A system of continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) has been introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the state.
Every child has different skills and capabilities. Evaluating schoolchildren only on the basis of academics does not do justice to them. Extra-curricular activities give students a chance to think out of the box and get creative.
They stimulate the interests of children, give them a chance to relax and socialise and lead to holistic development.
A system of continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) has been introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and adopted for middle school — classes VI to X. It reduces academic pressure and does broaden the method of evaluation. However, it falls short of giving grades for extra-curricular activities.
Says principal of Delhi Public School, Bopal Kulbhushan Kain: "Dance or football should be treated like any other subject.
It would be a bold step if CBSE introduced marks (or grades) for extra-curricular activities. This would encourage children to take them seriously and excel."
He feels that schools are giving sufficient weightage to such activities. "We realise that personality and attitude development depend more on these activities. One-third of school time, around 15 periods a week are devoted to them," he says.
Says psychologist Dr Pratima Bhattacharjee, "Extra-curricular activities involve competition and cooperation and build team spirit and leadership qualities."
She recommends 50:50 weightage to academics and such activities. But parents who are very aspirational may think they are a waste of time, she adds.
"Our system has not developed where parents and teachers work in coordination in this area. As a result often the child is stressed out with the huge academic syllabus and the desire to excel in extra-curricular activities at both school and home," says educationist and parent Kumud Verma.
She says that in ICSE schools extra-curricular activities get around 25-30% weightage which is sufficient provided the time allotted for them is used properly. Sometimes the activity period is wasted because of lack of trained teachers or materials, she rues.
In spite of the pressure to show their academic excellence, schools in the city are highlighting their extra-curricular achievements nowadays. This is the belief of principal of Udgam School Radhika Iyer.
She says extra-curricular activities are especially good for students who are not good at studies but may excel at football or painting. "Their talents are used and recognised. They benefit by excelling in what they are good at. After affiliation to CBSE we have many new activities like salad making and flower arrangement," she says.
Montina Christian who teaches English to class XI and XII in Nirman High School feels even these classes should have extra-curricular activities despite the pressure of studies. "They have to attend tuitions after school and face parental pressure. If they have some activities which they enjoy and make them relax in school it is very beneficial."
She advocates free choice — students should be allowed to take part in any activity they like.
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