EduConnect

Goa Board to Implement NEP Across All Classes from 2026-27


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji: Beginning the academic year 2026-27, the Goa government has decided to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) across all classes in state board-affiliated schools.


Until 2025-26, NEP guidelines were introduced at the nursery level, Class III, Class VI, and Classes IX and X. As per a circular issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the policy will now extend to Classes I-II, IV-V and VII-VIII, ensuring full-scale implementation across grades.

Under the new framework, all students will be evaluated using a credit-based system, with each credit equivalent to 30 notional hours of learning.

The SCERT will provide newly developed NEP-aligned textbooks free of cost to all government and government-aided schools.

At the foundational stage (Classes I and II), students will study additional subjects such as art and craft, sports, yoga, reading and gardening activities alongside regular academic subjects. A common syllabus will be introduced for art and craft, sports and yoga.

For Classes I and II, there will be six periods per day, each lasting 40 minutes. Institutions must ensure a minimum of four instructional hours per day, including the morning assembly, excluding recess. Assessments for these classes will be conducted internally.

Students in Classes III to V must complete a minimum of 1,000 learning hours per year. To meet this requirement, 10 hours will be allocated for reading at home. These classes will follow an eight-period schedule per day, with each period lasting 40 minutes, ensuring a minimum of five instructional hours daily, including morning assembly and excluding recess.

For Classes VI to VIII, practical examinations will be conducted in the presence of an external examiner, as part of the revised evaluation structure.

The decision marks a significant step in aligning Goaโ€™s state education system with the National Education Policy framework, focusing on holistic learning, structured evaluation and expanded subject exposure across all grade levels.

Sports

St Claraโ€™s High School, Assonora Shine at 8th All Goa State Wushu Championship


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

MAPUSA: St Claraโ€™s High School, Assonora put up an impressive display at the 8th All Goa State Wushu Championship, bringing pride to the institution by securing a total of 10 medals โ€” 2 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze.


The championship saw participation from schools and clubs across Goa, with young athletes showcasing skill, discipline and competitive spirit. The students of St Claraโ€™s High School stood out with their consistent performances across various categories, reflecting rigorous training and dedication to the sport.

Head Mistress Sunita Dalvi, Physical Education Teacher Raj Gawas, and Paulo Fernandes, Secretary of the Association of Goa Wushu, congratulated the medal winners on their achievement. They praised the students for their discipline, perseverance and commitment, while also acknowledging the efforts of the coaches and support staff for their guidance and encouragement.

The achievement highlights the schoolโ€™s continued focus on holistic development, encouraging students to excel not only in academics but also in sports and physical education.

Social

True Strength of Nation Lies in Character of Its Citizens: Commodore Chauhan at Aashiyana Institute Republic Day Celebration


VASCO, Goa: Aashiyana Institute celebrated Indiaโ€™s 77th Republic Day with enthusiasm, pride, and patriotic spirit at its Zari, Zuarinagar, Sancoale campus. The occasion was graced by Commodore Pavan Chauhan, VSM (Retd.), Indian Navy, as the Chief Guest, along with school management, parents, teachers, and students.

The programme commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag, a ceremonial salute, and the singing of the National Anthem, filling the campus with unity and reverence for the Constitution of India.

In his address, Commodore Chauhan highlighted that the true strength of a nation lies not in weapons or economic might, but in the character of its citizens. He encouraged students to be honest, disciplined, kind, and responsible, and to serve the nation with integrity and a strong moral compass.

A special moment was the unveiling of a school portrait gifted by parent Mr. Abdul Gani, symbolizing the bond between the school and its parent community. The Chief Guest, along with school dignitaries, unveiled the artwork.

The cultural programme featured performances across all grades:

  • Primary students presented a soulful patriotic song and a skit on Fundamental Rights.
  • Pre-primary students delighted the audience with a patriotic melody.
  • Senior students showcased Goaโ€™s cultural identity and democratic history through a programme on Asmitai Dis (Goaโ€™s Opinion Poll Day).

Students from Classes 4 and 5, who participated in the Inter-School Science Fair organised by the Board of Innovative Education earlier this month, were felicitated for their curiosity, creativity, and scientific spirit.

