PANAJI
In a crucial step towards fostering environmental awareness and grooming the young minds towards becoming responsible citizens, the Goa government has introduced chapters like Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Waste Management into school curriculum for Class X from this academic year.
Under Interdisciplinary Area (IDA) a new textbook with chapters like Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness, General Laws including the new criminal laws and Basics of Financial Literacy is being implemented for Class IX from this term as part of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The NEP 2020 was implemented for Class IX from the last academic year while for Class X it has been done from this academic term. With NEP, both the grades have ten subjects each which are divided into- Scholastic subjects-Language 1, 2, 3, Social Science, Science and Mathematics and Skill-based subjects are Interdisciplinary area, NSQF/Others, Art Education and Physical Education.
The government had constituted a Textbook Development Committee under Secretary Education IAS Prasad Lolayekar for identifying IDA areas and chapters for inclusion in the curriculum.
“The Grade 10 IDA textbook has been thoughtfully designed to focus exclusively on Environmental Education, with the goal of fostering a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between human actions and the natural world. Building upon the interdisciplinary foundation introduced in Grade 9, this textbook takes a focused yet holistic approach to environmental issues, integrating scientific, social, economic, and ethical perspectives. It aims to develop in students a sense of environmental stewardship and inspire them to be proactive in conserving resources, protecting biodiversity, and advocating for sustainable living,” the government said.
A senior official informed that NEP 2020 has placed a strong emphasis on inculcating knowledge pertaining to environmental concerns like sustainable development, climate change, disaster management, waste management, etc among the students at a very young age.
“This curriculum, which offers lots of on-field activities, aims to empower students to understand their rights and responsibilities, manage resources responsibly, and be prepared for potential emergencies,” officials said.
For Class IX, the chapter Disaster Risk Reduction and Management will be taught as a theory component as Scout and Guide NCC, JRC and Social Service would be considered as practical components during Semester I.
Chapter on General Laws and Financial Literacy would be taught during the Second Semester. Under general laws, students would be made aware about the new criminal laws. Here schools will have to organize debates and undertake case studies.
