‘Need more choice of subjects in schools’

School curriculum across the country is undergoing a transformation but the need of the hour is to expedite the process to make it more relevant to suit modern needs.
What is problematic about our secondary school education is that there is not enough choice in the matter of subjects. The amount of maths, sciences and social sciences that a student needs to master to clear Class X is too exhaustive right now. Most of these topics become redundant once the student graduates to the senior secondary level, where the focus shifts to a mostly homogeneous group of subjects chosen on the basis of individual aptitude and preference.

Therefore, for the future benefit of students, it is preferable if they can opt for multiple subjects of the same discipline at the secondary level.

Those who opt for mathematics and science can have subject groups of various difficulty levels within their chosen domains. Due weightage to visual and performing arts can open up new horizons for some. Aspiring sportspersons, who often struggle to juggle academic pursuits with their ambitions, can also be allowed to excel on the sporting arena if a tailor-made course of study can be offered to them.

Unlike in developed countries, those with talent in sports and visual arts are often seen not opting for these as future callings because the secondary school curriculum takes up their entire focus and energy.

(The writer is the principal of South Point School, Guwahati)