Assignment No.1 (8624)
Assignment No.1 (8624)
Assignment No.1 (8624)
Q.1:
Describe the levels of education in the context of Pakistan and
compare them with the seven levels which are described by
(ISCED).
Answer:
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. Population pressures and democratic and
religious demands have put the present education system under great strain. Education planners
and administrators are striving to cope with these challenges. The 18th amendment of the Pakistani
Constitution transfers the responsibility for education from the federal government to states and
provinces. National education policy enacted in 2017 has been designed according to this structure.
Education is almost completely decentralized, with province and area education departments
responsible for the education system, from planning to implementation. The federal government
has a limited role. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is facilitating and
coordinating among the province and area education departments to maintain coherence in
education policies. In this regard, after a gap of 10 years, a national curriculum is in development
in consultation with provincial and area education departments.
Pakistan’s education system is distributed into four level of educations:
1) Elementary education.
2) Secondary education.
3) Higher secondary education.
4) Tertiary education. Free primary education is a constitutional right and is compulsory in
every province except Balochistan. Education is compulsory for all children from age 5 to
16 (in the mid 2000s it was only five years).
The education system is designed for 12 years of schooling, with five years in primary school,
three in middle school, and four in high school. After two years of basic secondary school students
that want to continue on choose between a two-year higher secondary program or a two-year
technical school.
In Pakistan, about 60 percent of students enrolled in school attend public schools, while the
remaining 40 percent of students attend private schools. Public school students mostly come from
a low socioeconomic background while private school students mostly have middle- and upper-
class backgrounds. Public sector institutions are required to teach the national curriculum. Private
sector institutions may teach different types of curriculum, including the Oxford, Cambridge, and
Singapore curricula.
According to the “World Education Encyclopaedia”: “Basically, there are two systems of
education prevalent in Pakistan: the traditional religion-based education system and the modern
formal education system begun under British colonial rule and continued after the country’s
independence. Both systems are financed by the ministry of education, although the scrutiny by
the government of standards in the modern education sector is far stricter than for the madrassahs.
Since the late 1970s, with the increasing Islamization of Pakistan’s polity and society, the
management of the traditional institutions has been streamlined both at the provincial and the
federal levels by the mullahs. This was partly helped by the fact that the madrassahs were financed
out of the zakat, the Islamic tithe collected by the government.
Preparatory or pre-primary classes (kachi, or nursery, literally, unripe) were formally incorporated
into the system in 1988 with the Seventh Five-Year Plan. According to the “World Education
Encyclopaedia”: The modern educational system comprises the following five stages:
• The primary stage lasting five years, applicable to children from 5- to 9-years-old.
• A middle stage of three years for children 10- to 12-years-old, covering grades six through
eight.
• A two-year secondary, or “matriculation” stage (grades nine and ten), for children 13- and
14-years-old.
• A two-year higher secondary, or “intermediate college,” leading to an F.A. diploma in arts
or F.S. in science.
• A fifth stage covering college and university programs leading to baccalaureate,
professional, and master’s and doctorate degrees.
1. Primary Education:
Primary education is the first level of education in Pakistan, which is compulsory for all children
aged 5 to 9 years. It comprises five years of education, and the curriculum includes basic subjects
such as Urdu, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
2. Middle Education:
Middle education is the second level of education in Pakistan, which comprises grades 6 to 8. It
is also compulsory and builds on the foundation laid in primary education. The curriculum
includes more advanced subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, and Geography.
3. Secondary Education:
Secondary education in Pakistan comprises grades 9 to 10 and is divided into two streams: science
and arts. Students can choose their preferred stream based on their interests and career goals. The
curriculum is more specialized and includes subjects such as Computer Science, Pakistan Studies,
and Islamic Studies.
5. Undergraduate Education:
Undergraduate education in Pakistan is offered by universities and colleges and leads to a
bachelor’s degree. The duration of the degree varies depending on the program and can range
from 2 to 5 years. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components and
prepares students for professional careers.
6. Graduate Education:
Graduate education in Pakistan is offered by universities and colleges and leads to a master’s
degree. The duration of the degree varies depending on the program and can range from 1 to 3
years. The curriculum is more specialized and requires students to conduct research in their
chosen field.
7. Postgraduate Education:
Postgraduate education in Pakistan is offered by universities and colleges and leads to a doctorate
or other advanced research degree. The duration of the degree varies depending on the program
and can range from 3 to 5 years. The curriculum is research-focused and requires students to
conduct original research in their chosen field.
“The two major stages in the pre-university period are marked by primary and secondary schooling
for 10 years leading up to the Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), and an additional
two years in higher secondary school or college leading to the Higher Secondary Certificate
Examination (HSCE). The SSC and the HSC examinations are conducted by the Boards of
Intermediate and Secondary Education. It is the stage at which most of the brightest students take
up medicine, engineering, pharmacy, dentistry, or architecture. There is a special public
examination at the end of grade eight for those wishing to apply for government scholarships. The
participation rate falls from 58 percent at the primary stage to 36 percent at the middle three-year
stage, to 22.5 percent at the SSCE level, and to a precipitately low of 7.3 percent at the HSCE
stage.
Those who prefer technical education enroll after SSCE into one of the “intermediate” colleges
offering technical and vocational education, or they enroll in one of the numerous technical
institutes run by provincial departments of education. A separate board examines students of
technology and awards certificates to those who pass the examination.
