The government has decided not to confine students in group subjects like science, humanities and business for higher secondary studies and instead will allow free choice of subjects.
In view of this, a proposal has been made in the National Curriculum Outline of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) with a target to implement the suggestions by 2026.
NCTB member (curriculum) Professor Md Masihuzzaman told Bangladesh Post, “There would be no division [Science, Humanities and Business Studies] in class XI and class XII. According to the new curriculum outline, choice of subjects would remain open for all students instead of category wise selection of group of subjects. After taking three compulsory subjects, students will be able to select three subjects and one optional subject.”
About the implementation of the new curriculum at higher secondary level, Masihuzzaman said, “It depends on government’s policy. However, we have a target to implement this proposal by 2026.”
He also said, “The overall purpose of class XI and class XII learning is preparation for specialization. Thus, more importance should be given at this level for elective or specialized subjects. Students will be able to choose three specialized subjects according to their interests, abilities and future plans.”
The three compulsory subjects will be Bangla, English and a combined subject. And, students will choose three specialized subjects from all subjects of science, humanities and business studies that include Physics, Chemistry, Higher Mathematics, Biology, Psychology, Geography, Statistics, Business Organization & Management, Accounting, Finance, Banking & Insurance, Economics, Logic, History, Agriculture Education, Sociology, Geography, Islamic History & Culture, Civic & Good Governance and Social Work.
According to the curriculum outline, the higher secondary level is considered as the level of preparation for higher education and future plan. At this level, many students have to prepare for higher education while many students have to prepare to enter the job considering the situation.
Two or three subjects will be required for all students in order to adapt to the changing situation and to play an effective role in personal, social and global context.
According to the new outline, practical subjects can be selected for acquiring professional skills and experience so that students are motivated for self-employment in the light of life and livelihood learning. Any one subject can be taken optional from the selected practical subjects.
As per the outline, public examinations will be held at the end of class XI and class XII. However, the final result will be released on the basis of the combined results of class XI and XII.
There will be 30 percent learning assessment and 70 percent cumulative assessment in the three essential subjects of class XI and XII. The cumulative assessment in three selective / specialized subjects will be done according to subject-structure, concept and project-based assessment. There will also be learning assessment in optional subject through practical learning.
