Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus

The thin line of distinction between curriculum and syllabus is often the reason why most people end up using the terms interchangeably. Even though the two terms are used interchangeably, there is a clear difference between curriculum and syllabus that sets them apart from each other. This blog is a faceoff of curriculum vs syllabus, where we’ll dive into the differences between the two.

Key Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus

Curriculum	Syllabus
A curriculum is a well planned strategy and a collection of guidelines crafted by institutions to primarily focus on students’ holistic growth (both mental and physical).	Syllabus is a part of the curriculum that contains information on all the topics, chapters, and assignments that must be covered in a certain course or subject.

 

Difference in Purpose of Curriculum and Syllabus

While the ultimate purpose of both curriculum and syllabus lies in offering a structured learning path to the students, they hold some different purposes as well.

Purposes of Curriculum	Purposes of Syllabus
A curriculum is meant to help students develop holistically where every aspect of growth is in focus via multiple resources.	A syllabus is a part of the curriculum that focuses on elevating the academic potential of the students via resources like textbooks.
A curriculum is developed by considering the long-term benefits students can get.	Syllabi often focus on short-term goals through pre-planned daily/weekly activities.
Curriculum offers a brief overview of the entire program and everything that’ll be coming up in the future.	Syllabus offers a sneak peek into the short-term course details that are directed towards meeting quick goals.

 

Differences in Benefits of Syllabus and Curriculum

The differences between the two terminologies are not just limited to their purpose. Their differences can be seen in their benefits as well.

Benefits of Curriculum	Benefits of Syllabus
The evaluated procedures and strategies bring consistency to the curriculum.	A syllabus is great at explaining the curriculum well via assignments, projects, etc., ultimately bringing clarity to the course.
Curriculums can be customised for students based on the level of their skills and knowledge.	A syllabus is often customised and tailored by the educators to meet their as well as their pupils’ requirements.
A well designed curriculum can often guarantee coherence and continuity that are essential for the personal growth of students.	A syllabus can help teachers and educators plan and strategise better and choose the perfect resources for their pupils.
A curriculum is designed with a long-term vision, often directed towards the systematic and steady development of students.	There’s no scope for time wastage when it comes to the completion of the syllabus.

 

Similarities Between Syllabus and Curriculum

Though this blog just delved into the difference between curriculum and syllabus, we can’t neglect the fact that the two terms carry some similarities as well.

• Both the syllabus and curriculum are set to maintain the educational guidelines and decorum.
• The ultimate purpose of both syllabus and curriculum is to provide structured education.
• A curriculum and the associated syllabus have the sole purpose of offering holistic growth where every educational aspect is treated equally.

Wrapping It Up

As similar as they may appear in usage, the difference between curriculum and syllabus is something that can’t be overlooked. While the two terms are interrelated, having the same sole purpose, there are clearly some differences that set the two apart from each other. We hope this blog could shed some light on those differences so you could understand them better.

Commonly Asked Queries

What is the major difference between curriculum and syllabus?

While the curriculum is a complete operating structure, the syllabus is a mere part of that curriculum.

Can schools freely alter their curriculum?

Curriculum is considered the starting point for most schools as an operating guideline that can’t be altered easily. Yes, schools can change their curricula to some extent, but they refrain from doing so because it is a long and hectic process. Most of the time, schools adhere to the curriculum set by C.B.S.E., I.C.S.E., or any other board. 

Are textbooks and curriculum interrelated?

A curriculum defines the textbooks that will be used while textbooks follow the curriculum and help in fulfilling the role of the curriculum.

Can a school change their course syllabus?

Any school, university, or institution can change their syllabus or some sections of their current syllabus at any point of the course for any valid reasons. For example, many institutions often cut down on their syllabi when the curriculum is lagging.