In his address, Mr. Shoaib Shaikh, Officiating Headmaster, stressed that Republic Day reminds everyone to uphold the Constitution, respect diversity, and nurture children to become responsible citizens.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and the National Anthem, leaving attendees with renewed patriotism and civic responsibility.

EduConnect

St. Maryโ€™s Convent High School, Mapusa Celebrates Annual Day 2026 with Grandeur and Purpose


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Annual Day Programme of St. Maryโ€™s Convent High School, Mapusa was celebrated with great enthusiasm and splendour on 10th January 2026 on the school grounds. The occasion marked a memorable evening, showcasing the talents, achievements and vibrant spirit of the students.

The programme commenced with a graceful prayer dance, setting a serene and auspicious tone for the celebrations. This was followed by a warm welcome address by Sr. Snehala A.C., Headmistress, who extended heartfelt greetings to the dignitaries, parents, teachers and students present. The programme was efficiently compered by Tr. Fizel Fernandes.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Shailesh R. Sinai Zingde, Director of Education, was formally honoured and escorted to his seat by the NCC Cadets. In his inspiring address, he appreciated the students for their disciplined and dedicated performances and commended the school for nurturing talent alongside academic excellence. The occasion was further graced by the Guest of Honour, Fr. Dr. Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, St. Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa.

The highlight of the evening was the thoughtfully chosen theme, โ€œFrom Slavery to Freedom.โ€ Students captivated the audience through a rich variety of performances including classical dances, skits, songs and musical presentations by the School Brass Band. Each performance reflected creativity, teamwork and confidence, earning loud applause and appreciation from the audience.

A felicitation ceremony was held to honour staff members who completed 25 years of dedicated service to the institution, as well as those retiring during the current academic year, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the schoolโ€™s growth and legacy.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Tr. Sonia Noronha, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, management, staff, students and parents for their constant support and cooperation. The celebration ended with the School Song, leaving behind cherished memories and a deep sense of pride among all present.

The Annual Day Programme was a grand success and truly reflected St. Maryโ€™s Convent High Schoolโ€™s commitment to holistic education and value-based learning.

EduConnect

Taare Zameen Par: Goaโ€™s First Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Sparks Young Scientific Minds


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

To foster the integration of academics with research, Goa is set to host its first Inter-School Science Fair titled Taare Zameen Par 2026. Organised by the Board of Innovative Education Goa (BIE) in collaboration with A.J Academy for Research and Development, the two-day event will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10, 2026, at Samrat Garden, Margao.

Designed for students from Class IV to X, the Science Fair is a research-driven initiative that encourages young learners to seek answers through the scientific method. The fair features multiple categories, including Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, offering students a platform to engage in meaningful and original scientific exploration beyond routine classroom learning.

Addressing the media at a press conference held on January 7 at CSPH, Miramar, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Director of A.J Academy for Research and Development, emphasised the long-term vision of the initiative. He said that inspiring young minds today could one day lead India to global recognition in science, possibly even a Nobel Prize. A key highlight of the fair, he noted, is the strong emphasis on parentโ€“school partnerships, encouraging collaborative efforts to nurture future scientists. Unlike conventional science exhibitions, this fair prioritises originality and independent research, with students working on unique problems using their own procedures and techniques.

Approximately 220 students from schools across Goa will present 97 innovative projects, showcased in both individual and group categories. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the projects, with outstanding entries being honoured with titles such as Budding Scientist, Emerging Scientist and Young Scientist. All participating schools, students and guiding teachers will receive certificates of participation.

The Science Fair will be inaugurated by Prof. F. M. Nadaf, Principal of the Government of Goaโ€™s Autonomous College of Multidisciplinary Studies and Research, Margao. The concluding programme will be graced by Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director Headquarters, CSIR-NIO Goa, as the Chief Guest.

The exhibition will remain open to students, parents, educators, science enthusiasts and the general public on both days from 10:30 am to 6 pm. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony on January 10, scheduled from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, celebrating the innovation, curiosity and dedication of Goaโ€™s next generation of scientists.