Art Education to Make Learning Joyful in CBSE Schools from Class I to XII

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the integration of art in learning process of all academic subjects from Class I to XII. As per a notification to be complied by all schools from academic year 2019-20, art education will be taught as a mandatory subject. Every school must reserve a minimum of two periods a week per class for Art education.

Art integrated learning is expected to make classroom sessions joyful and creative. It will also promote the appreciation of India's rich art and cultural heritage. The integration has been initiated by CBSE after discussions with several stakeholders including principals and teachers of schools, NCERT and art professionals.

For example, the notes of Hindustani classical music can be aligned with the teaching of fractions in mathematics. Learning a difficult poem can be made easy by breaking each line into a dialogue spoken by Amitabh Bachchan or James Bond or set to music based on Bollywood songs.

CBSE has recommended that in addition to the four major spheres of music, dance, visual arts (including crafts) and theatre, the students of upper primary sections (Classes 6 to 8) should also be introduced to culinary art. This will help them learn the value of nutritious food, learn more about the crops and spices of India, extraction of oils, pesticide use and good agricultural practices.

Schools are free to design their own learning processes but safety aspects have to be taken care of and there should be fun element in learning, CBSE directive said