UAE: New CBSE assessment for Grades 6 to 10 launched

India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a new assessment framework for Grades VI to X, according to head teachers in the UAE.

The new mechanism aims to improve overall learning outcomes of students and primarily covers three subjects such as English (reading), science and mathematics.

The framework is a part of the CBSE’s Competency Based Education (CBE) project that aims to replace the existing rote learning model. The policy initiative is in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) over the next two to three years.

Principals in the UAE’s schools, which follow the CBSE curriculum, said the mechanism would be implemented in about 25,000 institutions across the world by 2024. This is the phase 1 of the new mechanism.

Zubair Ahmad, Head of Operations, Springdales School Dubai, said, “The CBSE has collaborated with British Council and three agencies in the United Kingdom (UK), who are helping the board in attaining this objective. The new assessment framework aims to achieve global standards in assessment and is in alignment with NEP’s vision. It predominantly aims to shift the focus from the Oriental way of learning to competency-based learning.”

The framework is the basis for a larger project initiative, which is in progress.

At present, 40 assessment designers, 180 test item writers and 360 master trainer mentors are undergoing training in using this framework to create model question banks and an array of ideal lesson plans.

Mala Mehra, Principal, Central School, said, “The assessment framework, which has recently been shared for science, mathematics and English, supports CBE by laying stress on specific objectives that are skill based and it supports seamless transition for all the stakeholders. The manual aims to strengthen capacity, orient teachers to adopt the relevant pedagogy, design and deliver competency-based assessments and create a conducive environment that facilitates high quality CBE. It clearly defines the parameters/skills and has some well-designed examples to support the staff.”

Deepika Thapar-Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School, echoed Mehra. “It’ll definitely improve the overall learning outcomes of pupils across India and abroad that follow the CBSE curriculum,” she said.

Head teachers reiterated that the new assessment framework would give pupils a much-needed reprieve from rote learning and prepare them with skills needed for entrepreneurship and employability in future.

Annie Mathew, Principal of Gulf Model School, Dubai, said, “The new framework aims to assess thinking skills with significant low focus on recalling knowledge. Pupils will get opportunities to demonstrate what they know, what they can do and how they can apply their knowledge in life. There’ll be more interconnectivity among the different areas of learning. Teachers will get to know pupils’ strength and where there is room for improvement. The move will help place CBSE schools on par with international standards as far as assessment is concerned.”

nandini@khaleejtimes.com