Sergeant Plan of Education, History, Objective, Feature and Recommendations

Sergeant Plan of Education

The Sargent plan of Education 1944 was one of numerous actions the British did to advance education in India. In 1944, John Sargent was charged with coming up with a comprehensive plan for Indian education. 22 people made up the 22-person committee.

In 1944, they presented their report to the Central Advisory Board of Education, which approved it and decided to put it into practise. The establishment of the national education system in India began with the publication of this report. For applicants preparing for the UPSC Exam, this article contains all the information about the Sergeant Plan of Education.

Read More: Education System in British India

Sergeant Plan of Education History

In 1944, the Central Advisory Board of Education produced the Sargent Analysis, a thorough report on the evolution of education following World War II.

It envisioned an educational system that included universal, free, and mandatory primary basic education for all children between the ages of 6 and 11 (junior basic) and 11 to 14 (senior basic), as suggested by the Wardha Scheme, with senior basic or middle school serving as the final stage in the school careers of the majority of students. The research suggested that middle school students should have access to a choice of courses.

These classes ought to be created to help students get into both colleges and industrial and commercial vocations. It was suggested that the high school curriculum should last six years.

Read More: Wardha Scheme

Sergeant Plan of Education Objective

Both should aim to give students a solid all-around education while also giving them some late-stage preparation for the vocations they plan to pursue once they graduate from school.

All secondary schools are required to offer instruction in the mother tongue. The Sargent Report also made several other recommendations, including the elimination of adult illiteracy in about 20 years, comprehensive support for teachers’ proper training, support for children with physical and mental disabilities, the organization of mandatory physical education, support for social and recreational activities, and the establishment of departments of education in the federal government and in the states.

The Sargent Report was the first comprehensive plan to address all levels and facets of education, including technical, vocational, and professional education. This included pre-primary, primary, high school, and university education.

It offered all students the same opportunities. The teaching profession was given the respect it deserved. It was also advised to improve the pay scales and working conditions for instructors. The paper highlighted the value of productive education.

Read More: Sadler Commission

Sergeant Plan of Education Feature

1. Pre-Primary Education between 3 and 6 Years of Age

Pre-primary education should be combined with basic or elementary education in rural areas. Women teachers with the necessary training should always work in nursery schools. Pre-primary education ought to be free in all circumstances. Giving young children social experience is the fundamental goal of schooling at this period. For 10 lakh students, pre-primary education will cost Rs. 3, 18,40,000 yearly.

2. Basic or Primary Education

The Basic Education plan has been modified slightly in the Sargent Report for primary education. For children ages 6 to 14, primary education should be universal, free, and required. Once more, it will be separated into two stages: Junior Basic and Senior Basic (ages 6 to 11) and (11 – 14). At this age, education should be focused on the idea of “learning through activity,” along with a fundamental craft or crafts that are appropriate for the needs and circumstances of the area.

3. High School Education

On no account can high school education be viewed as merely a stepping stone to a university degree, but rather as a stage in and of itself. The High Schools will still play a crucial role in sending their most talented students to Universities, nevertheless. Most high school graduates should obtain an education that will prepare them for entry-level positions in occupations and professions.

4. High School Education Organization and Function

The High School’s purpose is to serve students with abilities that are far above average. Therefore, it will only accept students who have demonstrated “abilities, aptitudes, and general promise.” Approximately 20% of junior basic school students will be admitted to high schools.

Every child who enrolls in high school must do it while still a minor (14 or older). Even after this time, precautions must be taken to prevent pupils from leaving the school before the course is finished. The High Schools will levy reasonable tuition. The cost of the schooling is entirely the responsibility of the concerned parents.

However, 50% of the students will receive free tuition or other comparable concessions, and poverty will not be allowed to prevent a deserving youngster from receiving an education.

5. Sergeant Plan of Education High School Education Types

The suggested high schools should be divided into two main categories: technical and academic. While the Technical High School will train students in the applied sciences, industrial and commercial topics, and the pure sciences, the Academic High School will teach the arts and pure sciences. The junior levels of the course will be relatively similar in both types, and there will be a common core of the “humanities” throughout.

All females should take a course in domestic science, and art and music should be a major component of both curricula. The curriculum should be adaptable to make switching from one type to another as simple as feasible. The curriculum in rural areas needs to be biased toward agriculture.

As much as is practical, the curriculum should be broadened to offer a wide range of options. It is not intended for every student to be taught every subject on the suggested list of subjects to be taught in both types of high schools.

Read More: Raleigh Commission

Sergeant Plan of Education Recommendations

1. Improve behaviour

For the advancement of general behaviour and social experience, it advised the opening of primary schools.

2. Free Instruction

Pre-primary and nursery school education should be provided without charge, the research suggested.

3. Department of Education

It suggested splitting the institutions into junior basic schools and senior basic schools.

4. Vocational and Technical Education

To improve students’ skills, the report suggested adding commercial and industrial topics.

5. Hiring of qualified instructors

According to this study, the schools were required to appoint qualified teachers. They needed to have a solid education and training.

6. Native language

The report suggested that while English should be taught as a second language and be made a requirement, the mother tongue should serve as the primary medium of teaching.

7. Education for Adults

The report also advocated for teaching those over 10 to 40. They were advised to pursue general education, technical education, and vocational education.

Read More: Hunter Commission

Sergeant Plan of Education UPSC

The Sargeant Plan of Education was the first plan that considered education at every level. Additionally, emphasis was placed on teacher preparation. The emphasis is on preparing the pupils to become independent in the future. Additionally, emphasis was placed on physical disability education. The education department was formed by the government in 1945. This article provides comprehensive information on the Sargent Report for UPSC Exam Preparation.

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