While most students take the three-year course in college leading to the bachelor’s degree, students
aiming at a professional degree in medicine, engineering, architecture, or pharmacy join the
appropriate professional colleges after the HSCE. The duration of study leading to the professional
degrees varies. While the bachelor’s degree in medicine (MBBS or Bachelor in Medicine and
Bachelor in Surgery), requires five and one-half years including one year of internship, a degree
in engineering, architecture, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine requires four years. The
participating rate in the bachelor’s degree or professional degree courses is a meagre 2.8 percent.
Graduate education, known as “postgraduate” education, is available at the universities and some
institutions of higher learning “deemed” to be universities. A master’s degree would require two
years, while the Ph.D., taken in almost all cases after the master’s (theoretically an option exists
to take it after the bachelor’s), takes two to three years of additional work involving a thesis or
doctoral dissertation.
According to the “World Education Encyclopaedia”: “Education at all levels falls primarily under
the jurisdiction of the provincial governments. However, the federal government has, throughout
the history of Pakistan, taken a leadership role in devising a national policy of education and
research. Moreover, all universities, centres of excellence, and area study centres are funded by
the federal government through the University Grants Commission. The federal Ministry of
Education is headed by the minister of education, assisted by the education secretary, who is a
senior member of the bureaucracy. The provincial education departments are likewise headed by
the education ministers assisted by education secretaries in charge of separate divisions such as
primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education. The provinces are divided into regions and
districts for administrative purposes. Primary education at the district level is administered by a
district education officer, while secondary education is headed in each region by a regional
director. The colleges in each province are under the administrative control of a Directorate of
Education located in the provincial capital.
Academic and technical education institutions are the responsibility of the federal Ministry of
Education, which coordinates instruction through the intermediate level. Above that level, a
designated university in each province is responsible for coordination of instruction and
examinations. In certain cases, a different ministry may oversee specialized programs. Universities
enjoy limited autonomy; their finances are overseen by a University Grants Commission, as in
Britain.
Teacher-training workshops are overseen by the respective provincial education ministries in order
to improve teaching skills. However, incentives are severely lacking, and, perhaps because of the
shortage of financial support to education, few teachers participate. Rates of absenteeism among
teachers are high in general, inducing support for community-coordinated efforts promoted in the
Eighth Five-Year Plan (1993-98).
In 1991 there were 87,545 primary schools, 189,200 primary school teachers, and 7,768,000
students enrolled at the primary level, with a student-to-teacher ratio of forty-one to one. Just over
one-third of all children of primary school age were enrolled in a school in 1989. There were
11,978 secondary schools, 154,802 secondary school teachers, and 2,995,000 students enrolled at
the secondary level, with a student-to- teacher ratio of nineteen to one.
Primary school dropout rates remained fairly consistent in the 1970s and 1980s, at just over 50
percent for boys and 60 percent for girls. The middle school dropout rates for boys and girls rose
from 22 percent in 1976 to about 33 percent in 1983. However, a noticeable shift occurred in the
beginning of the 1980s regarding the post primary dropout rate: whereas boys and girls had
relatively equal rates (14 percent) in 1975, by 1979 — just as Zia initiated his government’s
Islamization program — the dropout rate for boys was 25 percent while for girls it was only 16
percent. By 1993 this trend had dramatically reversed, and boys had a dropout rate of only 7
percent compared with the girls’ rate of 15 percent. The Seventh Five-Year Plan envisioned that
every child five years and above would have access to either a primary school or a comparable,
but less comprehensive, mosque school. However, because of financial constraints, this goal was
not achieved.
In drafting the Eighth Five-Year Plan in 1992, the government therefore reiterated the need to
mobilize a large share of national resources to finance education. To improve access to schools,
especially at the primary level, the government sought to decentralize and democratize the design
and implementation of its education strategy. To give parents a greater voice in running schools, it
planned to transfer control of primary and secondary schools to NGOs. The government also
intended to gradually make all high schools, colleges, and universities autonomous, although no
schedule was specified for achieving this ambitious goal.
Level 0:
Early childhood education – This level covers the education of children from birth to the age of
primary education. Early childhood education is formed of two stages, carried out by two different
public authorities. The Nursery and the Day Care Centres are providing education service for 0-
36 months old children and the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services is the authoritative
body for the Centres.
Preschools deliver education services for 36-66 months old children. Ministry of National
Education is the responsible public body for preschools. Early childhood education is compulsory
for children over 36 months old, who are in need of special education and guidance.
Level 1:
Primary education – This level includes the first stage of formal education and provides basic skills
in reading, writing, and math. Primary school education is compulsory for children, who are 66
months to 10 years. Duration of the primary education is 4 years, which includes 1 st, 2nd, 3rd and
4th grades.
Level 2:
Lower secondary education – This level covers the second stage of formal education and provides
a broader education in a range of subjects. 10 to 14 years old students receive education at Lower
Secondary Schools in the grades 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. Lower Secondary Schools are the second stage
of 12 years compulsory education.
Level 3:
Upper secondary education – This level provides a more specialized education and prepares
students for higher education or employment. Upper Secondary Education is the final stage for
compulsory education. 14 to 18 years old students attend 9 th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades of the
School. There are various types of Upper Secondary Schools including General High School,
Anatolian High School, Science High School, Sports High School, Religious High School, High
School of Fine Arts, Technical and Vocational High School, etc. Upper Secondary School
diploma/qualification provides access to higher education.
