Art Of Teaching

Many people are confused about the different school types available in India for their children. It is necessary to understand the same before we commit our children in any one of them.

SSC or Secondary School Certificate Board is run by the state governments. It is based on Content based Curriculum.

CBSE, or the Central Board of Secondary Education, falls under the Central Government of India. It is based on Concentric Curriculum.

ICSE or the Council of the Indian School Certificate Examination is a private board of school education in India.  ICSE was planned to present exams in a course of general education. ICSE has taken a major chunk of its constituents from the NCERT. The ICSE syllabus with diverse subject combinations is more comprehensive and detailed that matches international standards.

IGCSE or International General Certificate of Secondary Education is offered by the University of Cambridge Assessment International Education [CAIE] which developed this English language based examination.

Then there is also the IB curriculum International Baccalaureate. It is an educational program founded in 1968 by the International Baccalaureate Organization [IBO]. It is a non – profit organization located in Geneva, Switzerland. We can see five important elements like concept, knowledge, skill, activities, and action in the IB curriculum.

Different Perspectives –

Here’s an exciting illustration that shows the distinction between SSC, ICSE, CBSE and IGCSE/IB curriculum.

Let us consider an imaginary example of ‘Planting a seed’ as a subject topic. Now let us perceive the approach of the four boards about teaching the same.

1. The State Boards will give you the picture of a person planting a seed and carry on with the explanation. That’s it.
2. The CBSE Board will play a YouTube video of a man planting a seed.
3. In the ICSE Board, stress is rather on the seed and the man. They will probably give you loads of information about them and the action of sowing a seed in their books. This will surely include a picture and a written account of the same.
4. In IGCSE/IB Board, they will make you go through the action of planting a seed and observe and understand the process.

Thus this is just a small example of the difference between the perspectives of the different boards.

Advantages and Disadvantages –

SSC Board –

Advantages:-

1. The State Board syllabus is comparatively easy. Since the syllabus is relatively easier, the structure of the curriculum allows to focus on extracurricular activities like sports etc.
2. The syllabus is State centric and not Center centric.
3. The cost of studying in SSC Board is comparatively low and affordable to masses. It is reasonably priced for people coming from different socio-economic backgrounds, including the marginalized communities.
4. The syllabus gives a conceptual view and therefore is easy to understand.
5. The result is exam based performance, so children are less stressed out.

Disadvantages:-

1. The disadvantages of selecting the SSC board are that it is not favourable for parents with transferable jobs.
2. Students cannot compete with other board students in competitive exams.
3. Study pattern is devoid of any challenges.
4. State language medium of Instruction Schools are better than SSC English medium schools as most of the students who pass out are not very confident in English speaking. They ultimately think of themselves as inferior during presentations.
5. Due to total lack of vocational training, there is remote chance for selection in private jobs.
6. Some schools in small towns and rural areas might lack in basic facilities, apart from the fact that the set of courses entirely depends on state government policies.
7. Understanding takes a back seat in front of marks being the criteria for judging the child’s ability.

ICSE Board-

Indian Council of Secondary Education is a non-government education board in India. It was re-established in 1986 with agreement to New Education Policy. It is measured as the toughest 10th board exams of India. It only allows English as the medium of instruction.

Advantages:-

1. Its syllabus is well-structured and allows students to do extremely well in any fields.
2. It focuses mainly on English. So students of ICSE schools gain great command on English from an early age.
3. ICSE students succeed in Civil Service Exam because they acquire the art of writing efficiently in English that is exceedingly needed for success in Civil Services.
4. . ICSE is linked with Cambridge University. So ICSE result is recognized abroad. That helps students pursue higher studies abroad.
5. The advantages of pursuing this board is the wide curriculum as compared to the state board and more focus on language and literature, be it English or Hindi. There is also greater emphasis on practical knowledge and analytical skills.

Disadvantages:–

1. Its syllabus is vast with almost equal weight age given to each subject.
2. ICSE syllabus is factitive. To get high marks in ICSE exam you must study facts. There is no place for exploration in its syllabus.
3. Students get less time for extracurricular activities because of its vast syllabus.
4. Students of ICSE board do not get good private tuitions in their locality because of less number of teachers.
5. The disadvantage of selecting this board is higher fees and a disadvantage when it comes to seeking admission in state universities due to fewer seats.

