First Term Syllabus under Trimester Pattern in Schools

What the notification does

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department notification publishes the first term syllabus under the trimester pattern for Classes I to VIII. It forms part of the implementation of the trimester pattern in schools from the academic year 2012-2013.

The gazette contents identify syllabus material for Tamil, English, Mathematics, Environmental Studies or Science, and Social Science. The document then provides detailed learning skills, lesson content and suggested teaching activities.

Schools and people affected

The first term common syllabus is intended to provide a common approach across different types of schools. The source identifies government schools, government aided schools, matriculation schools, Anglo-Indian schools and Oriental schools.

The people directly affected include:

• Students in Classes I to VIII following the common syllabus.
• Teachers planning first term classroom activities and instruction.
• Schools implementing the trimester pattern from the academic year 2012-2013.
• Parents seeking to understand the skills and subjects covered during the first term.

Main educational provisions

The first term syllabus places emphasis on practical language development and active learning. Its stated features include:

• Building listening, speaking, reading and writing skills progressively.
• Connecting classroom teaching with children’s home and everyday experiences.
• Encouraging children to speak, ask questions, think and express ideas without fear.
• Developing vocabulary, creativity, self-learning and practical grammar.
• Using stories, songs, poems, conversations, drama, pictures and activities as teaching formats.
• Linking language learning with other subjects, including science, social science and mathematics.
• Including activities such as reading notices and road signs, writing applications, filling forms and completing projects.
• Introducing content relating to Tamil life, culture, heritage, writers, sportspersons, social issues, women’s advancement, scientific discoveries and secular ideas.

The syllabus also describes class activities such as recognising pictures and sounds, reading words, writing from observation or dictation, drawing, colouring, storytelling and arranging words alphabetically.

Relevance to land and property

Notification No. II(2)/SE/173(d)/2012 governs school curriculum and teaching under the trimester pattern. The supplied text does not change land classification, ownership, planning permission, registration, taxation or any other property right.