Gone are the cherished days of long summer vacations where students would race out of classrooms, free from the pressures of exams, and step into a world of endless play and adventure.
In our youth, those seasonal breaks were synonymous with sunshine, family gatherings at grandma’s house, and unfiltered fun—plucking mangoes, kicking soccer balls, and savouring the sweetness of simply being a child.
Fast-forward to 2025, and a significant shift in the academic calendar is upon us, marking a new era for students in Goa.
On April 7, 2025, schools across Goa officially commenced the 2025-26 academic session for students in Classes VI to X and XII. This change diverges from the long-standing tradition of starting the school year in June, a structure that has persisted for decades. Under the revised schedule, the academic year will now run from April to March, with the younger students in Classes I to V and Class XI beginning their terms on June 4, 2025.
The shift aims to align with the National Education Policy (NEP), seeking to enhance the educational experience by ensuring timely curriculum completion and fulfilling the mandated 220 instructional hours. This academic year is divided into two terms, with the first stretching from April 7 until October 15, and the second from November 4 through March 24, 2026.
However, the decision has not come without controversy. As Goa faces sweltering heat conditions that are expected to linger until mid-April, schools will operate with shortened hours, closing at 11:30 AM during this transition month.
This adjustment, while critical for the safety of students, raises concerns about the impact of classroom learning during such extreme temperatures. Parents have voiced their opposition to this new timetable, fearing for the health and well-being of their children amid the heatwave.
While the government and educational authorities are steadfast in their decision, parents remain apprehensive. The fears stem from the potential exhaustion and discomfort that students may experience in a learning environment that lacks adequate ventilation or cooling.
How will students adapt to classroom conditions that may feel stifling, and what adaptive measures can schools implement to ensure comfort and concentration during these long, hot days?
Moreover, the essence of childhood—freedom, play, and the sacred summer break—seems to be evaporating with these new regulations. Will this change cultivate a better academic atmosphere and ultimately improve educational outcomes? Or will it stifle the joyous exuberance that defines youth and the long-awaited summer break?
As schools embrace this new academic calendar, it is vital to balance educational reform with the preservation of childhood joys. The transitional period of April 2025 marks a critical juncture in Goa’s educational landscape, redefining how students experience school and their formative years. For parents, educators, and most importantly, students, the hope is that this new beginning will lead to enriched learning experiences, all while ensuring that the health and happiness of children are at the forefront of this evolving academic journey.
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