AP Schools Gear up For NEP

AMARAVATI: The Andhra Pradesh State government had earlier given its approval for the New Education Policy (NEP) and will implement the new system from this academic year. As per the NEP there will be three types of institutions -Pre Primary Schools (PP1 and PP2), Foundational Schools (PP1, PP2, Preparatory Class I, Classes 1 and 2) and Secondary Schools (Classes 3 to 10/12). Talking about the new policy Minister for education, Dr Audimulapu Suresh said that the new pattern of education would be a boon to students.

The government wanted NEP implementation and rolling out of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in a phased manner in Anganwadis and primary and upper primary  (UP) schools and further transformation from the 10+2 academic structure to 5+3+3+4 structure.

Under the new set up, all existing Anganwadi centres will function as YSR Pre Primary Schools with PP1 and PP2. The existing primary schools will have Preparatory 1st class, Class I and Class II and will be called Foundational Schools. The PP1 and PP2 of AWC (YSR Pre Primary School) and the Preparatory 1st class, Class I and II of primary school will be the combined unit of a foundational school.

Children now studying Class III to V in the existing primary schools will move to the nearest UP school or high school.

If the strength is more than 150 in the case of a UP school, it would be upgraded to high school status. Schools with high enrolment and adequate infrastructure would be upgraded as secondary schools with 12th standard as junior colleges.

Several teachers have expressed their happiness over the new education policy which is undergoing a transformation after 34 years. The state government has no intention of cancelling Class 10 and Intermediate examinations and these have only been postponed, said the education minister. It was expected that in July the intensity of the virus would come down and then the exams would be considered.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is of the view that the exams should be conducted to maintain educational standards and enable the students to fare well in competitive exams. All the protocols and guidelines will be followed and all steps are taken to safeguard the health of students and teachers, Suresh assured. (With Inputs from Deccan Chronicle)

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