Retinoblastom - Forum

JoeSmith · Gast

The head teacher of a well-known CBSE school tells you how to find a good CBSE school, especially a school that addresses growth transition in middle and high school.

I have over 17 years of teaching experience at CBSE Schools. This has been very helpful because I have been around for two very important changes in the CBSE curriculum. One was when the CCE (Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation) was introduced and the other was when the government later removed it. It was interesting to see how the children made the transition from one system to another.

Many people have different ideas about the CBSE curriculum and what it entails, but to be clear I would like to say that it all depends on the school implementing the curriculum.’

Here are 5 things to look for when choosing a good CBSE school for your child.

1. Go for the school's early years’ program

The pre-school years are crucial. Let me give you an example.

The current English: ELL (English Language Learner) curriculum in high school lends itself to more opportunities for schools to provide ample scope for enriching the reading and creative writing experience.

Many people feel that the CBSE curriculum can be a disadvantage if you want to write strong statements of purpose or great essays or that your writing skills are not as strong as the children from an ICSE background. This is far from the truth, as the development of interest and writing skills is highly dependent on the school.

CBSE schools in Surat offer many possibilities for creative writing from the primary grade. Pre-school children are made to explore many stories, poems, books, and words. When the child is in higher grade, they may want to take the SAT, and in that case, English won't be a problem at all. This exposure really comes in handy for them when they are going into the upper grades and helps them with foreign universities as well.

2. Look for a school that values multidisciplinary learning

The content of the NCF document up to the 8th grade is very suitable for children. The extension is horizontal, and that most people don't realize. There is a lot of scope for multidisciplinary learning. If the school has a strong curriculum and develops skills, then there is no need to rote or memorize until grade 8. In these first 8 years, children will have plenty of time to focus on extracurricular activities and their passions. They may pursue many interests that will shape their personalities and discover what they like. Did you know that physical education is an integral part of the CBSE curriculum? Schools give enough emphasis on physical education to ensure that every student remains active and has overall growth.

CBSE also has an interesting topic covered in the co-school areas: career education in grades 9 and 10, where there is a lot of flexibility for schools to adopt programs of interest to students. CBSE provides general guidelines in terms of topics to be covered. That adds to the holistic growth of the child.

3. Make sure the school handles important transitions

Once the child enters grade 9, serious rigor sets in. Of course, CBSE requires that subject enrichment activities be implemented and evaluated. All CBSE schools have to do projects and make learning as hands-on as possible.

A good CBSE school like schools in Adajan Surat starts preparing them from 8th grade gradually, helping them in such a way that they are ready for the challenges in 9th. The school trains its students for writing descriptive answers, targeting keywords, and setting up a study. These solid skills sessions for children make them independent learners by the time they are in ninth grade. Once your child enters 9th grade, science, math, and social studies become broader. It all depends on the kind of guidance given to children in primary and secondary schools.

For example, in 9th grade, students get maths supplements to test their thinking skills, but we decided to make it interesting for them. We gave them the answer but not the process or solution. They had to find the solution and the method for reaching the answer. This made the students curious, and they finished the task in 7 minutes.

4. Check if the school offers options for different students

The CBSE curriculum gives the child so much time to discover interests and explore the curriculum practically. The CBSE is also very flexible for all types of students. Children with learning difficulties get several exemptions. A child with dyscalculia, for example, does not have to take the math test but another subject. Some schools offer other subjects instead of math.

5. Do the school develop a strong emotional foundation?

Parents should be on the alert as early as sixth grade. This is when we get into structured academic writing. Through fifth grade, children express themselves via different methods. They draw, use mind maps and find other ways to communicate. When academic writing sets in during 6th grade, it's a turning point wherein kids need parents' help to get through it. The teacher discusses the questions and places the word mind map on the board. Children learn to use keywords in an answer and to structure it correctly.

Sixth grade is also a huge academic and developmental leap. There are many physiological changes, and parents struggle with these changes because it all comes at once which can be overwhelming. Parents should function along with the school to help their children through this transition point. Discipline, routines, negotiable, non-negotiable, and a lot of love and care go a long way.

Look for a CBSE school from one of the best schools of Surat that implements a strong life skills curriculum and encourages lateral thinking. This must be integrated into the curriculum. A supportive and nurturing environment will help children develop their personalities and freely explore their interests.