CUNCOLIM: In a pioneering move, Smt Chandrabhaga Tukoba Naik High School in Curchorem has embraced an innovative ‘No-Bag School’ concept, allowing students to attend school without their backpacks on a designated day each week.
This initiative aims to provide students with a unique learning experience, incorporating life skills alongside the standard curriculum and fostering education beyond the confines of traditional classrooms.
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Vijay Kumar Kopre, the Headmaster of the school, highlighted the challenges faced by children burdened with heavy bags, including books, notebooks, and other bulky items. Recognising the impact on both the mental and physical growth of students, the school decided to experiment with a ‘No Bag School’ day, relieving children of unnecessary pressure and promoting a more relaxed and enjoyable learning environment.
On Saturdays, students come to school without their bags, and a special timetable is crafted for this day. Classes are conducted outdoors, providing a refreshing change from the usual classroom setup. The primary students, as part of this novel approach, recently enjoyed a train journey from Curchorem to Kalay, where they received practical lessons on ticket purchasing, train safety, and the significance of platform tickets.
Beyond train journeys, students are taken to various locations, including post offices, banks, municipal and panchayat offices, and private workplaces. This hands-on experience allows them to understand the functioning of these places and gain insights into how people work in different environments.
Kopre emphasised that this experiment benefits not only the students but also the teachers. It provides educators with the opportunity to plan and integrate the curriculum with outdoor activities, fostering a more engaging and interactive learning process.
“This experiment has demonstrated that it is easier to teach subjects like essay writing, languages, mathematics, science, geography, and even history in an open and practical setting,” said Kopre, adding that the initiative has been welcomed by parents and the school management.
