Ahmedabad schools may hold voluntary Sunday classes after rain-related losses

Schools in Ahmedabad may conduct voluntary classes on Sundays to compensate for academic time lost due to rain-related closures, according to an advisory issued by the District Education Officer (DEO). The proposal allows schools to organise additional academic sessions to complete pending syllabus, revision work and other learning activities affected by weather disruptions.The advisory does not make Sunday classes compulsory. Individual schools will decide whether additional sessions are required based on their academic schedule, availability of teachers and local conditions. The proposal comes after heavy rainfall in Gujarat led to interruptions in regular classroom activities and temporary closures in several areas.Sunday classes to remain optionalAs per the DEO advisory, schools choosing to conduct Sunday sessions will have the flexibility to plan additional classes according to their requirements. Students will not be required to attend mandatory classes on Sundays under the proposal.The advisory covers pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, including government schools, grant-in-aid institutions, private unaided schools and board-affiliated schools operating in Ahmedabad city.Purpose of additional academic sessionsSchools that opt for Sunday classes may use the additional time for completing pending portions of the syllabus, conducting revision sessions, addressing student queries and organising assessments or tests.The initiative is aimed at helping schools manage the academic schedule after classroom hours were affected by multiple rain-related holidays. Schools may decide the number of sessions required depending on the extent of academic loss.Guidelines issued for schoolsThe DEO has advised schools to follow necessary precautions before conducting any additional classes. Institutions have been asked to inform parents and students in advance, prepare schedules after considering teacher availability and ensure student safety in view of weather conditions.Schools have also been advised to conduct such sessions only when required and feasible.Rainfall disrupted academic calendarHeavy rainfall across Gujarat resulted in disruption of regular school operations, with authorities announcing closures in affected areas as a precautionary measure. The resulting loss of instructional days prompted the education department to consider measures that could help schools complete their planned academic activities.The Sunday class proposal is part of efforts to restore the academic schedule without making additional sessions compulsory for students.Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.