“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, the proverb definitely holds truth and that too in contemporary times. Now-a-days students are so preoccupied with school work and curriculum that they cannot take out time to play games and gradually start ignoring sports.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of schools and such other educational institutions to include sports in the curriculum so that students can remain fit and active.
‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar also holds the opinion that education and sports should go hand in hand.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been taking student-friendly initiatives to make the entire teaching and learning process smooth. When it comes to curriculum which will help in the overall development of the students, CBSE has never been callous in its attitude.
Continuing with its efforts towards the same, the Board has this time come up with major change in the curriculum of classes 1 to 12 from academic session 2019-20.
In order to promote life skills and value education, CBSE has decided to integrate health and physical education with academics. The CBSE has directed all its affiliated schools to include one period for sports per day compulsory for classes 1 to 12 from the next session.
As per the new CBSE circular, the syllabus will also include children with special needs. In many games, certain techniques including sign language, wheelchairs etc have also been introduced so that the differently-abled students can be incorporated. Yoga along with two other courses- artificial intelligence and early childhood care have also been introduced in the new curriculum.
“The motive is to include physical activity in children’s daily routine. If a child shows interest or has the capability to do well in certain games or athletics they will be provided with focused training too,” said CBSE spokesperson, Rama Sharma as quoted by the The Indian Express.
If there is no specialised sports teacher, the class teacher will have to ensure that each student participates in some kind of physical activity, as per the CBSE rules.
The syllabus will be divided into four strands and there would be no theory classes. The strand one consists of athletics, team games, individual games and adventure sports. A student must compulsorily have to take up one of these activities. The students can also change their chosen activity throughout the year. The entire class will also participate in group activities.
The strand two consists of health and fitness while strand three includes Social Empowerment through Work Education and Action (SEWA) and strand four is for health and activity card (for the record).
The strand one will carry 50 marks while the strand two and three will consist of 25 marks each. Strand 4 will carry no marks.