A taste of the stage

added Option

Students wouldn’t mind some drama in their lives. The Central Board of Secondary Education is giving the option of picking theatre studies in class 11 and students and teachers are happy with this inclusion.

The board has been bringing about several reforms over the last few years in an effort to make learning holistic and at the same time, bring down the stress level of the students. This latest move is being appreciated. Metrolife speaks to students and teachers in the City to find out what they think of this inclusion to impart a holistic and multi-disciplinary pattern of education.
Most students and teachers are open to the new ways of the board. According to Aishwarya Ravi, a class ten student, this move will come to the aid of those who are interested in the field. 
“There is no point studying a subject that doesn’t interest a student,” she opines. Others feel that students can push up their aggregate score with such options. 

“The board has started offering many new subjects. Since many students find class 11 hard, this option will definitely help. Theatre studies can also enhance scores and be a back-up option,” says Vallabh, a high school student in the City. 
Arjun T, who will be entering class 11 soon, says that in recent years, drama has lost its importance and this move is likely to help it regain its position. 
“Such a subject does interest me and I feel that it will be a good option. These days, we watch more television and movies and because of this, drama has receded to the background. With this move, that might change,” he says, adding that it may also ease the burden of studies.

Kavita Ghosh, a teacher in Delhi Public School, who includes drama in classroom teaching, says, “There are so many subjects that are not used other than in school. 
As compared to these, a subject like drama has more substance and there is a higher chance for overall growth. The subject has the potential to change a child’s life.” 

She adds that the subject has tremendous scope. 

“Instead of writing out answers, students can write out scripts,” she explains. 
Another school teacher from the City, however, feels that the number of students who finally opt for such subjects in the higher grades are few. 

“Although it is a good move, very few students choose the subject. Besides, many schools may not even be able to offer the subject due to lack of resources,” says the teacher on condition of anonymity.