What Form One learners study
Form One is the start of Ordinary Secondary Education, Form I-IV, in the United Republic of Tanzania. It strengthens and broadens the knowledge, skills and attitudes learners built in primary school, protects national values and unity, and prepares them for tertiary and Advanced Secondary Education.
The syllabi interpret the competences of the 2023 Ordinary Secondary Education Curriculum. Subjects such as History are compulsory core subjects that help students understand themselves and the world, develop patriotism and grow the 21st Century skills.
Lessons mix group discussions, experiments, projects, field visits, role play and ICT-based learning. Progress is checked with quizzes, tests, questions and answers, project work and group discussions.
General competences learners develop
- Use and build on knowledge from primary education
- Value citizenship and national values
- Show confidence in science, technology, and theoretical and practical learning
- Communicate in Kiswahili, English and Tanzanian Sign Language
- Apply knowledge of cross-cutting issues to care for the environment and society
- Gain skills to be employed, self-employed or to employ others
Sciences and Mathematics
Mathematics
Builds number sense, logical reasoning and problem-solving, the foundation for every science and business subject. Learners move from arithmetic to algebra and geometry using real situations such as market prices, measurement and household budgets.
Specific competence: Use numerical skills in different contexts; Use ratios and proportions in daily life
- Meaning, branches and importance of mathematics
- Rational, irrational and real numbers
- Recurring decimals and fractions
- Rational numbers on a number line
- Inequalities and absolute values
- Ratios and proportions
Physics
Explains how the physical world works through observation, measurement and simple experiments. Learners practise scientific method and apply it to energy, motion and everyday technology.
Specific competence: Demonstrate mastery of basic concepts, theories and principles of Physics
- Concept, branches and importance of Physics
- Contribution of Physics to modern society
- Fundamental and derived quantities, SI units
- Linear motion: speed, velocity, acceleration
- Force, density, pressure
- Work, power and energy
Chemistry
Introduces matter and the changes it undergoes, with emphasis on laboratory safety and practical work. Learners connect chemistry to health, agriculture, industry and the environment.
- Laboratory safety
- States and properties of matter
- Elements, compounds, mixtures
- Separation techniques
- Air and water
- Acids, bases, salts
Biology
Explores living things, from cells to ecosystems. Learners observe, classify and investigate, and link biology to health, nutrition and environmental care.
Specific competence: Describe the physiological, anatomical and ecological processes of living organisms; Demonstrate mastery of scientific biological terminologies
- Meaning, branches and importance of Biology
- The cell: types, structures and functions
- Nutrition in plants: photosynthesis and leaf structure
- Mineral requirements of plants
- Classification and scientific naming of organisms
Computer Science
Develops digital literacy and computational thinking so learners can use technology safely and creatively. It supports the 21st Century skills of communication, creativity and problem-solving.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of Computer Science
- Meaning, importance and applications of Computer Science
- Related fields: IT, ICT, IS and Computer Engineering
Languages
English
Strengthens listening, speaking, reading and writing so learners communicate confidently in the language of instruction. Includes grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and introductory literature.
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Vocabulary building
- Reading comprehension
- Composition and letter writing
- Speaking and listening
- Short stories and poems
Kiswahili
Huimarisha stadi za kusikiliza, kuzungumza, kusoma na kuandika katika lugha ya taifa. Wanafunzi hujifunza sarufi, msamiati, insha na fasihi kwa njia ya vitendo.
Specific competence: Kutambua Kiswahili kama kielelezo cha utaifa na utambulisho wa Mtanzania; Kukuza uelewa wa sarufi ya Kiswahili
- Matumizi ya Kiswahili katika mijadala (tafsida, uteuzi wa maneno)
- Kusimulia habari kwa kiimbo, mkazo na lafudhi
- Aina za maneno: nomino, vivumishi, vielezi, viwakilishi, vitenzi
- Vihisishi, vihusishi na viunganishi
- Kuandika hadithi na aya
Humanities and Social Studies
Geography
Helps learners understand the earth, its people and the environment they share. Uses maps, fieldwork and case studies from Tanzania and Africa to build spatial thinking and environmental responsibility.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the origin and the structure of the Earth and Earth systems
- Concept and scope of Geography
- Branches: physical, human and practical geography
- Importance of Geography
- Geography and other disciplines
Historia ya Tanzania na Maadili
Uses historical events to help students understand themselves, their society and how the world came to be as it is. Builds patriotism, national values, integrity and responsibility toward oneself, others and the Nation.
