The Gujarat Government has decided to introduce English education from standard 1 from next year onwards. This is being implemented to ensure students of Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi and Urdu medium schools become more proficient and fluent in the subject. Currently, Non-English medium schools introduce English from standard 4, which is quite late for students to take up a new language.
“We have decided to introduce English from Class 1 in all schools, except English medium ones. Students of Classes 1 and 2 will be given basic knowledge of the language. We want students to get familiarised with the subject and develop listening and speaking skills,” Jitu Vaghani, the State Education Minister stated.
He also mentioned that there would not be any text book for students. Teachers however will get guidance materials and instructions from the state. He also stated that the policy to introduce English from the primary level was in sync with the NEP 2020 which intends to make students more proficient in more than 1 language. He also pointed that English was not being introduced as a medium of instruction, just as a subject.
“From Class 3, we will introduce English as a full-fledged subject in all non-English medium schools. The focus will be on listening, speaking and writing aspects. We are doing this so that students start learning the language at an early stage and don’t face problems in the future,” the State Education Minister added.
The state education department has also decided to publish Mathematics and Science textbooks in both Gujarati and English languages for standards 6-8. “There will not be any change in the textbook pattern of other subjects. Only Mathematics and Science textbooks will be in Gujarati and English. This will make students aware about English terminologies,” the education minister added.
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