Our new report aimed at Sri Lankan policy makers, curriculum designers, and teachers on the new Grade 6 English Curriculum and Syllabus has been released today. This in depth report evaluates Sri Lanka’s 2025 Grade 6 English curriculum syllabus through the lens of the Science of Reading (SoR) and the Science of Learning (SoL). The analysis identifies a critical literacy skills gap, noting that the curriculum lacks explicit instruction in phonics, decoding, and academic Tier 2 vocabulary. Furthermore, the report critiques the syllabus’s heavy reliance on discovery-based learning, arguing that novice learners require more explicit instruction and structured retrieval practice to succeed. To address these systemic issues, the report proposes a pragmatic “retrofit” strategy that utilizes AI to redesign lessons without delaying the 2027 implementation. Detailed appendices provide a lesson evaluation framework and revised instructional guides to ensure educational equity for all students. Read the report here or download and read the report from ResearchGate using the DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19638.87365 .
