Minister for Education Naeem Akhtar, today said that various new concepts have been introduced over the past few months to give new direction to the education system in the State. He said the concept of Model Schools is a part of the same initiative.The Minister stated this while on a visit to Middle School Kothibagh, which has already been included in the Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh cluster under the Model School concept.During the visit the Minister, interacted with the students and distributed sweets among them. He went around different class rooms and also took stock of the school premises.Making a pointed reference to the fact that the two adjacent schools complimented each other the Minister, gave on spot instructions for removal of fence separating the said school and Higher secondary School Kothibagh, adding that the middle school also being a feeding school to the Higher Secondary School under the Model School initiative should share a common premises so that the resources could also be optimally utilized.
Pertinently, under the Model School concept some existing schools are proposed to be converted into Model Schools. The Higher Secondary School that is chosen to be the Model School will be the focal point for monitoring quality of education in a cluster of schools of the level of High Schools, Middle Schools and Primary Schools that are feeding schools providing elementary education to the children.The Minister on the occasion also announced CAL (Computer Aided Learning) Centre for the middle school and also asked the concerned for provision of teaching learning material to the school.The Minister also took stock of a part of the school building being utilized as ZEO office and asked Director Education for shifting it immediately, so that the building could be used by the school. He also urged the school authorities for proper maintenance of the ground adjacent to the said building so that it helps in developing a better ambience in the school.Meanwhile, taking stock of the teaching activities in the school, the Minister appreciated the performance of teacher, Ms. Dolly Kour and made her in charge of the school, ordering the transfer of the present in charge. The Minister also announced one advance increment in favour of Ms. Dolly and Ms Saleema Farhat who is a master grade teacher in Higher Secondary School Kothibagh with her two siblings studying in the adjacent middle school.
Earlier, the Minister also visited Art Integrated Learning Workshop at High School, Sonawar and a workshop on IEDSS (Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage) at Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh. IEDSS is a scheme under RMSA meant for inclusion of disabled children at the secondary school stage and enables all children and young persons with disabilities to have access to secondary education and to improve their enrolment, retention and achievement in the general education system. Director RMSA, Director School Education Kashmir, besides other senior officers accompanied the Minister.