Covering syllabus: ‘Rain holidays’ leave teachers facing ‘question marks’

KOCHI: The holidays announced to schools in the wake of heavy rain across the state has landed students and teachers in a soup. Though District Collectors issued holidays considering the safety of students, teachers said, it  will affect the completion of the syllabus scheduled before the Onam vacation.
While other districts received three to four holidays, Ernakulam tops the list with six, so far.

“The unprecedented holidays are putting pressure on students and teachers alike as several chapters need to be covered before the first term examination slated to begin by August first week,” said Sunitha M, a teacher working with a government school.

“Since the textbooks are high in content, teachers need more time to teach the lessons. Though we have an option of conducting special classes to mitigate the loss, we are unsure of completing the required portions before the examinations.”

According to teachers, the holidays will affect mostly Class X and Plus Two students preparing for board examinations.

“Since Kendriya Vidyalayas follow the Central rule, all Saturdays are working days. It’s difficult for us to find a special class to compensate for the hours lost.

“There is strict order from the higher authorities not to conduct any classes on holidays,” said A Rajalakhsmi, a teacher with a Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Kerala CBSE School Management Association general secretary Indira Rajan said school authorities are taking all efforts to finish portions as planned earlier.

“We have already convened a meeting with parents about the need to conduct special classes for students to compensate the loss,” said Indira.