The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The government introduced a revised syllabus and regulation for SSC (vocational) curriculum to make it effective for students in the changed times, as the traditional education in this discipline "failed to fulfill nation's expectations".

As per government decision announced yesterday, the new syllabus will be effective from academic year 2009.

The decision was disclosed at a seminar on Revised Syllabus and Regulation of SSC (Vocational) Curriculum organized by Bangladesh Vocational Education Board at the LGED auditorium in the city.

Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, who was present as chief guest at the function, explained the necessity of the change, which came at a time when the caretaker government is carrying on reforms in different sectors under an overhauling recipe.

Under the revised syllabus, there will 1000 marks (1100 with fourth subject) for class IX and X students of SSC (Vocational) instead of 1400 numbers.

Besides, a total of 31 trades have been included in the curriculum and some of the trades have been renamed in consistency with the subjects.

In his speech Dr Hossain Jillur said, "Although vocational education is very important in this country of huge population, it failed to fulfill expectations of the nation. So the government has taken initiative to make the syllabus and regulation time-worthy."

He added: "If skilled manpower could be groomed through education and training, the amount of foreign-exchange earnings will increase multifold."

The syllabi for Bengali, English, Mathematics, Religion and Social Science have been revised in the light of the syllabi of general education boards.

'Computer Application' has been incorporated as a compulsory subject in the curriculum of class IX and X while Elective Mathematics, Accounting, Commercial Geography and Agriculture Education as optional subjects.

In the practical part of Trade, Communicative English, Personality Development, Positive Outlook, Health Awareness, Security and Environment Awareness have been included for developing skills of the students.