How to Create a Scheme of Work: Step-by-Step for Nigerian Teachers

Creating a scheme of work is one of the most time-consuming tasks Nigerian teachers face each term. But with the right approach, the process can be more efficient than most teachers realize. Step 1: Gather Your Materials Collect the NERDC curriculum document, your school scheme of work template, the school calendar, your textbook, and notes from the previous term. Step 2: Identify the Topics for the Term Open the NERDC curriculum to the section for your subject, level, and term. List all the topics specified for that term. Step 3: Count Your Available Weeks Determine how many teaching weeks you actually have. Subtract assessment weeks, school events, public holidays, and review time. Step 4: Allocate Topics to Weeks Distribute topics across available weeks considering topic complexity, prerequisite relationships, assessment alignment, and pacing buffer. Step 5: Define Learning Objectives For each topic, write 2 to 4 learning objectives from the NERDC curriculum. Step 6: Identify Resources List resources needed for each week: textbooks, charts, models, laboratory equipment, past questions. Step 7: Plan Assessment Map continuous assessment and end-of-term examination to the scheme. Step 8: Write the Document Transfer everything into your school required format. Step 9: Review Verify all required topics are covered and pacing is realistic. Tips for Efficiency Use the same scheme structure each term. Keep a library of schemes from previous years. Collaborate with colleagues. Use digital tools that start with curriculum data.