Level 4:
Post-secondary non-tertiary education – This level includes vocational education and training
programs that provide practical skills for employment. This level of education is designed to
provide students with intermediate skills and knowledge that are more advanced than those
acquired in upper secondary education, but less advanced than those acquired in tertiary education.
Examples of Level 4 education include vocational education and training (VET) programs,
technical education, and other types of non-degree programs that provide students with practical
skills and knowledge in specific areas. The main objective of Level 4 education is to prepare
students for skilled employment and/or further education and training. This level of education
typically involves a mix of classroom instruction and practical training, and may lead to a
professional qualification or certification.
In many countries, Level 4 education is an important component of the education system as it
provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce and contribute to
the economy.
Level 5:
First stage of tertiary education – This level includes bachelor’s degrees and other undergraduate
programs. Level 5 of education, as defined by the International Standard Classification of
Education (ISCED), is tertiary education, which includes programs leading to advanced research
qualifications and professional degrees. It is the level of education that follows Level 4 (post-
secondary, non-tertiary education).
Examples of Level 5 education include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
These programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in a specific
field of study, as well as critical thinking and research skills. Bachelor’s degrees are typically
earned after completing three to four years of study, while master’s degrees require an additional
one to two years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. Doctoral degrees, also known as PhDs,
require several years of research and the completion of a dissertation or thesis.
Level 5 education is critical for the development of advanced skills and knowledge needed in many
fields, including science, engineering, medicine, law, business, and education. It is also important
for individuals who want to pursue research or academic careers. Many countries consider Level
5 education to be essential for economic growth and competitiveness, as it provides individuals
with the expertise and skills needed to innovate, develop new technologies, and solve complex
problems.
Level 6:
Second stage of tertiary education – This level includes master’s degrees and other postgraduate
programs. Level 6 of education, as defined by the International Standard Classification of
Education (ISCED), is postgraduate education. It is the level of education that follows Level 5
(tertiary education).
Level 6 includes programs that lead to a postgraduate diploma, master’s degree, or doctoral degree.
These programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in a specific
field of study, as well as the ability to conduct independent research. Postgraduate diplomas
typically require one year of full-time study and are often used as a pathway to a master’s degree.
Master’s degrees typically require one to two years of full-time study and may include coursework,
research, and a thesis. Doctoral degrees, also known as PhDs, require several years of research and
the completion of a dissertation or thesis.
Level 6 education is critical for individuals who want to pursue careers in academia, research, or
other specialized fields. It provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced skills and
knowledge in their chosen field, and to conduct original research that contributes to the
advancement of knowledge in their field. Many countries consider Level 6 education to be
essential for the development of a highly skilled workforce and for the advancement of knowledge
and innovation in various fields.
Level 7:
Third stage of tertiary education – This level includes doctoral degrees and other advanced
research programs. Level 7 of education, as defined by the International Standard Classification
of Education (ISCED), is a level of postgraduate education that follows Level 6.
Level 7 includes programs that lead to a research-focused doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD), or a professional degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of
Juridical Science (SJD).
Doctoral degrees require several years of research and the completion of a dissertation or thesis.
These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, or other
specialized fields, and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in their
respective fields. Professional degrees, such as the MD or the SJD, are also offered at Level 7.
These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for
professional practice in fields such as medicine, law, or dentistry.
Level 7 education is critical for individuals who want to pursue careers in highly specialized fields
that require advanced knowledge and skills. It provides students with the opportunity to develop
their research skills and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in their
field. Many countries consider Level 7 education to be essential for the development of a highly
skilled workforce and for the advancement of knowledge and innovation in various fields.
Comparison of Level of Education System of Pakistan with
Seven Level of Education Describe by ISCED:
Here, I can provide a brief comparison of the education system of Pakistan with the seven levels
of education described by ISCED:
Level 0:
Early childhood education – In Pakistan, early childhood education is not widely available or
accessible. Only a small percentage of children have access to pre-primary education.
Level 1:
Primary education – Primary education in Pakistan is compulsory and free for all children aged 5-
9 years. However, there are still many children who are out of school, especially in rural areas.
Level 2:
Lower secondary education – Lower secondary education in Pakistan comprises grades 6-8 and is
also compulsory. However, the quality of education is often poor, and there is a high dropout rate
after primary education.
Level 3:
Upper secondary education – Upper secondary education in Pakistan comprises grades 9-12 and
is not compulsory. The curriculum is divided into two streams: science and arts. The quality of
education is still a concern, and the access to this level of education is also limited.
Level 4:
Post-secondary non-tertiary education – This level of education is not well-developed in Pakistan.
However, there are some vocational training institutes and technical schools that provide practical
skills for employment.
Level 5:
First stage of tertiary education – Pakistan has a large number of universities and colleges that
offer bachelor’s degrees in various fields. However, the quality of education is often criticized, and
the access to higher education is still limited, especially for women and marginalized groups.
Level 6:
Second stage of tertiary education – Pakistan also has some universities that offer master’s degrees
and other postgraduate programs. However, the number of students enrolled in these programs is
still relatively low.
Level 7:
Third stage of tertiary education – Pakistan has a small number of universities that offer doctoral
degrees and other advanced research programs. However, the research culture is not well-
developed in Pakistan, and the funding for research is also limited.
Conclusion:
Pakistan’s education system faces many challenges, including inadequate funding, poor
infrastructure, and a lack of trained and qualified teachers. There is a need for significant reforms
to improve the quality of education and increase access to education, especially for marginalized
groups.
