As of 1 September 2019, new attainment targets have been introduced in the first stage of secondary education, simultaneous to the modernisation of secondary education. The same procedure will be followed for the development of learning outcomes in the second and third stage of secondary education. Learning outcomes to be developed for the second stage will be implemented on 1 September 2021 and those for the third stage on 1 September 2023.

Process

The new learning outcomes have been developed from key European competences:

• competences in other languages;
• competences in the field of physical, mental and emotional awareness and in the field of physical, mental and emotional health;
• digital competence and media literacy;
• social-relational competences;
• competences in mathematics, science and technology;
• civic competences;
• competences related to historical awareness;
• competences related to spatial awareness (geography);
• competences on sustainability;
• economic and financial competences;
• legal competences;
• learning to learn competences including research competences, innovation thinking, creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking, systems thinking, information processing and collaboration;
• self-awareness and self-expression, self-direction;
• development of initiative, ambition, entrepreneurship and career competencies;
• cultural awareness and expression.

In addition, expansion objectives were developed for the Dutch language. These are the goals for young people who want to be challenged and encouraged to learn more about the Dutch language.

After the approval of the key competences in January 2018, 7 development committees started to work on the new learning outcomes. Teachers, experts, representatives of the educational umbrella organisations, networks and the Ministry of Education all worked together to develop the new attainment targets.  

The new attainment targets are ambitious yet succinct and clear. They are competency-oriented, measurable and discuss knowledge, skills and insights. All targets must be achieved and each student must attain the goals for basic literacy at the end of the first degree. Basic literacy entails those attainment levels needed to participate in society: Dutch, mathematics, digital and financial literacy.

Objectives

With the new attainment targets, Flanders continues to guarantee high quality and up-to-date education for every pupil – now and in the future. The targets determine the minimum of what pupils must know and be able to do, as well as what knowledge and competences are necessary to stand firmly and with both feet in society.

The key competences regarding citizenship, digital literacy, media literacy and financial literacy provide a clear response to today's challenges. To further respond to societal changes, the attainment targets will be subject to periodic evaluations and will be updated as necessary. The targets ensure a thorough preparation of pupils for their future in the higher education or the labour market.

Source: Eurydice Belgium – Flemish Community Unit