CURRICULUM AREAS AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL

To face the challenges of 21st Century, education should be competency based and at school we create conducive environment for development of competencies among the students. Competency based Learning focuses on the student’s demonstration of desired learning outcomes as central to the learning process. Learning outcomes are statements of abilities that are expected students will gain as a result of learning the activity. Learning outcomes are, thus, statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning. Therefore, the focus is on measuring learning through attainment of prescribed learning outcomes, rather than on measuring time. Experiential and active learning are the recommended pedagogies for Competency Based Learning. Experiential Learning promotes critical thinking, creativity and effective study skills among students.

For the purpose of fostering competences in learners, the curriculum encompasses seven major learning areas, which are: Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Skill Subjects, General Studies and Health and Physical Education. It encompasses general objectives of learning, competencies to be attained, courses of study, subject-wise learning outcomes and content, pedagogical practices and assessment guidelines. These areas are broadly divided into electives and compulsory areas as detailed below:

Elective Areas:

1. Languages- include Hindi, English and other 30 languages. The curricula in languages focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for developing effective communicative proficiency. Learners use language to comprehend, acquire and communicate ideas.
2. Humanities and Social Sciences– Geography, History, Economics, Home Science, Sociology, Fine Arts, Political Science, and related subjects promote the learning of history and culture, geographical environment, global institutions, constitutional values and norms, politics, economy, interpersonal and societal interactions, civic responsibilities and the interplay of all these. Learners appreciate and value every human’s right to feel respected and safe, and, in this regard, also understand their Fundamental Rights and Duties and behave responsibly. Learners learn to be tolerant and empathetic towards others through the study of these subjects.
3. Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and Informatics Practices help in making students perceptive about matter and energy, nature, the environment, technological breakthroughs in science. The focus is on knowledge and skills to develop a scientific attitude and to use and apply such knowledge for improving the quality of life. The Curriculum promotes the ability to engage with science related issues, and with the ideas of science, as a reflective citizen by being able to explain phenomena scientifically, evaluate and design 4 scientific enquiry, and interpret data and evidence scientifically. Students understand the importance of to apply scientific knowledge in the context of real-life situations and gain competencies that enable them to participate effectively and productively in life.
4. Mathematics– includes acquiring the concepts related to numbers, operations, computation, measurement, geometry, probability and statistics, the skill to calculate and organize and the ability to apply this knowledge and acquired skills in their daily life. It also includes understanding of the principles of reasoning and problem solving. Learners identify, integrate and apply numerical and spatial concepts and techniques. They have clarity of concepts and are able to connect them to the real world. Learners rationalize and reason about pre-defined arrangements, norms and relationships in order to comprehend, decode, validate and develop relevant patterns.
5. Business and commerce based electives– Business Studies, Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Economics and related subjects help in gaining understanding about core business disciplines. They understand the concept like, the exchange of items of value or products between persons or companies and the meaning / relevance/ significance of any such exchange of money for a product, service, or information.
6. Visual, Performing and Creative Arts– Subjects like Dance, Drama, Music, Heritage Crafts, Fine Arts, Sculpture and related subjects aim to help learners cultivate an interest and appreciation for arts and encourage them to enthusiastically participate in related activities, thus, promoting abilities such as imagination, creativity, value arts, and the cultural heritage.
7. Skill Electives- help in development of professional competencies, which are analytical, applied and outcome based. Undergoing skills training in schools can help students learn about a trade progressively to create a product and also to become a problem solver in real life.
8. Health and Physical Education focuses on holistic development, both mental and physical, understanding the importance of physical fitness, health, well-being and the factors that contribute to them. Focus of this area is on helping learners develop a positive attitude and commitment to lifelong, healthy active living and the capacity to live satisfying, productive lives with the help of health management, indigenous sports, yoga, NCC, self-defense, fitness and lifestyle choices. These learning areas are to be integrated with each other in terms of knowledge, skills (life and livelihood), comprehension, values and attitudes. Learners should get opportunities to think laterally, critically, identify opportunity, challenge their potential and be open to challenges. Learners value and engage in practices that promote physical, cognitive, emotional and social development and wellbeing. This enables learners to connect different areas of knowledge, application and values with their own lives and the world around them. The holistic nature of human learning and knowledge should be brought forth throughout.
9. General Studies: The purpose of orienting students to General Studies is to develop in them an appreciation for the holistic nature of knowledge. In contemporary times, familiarity with General Studies is indispensable because at the senior school stage there is an element of specialization due to which the students do not get exposed to some vital disciplines/areas of study that are not covered in their specialized field.

Students can be offered minimum 5 subjects as CBSE Senior Secondary Curriculum guidelines:

The various subject choices offered by school are as follows: