English compulsory in Gujarati medium schools for Classes 1 to 3

While the language will be orally taught in Classes 1 to 2, Class 3 students will have an English textbook. The subject will be taught with the help of words and pictures.

The Gujarat school education department has made English subjects compulsory for Classes 1 to 3 in all Gujarati-medium schools, according to an announcement made by education minister Jitu Vaghani via social media. The minister in his tweet called it an important decision of the education department. As per the decision taken by the education department of the state, English subject will be taught in all streams from Classes 1 to 3.

English to be taught with the help of words and pictures

While the language will be orally taught in Classes 1 to 2, Class 3 students will have an English textbook. The subject will be taught with the help of words and pictures.

The government of Gujarat in March said that from the upcoming year, English will be taught from Class 1 to ensure that students of Gujarati and other non-English medium schools become more conversant in the language and don’t face problems in the future.

Currently, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Urdu and Tamil medium schools affiliated to the state education department have introduced basic English from Class 4 onwards. "We have decided to introduce English from Class 1 in all schools, except English medium ones. Students of Classes 1 and 2 will be given basic knowledge of the language. We want students to get familiarised with the subject and develop listening and speaking skills," Vaghani had said in the Assembly.

There won't be any textbooks. Only teachers will get guidance material, Vaghani had said.

The education minister stressed that English is being introduced in schools as a subject, not as a medium of instruction.

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