10 Rawalpindi girls schools designated as model institutions

Subject specialist teachers will be hired for these schools while infrastructure there will be upgraded as well

RAWALPINDI: In the wake of a decision by the Punjab government to set up 110 new model Government Girls Higher Secondary Schools (GGHHS) across the province, some 10 GGHHS schools in Rawalpindi have been awarded the status. It emerged on Sunday.

The process to revamp existing schools as model schools is expected to commence early next year, from January 6, 2020.  The process for granting admissions to these model schools is expected to begin by the end of January so that all admitted students can start the new session on time with existing students.

As part of measures to transform these institutions into model schools, the Punjab government will start the process of hiring subject specialist teachers (SSTs). Further, to ensure the practical implementation of knowledge imparted in classes, each model institution will now be equipped with a modern science and computer lab.

Moreover, all classrooms in these schools are expected to sport new furniture. The washrooms in these schools will be built anew in line with the directives of the provincial government.

The government will ensure stringent security systems, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for these schools. Moreover, students enrolled in these schools will be provided with course books free of charge.

Apart from the educational activities, students at these schools will be provided with all kinds of facilities so that they can participate in different sporting activities, along with extra-curricular activities such as the literary forums of Bazm-e-Adab, Girls guide and so on.

The schools which have been chosen in Rawalpindi district for being upgraded as model schools include the GGHHS Comprehensive in Dhoke Kashmirian, GGHHS Usman Khattar, GGHHS Bewal, and GGHHS Choha Khalsa.

Other institutions in the district which will be converted as model schools include the GGHHS Matore in Kahuta and the GGHHS Ghora Gali in Murree.

Earlier, the Punjab government had announced a plan to make Urdu as the medium of instruction at primary schools across the province when the new academic year starts in March.

The decision was based on a survey carried out by The Punjab Department of School Education, asking students, parents and teachers of 22 districts about their preferred medium of education. In each category, more than 85% of the people said that they were in favour of Urdu.

Punjab Education Minister Dr Murad Raas said studies from around the world show that the use of local language helps children understand the curriculum. He adds it increases the children’s interest and improves comprehension/reading ability.

The minister observed that children’s learning capacity was weakened due to the syllabus being taught in English.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2019.