With early exams, schools racing against time to complete course

With the announcement of the poll dates compelling them to hold their first semester exams earlier than planned, Mumbai schools are working overtime to complete the syllabus in time.

With the announcement of the poll dates compelling them to hold their first semester exams earlier than planned, city schools are working overtime, conducting extra classes and staying open on holidays too, to complete the syllabus in time.

Many schools have decided to start the exams by September-end, so that they don’t clash with the Assembly polls, which will be held on October 15. However, rescheduling the exams was only half the battle won, as teachers are now struggling to complete the course.

“The exams were scheduled to an earlier date at a short notice. This has upset our lesson plans. A lot of topics have not yet been covered,” said Rajesh Pandya, senior teacher, Fatima Devi English High School, Malad. He said teachers had planned their lessons according to the timetable declared at the beginning of the academic year.

“Also, schools had declared a Ganpati vacation, which added to the delay in completing the portion,” he said. The school is now holding classes even on Saturdays.

Hilda Castelino High School, Kandivli is conducting extra classes for students. “Extra classes are being held for those subjects for which it will be difficult to complete the syllabus before the exams begin,” said Prashant Redij, headmaster of the school. “There is no time left for revision. We cannot conduct practice sessions for them when we have not even completed the portion,” he said.