CBSE loses charm with decade old curriculum

Hyderabad: Ashok Ganguly, the former chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education , says that at least 40 per cent of what students are learning is obsolete, as the CBSE syllabus was last revised in 2005.

His observation has caused teachers to question why children are being made to study a syllabus that is over a decade old, and why they are not being equipped with the latest information. Teachers say that there is no mention of new writers, scientists, literature or discoveries in the curriculum.

The generation has moved on, and yet we continue to teach children about discoveries that were made years ago, instead of what is relevant at present. Students, in their school years are made to study complex topics beyond their age, increasing the burden on them. The board is trying to introduce the use of technology in education, but the CDs and broadcasts that they share also contain outdated information, teachers feel. “We have repeatedly requested the board to update the syllabus, but have received no response. As teachers, our hands are tied. We do believe that a shorter, more relevant syllabus is needed,” French teacher Caroline Ross says. 

Science teacher Deepthi Divakar also believes that a syllabus revision  is the need of the hour. “There has been a lot of talk about the introduction of sex education. In light of recent incidents, it is important to sensitise children and teach them respect and responsibility. The new curriculum should bind knowledge with moral values,” she says.