Q.2:
Discuss the benefits of BISE in structuring the boards and
administration of examination.
Answer:
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) plays a crucial role in structuring
boards and administering examinations. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future
Of individuals and societies. To ensure the quality and standardization of education, educational
Systems are established, comprising various bodies and regulations. In Pakistan, the Board of
Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) and The Education Code are two vital components
that contribute to the effective functioning of the education system. The Board of Intermediate
and Secondary Education (BISE) is an autonomous body operating at the provincial level in
Pakistan. The primary objective of BISE is to regulate and oversee the educational processes and
examination systems for intermediate and secondary levels. The BISE benefits include:
1. Standardization:
BISE ensures uniformity in examination processes, maintaining consistent standards across
different regions or districts. BISE ensures standardized evaluation of examination papers. The
board prepares question papers and marking schemes, and trains the examiners to evaluate the
answer scripts. This ensures that the evaluation process is fair and consistent across all
examination centers.
2. Quality Control:
It facilitates quality control by designing standardized question papers, ensuring fair evaluation,
and maintaining the integrity of the examination system. BISE ensures quality control of the
examination process. The board conducts regular inspections of examination centers and takes
action against any malpractice or irregularities. This ensures that the examination process is free
from any unethical practices and that the results are reliable and accurate.
3. Conducting Examinations:
One of the key functions of BISE is to organize and conduct examinations for intermediate (11th
and 12th grade) and secondary (9th and 10th grade) levels. BISE develops standardized examination
papers, sets examination schedules, appoints invigilators, and ensures the fair and transparent
evaluation of answer sheets. The examination results play a crucial role in determining students’
academic progress and eligibility for higher education.
5. Impartiality:
BISE helps in minimizing biases and ensures impartial evaluation, as exams are conducted
independently of individual schools or teachers. The Board of Intermediate and Secondary
Education (BISE) plays a critical role in the impartial evaluation of the education system in
Pakistan. BISE is responsible for conducting examinations for intermediate and secondary level
education and ensuring that the evaluation process is fair, transparent, and free from any kind of
bias or discrimination.
BISEs use standardized procedures and guidelines to evaluate the performance of students in
examinations. The evaluation process is carried out by trained and experienced examiners who
are selected based on their expertise in the subject matter. This ensures that the evaluation process
is impartial and free from any personal biases or prejudices.
In addition, BISEs also play a role in monitoring and evaluating the quality of education being
provided by schools and colleges. They conduct inspections of educational institutions to ensure
that they are providing quality education and meeting the standards set by the government. The
impartial evaluation of the education system by BISEs is important for maintaining the credibility
of the education system in Pakistan. It ensures that students receive a quality education and that
their performance is evaluated fairly, without any discrimination or bias. This, in turn, helps to
promote a culture of meritocracy and equal opportunity in the education system.
6. Credibility:
Having a central examination board enhances the credibility of the education system, which is
crucial for students pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. The role of BISEs in
the credibility of the education system in Pakistan is very important. BISEs are responsible for
ensuring that the examination system is fair, transparent, and free from any kind of malpractice.
This is important because the credibility of the education system depends on the integrity of the
examination system.
BISEs conduct examinations for intermediate and secondary level education and are responsible
for ensuring that the examinations are conducted in a transparent and fair manner. They are also
responsible for developing and updating the curriculum for these levels of education. This helps
to ensure that students receive a quality education that is relevant to their needs and prepares
them for further education or employment.
BISEs also issue certificates to students who pass the examination, which serve as proof of their
educational qualifications. These certificates are recognized by colleges, universities, and
employers in Pakistan and abroad. Therefore, the credibility of the education system in Pakistan
depends on the credibility of the certificates issued by BISEs. BISEs play a critical role in
maintaining the credibility of the education system in Pakistan. They ensure that students receive
a quality education, that the examination system is fair and transparent, and that the certificates
issued by them are credible and recognized by others.
8. Registration of Students:
BISE facilitates the registration of students for intermediate and secondary examinations. It
ensures that eligible students are properly registered within the prescribed deadlines. Registration
with BISE is mandatory for students to appear in the board examinations, which provide a
recognized certification of academic achievement.
9. Data Collection:
BISE gathers valuable data on student performance, helping in identifying trends, areas of
improvement, and informing educational policies. BISE (Board of Intermediate and Secondary
Education) plays a significant role in data collection related to the academic performance of
students. Here are some of the ways in which BISE is involved in data collection:
• Compilation of results: BISE collects the results of all the students who appear in the
examinations and compiles them. This data includes individual student scores, pass/fail
rates, and overall performance of schools/colleges.
• Analysis of data: BISE analyses the data collected from the examinations to identify
trends and patterns. This analysis helps the board to identify areas where students are
struggling and develop strategies to improve their academic performance.
• Monitoring of schools/colleges: BISE monitors the performance of schools and colleges
affiliated with it. This involves collecting data on the academic performance of their
students and taking appropriate measures to improve the quality of education.
Overall, BISE plays a crucial role in data collection related to the academic performance of
students. This data is used to make informed decisions and develop strategies to improve the
quality of education.
