04/02/2021
Hello parents and teachers! I was wondering how many of you are aware of the 'Single National Curriculum' launching across Punjab, Isbd, and KPK in August 2021 from the early years to Class 5 (apparently Sindh has refused so far...let's see), and later for older year groups. The SNC does not include Art, Music, Physical Education, IT/robotics, personal/social/health education (PSHE), all of which are key components of the Beaconhouse curriculum. After a detailed mapping exercise, we have learnt that even the subjects it DOES cover only address 70% of the content delivered in similar subjects in the existing Beaconhouse curriculum up to Class 5.
To ensure implementation, the govt wishes to introduce 30 "model textbooks" to be used at all schools from madrassahs to public and private schools. Several subjects will be taught in Urdu, the rest in English.
I must say that the "thought process" behind the SNC is very noble: to end the "education apartheid", as our PM puts it, and create equal opportunities for ALL children. It sounds amazing on paper, or atop a container! But anyone with a basic understanding of education knows that you CANNOT CREATE QUALITY with a curriculum document, otherwise all schools would be amazing...because we could simply COPY/PASTE the globally acclaimed Finland approach/curriculum in Pakistan. IT IS THE TEACHERS & THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF TEACHING & LEARNING, CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FOCUS ON STUDENT WELLBEING, SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE, and an understanding of "how children learn" that separates good schools from not-so-good ones. Sadly, a curriculum document cannot accomplish any of that. The harsh reality is that a common curriculum document is NOT going to uplift schools (in public or private sectors) that are otherwise not performing.
I was amused (and a little perplexed) to learn recently that some people had expressed the view that "private schools are scared because government schools are going to catch up." As a Pakistani, I wish to reassure you that nothing would make me happier! But, as I have explained, the so-called "education apartheid" is not about a curriculum document -- in fact, we already have a national curriculum from 2006! It is, at its core, about teachers. McKinsey says that "The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers." But even if they didn't say that, WE ALL KNOW THAT.
Let me know your thoughts on the SNC, so that we may pass them on to the "powers that be". Or, if you wish, please email them directly at [email protected] (Punjab govt) or [email protected] (Federal Minister Shafqat Mahmood) and [email protected] (Federal Education Ministry). And do forward this message to other parents and educators so that they are better informed.
LASTLY, this is not about "school fees", so kindly press the 'pause button' on your critique for 5 mins. This is about the future of your children and mine....and therefore the future of this country we all call home.
KK
