Embedding Life Skills and Moral Values in English Curriculum: An NEP 2020 Perspective

Contemporary educational discourse increasingly emphasizes that schooling must foster learners' social, emotional, and ethical development alongside academic achievement.The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates a holistic, competency-based approach, highlighting the integration of life skills and moral values from the foundational stages of learning.English language education offers significant potential for embedding ethical understanding and life skills through interactive and experiential learning.This qualitative action research study examines the effectiveness of integrating life skills and moral values in primary-level English teaching.Classroom interventions including storytelling, role play, group discussions, and reflective activities were implemented over 6-8 weeks.Data were collected using classroom observation schedules, teacher journals, behaviour rating scales, life skills checklists, and student portfolios.Qualitative data were analysed thematically, and quantitative data using descriptive statistics.Findings indicate improvements in students' communicative competence, empathy, cooperation, responsibility, and moral awareness.Action research emerged as an effective reflective framework supporting NEP 2020's vision of holistic, value-based education.