How are ninth graders faring under new curriculum?

Bangladesh's education system has undergone a major transformation with ninth graders now entering their new classes without being segregated into traditional streams - science, arts, and business studies, reports bdnews24.com.

The shift aligns with the new curriculum's aim to eliminate subject divisions at this level. Consequently, students will no longer have to choose a specific stream upon their admission to colleges.

While some parents have expressed concerns about the new approach, students have indicated a preference for the revised curriculum, which encourages collaborative learning through group assignments.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) believes that the new system will better equip students to adapt to life's changes.

However, critics of the new curriculum argue that it may result in reduced focus on science, potentially leaving students less prepared for higher secondary education.

Concerns have also been raised about the abolition of grading and the feasibility of implementing the new curriculum in rural schools, leading to fears of increasing educational inequality.

This has prompted the formation of the 'Sammilito Shikkha Andolan' campaign, which opposes these changes.

Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel, who played a key role in developing the new curriculum as the former deputy minister, emphasised the necessity of its implementation but indicated the government's readiness to make adjustments or extensions if required.

The NCTB has defended the curriculum against criticisms, claiming that they are not based on facts.

They contend that the new system will actually enhance science practice among students and that the evaluation process will more accurately reflect their learning progress.

Kazi Tahmin Islam Tamim, a ninth-grader at South Point School and College's Malibagh branch in Dhaka, has spent a week learning under the new curriculum.

He discussed the pros and cons of the new system from his brief first-hand experience.

Tamim appreciates the collaborative aspect of the new system, saying, "In groups, someone else can handle what I can't. This reduces pressure for everyone."

However, there is a downside: "The teachers are assigning more group work instead of focusing on teaching the lessons."

Similarly, Pinky Akter from Baroicha Girls School in Narsingdi's Belabo finds value in group discussions on various topics. Yet, she feels there's a missing element. "It would be better if there were more exams to encourage us to study at home."

Rakhal Raha, the convenor of Sammilito Shikkha Andolan, expressed concerns over the new curriculum's elimination of streams, fearing it may deter students from pursuing science subjects.