April start to academic year evokes mixed reactions from stakeholders

PANAJI

The Goa Headmasters’ Association (GHA) has welcomed the State government’s decision to commence the academic year in April rather than June calling it a “progressive step” with multiple benefits to students, teachers and school administration.

Speaking to The Goan, GHA President Sr Liberetha Fernandes, however, urged the government to postpone the start of regular classes, scheduled from June 4, till mid-June or till onset of monsoon. She also said would request the government to give schools a break in the last week of March for teachers to prepare for the new term and also time to make results.

“We strongly support the decision as this change will enhance academic planning, improve students' learning outcome and create a more structured and effective school environment,” she said adding that the move will give ample time to complete the syllabus and also reduce academic pressure that the student normally goes through.

Fernandes said that April is already a working month for teachers as traditionally teachers remain engaged academically till April 30 like supervising SSC exam, paper corrections, etc.

“Since teachers are already accustomed to April working, this change will be a smooth transition rather than an additional burden. Yes, there would be some initial difficulties,” she said.

Pointing out that most of the high schools and higher secondary schools conduct extra classes for students of Class X and XII, Fernandes said that making April official part of the academic year will give official recognition to these extra classes.  

She said that the decision will also give more time to complete the syllabus and also enable schools to organize effective co-curricular activities. She said that according to the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), there has to be 1200 instructional hours in a year for middle and secondary classes which we are not able to meet at present.

Fernandes also said that due to examinations in March-April, schools are also not able to meet 220 working days.

According to GHA, the decision will also reduce the possibility of full-day schooling and help in effective implementation of ten bag less days.