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CBSE and British Council Collaborate for Transformation of Education in India
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has partnered with the British Council to reshape the landscape of education in India. A comprehensive study, commissioned by both entities, scrutinized the methodologies employed in teaching science, mathematics, social science, and languages across CBSE schools in India. The focus of the study was to enhance experiential learning by incorporating high-quality, hands-on practical activities and fieldwork.
The British Council, renowned as the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, hosted a landmark school education conference in tandem with CBSE. The primary objective was to explore and disseminate knowledge on innovative teaching methodologies for school education throughout India.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education, inaugurated the two-day conference, which saw participation from representatives and policymakers of 300 schools, educational institutions, and government bodies. Distinguished attendees included leaders from the CBSE, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), National Curriculum Framework Committee (NCF), and school boards nationwide. The conference also welcomed education experts, agencies, organisations, and consultants from the UK, such as Alpha Plus, ECCTIS, and Cambridge Partnership for Education.
The conference sessions revolved around orienting school leaders and expert practitioners on available resources to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. Master classes were conducted by trainers from esteemed entities such as the Jane Goodall Foundation, Premier League, Micro: Bit Foundation, Alpha Plus, Cambridge University Press and Assessments (CUPA), and CBSE. Cambridge University Press and Assessment shared insights from their scoping study, ‘Recommendations for strengthening pedagogy and assessment of practical teaching in classes 5-10′.
The study, commissioned by the British Council and CBSE, delved into the teaching and learning of science, maths, social science, and languages in CBSE schools in India. It aimed to promote the use of high-quality, hands-on practical activities and fieldwork as integral components of experiential learning. The study also emphasised supporting schools in enhancing climate change and sustainability education, fostering the development of green skills, climate action, and a sustainability mindset.
At the conference, delegates engaged in discussions about the current understanding and implementation of policies, focusing on curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment priorities for 21st-century schools. Additionally, the conference explored ways to enhance computational thinking and integrate digital technology in the classroom. The integration of environmental education, sustainability, and mindfulness across subject areas, in alignment with the NEP 2020 and the NCF 2023, was also a key topic.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, stressed the importance of educating students about the environment and climate, given the increasing impact of climate change on the world. He highlighted the role of the NEP and National Curriculum Framework for School Education in creating textbooks on climate change and education.
Addressing conference attendees, Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, expressed the aim of initiating a crucial dialogue among educators, policymakers, and thought leaders to bring about transformative change in the Indian school system. She underscored the critical need to make age-appropriate climate and sustainability knowledge accessible and lauded the role of the British Council in leading discussions on integrating these aspects into the school curriculum.
Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director of Academics, CBSE, emphasised the collaborative journey towards redefining pedagogy and fostering innovative learning approaches across India. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of stakeholders and educators in elevating the curriculum’s focus on environmental and climate education, sustainability, and mindfulness. Dr Emmanuel urged participants to view these discussions as catalysts for empowering schools with methodologies aligned with the evolving needs of the 21st century.