ISLAMABAD: Thousands of students in several private schools are attending classes without books for the last over one month as the schools have failed to decide which type of books they should introduce for this academic session.

The management of some private schools such as Beaconhouse School System (BSS) and Islamabad Convent School (ICS) have not yet decided about the new course as the government has introduced the Single National Curriculum (SNC) from class I to 5.

However, the ICS has provided books to its students from class 6th onward but students of class 1 to 5th are still without books.

Whereas BSS students from class fifth and above are getting education without books.

Parents should lodge complaints with Peira, says official

A spokesperson for Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira), Zafar Yousafzai, said the authority had not received complaints form parents about unavailability of books.

“The parents are requested to file complaints if their kids are without books. We will look into this issue,” he said.

When contacted, an official of the ICS told Dawn that books were being finalised for primary level and soon students will be provided books, adding in the meanwhile students were being taught through learning materials to ensure uninterrupted learning process.

He said students of class six and above had already been provided books.

In response to a question regarding unavailability of books from Class 6 onward, Beaconhouse School System (BSS) said: “All textbooks assigned in schools, regardless of grade, require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant textbook board and government departments such as the Punjab Curriculum Textbook Board and Directorate of Curriculum and Teaching Education in KP.

At present, there are some books on the curriculum, which are awaiting NOCs from the relevant authorities.

As per protocols, it is the responsibility of publishers to obtain these NOCs and Beaconhouse is in regular contact with them in order to ensure a smooth process. As a result, teachers are currently using online material in classes through the curriculum to support students’ learning objectives and to ensure there is no disruption in the learning process.”

In response to another query, the BSS said most curriculum books had received NOCs from the relevant textbook boards. Publishers will be able to share specific timelines regarding availability of books according to their operations.

However, Beaconhouse is following up with publishers and teachers are using online material in classes through the curriculum to support their learning.

When asked why the school was unable to select books for class VI to X when the SNC was related to only Class I to 5, the BSS said: “According to government regulations, NOCs must be obtained for all books being taught in school regardless of the grade. This requirement has existed much before the SNC and these are two separate issues. In compliance with regulations, Beaconhouse will use course books once the government authorities have approved them.”

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2021