Curricula 101 – Which curriculum must we choose for our children?

It is amazing that our children are growing up in technologically-driven, fast-paced times. They have access to the whole world and opportunities that were beyond our imagination just a few years ago. Education is no different. There is an abundance of schools across the providing different types of curricula, pedagogy, teaching tools, etc.

As parents, it is obvious that we would be worried about our child’s education because we want to provide nothing short of the best. The fact that schooling lays the foundation for our kids’ lives is added pressure. Now, amidst all this, when we are presented with a number of curricula that schools offer, we may get super confused and frustrated, always fearing that we may end up making the right choice.

Let’s ease your concerns now, shall we? We are going to give you a brief about each of the popular boards offered in education so that you compare and take a decision based on your priorities:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

We are going to start off with CBSE, the most popular board in the country. More than 19,000 schools across India follow the CBSE curriculum.

What are the benefits of following the CBSE board? Here you go:

1. It is student-friendly and interesting.
2. It allows instruction in English and Hindi.
3. Most of the major competitive examinations in the country are based on CBSE curriculum.
4. The course structure ensures that children are not pressurized too much.
5. Almost all chapters in the course have related activities to make sure children get practical experience.
6. The CBSE board encourages physical and mental growth and well-being.
7. The board is accepted in many countries across the world.

Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE)

Famous as one of the more difficult boards, ICSE is another private board followed in India. The latest update with the board is that it will soon start conducting board exams classes V and VII as well.

Why must you consider the ICSE board for your child? Read on.

1. It gives equal importance to all subjects. The syllabus is more comprehensive than many other boards.
2. It allows instruction only in the English language.
3. It lays emphasis on English communication, giving children who study this syllabus an edge in global competitive exams such as TOEFL and IELTS. It also helps with scholarship exams such as JEE.
4. It is more widely recognized and accepted around the globe.
5. It gives children the right foundation to pursue a career in the corporate world, especially on the management side.

Cambridge Curriculum (IGCSE)

Relatively new to the Indian education system, Cambridge Curriculum is taking Hyderabad by storm. Some of the best schools in the city are either purely affiliated to Cambridge or are offering the curriculum in conjugation with CBSE or ICSE.

Let’s see what the fuss is about with IGCSE:

1. It is a global curriculum, which means children are exposed to a global perspective and teaching methodology.
2. IGCSE focuses on experiential and project-based learning. There’s a lot of learning outside the classroom as well.
3. The curriculum is entirely child-centric and is usually customized to suit children’s pace of learning.
4. The Cambridge assessment is rigorous and one of the most trusted assessments around the world.
5. It strongly promotes the development of interpersonal skills so that children grow into all-rounded individuals.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Across the country, there are very few IB world schools as of today. We have a few in Hyderabad as well. Founded in 1968, the curriculum has four programs: IB Primary Years Program (IBPYP), IB Middle Years Program (IBMYP), IB Diploma Program (IBDP), and IB Career-related Program. Schools may offer all or any of these programs.

Why is this a worthy option for your child? You will know soon:

1. The main purpose of this curriculum is to help children stand tall on a global level.
2. The program prepares children for university education.
3. IB curriculum ensures that children learn time and stress management.
4. The program heavily relies on molding independent individual. The program is designed such that they learn to think and act independently.
5. It is project and experience based just like the Cambridge Curriculum.

Now that you know the main benefits of the popular curricula in India, we hope you will make the right choice for your children based on your preferences!