15. Transparency:
The board ensures transparency in the examination process, from question paper preparation to
result declaration, fostering trust in the education system. BISE ensures transparency in the
examination process. The board publishes the results of the examination, and students can access
their results online. This ensures that the examination process is transparent and that students
have access to their results in a timely manner. BISE plays a vital role in ensuring transparency
in the examination system. Some key aspects of its role include:
• Conducting Examinations: BISE is responsible for organizing and conducting
examinations in a fair and transparent manner. It ensures that exam papers are set
appropriately, maintaining a balance in difficulty and covering the prescribed syllabus.
• Secrecy and Security: BISE takes measures to maintain the confidentiality of exam papers
before the actual examination date to prevent any leaks. Strict security protocols are
implemented to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.
• Fair Evaluation: BISE oversees the grading and evaluation of answer sheets to ensure
consistency and fairness. Standardized marking schemes are often employed to maintain
uniformity in assessment.
• Result Declaration: BISE is responsible for accurately compiling and declaring
examination results. Transparency is upheld by providing students with access to their
individual results and detailed mark sheets.
• Handling Grievances: BISE addresses complaints and grievances related to the
examination process, ensuring a transparent mechanism for dispute resolution.
• Anti-Cheating Measures: BISE implements measures to prevent cheating during exams,
such as thorough invigilation and the use of technology to detect malpractices.
• Public Information: BISE often communicates important information about
examinations, including schedules, procedures, and results, to the public to maintain
transparency.
• In essence, the role of BISE in the transparency of the examination system involves
creating a fair and accountable environment that instills confidence in the assessment
process.
16. Accountability:
BISE holds educational institutions accountable for maintaining standards, contributing to the
overall improvement of the education sector. BISE, or Board of Intermediate and Secondary
Education, plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability within the education system. It is
responsible for conducting examinations, assessing students’ performance, and maintaining the
standards of education. By setting and monitoring examination processes, BISE helps ensure that
students are evaluated fairly and accurately.
Moreover, BISE contributes to accountability by overseeing the implementation of educational
policies and curricula. It monitors schools to ensure they adhere to established standards, which
enhances the overall quality of education. BISE also plays a role in detecting and preventing
academic malpractices, fostering a sense of accountability among educational institutions and
stakeholders. BISE acts as a regulatory body that promotes transparency, fair assessment, and
adherence to educational standards, thereby contributing significantly to the accountability of the
education system.
Conclusion:
In summary, BISE plays a pivotal role in organizing examinations, maintaining standards, and
contributing to the credibility and improvement of the education system. BISE plays a critical role
in the administration of examinations. It ensures efficient and organized management, standardized
evaluation, transparency, certification, and quality control, which are essential for the development
of a highly skilled workforce and for the advancement of knowledge and innovation in various
fields.
Q.3:
Describe the importance and organizational structure of PDF.
How many types of private schools are working in Pakistan at
Secondary level.
Answer:
Importance and Organizational Structure of PDF:
An organizational structure defines how job titles, roles, and responsibilities are assigned within a
company. It helps determine who reports to whom, and who makes decisions about what. Start-
ups often have a matrix organizational structure, with different departments working together on
projects. A good structure will ensure that you are able to use materials again and again, with
different classes year on year. Teachers will find it easier to collaborate with each other, students
will be able to access the resources they need and parents will be in a better position to support
their children in their learning.
A clear structure allows every team member to be involved. When employees know what they’re
responsible for and who they report to – which isn’t the case in many fast-growing companies –
they’re more likely to take ownership of their work. To build an org structure, you need to consider
your business size, life cycle, goals, and positioning. Apart from considering the current
environment your company operates in, you should also think of where you want to see the
organization in five years – as its a pillar of organizational health.
1. Functional Structure:
A functional structure groups employees into different departments by work specialization. Each
department has a designated leader highly experienced in the job functions of each employee
supervised by them. Most often, it implements a top-down (centralized) decision-making process
where department managers report to upper management. Ideally, leaders of different teams
communicate regularly and coordinate their strategies while lower-level employees have little idea
of the processes taking place outside their department.
The main challenge companies with a functional structure face is the lack of coordination between
departments. Employees may lose the larger company context when focusing on very specific
tasks and failing to interact with members of other departments. To create a functional
organizational structure that works, you’ll need to train leaders to foster collaboration across
departments. Examples of organizations with a functional structure include: Amazon, Starbucks.
Similar to a hierarchical organizational structure, a functional org structure starts with positions
with the highest levels of responsibility at the top and goes down from there. Primarily, though,
employees are organized according to their specific skills and their corresponding function in the
company. Each separate department is managed independently.
Advantages:
• Allows employees to focus on their role.
• Encourages specialization.
• Help teams and departments feel self-determined.
• Is easily scalable in any sized company.
Disadvantages:
• Can create silos within an organization.
• Hampers interdepartmental communication.
• Obscures processes and strategies for different markets or products in a company.
2. Divisional Structure:
A divisional structure organizes employees around a common product or geographical location.
Divisional organizations have teams focused on a specific market or product line. Examples of
companies applying a divisional structure are McDonald’s Corporation and Disney. These brands
can’t help but split the entire organization by location to be able to adjust their strategies for
audiences representing different markets. In divisional organizational structures, a company’s
divisions have control over their own resources, essentially operating like their own company
within the larger organization. Each division can have its own marketing team, sales team, IT team,
etc. This structure works well for large companies as it empowers the various divisions to make
decisions without everyone having to report to just a few executives.
These smaller groups are relatively independent and mainly follow a decentralized framework.
Still, the leaders of each department are likely to operate under centralized corporate management.
