demanding curriculum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding curriculum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an educational program that requires a high level of effort and commitment from students. Example: "The university is known for its demanding curriculum, which challenges students to excel in their studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mudd's demanding curriculum and tough grading standards mean "our students aren't picking us for the salaries.

The New York Times

It has a demanding curriculum, with long days of workshops, meaning classmates become very close.

The Washington Post

The evidence is overwhelming that this practice holds back poor children, denying them access to an appropriately demanding curriculum.

The Guardian

It was more challenging for Crittenton to adjust to the Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, a Bible school with a strict dress code and a demanding curriculum.

The New York Times - Sports

A growing base of research established that students who had effective teachers were better able to complete a demanding curriculum and reach higher levels of education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Various factors explain this: a demanding curriculum, high expectations, discipline, school safety, high parental involvement, a dedicated faculty and an environment imbued with moral values.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Ellen Lange, of Short Hills, whose children are on the private school track and attended the preschool program at a local synagogue, B'Nai Jeshurun, said, "More preschools are trying to entice parents with things that are out of the ordinary, that will prep kids for demanding curriculums come kindergarten".

The New York Times

And our politicians, afraid to require hard work from students and strong support from parents, punish the schools rather than demand curriculum reform that stresses the basics.

The New York Times

At the same time, campuses were becoming more ethnically diverse, and minority students demanded curriculums that spoke more directly to their own experiences.

The New York Times

On top of an already demanding undergraduate curriculum, Global Management Program students will have to fulfill a language requirement and take specialized global business courses.

University of California, Berkeley

An earlier TIMSS report also refers to the reverse phenomenon (which we can see on looking across the participating countries in Figure 1), wherein a demanding mathematics curriculum may lead to high achievement but little enthusiasm for the subject matter (Mullis et al., 2001).

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demanding curriculum" when you want to emphasize the high level of effort and commitment required from students. This sets expectations clearly.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a curriculum as "demanding" without providing concrete examples. Vague claims lack impact and can be perceived as unsubstantiated. Instead, illustrate the demanding nature by referencing specific assignments, required skills, or expected outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding curriculum" functions as a pre-modifying adjective + noun construction. The adjective "demanding" describes the characteristics of the noun "curriculum", indicating that it requires significant effort, skill, or commitment from students. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demanding curriculum" is a common and correct way to describe an educational program that requires significant effort and commitment. Ludwig AI examples show frequent usage across news, academic and scientific contexts. Consider stronger alternatives such as "rigorous curriculum" or "challenging curriculum" to add nuance. When using the phrase, be specific about what makes the curriculum "demanding". Avoid overgeneralization and instead focus on specifics assignments, required skills, or expected outcomes. This guidance ensures clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigorous curriculum

Focuses on the strictness and thoroughness of the curriculum.

challenging curriculum

Highlights the difficulty and the need for effort in the curriculum.

intensive curriculum

Emphasizes the concentrated nature and high volume of work.

strenuous curriculum

Suggests that the curriculum requires considerable exertion and effort.

comprehensive curriculum

Indicates the curriculum covers a wide range of topics in detail.

exacting curriculum

Implies a high standard of precision and adherence to rules.

difficult course of study

Rephrases the concept using more common vocabulary.

academically challenging program

Shifts the focus to the overall academic experience.

high pressure academic environment

Emphasizes the intensity and expectations of the academic setting.

burdensome educational program

Focuses on the weight and responsibility placed on students.

FAQs

How can I use "demanding curriculum" in a sentence?

You can say, "The engineering program has a "demanding curriculum" that prepares students for real-world challenges" or "Students in the honors program face a "demanding curriculum" designed to push their intellectual limits".

What's a good alternative to "demanding curriculum"?

Alternatives include "rigorous curriculum", "challenging curriculum", or "intensive curriculum". The best choice depends on the specific aspect of the curriculum you want to emphasize.

What makes a curriculum "demanding"?

A "demanding curriculum" typically involves a heavy workload, complex material, high expectations, and the need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Is "demanding curriculum" the same as "difficult curriculum"?

While similar, "demanding" implies a high level of effort and commitment, whereas "difficult" simply suggests that the material is hard to understand. A "demanding curriculum" may be difficult, but it also emphasizes the necessary dedication and work ethic.