MUSCAT: The Board of Directors of Indian Schools Oman has announced the decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) of India across all Indian Schools in Oman. This significant move is set to bring a transformative change to the education system in the country, as the NEP aims to provide a holistic approach to the development of children. The academic structure has been redefined into a 5+3+3+4 system, focusing on different stages of a child’s development, allowing for a more personalized and comprehensive education experience. This shift is expected to significantly improve the quality of education and ensure that students are well-equipped for future challenges.
Under the new policy, the Foundational Stage will now incorporate three years of Kindergarten (Balvatika), catering to children aged 3 to 6 years. This will be followed by Classes 1 and 2 for children aged 6 to 8 years, allowing for an early learning environment that fosters the overall development of the child. The Preparatory Stage, covering Classes 3 to 5, will cater to students aged 8 to 11 years, followed by the Middle Stage, which spans Classes 6 to 8 for students aged 11 to 14 years. Finally, the Secondary Stage will encompass Classes 9 to 12 for students aged 14 to 18 years. This new structure is aimed at offering a more age-appropriate and comprehensive education system that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of students at each stage.
A major highlight of this implementation is the expansion of the kindergarten program. Indian Schools in Oman will increase the duration of the kindergarten phase from the existing two years to three years, as per the NEP guidelines. This move aims to provide children with a more robust and well-rounded early education experience, promoting early childhood development in areas such as cognitive skills, social-emotional growth, language development, and physical health. The longer duration of the kindergarten program will also help prepare students for the challenges of the later educational stages, ensuring a smoother transition as they progress.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools Oman, expressed the Board’s unwavering commitment to implementing the new policy effectively. He emphasized the importance of Balvatika as part of the foundational education program, highlighting its role in fostering physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth from the earliest stages of learning. The implementation of the NEP 2020 will be carried out starting from the academic year 2025-2026, with the introduction of Balvatika beginning on April 1, 2025. Parents are advised to await further information on the admissions process and age criteria, which will be communicated by individual schools.