CBSE Board:-

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a Government Education Board. It is run by the Central Government of India. It allows private schools as well as Government School to follow its curriculum. Both Hindi and English are used as the medium of instruction in CBSE. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya as well as many private schools in the country are affiliated to this Board. This curriculum has a presence in 25 countries including India, Malaysia, Dubai, and Japan to name a few.

Advantages:-

1. CBSE syllabus is more compact than ICSE.
2. Its syllabus is less and allows students to take part in extracurricular activities.
3. It mainly emphasizes on Science and Mathematics. That means less pressure of studies for languages and Social studies, civics etc.
4. CBSE syllabus is prepared with accordance to competitive exams like JEE, NEET. So the students from the CBSE board get advantage over ICSE students while appearing for engineering and medical entrance exams.
5. Students from CBSE board easily get tuitions in their locality because of plenty of teachers available for CBSE syllabus online also.
6. Though the syllabus is less, it requires in depth knowledge of subjects to score well.
7. The syllabus is standardized across India. It is favourable for parents with transferable jobs.

Disadvantages:-

1. CBSE emphasizes too much on Hindi language.
2. Social Studies, Civics are almost neglected in CBSE.
3. The biggest disadvantage is the Continuous Comprehensive Learning Programme of CBSE. Also the Grading system that it uses is unfair to students scoring higher marks.
4. The disadvantage of focusing on this curriculum is that the syllabus is vast and that the fees are high in some schools.

IGCSE Board:-

The IGCSE is from Britain. It challenges the Indian Education system. It’s a pretty good curriculum. . Students are given the freedom to choose their subjects at an early age. The board exam papers go to UK to be checked. The perspective is totally international. This means that if you ever think of moving to another country, your child won’t suffer study wise at all. This board is available everywhere on the globe. It is very consistent and easy to adapt to this curriculum. The syllabus is very practical. Everything is practically performed to get the essence of the principle behind the working. The students from IGCSE Board clearly make the best students of the world as they are more academic and professional in every respect.

Advantages:-

1. Larger focus is put by this curriculum on understanding than memorizing or rote learning.
2. This Board is very beneficial if you’re planning on venturing into IB or A-levels.
3. This Curriculum offers a huge variety of subjects. The children have the freedom to mix-and-match very easily.
4. Also, students can take up to 11 subjects if they want, but also as little as 6.
5. It is a totally flexible curriculum and great for home learners.
6. IGCSE definitely makes you more practical and forces you to start thinking logically.

Disadvantages:-

1. It is generally considered easier than ICSE. IG Extended Math is definitely much easier.
2. . It is a totally International Curriculum. So there’s not much extended recognition, not as much as ICSE. Also there are fewer schools that have IG certification compared to ICSE and CBSE.
3. It is a costly board and cannot be afforded by many. The books are also very expensive.

IB Board:-

The IB Board offers three educational programs –

• For KG to Class V – PYP or Primary year program
• For Class VI – X – MYP or Middle year program
• For Class XI – XII – DP or Diploma program

Studying in an IB school is a very diverse kind of experience. The chief prominent features are that IB is recognized by most of the universities across the world.

So, if you want your kid to pursue education abroad, this may be the most preferred board, because CBSE and ICSE boards are not recognized by several Foreign Universities.

The IB curriculum is based majorly on application and experimentation as a result of which students get wider coverage.

It is recognized by UNESCO and OIF [Organization Internationale de la Gransophonie], also Council of Europe. It has wider visibility and acceptance across world. The IB schools are generally better equipped with state of art infrastructure. Naturally therefore the fee structure is on higher side. Also these schools are rare to find, majorly established in metros and Tier-I cities of India. Books and study material is also not easily available.

There are few more differentiating points which one should know.

1. In IB, Diploma Program that is in Class XI and XII you need to choose six subjects which includes Mathematics, English, a Science subject, a Humanities subject, a Foreign Language and a subject of your own choice. You do not need to choose a stream like Science, Commerce or humanities etc like the other Boards.
2. You don’t have to learn the formulas and values for constants in Math, Physics, etc. as a data book is given to be referred during exams.
3. . In IB, students of Diploma Program need to finish Creativity – Action – Service (CAS) hours with a narrative of 4000 words. They are required to submit internal assessment for all the subjects individually.
4. IB gives more hands-on and practical approach.

