Schools to have extra one hour of PT, arts class

Mumbai: To inculcate the importance of sports, physically activity and arts, the Maharashtra State Council of Education Research and Training, Pune (MSCERT) has decided to add an additional hour of art class and physical education for school students. The additional hour will be added to the existing six-hour day. The initiative will be applicable to all the state board schools after the Diwali vacations, from the second term. The move is aimed at preparing the students in creative work, crafts, sports, etc. Here, the class 3, 4, 5 and 9 students will have three classes of arts and physical education each, per week while class 6 and 8 will have four classes. Students of class 10 will have three and two additional periods for PE and scout guide social service respectively.

However, a majority of the schools in the city feel that the new change will affect the daily schedule of the classes, as there are no additional periods. Fr Jude Fernandes, principal of St. Mary’s School, Mazgoan said that the new initiative will create trouble for the teachers as well as the school. “Our school is from 7 am to 12 pm and immediately after this the secondary classes start at 1 pm. The question is where will we add the additional period thrice a week. It will be tough to reschedule, especially for our teachers, Fr. Fernandes said.

Parents are happy with these new additions as they feel it would bring out the hidden talents of students. “It is only for the benefit of the students which will make them active and take interest in sports,” said Adarsh Shetty, a parent.