It means that company culture is dictated by top management, but operational decisions can be
made by each division independently.
3. Matrix Structure:
Having multiple supervisors allows for company-wide interaction and faster project delivery. For
instance, when answering to functional managers and project managers, employees have a chance
to collect experience outside their team. While functional managers can help to solve job-specific
issues, project managers can bring in knowledge or talents from other departments.
If you go after a matrix organizational structure, you’ll need to find a way to avoid authority
confusion and prevent conflicts between managers. A matrix organizational chart looks like a grid,
and it shows cross-functional teams that form for special projects. For example, an engineer may
regularly belong to the engineering department (led by an engineering director) but work on a
temporary project (led by a project manager). The matrix org chart accounts for both of these roles
and reporting relationships.
Advantages:
• Allows supervisors to easily choose individuals by the needs of a project.
• Gives a more dynamic view of the organization.
• Encourages employees to use their skills in various capacities aside from their original
roles.
Disadvantages:
• Presents a conflict between department managers and project managers.
• Can change more frequently than other organizational chart types.
4. Team Structure:
A team-based organizational structure creates small teams that focus on delivering one product or
service. These teams are capable of solving problems and making decisions without bringing in
third parties. Team members are responsible for managing their workload and have full control
over the project. Team-based organizations are distinguished by little formalization and high
flexibility. This structure works well for global organizations and manufacturers.
It’ll come as no surprise that a team-based organizational structure groups employees according to
teams think Scrum teams or tiger teams. A team organizational structure is meant to disrupt the
traditional hierarchy, focusing more on problem-solving, cooperation, and giving employees more
control.
Advantages:
• Increases productivity, performance, and transparency by breaking down silo mentality.
• Promotes a growth mind-set.
• Changes the traditional career models by getting people to move laterally.
• Values experience rather than seniority.
• Requires minimal management.
• Fits well with agile companies with Scrum or tiger teams.
Disadvantages:
• Goes against many companies’ natural inclination of a purely hierarchical structure.
• Might make promotional paths less clear for employees.
• See why forming tiger teams is a smart move for your organization.
5. Network Structure:
A network structure goes far beyond your internal company structure. It’s an act of joining the
efforts of two or more organizations with the goal of delivering one product or service. Typically,
a network organization outsources independent contractors or vendors to complete the work. In a
network organization, teams are built from full-time employees as well as freelance specialists this
way, in-house workers can spend most of their time focusing on the work they specialize in. Such
an approach allows companies to adapt to market changes and obtain the missing skills fast.
These days, few businesses have all their services under one roof, and juggling the multitudes of
vendors, subcontractors, freelancers, offsite locations, and satellite offices can get confusing. A
network organizational structure makes sense of the spread of resources. It can also describe an
internal structure that focuses more on open communication and relationships rather than
hierarchy.
Advantages:
• Visualizes the complex web of onsite and offsite relationships in companies.
• Allows companies to be more flexible and agile.
• Give more power to all employees to collaborate, take initiative, and make decisions.
• Helps employees and stakeholders understand workflows and processes.
Disadvantages:
• Can quickly become overly complex when dealing with lots of offsite processes.
• Can make it more difficult for employees to know who has final say.
• Consider the needs of your organization, including the company culture that you want to
develop, and choose one of these organizational structures.
6. Hierarchical Structure:
You must already have an idea of what a hierarchical structure is. It’s the most common
organizational structure type that follows a direct chain of command. A chain of command, in this
case, goes from senior management to general employees through a range of executives on the
departmental and team level. The highest-level executive has the highest power over the decision-
making process.
On one hand, this structure enables organizations to streamline business processes, develop clear
career paths, and reduce conflicts. A company hierarchy leaves no place for challenging managers’
authority, which can be good in some cases. On the other hand, a hierarchical structure slows down
decision-making and may hurt employee morale.
It’s the most common type of organizational structure—the chain of command goes from the top
(e.g., the CEO or manager) down (e.g., entry-level and lower-level employees), and each employee
has a supervisor.
Advantages:
• Better defines levels of authority and responsibility.
• Shows who each person reports to or who to talk to about specific project.
• Motivates employees with clear career paths and chances for promotion .
• Gives each employee a specialty .
• Creates camaraderie between employees within the same department.
Disadvantages:
• Can slow down innovation or important changes due to increased bureaucracy.
• Can cause employees to act in the interest of their department instead of the company as a
whole.
• Can make lower-level employees feel like they have less ownership and can’t express their
ideas for the company.
Advantages:
• Gives employees more responsibility.
• Fosters more open communication.
• Improves coordination and speed of implementing new ideas.
Disadvantages:
• Can create confusion since employees do not have a clear supervisor to report to.
• Can produce employees with more generalized skills and knowledge.
• Can be difficult to maintain once the company grows beyond start-up status
These schools are known for their excellent academic programs, experienced faculty, and state-of-
the-art facilities. They also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music,
drama, and community service. These schools have a strong track record of preparing students for
higher education and successful careers. It’s worth noting that this list is not exhaustive, and there
are many other excellent private schools in Pakistan that offer quality education to students.
5. Aitchison College:
➢ Aitchison College is a leading independent, boys-only boarding school located in Lahore,
Pakistan. The school was founded in 1886 and has since then established itself as one of
the most prestigious institutions in the country, known for its academic excellence and
strong emphasis on character building.
