While it appears there may have been considerable discussion on the Single National Curriculum, there is also a view sceptical of the still very long road ahead. On issues such as these, which carry the potential of a massive impact given their scale and nature, there is often a sense of insufficient effort and deliberation. What may possibly offer a degree of satisfaction, however, is an environment that encourages and tolerates input of diverse opinions and expertise. Even grounded critique. That process must be allowed to continue to ensure that we remain collectively on track.

This week, we focus on the SNC in practice. In our Special Report, we ask our contributors to answer a few questions that relate to the SNC, beyond the theory, in evidence. An analysis focusing on the content of some of the SNC textbooks offers an insight into questions relating to learning approaches and goals. We also look at the questions pertaining to concerns raised by religious minorities, and the promise of quality education made under the SNC. In the current scenario, we also look at what sort of SNC graduates we may just be looking at.

For a country that continues to be challenged on many aspects of the education sector, understanding the flaws of the larger system that has its roots in the inability to forge a consensus on what entails education, knowledge and learning, the struggle is just all too real. Apart from a perhaps ill-informed if well-intended debate, our education crisis has been fuelled by economic challenges and political motives – all at the cost of a widening disparity at the heart of which are our children. This week, we take the debate forward for our future.