No more backbenchers: Kerala schools adopt new seating arrangement

THRISSUR: A new classroom seating method where students sit in a semicircle is gaining popularity in the state. With no front or back benches, all students are placed in the front row, ensuring that every child is within the teacher’s line of sight. This approach is also seen as a way to prevent misbehaviour, often associated with students seated at the back. The concept gained attention after being featured in the Malayalam film Sthaanarthi Sreekuttan, which was released last year.

Kerala General Education Director S. Shanavas said that a decision on implementing the method more widely will be taken after studying factors such as classroom size and student strength. Former DGP Rishiraj Singh praised the idea on social media, calling it revolutionary. He noted that this method could help eliminate the negative labelling of students as "backbenchers," which often affects their academic performance and self-esteem.

Wadakkanchery East Mangad model
The RCC LP School in Wadakkanchery East Mangad has already adopted this semicircle seating in all its classes. The school has seven divisions from Class 1 to 5, with two divisions each in Classes 4 and 5. There are also LKG and UKG classes. Each class has between 20 and 30 students. Some other schools in the state have also started implementing this model.

"It’s easier to study with benches arranged like this. We can hear what the teacher is saying and take notes better."
– V.J. Angel, Class 5 student, RCC LP School

"We implemented this seating last month. It has already brought noticeable improvement in the students’ academic performance."
– Liji, Head Teacher