Among other roles that parents have, one of the most important decisions they have to make is what curriculum to choose for their offspring. While Bangalore has emerged as one of the best educational cities, the decision-making process has become tedious, although options are still plenty. For example, families are now faced with either going with Cambridge curriculum or opting for ICSE board. They share common approach towards education, strictness of their provision and effectiveness. However, there are differences that make them unique.
We also believe that if parents are well-informed they will make the right choice regarding their child’s education. The guide below explains the main points that differ in education provided by Cambridge Curriculum and schooling in ICSE system.
What Is Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge curriculum is designed by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), which is part of the University of Cambridge. It is widely used in more than ten thousand schools in over one hundred sixty countries. The Cambridge curriculum schools in India offer courses from Cambridge Primary up to Cambridge International AS and A Levels.
This curriculum stresses the need for independent thinking, effective learning and application-based knowledge. Instead of rote learning, students are taught to think critically and correlate theories which helps them in their higher education.
The Cambridge curriculum has key characteristics that are:
• Universities all over the world recognise assessments measured globally.
• Flexible subject options at the IGCSE and A Level levels.
• High focus on critical thinking, research, and creativity.
• Formative evaluation and standardized tests.
What Is the ICSE Curriculum?
The ICSE refers to the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education or the Indian Council of Secondary Education’s grades. This certificate is recognized all over the world. Bangalore is home to a number of ICSE schools that provide a good standard of education in English and other subjects.
The ICSE board is very renowned in academic circles around the world. This board prepares students in a comprehensive manner and also makes them articulate speakers. Students graduating from the ICSE board are known to have a good command over language and a clear understanding of concepts. The board follows a curriculum up to Class 10 for the ICSE and Class 12 for the ISC.
The ICSE curriculum has several features that are:
• Extensive and comprehensive curriculum in fields of languages, sciences, and humanities.
• High emphasis on English language proficiency.
• Indian universities and competitive examination boards are familiar with it.
The main differences between Cambridge Curriculum and ICSE.
Although both boards deliver students with high achievements, there are some fundamental differences that make both boards distinct to both the parents and the learners.
1. Global vs Indian Recognition.
One of the reasons that support the effectiveness of the Cambridge curriculum is that it is internationally tested and also makes it ideal for families with universal dreams such as studying at foreign colleges, pursuing degrees at multinational universities, or working at international organizations. The curriculum is driven by a universal learner-centered approach. ICSE on the other hand enjoys a high level of reputation in India’s education sector.
2. Learning Philosophy
In Cambridge curriculum schools, the focus is on Inquiry-based and skills-first learning which is why the pupils are taught not what to think but how to think whereas this particular approach suits the exigencies of the 21st century. In this regard, the ICSE board is more content-oriented and has an extensive syllabus assisting the learners in getting control of all subjects. Both approaches are effective, and both methods are effective, but the choice depends on the learning style of a child.
3. Subject Flexibility
One of the main advantages of the Cambridge school curriculum is the flexibility that students will be able to enjoy at the secondary level. At the IGCSE stage, a variety of subjects is available depending on the students’ interests and aspirations for the future. While the ICSE process has a fixed framework of subjects combinations, there are mandatory subjects such as languages, science, and social studies in order to provide students with a comprehensive basis.
4. Assessment Patterns
Cambridge curriculum is dependent upon a combination of coursework, practical as well as written assessments, examinations, which reduces the overall mental stress and gives students the means to present their knowledge in different ways. ICSE schools in Bangalore train students better in the process of taking important exams, even though project work, internal assessment is part of the final evaluation. Both systems give priority to continuous study instead of cramming.
5. Language and Communication
ICSE is identified with a magnificent reputation for a high-quality output of students who know the English language. The curriculum consists of a good literary reading and a regulated manner of teaching grammar and writing. The Cambridge system also focuses on communication. It allows for including necessary language skills in courses rather than putting it in a separate subject area where students learn how to perform academic writing, make presentations and communicate effectively in the world.
The Question of Which Curriculum Is Right for Your Child?
No blanket solution can answer. The most preferred curriculum is the type that suits the abilities of your child, your family’s desires and the type of learner you want to raise. Ask yourself:
• Does my child do well under structured learning or through open ended learning?
• Do we intend to go to a higher educational level in India or are we internationalistic?
• Does my child want to be broadly-learned or flexible in subject choices?
• What type of school atmosphere, collaborative, inquiry-based or structured, best fits my child?
Cambridge curriculum and ICSE are both capable of providing an excellent basis. It is important to identify a school that does not only present the syllabus, but also puts it into practice by passionate teaching, considered mentoring and the spirit of true inquisitiveness.
Why Ekya Schools?
Ekya Schools is pleased to give the option of not only the ICSE Board but also the Cambridge (IGCSE) curriculum to the families living in Bangalore through the campuses located there. The schools have been set up with the aim of creating fully-fledged learners who are not only strong academically, but emotionally as well, in order to prepare them to be a part of the global world.
The Ekya Schools, whether one is searching for Best ICSE Schools in Bangalore or a good school offering Cambridge School, have it all. What makes them unique is the ability and willingness of the teachers to listen to the students and be an important factor of their lives. The facilities in schools do not just provide teaching spaces, but libraries, yoga studios, maker spaces, green courtyards, etc.
Education at Ekya means so much more than marks and benchmarks. What they strive for is raising whole humans – curious enough to find solutions to the problems, brave enough to overcome challenges, and nice enough to help others succeed and reach their goals.
Would you like to ensure that the institution fits into your vision of the education?