Advantages:-

1. The Curriculum is extremely wholesome. You will never feel as though there are too many academic projects, because CAS hours will forceyou to have a life outside school.
2. Some subjects at the higher level are equivalent to first year University level, so you’re getting a very high degree of knowledge.
3. Higher Level Mathematics is widely considered one of the toughest subjects, but is very rewarding at University level as you’re more adjusted by studying in IB Board.
4. On the same lines, it prepares you well for University because of all the assignments and essays and exams. You constantly have submissions and deadlines and that keeps you on your toes.

Disadvantages:-

1. The IB Curriculum is very time consuming and there is no scope of escape from CAS hours.
2. It is terrifically stressful, not matter how good your time management skills are.
3. Most IB schools also have their own events and tournaments that you will have to participate in without fail as they contribute to CAS, but they still take up a large chunk of your time.
4. . It is the most expensive curriculum and only a portion of elite few can afford it.

Difference between IGCSE and IB Boards – Everybody today wants to know this.

1. The distinction is a slightly odd one-You can opt for the IGCSE for Grades 9–10 and the IB for Grades 11–12. One major difference between the two is the level of difficulty of the courses, as they are catered towards different age groups.
2. Clubbing of subjects –The IGCSE, like the IB, clubs its subjects into “groups” as well. However, you can take a large amount of subjects under the IG, going up to 10/11. For the IB Diploma, most people typically take only 6 subjects as instructed, with the rare cases of 7.
3. Extended paper Vs Core Papers:-In IG, you are permitted to opt for Extended or Core paper for a class, which essentially means that an Extended paper is the standard paper wherein you can score up to an A*. However a Core paper is easier, and the maximum grade achieved is a C. For the IB, you must take 3 Higher Level subjects, and 3 Standard Level subjects. The Standard Level subjects are not “easy”, but the Higher Level subjects are tougher because they have a larger syllabus, tougher exams, and sometimes even an extra paper depending on your subject.
4. The grading system is very different:-The IG has a letter-based grading system – A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and U (in descending order) whereas the IB has a grading scale from 7 to 1. You can receive a maximum of 42 points for 6 subjects, with the passing grade being a 21/42 and a requirement of minimum 12 points for your Higher Levels and 9 for your Standard Levels.
5. More Factors:-The IB has a lot more factors other than that of written exams at the end of 2 years. There is IAs (Internal Assessments) for every subject you take, wherein you essentially write an essay regarding a chosen topic.

For example:-

• In Physics subject, the IA will be a report on an experiment where you plan and perform your own experiment, assess the results, and account your conclusion.
•  In Mathematics, the IA can vary from proofs to using calculus for 3D mapping to statistics and probability of card games.
• In subjects like English A Literature have multiple IAs. IAs are typically internally assessed and then externally moderated.
• On top of the IAs, you have the Extended Essays, which is a 4000 word essay on a topic of your choosing for a subject of your choosing.
• IB also has Theory of Knowledge, where we see a mixture of Philosophy and Critical Thinking. Here you have to submit a presentation and a 1600 word essay.
• Then there’s also CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) wherein you must complete at least 5 out of the 8 learning outcomes to fulfill this requirement. It fundamentally encourages extra-curricular participation and social service.

If you fail CAS, you fail the IB. The IG is not holistic in this way.

The difference between the two is the attention on holistic development. If you’re the kind of person who likes essays and balancing studies with extracurricular activities, and have excellent time management skills, IB is for you. If you have a preference of a more uncomplicated approach, then IG/A-levels is for you.  Which one of the two is better varies from person to person.

Finally:- I still think a board cannot decide your future, but your hard work can.

When you compare your state board to international curricula, you will see numerous differences.

The biggest and the most significant difference is the teaching approach.

Cambridge and IB curricula do not stress on textbook learning. The focus here is on experiential learning through projects and real-life experiences. This means that children learn by doing and not just by reading about it. The curriculum is heavily student-centric and allows children to learn at their pace. Not just that, it encourages them to identify their talents in activities and nurture them. In fact, the syllabus itself has many activities that make learning fun and interesting.

Also, if you plan on sending your children abroad for higher studies, international curriculum will give them a significant advantage.

On the downside, schools offering international curricula are usually more expensive than CBSE, ICSE and SSC schools. They are also relatively new, less than a decade old, because India is still warming up to global learning approaches.

I would say Cambridge and IB curricula area excellent choices for today’s children because they make them future-ready with advanced teaching methodologies and aids. But is India ready to adapt them looking into the vast inequality in society and class differences.

Today the Government has understood the same and that is why many facets of the international curricula is being adopted in the NEP 2020 so that the masses can prosper instead of the Elite Few.

Happy Reading……