CHENNAI: Standard XII Students appearing in the March 2007 public examinations may have less to study than those in the earlier batches. For, the Government is considering ways of reducing their burden, especially in science subjects.

Those joining higher secondary (Class XI) level in 2007 can expect thinner textbooks. The move comes following a dip of over two per cent in the overall pass percentage between 2005 and 2006 and, more importantly, a drop in centums in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. For example in 2005, a total of 1,131 students got 200 out of 200 in Physics, but only 17 students got centum in the subject in 2006.

A high-level committee, headed by M. Naganathan, Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Commission, is already on the task.

School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu told The Hindu that a content review was on and "the committee is expected to present its report soon."

The overall pass percentage came down from 76.8 in 2005 to 74.5 this year, which, many teachers, students and administrators agree, was due to the new and enhanced syllabus introduced in 2004-05. "We felt that the content was sometimes more than what is required by students at the school level. If they know the basics, students can learn the advanced contents at the degree level... ," Mr. Thennarasu said. However, there would not be any compromise on the quality of education.

New books

Once, the group of experts and the high-level committee present their report, the Government would ask the Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation to come out with new textbooks for class XI and XII from the next year.

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