Team Herald
PANJIM: The All Goa Secondary School Teachers’ Association (AGSSTA) has strongly opposed the proposed changes to the academic calendar, which include starting the academic year in April instead of June and extending school hours to 39 hours per week. The association has warned that these changes will negatively impact students, teachers, and the overall education system in Goa.
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Speaking on the issue, AGSSTA President Savio Suraj Victoria said, “Commencing the academic year in April instead of June presents numerous challenges. April is one of the hottest months in Goa, and high temperatures combined with humidity create extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions for both students and teachers. Most schools lack proper cooling facilities, which increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and reduced concentration in classrooms.”
Victoria further explained that starting the academic year earlier would leave teachers insufficient time to complete critical post-academic year tasks. “Teachers need time to correct examination papers, including Goa Board exams for which many of them are deputed. Additionally, this change would disrupt the finalisation of results, preparation of time-tables, annual plans, and lesson schedules for the new academic year,” he said.
The AGSSTA highlighted that a sudden shift to an April start would cause unnecessary stress and confusion among students and teachers. “Both students and teachers are accustomed to the traditional June start, which aligns with Goa’s climatic and cultural conditions. Starting the academic year in June complements Goa’s cooler monsoon season, providing a more conducive learning environment compared to the harsh heat of April,” Victoria stated.
Addressing the proposed increase in school hours to 39 hours per week, Victoria said, “The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) prescribes a weekly schedule of 29 hours for schools, designed to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal development. The proposed increase violates these guidelines.”
He added that prolonged school hours would lead to fatigue and diminished focus among students, adversely affecting the quality of learning and teaching. “Increasing school hours would also limit time for co-curricular activities, hobbies, and family interactions, which are essential for the overall development of students,” Victoria pointed out.
The AGSSTA has urged the Directorate of Education to reconsider the proposed changes. “We appeal to the Directorate to retain the traditional June start for the academic year and adhere to the NCF-prescribed school timings of 29 hours per week. This will ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to education,” Victoria said.