➢ Aitchison College offers a wide range of programs, from primary to higher secondary
levels. The school has a comprehensive curriculum that covers subjects such as English,
Urdu, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies. It also offers courses in
computer science, fine arts, music, and sports.
➢ The school offers top-notch facilities that cater to the needs of its students. The campus
includes academic blocks, libraries, laboratories, computer labs, sports grounds, and
hostels. The school also provides transport facilities to students who live outside the
campus. Aitchison College has a strong focus on sports, with facilities for cricket, football,
hockey, tennis, swimming, and other sports.
➢ Aitchison College is affiliated with the University of Cambridge International
Examinations (CIE) and the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education
(FBISE). The school has a reputation for producing excellent results in both the CIE and
FBISE exams. Aitchison College is also a member of the prestigious Headmasters’ and
Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), an association of leading independent schools in the
UK and around the world. Affiliation with prestigious educational bodies make it one of
the best schools in Pakistan
➢ Convent of Jesus and Mary (CJM) is a private Catholic educational institution located in
Lahore, Pakistan. The school was founded in 1876 by the Religious of Jesus and Mary, a
congregation of Catholic nuns, and is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious
educational institutions in the country.
➢ CJM offers a comprehensive educational program that covers primary, secondary, and
higher secondary levels. The school follows the Cambridge International Examination
(CIE) system and offers courses in various subjects such as English, Urdu, Mathematics,
Sciences, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies. It also offers courses in computer science,
fine arts, music, and sports.
➢ The school provides a variety of facilities that cater to the needs of its students. The campus
includes academic blocks, libraries, laboratories, computer labs, sports grounds, and a
swimming pool. The school also provides transport facilities to students who live outside
the campus.
➢ CJM is affiliated with the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) system and the Aga
Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB). The school has a reputation for producing
excellent results in both the CIE and AKU-EB exams. CJM is also a member of the Catholic
Board of Education in Pakistan.
10. Bay View High School:
➢ Bay View High School is a private co-educational institution located in Karachi, Pakistan.
The school was established in 1994 and has since then become one of the leading schools
in the city, known for its academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
➢ Bay View High School offers a comprehensive educational program that covers primary,
secondary, and higher secondary levels. The school follows the British National
Curriculum and offers courses in various subjects such as English, Urdu, Mathematics,
Sciences, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies. It also offers courses in computer science,
fine arts, music, and sports.
➢ The school offers a variety of facilities that cater to the needs of its students. The campus
includes academic blocks, libraries, laboratories, computer labs, sports grounds, and a
swimming pool. The school also provides transport facilities to students who live outside
the campus. Bay View High School has a strong focus on extracurricular activities, with
facilities for various sports and other activities such as drama, debate, and community
service.
➢ Bay View High School is affiliated with the University of Cambridge International
Examinations (CIE) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The school
has a reputation for producing excellent results in both the CIE and IBO exams.
➢ The school provides a range of facilities that cater to the needs of its students. The campus
includes academic blocks, libraries, laboratories, computer labs, sports grounds, and a
swimming pool. The school also provides transport facilities to students who live outside
the campus. ISC has a strong focus on extracurricular activities, with facilities for various
sports and other activities such as drama, music, and community service.
➢ ISC is affiliated with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and the
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The school has a reputation
for producing excellent results in both the IB and CIE exams. ISC is also a member of the
Association of Private Schools and Administrators (APSA) in Pakistan.
Broadly speaking, it’s a subjective matter & hence depends upon multitude factors such as
individual preferences, academic performance, infrastructure, extracurricular & much more. Each
school has its own unique strengths & weaknesses that may attract or deter students & parents.
The best approach to make a decision is to determine your priority factor for choosing an institute
for your child. However, some of the best private schools in Pakistan based on various rankings &
factors are therefore shortlisted for your convenience.
Q.4:
Define aspects, principles and mechanism of curriculum
development in Pakistan.
Answer:
Curriculum development is a process through which an institute or the instructor designs or creates
a plan for a course or program. Furthermore, it is not a stagnant approach and includes continuous
improvement wherein, the content is reviewed, revised and updated according to the needs and
demands. Curriculum Development is the step-by-step process of designing and improving the
course offered at schools, colleges and universities. Even though each institution will have its own
process, the broad stages of the framework consist of analysis, design, implementation, and
evaluation.
Curriculum refers to specific lessons and academic content taught in schools and educational
institutes for a particular course or program. On the other hand, curriculum development is a
process that aims to improve the curriculum by using various approaches. Few of the commonly
used techniques include need and task analysis, objective design, choosing appropriate teaching
and learning methods, choosing assessment methods, and forming the curriculum committee and
curriculum review committee.
1) Learner-Centered Design:
The learner-centered design focuses on the understanding that each learner has different
characteristics. The teachers or instructors are to give opportunities to the learners to take
ownership of a project or assignment. They require to create chances for independent learning with
well-regulated liberty. This indicates that students take a more active role in the classroom, but it
is to be done under the instructor’s guidance. There are four distinct attributes of learner-centered
design, which includes:
Context- This refers to the assignments and tasks given in the classroom that should have real-
world application. Consequently, the relevant context in student learning will help learners to
connect with what they are learning.
Construction – Learners should relate their own experiences and prior learning with new learning.
Collaboration- Creating an environment and providing opportunities that encourage collaboration
between classmates. Activities like group discussions and team assignments allows the learners to
only form individuality but also expose to others’ opinions.
