‘Syllabus upgrade good idea, but should be done gradually’

Schools and parents reacted cautiously to the government’s decision to upgrade the state board syllabus for Class 9 and above to make mathematics and science curricula in line with those of central boards.

Schools and parents reacted cautiously to the government’s decision to upgrade the state board syllabus for Class 9 and above to make mathematics and science curricula in line with those of central boards.

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While pointing out that in theory, it is a good idea to upgrade the syllabus, they said in practice, it should be implemented with greater thought and time.

“It will be difficult for students to suddenly jump to a higher level,” said Alka Shelly, principal of Chandaramji High School at CP Tank.

“If the government wants to make changes then they should

start from Class 5 itself, not in Class 9.”

The upgraded Class 9 syllabus will apply from this year itself. The new syllabus for Class 10 will apply from 2011, while for Classes 11 and 12 from 2012.

Arundhati Chavan, chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association United Forum, said the move might not be practical given the sheer number of students the board caters to. “What about students in rural areas? If their basic concepts are weak, then how will they be able to make the jump?” she asked.