WHY ICSE IS THE BEST CHOICE?
Parents are often on the fence when it comes to choosing a board of study for their children. At Sherwood High, we offer the Indian School Certificate Examination (ICSE). Here is why we believe it is the ideal board of study for children.
The ICSE curriculum is child-centered and follows an integrated approach with a focus on a wide range of learning experiences and life skills that contributes towards a humane and pluralistic society with a commitment to excellence.
ICSE Syllabus – Focusing on Multi-Faceted Growth
The ICSE syllabus is divided into two sections – Preschool – I and Preschool – II thereby adopting a holistic approach where children’s learning is encouraged through play experiences. Trained teachers are encouraged to adopt engaging and enjoyable play activities and learning events that inspire children to think independently. The fun activities are all about triggering interest and sustaining it, all through the child’s time at school.
In terms of languages, English is treated as the first language but here too, multi-linguisim is taken into account and it is used as a learning resource. The subject of Mathematics places the focus on reasoning and mental processes. The Environmental Studies (EVS, introduced in classes I-II) follows a thematic approach. As does the approach to Science and Social Studies. The Computer Studies curriculum has been developed with a focus on the use of technology in education. Arts education begins at the primary level and is developed as a core area, here too following a thematic approach.
What is important to note here is that the ICSE curriculum and the approach are child-centric, placing importance on children’s experiences as well as their active participation. All of the concepts and themes incorporated into the syllabus are developmentally and age-appropriate with a clear understanding of a child’s natural progression.
Being one of the leading ICSE schools in South Bangalore, at Sherwood High, teachers are trained to recognize different learning styles as well as individual differences among children. The curriculum then suggests a range of strategies to help deal with varying issues. These can be classroom discussions, case studies, field visits, role play, project work, surveys, hands-on experiences, experimentation, model making, poster making, slogan writing, and many more. The curriculum aims to make learning a joyful experience for all, enabling children not just to understand, but be able to apply their knowledge to life as they go forward.
ICSE Syllabi – Building a strong base for international and national competitive exams
The ICSE curriculum focuses on projects as well as lab work. You will find that 20% of the marks in subjects are allocated to internal assessment. The ICSE board focuses on details and that is why you will find an emphasis and a repetition of the basics in every subject. The idea is to build a strong foundation, on which students can understand more complex concepts.
Another aspect you will see is that the focus in the ICSE syllabus is on language, arts as well as science subjects. It is a stream of study that paves the way for students looking for careers in management, literature as well as in arts. Scoring in international and national competitive exams becomes easier for children.
ICSE Grading System – An emphasis on practical and theoretical approach
It is also important to understand the marking system for ICSE class 10 board exams. It is divided into three groups. Group 1 is where all subjects are compulsory. Group 2 is a set from where students choose any two subjects and Group 3 requires the student to select a single subject. A similar marking scheme of 80% from externals or theory-based work for both Groups 1 and 2 applies. And 20% is allotted to internals. In Group 3, the marking scheme is 50% which is applicable to both externals and internals.
Students studying the ICSE board may find that the number of papers to answer is higher than other boards. However, this ensures that the pressure of studying for these exams is also equally spread out, giving youngsters more time to concentrate on each subject.