Conversation- Exercises to improve learners’ communication skills are mandatory, and hence
instructors should employ them accordingly.
2) Subject-Centered Design:
Subject-centered design is a traditional approach to curriculum that focuses on a particular. Subject
matter or discipline rather than on the individual. Additionally, during the curriculum development
process, this approach includes four subtypes of curriculum designs: subject-area design,
discipline design, broad-field design, and correlation design.
3) Problem-Centered Design:
Problem-centered design is an approach that focuses on developing problem-solving skills,
thinking and communication skills. This is a student-centric strategy wherein the learners are given
problematic situations and encouraged to solve them after careful observation.
2) Principle Of Child-Centeredness:
Instead of sticking to the predetermined curriculum, instructors must consider the child’s concerns,
motives, and needs while developing the curriculum. In addition, while planning any curricular
activities, educators must consider ways to enrich learners’ interests.
4) Principle Of Integration:
The curriculum should be planned in such a way that varied subjects could be added at different
stages of education. Similarly, the existing subjects should be able to integrate with other subjects
apart from enabling the students to correlate with the content.
5) Principle Of Flexibility:
One of the ideal qualities that a curriculum should have is flexibility and dynamism, as this will
be instrumental in serving the needs and concerns of individuals and society. Also, timely changes
and appropriate modifications to the curriculum allows educators and learners alike to stay updated
with academic goals.
7) Principle Of Utility:
Curriculum construction should follow the principle of utility, according to which educators must
include content that is useful to the individual and society. In addition, the curriculum must consist
of rich and valuable content that would be useful later in life.
➢ Proposals by the CRDC’s and Curriculum Bureaus: The Curriculum Research and
Development Centres and the Bureaus of Curriculum functioning at the provincial levels
take appropriate initiative and finalize their proposals, keeping in view the overall aims of
education, local situation and their research experience etc. and send the same to the
National Committee on Secondary/Primary Education, as the case may be for further
processing.
➢ Processing in the National Committees: Having received the curricular proposals from
the provincial CRDC’s and B.C’s the relevant committee i.e. either the secondary or
primary level committee ascertains their suitability in the light of overall aims of education
and then with its recommendations and observations, sends the curricular proposals to the
relevant subject committee. The relevant subject committee considers the whole package
and sends it back to the primary/secondary level committee at the national level.
The primary/secondary level committee functioning at the national level reconsiders the original
proposals and the subsequent recommendations and accords final approval of the curriculum.
Q.5:
Highlight the aims, objectives and characteristics of
curriculum at Secondary Level.
Answer:
The curriculum is the backbone of any school or university. It is designed to provide a set of skills
and knowledge that will equip students with the necessary tools for success in their future careers.
It is the framework within which a school or institution organizes its teaching and learning Process.
The word curriculum is derived from latin word ‘currere’. Currere—means ‘Race Course’.
A curriculum is a planned course of study. It is an outline of what should be taught and learned in
an educational institution such as a school, or college. It is used to organise and teach a particular
course. According to Kerr,
“Curriculum is all the learning which is planned and guided by the
school, whether it is carried on in groups or individually, inside or
outside of school”.
According to Good,
“Curriculum is a general over-all plan of the content or specific materials
of instruction that the school should offer the student by way of
qualifying him for graduation or certification or for entrance into a
professional or vocational field”.
Curriculum refers to the means and materials with which students will interact for the purpose of
achieving identified educational outcomes. Curriculum is not a course, is not a syllabus. Its the
subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college. Some other definitions of curriculum
are as follows:
“All the learning activities which are planned and guided by the school,
whether they are carried out in groups or individually ,inside and
outside the school.” (kerr 1968)
“Curriculum is tool in the hand of the artist (teacher) to mould his material
in accordance with his ideals in the school.” (Cunningham)
“All the experience of pupil which has undertaken in the guidance of the
school”. (Bland’s Encyclopaedia)
Curriculum At Secondary Level In Pakistan:
The current scheme of studies for classes IX-X comprises four components, out of which first and
fourth components are common. Under Component I, four courses: Urdu, provincial language
(where required by law); English, Pakistan Studies, and Islamiyat are common courses. The
languages, under component I, carry one/two papers of 100 to 150 marks, 4-6 periods each
course/Pakistan Studies and Islamiyat carry equal weightage. Islamiyat in component 1 is meant
for all Muslim students. Non-Muslims may, at their free option, study Islamiyat or ethics (a course
in universal morality) or any subject from Y. List (offering over 25 optional courses study as an
alternative, if Islamiyat is not taken in component II.)
Component II presents two major streams; ‘Science’ and ‘general’ streams. The former offers a
package of four basic science courses (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology), one paper
in each course. The weightage of these courses is equal. This is a departure from the previous
schemes. Previously, Mathematics and Biology formed separate units of study.
3. Well organised:
Curriculum should be well organised. The content of curriculum should be organised in such a
way that it connects students’ prior knowledge with the new knowledge. There should be a proper
link between theory and practical knowledge. All the subjects or topics should have clearly defined
objectives
5. Motivate students:
Curriculum as a tool motivates students to learn more and perform various activities. It motivates
students by making the process of learning more enjoyable and interesting. It helps students focus
more on their mastery goals.
7. Demands of society:
Society plays an important role in determining what is relevant for the students. Therefore,
curriculum should reflect the needs and demands of society. Those subjects should be included in
the curriculum which provide value to society and appreciate its cultural heritage.