc.

In simple words: The subjects and lessons taught in a school.

Examples

  • The school's curriculum includes math, science, literature, and history.
  • The curriculum has been updated to include more digital literacy courses.
  • Teachers follow the curriculum to ensure all students meet learning goals.
  • The university offers a flexible curriculum allowing students to choose electives.
  • Curriculum design requires careful planning and consideration of student needs.

Usage notes

Used in educational contexts to describe a structured set of courses. It's appropriate in formal and academic settings but may sound too technical in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

curriculum + noun (e.g., curriculum design)

Memory hint

Think of 'curri' as 'carried' — a curriculum carries knowledge.

Collocations

  • broad
  • broadly based
  • wide
  • create
  • design
  • develop
  • content
  • subjects
  • area
  • across the curriculum
  • in a/​the curriculum
  • on a/​the curriculum
  • areas of the curriculum

Synonyms

  • course of study
  • program
  • educational plan
  • syllabus
  • instructional framework

Antonyms

  • extracurricular activities
  • recess

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'syllabus' which is a part of the curriculum.
  • Mispronunciation as 'kur-riculum' instead of 'kuh-rik-yuh-lum'.
  • Using 'curriculums' instead of the correct plural 'curricula'.