IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
curriculum
noun/kəˈrɪkjələm/Band 6
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“curriculum” is a Band 6 noun that means the subjects and content that make up a course of study at a school or university. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
The subjects and content that make up a course of study at a school or university.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “The national curriculum places a strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy.”
- “Schools now have more freedom to design their own curriculum.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
syllabusprogramme of studycourse content
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
national curriculumcore curriculumdesign a curriculumcurriculum content
Common phrases
a broad and balanced curriculumpart of the curriculum
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “curriculum” mean?
The subjects and content that make up a course of study at a school or university.
How do you use “curriculum” in a sentence?
For example: “The national curriculum places a strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy.”
What are some synonyms for “curriculum”?
Synonyms include syllabus, programme of study, course content.
Is “curriculum” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 6 vocabulary, and collocations such as national curriculum, core curriculum, design a curriculum help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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