The National Education Policy 2020 in India outlines a new structure for school education, which includes the Middle stage (11 to 14 years) and Secondary stage (14 to 18 years). These two stages are aimed at building on the foundation laid in the Preparatory stage and preparing students for higher education and the world of work. Here’s a brief overview of these two stages:

Middle Stage (11 to 14 years):

During the Middle stage, the policy emphasizes the need to provide a flexible and multidisciplinary education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The following are some key highlights of the policy for the Middle stage:

1. Multidisciplinary Education: The policy promotes a multidisciplinary approach to learning, where students are exposed to a broad range of subjects to develop a holistic understanding of the world around them.
2. Experiential Learning: The policy emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and encourages schools to engage students in hands-on activities, field trips, and project-based learning.
3. Vocational Education: The policy emphasizes the need to provide vocational education to students during the Middle stage, where they can acquire practical skills and prepare for future employment.

Secondary Stage (14 to 18 years):

The Secondary stage aims to provide students with a rigorous and challenging education that prepares them for higher education and the world of work. The key features of this stage are:

1. Choice-based Education: The policy promotes a choice-based approach to education, where students can choose subjects based on their interests, strengths, and career aspirations.

2. Flexibility in Assessments: The policy promotes a flexible and competency-based approach to assessments, where students are evaluated based on their understanding and application of knowledge and skills.

3. Technology-enabled Learning: The policy recognizes the potential of technology in enhancing learning outcomes and recommends the integration of digital resources and tools into the classroom. This is aimed at providing students with access to a wide range of educational resources and promoting self-directed learning.

4. Inclusive Education: The policy emphasizes the need for inclusive education that caters to the diverse learning needs of students. This includes the provision of appropriate support and accommodations for students with disabilities and special needs.

Overall, the Middle stage and Secondary stage in the National Education Policy 2020 aim to provide a flexible and multidisciplinary education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These stages prepare students for higher education and the workforce by providing them with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and career guidance.