As parents, we all want the best for our kids, right? Education is crucial in head-starting their career trajectory and shaping their futures.
The introduction of NCF 2023 (National Curriculum Framework) in India is a big move towards changing our education system.
This comprehensive framework aims to reimagine education, making it more holistic, flexible, and adaptable to the needs of the students so they are up to the mark of 21st-century skills.
But what exactly is it?
What is NCF 2023?
The NCF 2023, a detailed guide for Indian school education, follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals, which aim to offer a complete and unified approach to learning.
On April 29, 2022, a document was released by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Education Minister, at a function held at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru) where he mentioned; “The National Education Policy 2020 is the ‘Philosophy’, the National Curriculum Framework is the ‘Pathway and the document released today is the ‘Constitution’ to champion the changing demands of the 21st century and positively impact the future”.
The NCF 2023 emphasizes the importance of foundational learning, experiential learning, critical thinking, and creativity. It also calls for a more flexible and inclusive approach to education, catering to the diverse needs of all learners.
What to expect from NCF 2023?
The framework is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on;
- The curriculum,
- Pedagogy, and
- Assessment practices in schools nationwide.
It is anticipated to lead to improved student learning outcomes, increased equity and access to quality education, and a more creative and innovative approach to teaching and learning.
The Ministry of Education is committed to implementing the NCF 2023 and is working with state governments and school boards to develop implementation plans. The ministry has also released a number of resources to support teachers and schools in implementing the framework.
But how does it work?
Map of NCF 2023
So, by now we all know NCF 2023 is based on the NEP 2020 proposal which has divided the school curriculum into four stages or groups per the recommendations of NCERT. Here is the list:
Foundational Stage :
(For kids aged 3 to 8)
- Learning will focus on different areas: the body, emotions, thinking skills, arts, words, and reading.
- It will teach good habits for learning in future school years.
- There will be a big emphasis on learning basic reading and math skills.
- It will start with toys and fun activities, then move to books in Grade 1.
- Stories and playing will be super important for learning.
- Children will learn through play with caring teachers.
- They will learn both by themselves and with friends, needing help with reading and math.
- Teachers will observe and help children; sometimes, there will be worksheets, but no big tests.
Preparatory Stage:
(For kids aged 8 to 11)
- Learning will focus on two languages (R1 and R2), Math, Art, Physical Education, and The World Around Us.
- It will involve work skills within The World Around Us subjects.
- While textbooks will be used more, real-life experiences remain important, especially in The World Around Us.
- Stories will play a crucial role in language learning, aiding children in reading independently.
- Activities will maintain a fun learning environment while gradually introducing more formal classroom settings.
- Practice and activities to enhance skills will be part of both in-class and homework assignments.
- Short written tests will be acceptable; teachers will observe students’ work.
- There will be occasional significant tests to assess progress based on expected knowledge.
Middle Stage:
(For kids aged 11 to 14)
- Learning will focus on three languages (R1, R2, and R3), Math, Art, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, and Vocational Education.
- Each subject will impart different knowledge and different learning methods.
- Students will begin learning more intricate concepts, new theories, and ways to enhance language skills for school.
- Textbooks will play a significant role in understanding complex ideas, aiding the transition from simple to advanced concepts.
- Teaching will involve a mix of styles: direct lessons alongside opportunities for exploration and questioning.
- Learning from errors and previous knowledge will hold critical importance.
- Tests will adopt a more formal approach, concentrating on understanding and practical application of knowledge.
- Tests at this stage’s culmination will be based on the expected learning outcomes.
Group 1: Languages
Group 2: Art Education/ Physical Education & Well-being/ Vocational Education
Group 3: Social Science/ Interdisciplinary Areas
Group 4: Mathematics & Computational Thinking/ Science
Secondary Stage
Phase 1:
(Grades 9 and 10)
- Students cover the same subjects as the Middle Stage.
- They engage in Environmental Education, concentrating on critical thinking and argumentation about public environmental issues.
- Specific standards define expectations for these subject areas.
Phase 2:
(Grades 11 and 12)
- More choices will be available to students regarding their studies.
- They will need to select two languages (at least one being an Indian language) and can opt for subjects across different groups.
- There will be flexibility for both depth and variety in their studies, without strict limitations on choosing specific streams.
- Various combinations of subjects will be possible for students to pursue.
Books play a crucial role in learning during Grades 9 and 10, while in Grades 11 and 12, students experience more freedom to explore content sources.
At this stage, students are expected to engage in more independent learning, with encouragement to pursue self-study, participate in group work, and experience various teaching methods in class.
Assessments and Board Examinations:
The vision is that students should face challenging assessments to develop higher-level thinking skills.
Grade 10 board exams will test Competencies in subjects, while certain areas like Art, Physical Education, and Vocational Education will have local assessments certified by the board.
For a Grade 12 certificate, students must pass:
- 2 language exams
- 4 exams from at least 2 groups (with an optional extra)
- Group 2 subjects (Art Education, Physical Education, and Vocational Education) have local assessments certified by the board.
Implications for Schools and Boards of Examinations:
- Schools and Boards will offer and assess subjects from all ten areas for Grade 10 from the beginning of NCF implementation.
- Starting with the NCF launch, schools and boards will provide at least two languages for Grades 11-12.
- Board exams will shift their focus to testing understanding rather than mere memorization.
- Schools will introduce subjects from at least two out of three groups (Groups 2, 3, and 4). Within 5 years, they will expand to offering subjects from all four groups. Within 10 years, they will cover all areas and groups.
- Over a decade, all schools will transition to a single Secondary Stage, providing choice and flexibility, similar to the current structure in Grades 11-12.
- The shift from annual/two-year patterns to semester or annual formats aims to offer more course flexibility and options.
- Within ten years, Boards will introduce certifications through smaller, modular exams focusing on immediate testing after completing courses.
NCF 2023 will surely change the entire landscape of the Indian education system, with the rules which NEP 2020 promised.
Conclusion:
The NCF 2023 is like a new guide for education in India. which focuses on children enjoying learning more and being better at thinking and being creative. It’s a big change, but it’s good for everyone.
At Cyboard School, we’re excited about this change! Here’s what we’ll focus on while teaching your child:
- We’ll make learning more fun and engaging. Our teachers will try new ways to teach that are easy to understand.
- We’ll change how we test students. Instead of only remembering things, we’ll check how well they understand and use what they learn.
- Our teachers will get extra training to teach using the new ideas in the NCF 2023.
Come and enroll your child at Cyboard School! Let’s learn and grow together in a more exciting and useful way, just like the new rules say.
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