Turkey to introduce ‘w,’ ‘x,’ ‘q’ in primary curriculum

Gamze Kolcu - ANKARA

Turkish students will be introduced to the letters “w,” “x” and “q,” which are not in the Turkish alphabet, starting from the fourth grade as part of a lesson teaching children how to use computer keyboards. 

The move came after the Education Ministry revised its curriculum in terms of including keyboard lessons for fourth graders. In addition to the letters in the Turkish alphabet, the keyboards will also include “w,” “x” and “q.”

The revision was undertaken in line with the FATİH project at schools, whose goal is to put tablet computers in the hands of every student from preschool all the way to high school level. The project thereby requires that students master the use of tablet computers and their keyboards. 

Previously it was only students who took English and Kurdish elective courses who were introduced to the letters “w,” “x” and “q,” but the ministry has now indicated that it is pedagogically important for all students to familiarize themselves with all letters in primary school, including foreign ones they use in their daily lives.