Today, we will dive deep into understanding the different school curriculums, aiming to arm the parents and students with the insights needed to make an informed decision that best aligns with their aptitude, interests, and future aspirations. Let's first gain an understanding of various educational boards, and then we will explore which types of students are best suited for each board and its advantages.
When it comes to planning the educational journey of our children, selecting the right school board plays a pivotal role in setting the foundation for their learning, development, and future opportunities. Each board comes with its unique philosophy, approach, and advantages, making the choice all the more critical and challenging for parents. Let's take a look at some of the Boards below:
The full form of IB is the International Baccalaureate. The IB Board offers a unique curriculum recognized worldwide, divided into the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16. The IB Board focuses on holistic education, encouraging students to think critically and independently.
For students aged 16 to 19, the IB Diploma Programme is a two-year curriculum leading to final examinations and a qualification that leading universities around the world welcome. The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS), and the extended essay.
It is ideal for students who aim for higher education abroad and appreciate a challenging, comprehensive curriculum.
The full form of the IGCSE Board is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. The IGCSE Board is offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education. It is a globally recognized qualification for students aged 14 to 16 years. The IGCSE curriculum offers a flexible course of study that covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical, and Vocational. It aims to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. Here's a list of the best IGCSE Schools in India.
It is ideal for students who are looking for a global curriculum with flexible subject choices.
The full form of ICSE is the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) conducts the ICSE examination for Class 10. It is known for its vast syllabus, and it aims to provide students with a broad-based education where the emphasis is not just on academics but also on practical learning and project work. The curriculum is designed to build analytical skills and promote a deeper understanding of subjects, particularly English literature and language.
It is ideal for students who enjoy a balanced education and excel in analytical and application-based learning.
The full form of the CBSE Board is the Central Board of Secondary Education. CBSE board is one of India's most popular and widely recognized boards. It follows a national curriculum set by the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) and is known for its structured approach to education, focusing heavily on preparing students for national entrance exams like the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) for engineering and the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical studies. The board promotes a blend of academic and co-curricular activities designed to develop a well-rounded student.
It is ideal for students who prefer structured learning, excel in science and math, and are aiming for competitive exams in India.
Features | IB- PYP, MYP & DP | IGCSE | ICSE | CBSE |
Curriculum Difficulty Level | High Demanding curriculum. Assessment is made on multiple criteria. | High, Extremely demanding curriculum. Assessment is made on multiple criteria throughout the session. | Moderate, Rigid Scoring, Advanced level concepts | Low. More scoring is possible. Less in-depth concepts. |
Cost of Education | High | High | High | Moderate |
Focus | Research-oriented and application-based learning | Focus on overall development and application-based learning | Focus on Application-based learning. | Mainly on Learning and Memorizing |
Focused Curriculum | Extensive focus on Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Language, and Arts. | High focus on English and grading system | Balanced focus on Language, Science, and Arts. Extensive focus on spoken English and Language. | Mainly Mathematics and Science. Minimum focus on Literature, Language, and Arts |
Syllabus | Pre-prescribed list of textbooks and recommended reading as well | Only recommended readings are provided | Pre-prescribed list of textbooks. | Pre-prescribed list of textbooks |
Option to Choose Subject | Availability to select one subject each from 6 different groups | Option to choose subjects from 70 options | Students can select subjects or courses | No option available |
Mandatory Subjects | Creativity, Activity, Service(CAS), Theory of Knowledge(TOK), Extended Essay | Global Perspective and Research | English+SUPW | English |
Availability of Schools | Available only in Tier 1 cities | Availability only in Tier 1 Cities | Moderate Availability | High number of Availability of Schools across India. |
Suitability for Parents with Transferrable Job | Not suitable | Not suitable | Moderately Suitable | Highly Suitable |
Acceptability by Colleges | Scores are not welcome by most of the colleges in India | Scores are not accepted by most of the colleges in India | ___ | Scores are widely accepted by colleges across India |
Availability of Tuition Teachers and Course Books | Low Availability | Low Availability | Moderate Availability | High Availability |
Choosing the right education board is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including academic rigor, extracurricular opportunities, assessment structure, and the child's individual needs. By understanding the characteristics and offerings of IB, IGCSE, ICSE, CBSE, and other State Boards, the students and parents can make a well-informed decision tailored to their educational journey and future aspirations.
TutelaPrep’s College Navigator allows students to search for colleges based on their preferred country and course. Not only that, it also provides valuable insights into each college’s specific admission requirements for those exams. Through College Navigator, you can even connect with alumni at your chosen colleges to get a firsthand feel for campus life and academics.
We hope this article helps you. Reach out to us by filling out our assistance form if you need any help with the preparations.