Karachi: Corporate Pakistan Group and Nutshell Conferences Group organised Online conference to discuss the need and importance of Single National Curriculum.
In its introductory session Federal Education Minister addressed about misunderstandings being generated regarding Single National Curriculum.
He said that, this is the first time in the history of Pakistan Single National Curriculum is introduced and it is hard task that may have many problems and hurdles.
States always want to set a minimum standard of quality education but unfortunately during 72 years of our country, education has been ignored but in the charter of PTI it has been given top priority.
The purpose of Single National Curriculum is to design method of learning initially from class I to V than VI to VIII and later than IX and X curriculum will also be prepared.
Shafqat Mehmood clarified that they are not going to replace any system of education whether it is O level or A level or Madaris, all can be continued. School may print/select their own syllabus but at least the standard of teaching and learning is fixed.
On reply of criticism on single syllabus, Shafqat Mehmood said that people think there would be one book for all children in Pakistan is not necessary.
We have designed model textbooks but it is not obligatory for them. Schools can select their own syllabus by taking NOC.
In the year of the same national curriculum had not been different from 2006 curriculum would not have been so much talk about it.
Further he said that schools are allowed to teach subjects of their own choice like music and Madaris can add Dars-e-Nizami with it.
English, Science and Mathematics will be taught in English language where as remaining subjects in Urdu.
To teach English in Pre Schooling teachers has to learn English as well. Teachers training programmes are also designed to train teachers that may have difficulties as well.
The conventional assessment system is, taking examination based on text books which is not sufficient to analyse learning outcomes of the students. Assessment system of National Curriculum is under process.
Punjab, KPK, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir have been accepted National Curriculum but Sindh has objections on Sociology subject. Objections are very minor and can be resolved but it is not accepted on political basis.
Director of National Curriculum Council Mariam Chugtai said that many people are interested to be the part of curriculum development. Any suggestion from Teachers, Parents and Students will be appreciated.
The new syllabus from K.G to XII will be introduced within six months, uploaded on the website and feedback will be generated.
Previous syllabuses were compiled by educationists of Punjab Province only but this time the participation had been given to all the provinces.
A very flexible and impartial syllabus of Islamiyat is prepared with the consensus of religious scholars of all schools of thought.
People who are complaining about the shortage of books must be informed that several recommended publishers books are available on website.
Dr. Mariam Chughtai further said Government is in collaboration with google UK and other institutes to launch online teachers training programme.
She said unfortunately Urdu has been considered less important and criticised. If Private schools start Chinese to teach in their schools which will help to get corporate employment in future than no one will criticise but they should know that mother tongue has vital role in the process of learning.
The conference was also addressed by the director of Bloomfield School Shazia Asmat Zaidi, Head of ACCA Pakistan Sajeed Aslam, founder of rural development foundation Gul Mariam, Chief Exective of NBP Fund Dr. Amjad Waheed, Chairperson of Beaconhouse National University Nasreen Mehmood Qasoori, founder of Next Generation Professional Development Shagufta Jabeen, Managing Director Of Oxford University press Arshad Saeed Hussain, CEO of Roots Millennium Education Choudary Faisal Mushtaque, President of IBA Management Talib S. Karim, and discussed prose and corn and reservations regarding National Curriculum openly.