Specific competence: Kuelezea chimbuko la jamii za Kitanzania na maadili yake
- Asili ya jamii za Kitanzania (Wabantu, Wanilo, Wakushito, Wakichembe)
- Shughuli za makundi ya asili ya jamii za Kitanzania
- Maadili ya jamii za asili na chimbuko lake
- Urithi wa Tanzania
Business Studies
Introduces how people produce, trade and manage money. Prepares learners to be employed, self-employed or to employ others through practical entrepreneurship skills.
Specific competence: Demonstrate mastery of the concepts, theories and principles of Business Education
- Concept and scope of business studies
- Branches of business studies
- Business studies and other disciplines
- Entrepreneurship: meaning, characteristics, skills and importance
History
Explores the past through evidence, starting with African history before colonialism and how historians know what happened.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of History and sources of historical information
- Concept and meaning of History
- Sources of historical information
Bible Knowledge
Uses the Book of Genesis to reflect on creation, responsibility and caring for life, and introduces how the Bible is organised.
Specific competence: Use the Book of Genesis to learn about creation, responsibility and taking care of life
- Concept of the Bible and Bible Knowledge
- Classification of the books of the Bible
- Creation and responsibility
Life and Practical Skills
Food and Human Nutrition
Teaches how food supports growth and health, and how to plan, prepare and store meals safely. Links directly to home economics, wellbeing and small-scale food enterprise.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of Food and Nutrition
- Meaning and importance of food and nutrition
- Food and nutrition and other subjects
- Food groups: cereals, roots, tubers, green bananas
- Animal foods, legumes and pulses
- Vegetables and fruits
- Sugar, honey, oils and fats
Agriculture
Gives learners hands-on knowledge of crop and livestock production and sustainable land use. Builds work-related skills and respect for farming as a source of livelihood.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of agriculture
- Meaning and importance of agriculture
- Branches of agriculture
- Agriculture and other subjects
Life Skills
Develops self-confidence, decision-making and healthy relationships. Addresses cross-cutting issues such as health, gender equality, security and environmental care.
Specific competence: Appreciating people's values; Developing self-awareness; Developing self-esteem
- Concept of life skills
- Respecting values
- Self-identification
- Building self-esteem
Sports Studies
Promotes fitness, teamwork and discipline through structured physical activity. Learners study the rules and skills of sports and the value of a healthy, active life.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of sports
- Sports, games, play, physical activity and exercise
- Importance to health and well-being
- Sports and other disciplines
- Categories of sports
Textiles and Garment Construction
Introduces the basics of making garments, from the sewing room and its tools to operating and caring for a sewing machine.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of garment construction
- Meaning and objectives of garment construction
- The sewing room, tools and equipment
- Parts of the sewing machine
- Operating and caring for a sewing machine
Creative Arts
Music
Develops listening, performing and creative skills using Tanzanian and world music. Learners explore rhythm, melody and instruments while valuing cultural heritage.
Specific competence: Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of music
- Meaning and scope of music
- Elements of music
- Role and functions of music in society
- Importance of music
- Music and other fields
Theatre Art
Builds confidence, voice and expression through drama and performance. Learners create and present short plays that explore community stories and values.
- Introduction to theatre
- Voice and body control
- Improvisation
- Script and character
- Stage, costume, props
- Performance and appreciation
Fine Art
Nurtures observation and creativity through drawing, painting and craft. Learners practise design skills that can lead to creative work and self-employment.
- Drawing and shading
- Colour theory
- Painting
- Pattern and design
- Craft and modelling
- Art appreciation
Study Form One anywhere
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