The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), with more than 24000 affiliated secondary and senior secondary schools, has adopted the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage – 2022 and the new structure of five-year education at foundational stage (from class Nursery to class II) will be introduced in the session 2023-24 in those CBSE schools which offer education at foundational stage to students in the age group of 3-8 years.
In this regard in a communication on March 17, the board has written to schools saying ‘Schools offering foundational or preparatory education are advised to adhere to the recommendations regarding curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and other areas described in detail in the NCFFS-2022.’ The NCF-FS includes many examples and illustrations which play a critical role in its implementation. They help to clarify abstract concepts, reinforce learning, and make new ideas more accessible to practicing teachers. Myriad examples are aptly incorporated to enhance understanding, foster engagement, and elaborate concrete ways concepts can be implemented in day-to-day teaching. So, it is critical that teachers look at these illustrations and contextualize them according to the needs and contexts of children. Teacher’s qualifications remain same as per the existing National Council of Teachers Education’s notification 2014 and its subsequent amendments
It further said, “While schools offering classes I to X / XII may make efforts to gradually augment the infrastructural requirements to include pre classes, schools already running foundational may continue to offer 3 years of pre-primary education. Detailed instruction regarding submission of OASIS data pertaining to foundational classes (pre-primary classes) shall follow.”
NCFFS 2022 has been developed by the NCERT as per the mandate of the National Education Policy 2020 to outline the competencies and learning outcomes, general principles and approaches that should guide teaching and learning at foundational stage. It serves as a guideline for schools and teachers to design and develop curricula, syllabi, and teaching materials that align with the national educational goals.
