How to Choose the Right School Curriculum for Your Child

How to Choose the Right School Curriculum for Your Child

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.

Introduction

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: 

IB Curriculum

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.

Advantages of the IB Board are:

  • Develops a global mindset and interdisciplinary learning from an early age.
  • Widely recognized internationally, aiding in transitions to educational systems worldwide.
  • Promotes a holistic education with an emphasis on personal development.
  • Encourages critical thinking and research skills.

IGCSE 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.

Advantages of the IGCSE Board are:

  • It offers a global perspective with a broad and flexible curriculum.
  • It is recognized by colleges and universities around the world.
  • It encourages a learner-centered and inquiry-based approach.

ICSE Curriculum

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.

Advantages of the ICSE Board are: 

  • A comprehensive curriculum with equal emphasis on languages, arts, and sciences.
  • Recognized by many foreign education systems, facilitating easier international transitions.
  • Promotes practical knowledge alongside theoretical understanding.

CBSE Curriculum

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.

Advantages of the CBSE Board are: 

  • Nationwide recognition, making transfers easier across states.
  • A focus on preparing students for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
  • A uniform and well-structured academic syllabus.
  • Encourages extracurricular engagement through its CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation) system.

Comparison Table

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

 

Conclusion

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.