454. The policy also states that, English is the official language of instruction, but the language used for initial literacy learning in Grades 1-4 shall be one that is familiar to the child to promote meaningful learning. Basic Education Curriculum 455. Currently, some of the subjects taught in lower and middle basic schools include: Mathematics, Zambian languages, social studies, environmental science, home economics, English, art and design, industrial arts, spiritual and moral education, music and physical education. 456. Curriculum reform is one of the BESSIP components. The reforms aim at developing a basic curriculum, which is relevant, effective, and in line with other current education reforms. Civics has been revised to include human rights and gender issues. The curriculum for science subjects has been revised to include issues of HIV/AIDS and the environment. 457. Present efforts to reform basic education are limited to lower and middle basic levels. This creates a gap in the provision of relevant education at upper basic level. High School Curriculum 458. The curriculum for Grades 10 – 12 has been diversified in a comprehensive and holistic way by developing several distinct programmes. Certain schools have become specialist schools for technology, practical areas, business and commercial studies, and the creative arts. 172