CBSE: Introduction of Skill courses from classes VI to XI from the session 2020-21
CBSE/Dir/Sk. Ed.//2020
Date: 07.04.2020
Circular No.: Acad-25/2020
To
The Heads of all Institution
Affiliated to CBSE
Subject: Introduction of Skill courses from classes VI to XI from the session 2020-21
Greeting from CBSE
1. As you are aware the draft New Education Policy 2019 has clearly stated that there should be “no hard separation” between curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular or academic and vocational/physical education/art, etc. The updating of the NCF in the near future will make it possible for the Board to remove such separations. However, for the present, it is felt that mainstreaming all forms of learning and skills will integrates not just the hands-on skilling component but also the theoretical knowledge, attitudes and mindsets, and soft skills that are required for particular occupations, through a broad-based education that is necessary for students to be able to take on and thrive in a fast-changing world. This will contribute to the economic goals of individuals and the nation in multiple ways, developing the capacities and dispositions of individuals for economic independence, including employment and entrepreneurship.
2. To make the new generation more creative, innovative and physically fit, and to keep pace with the global developments and requirements at workplace, CBSE is introducing three new subjects namely ‘Design-thinking’, ‘Physical Activity Trainer’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence’ at Class XI from the Session 2020-2021. While Thinking is a skill that all humans possess, the 21st century requirement is of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Design Thinking is a systematic process of thinking that opens up the horizons of creativity and enables even the most conditioned thinkers to bring about new and innovative solutions to the problem/s at hand. Artificial Intelligence is also a simulation by machines of the unlimited thinking capacity of humans. Physical Activity is a must if the body and mind are to be kept healthy. With this view in mind, the course on Physical Activity Trainer has been prepared. It will not only help in developing the skill of a trainer, but will also become a life skill as it will imbibe the idea of keeping fit for life.
3. Beside these new programmes, Board is already offering 17 Skill subjects at Secondary level and 37 Skill Subjects at Senior Secondary level to upgrade the skills and proficiency of the young generation and also to provide them awareness to explore various career options. The list of Skill subjects may be seen at Annexure-II & III. More than 8 lakhs students are presently studying skill subjects at secondary and senior secondary level in 8543 CBSE schools.
4. At Secondary Level, a Skill subject may be offered as additional sixth subject along with the existing five compulsory subjects. As per existing CBSE policy, if any student fails in any one of the three elective subjects (i.e. Science, Mathematics and Social Science), then it will be replaced by the Skill subject (offered as a 6th subject) and result of Class X will be computed based on best five subjects. However, if a candidate desires to reappear in the failed subject, he/she may appear along with the compartment examination.
5. Similarly, at Senior Secondary level, Board would appreciate, if your esteemed school offers at least one or more Skill Based subject out of the 40 subjects on offer as elective subject. This can position the students to explore new avenues and acquire pre-professional skill to face the challenges of life in future.
6. Therefore, schools are requested to consider choosing any one or more Skill courses for the students of Classes IX & XI from the enclosed list (refer Annexure II & III) and start offering the same from the academic session 2020-21 onwards. The scheme of studies for secondary and senior secondary level is enclosed at Annexure-IV & V, respectively.
7. To keep pace with the objective of “no hard separation” mentioned in para 1 above, CBSE has decided to offer students the flexibility of making a vocational choice of a short duration module, of 12 hours for each module, at a stage in their early academic career (either at Class VI, VII or VIII). In this way they will be able to spend relevant time period pursuing this choice as per convenience of school, while benefitting from access to courses that are broader based (detailed at Annexure–I). This would give them the necessary orientation early on, so that they are able to make a choice at a later stage to pursue Skill courses at Secondary and Senior secondary level, or choose a higher vocational degree. In essence this flexibility will keep multiple career possibilities open for each student, instead of the current situation of rigidity once the first choice is made.
8. At Middle level (Classes VI to VIII), one Skill Module of 12 hours duration could be offered as an option to the students for single academic session as per convenience of Schools. Schools/students are free to opt Skill Module either at class VI or class VII or class VIII. Therefore, schools are requested to consider choosing any one or more Skill courses for the students of Classes VI to VIII from the enclosed list (refer Annexure I) and start offering the same from the academic session 2020-21 onwards. The Board will provide necessary support and guidance towards training and capacity building of teachers and other aspects for the successful implementation of all Skill subjects from time to time.
9. This year the applications for willingness are being taken online as follows:
a) For starting Skill courses at Middle level i.e. in classes VI to VIII, the schools may apply using the link: https://forms.gle/RLZgmwjbYbmBXvLRA
b) For starting Skill courses at Secondary level i.e. in classes IX & X, the schools may apply using the link: https://forms.gle/Ty3Ed8cj3NdriLYR7
c) For starting Skill courses at Senior Secondary level i.e. in class XI, the schools may apply using the Application Form at Annexure-VI
10. The applications of willingness for the session 2020-21 along with the relevant annexures, using the link, along with demand draft of requisite fee (only for Senior secondary level) in favour of ‘Secretary, CBSE’ payable at Delhi should be sent to the office of undersigned by 31st May 2020.
11. Similarly, if school desires to offer the Skill course from the session 2021-22 at Senior Secondary level, the schools must apply online through affiliation portal (http://cbseaff.nic.in/cbse_aff/welcome.aspx) as per the schedule of the Board.
12. For any further query, the school may contact Joint Secretary, Department of Skill Education, CBSE, ‘Shiksha Sadan’, 17 Rouse Avenue, New Delhi-110002 through email at [email protected], or [email protected]
(Dr. Biswajit Saha)
Director (Training and Skill Education)
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