New Class 1-5 T.N. syllabus focuses on learning objectives, competencies, and pedagogical approaches

The new draft curriculum for Classes 1 to 5 will mainstream Ennum Ezhuthum, a foundational literacy-numeracy scheme introduced to bridge the learning gap brought due to COVID-19, by integrating the workbook and textbook. The draft syllabus for the primary classes was released on January 6 seeking feedback from the public.

“We have focused on learning objectives, competencies, and the required pedagogical approaches in each chapter. Apart from this, there is also a need to give basic life skills and value education and hence, these are also incorporated in each lesson,” said School education secretary B. Chandra Mohan.

From poster making in English to jigsaws and map-reading in science, the syllabus points out activities and the various skillsets a child is supposed to achieve from the class. In social science and EVS, chapters on ‘Myself’ continue from Class 1 to Class 3 broadening as the child grows.

Mr. Chandra Mohan explained that the level at which the child learns increases with knowing their name in Class 1 to forming a positive attitude about themselves. “We focussed on age-appropriate learning, simple language, and easy understanding of concepts. We want to build strong foundations that students can carry forward,” said curriculum design committee chairperson Sultan Ahmed Ismail.

Stating that the committee wanted to incorporate fine motor skills from an early age the Secretary added that in each chapter activities are included to take that up. “Periodic assessments will be conducted, and it will reflect competency and not memory learning . We are consciously moving away from rote learning,” he added.

Presently, the feedback is sought for draft curriculum online as well as through consultations offline. The State has been split into seven zones and the next public hearing is for Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruppatur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri districts in Vellore on January 19.

“We had received practical concerns from the first public meeting in Chennai held on January 10. Teachers had concerns on fonts as there are similar-looking alphabets. Moving forward, we also plan to have an editorial board to be mindful of the language and to keep it simple in textbooks,” said Mr. Sultan

The public can submit their feedback until January 25 online after which the committee will compile and take what’s required before moving on to textbook writing. The curriculum will come into effect for the 2027-28 academic year.

“Work is under way for 6-12 classes and will shortly be released,” Mr. Chandra Mohan said.

However, Aruna Ratnam, former education expert with UNICEF noted that a curricular statement is missing. “An overall statement of why and how this list was created or the essence of each subject at this stage of child development. Without this there is no meaningful context in which to arrange this list of competencies and topics,” she said.