After standing empty for eight months, the classrooms of No 10 and Tala Park schools are slowly coming back to life.
The government of West Bengal is not allowing schools to reopen due to continuing high levels of Covid infection, but it has given the green light for Class 9 and 10 students to come in to receive support for their exams next year.
So, starting this month, there are now two classes in maths and languages (Bengali or Hindi and English) at Tala Park computer school each day. To ensure the classes are Covid-safe, just five students attend each class which lasts for an hour and a half.
At No 10 School classes run in a similar way in the evening from 5 pm – 7 pm. The highest number of students in each batch is 7.
Students are provided with hand sanitiser, have a thermal check on arrival and have to sit in designated places.
Subhajit Sana, who runs Tala Park School, explained: “From the onset of the lockdown, Calcutta Rescue started online classes. Smartphones were bought and distributed to those who didn’t have one. But students were not able to meet the teachers to clear up their doubts.”
“Class 9 and 10 are two very vital years where students prepare for their first countrywide board examination. A good result in Class 10 determines their future. Preparation has to be top-notch. All doubts should be cleared regarding the tests. That’s why we have decided to bring these students back into a physical classroom again.”
Ananya Chaterjee, CR’s head of education said: “Online classes are continuing as before. But from January 2021 we will start mock tests for Class 10. Questions will be prepared in the format of the board examination. Along with that, mental health counselling will be provided for motivating them and reducing stress and fears of exam.”
