CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL BOARD FOR YOUR CHILD

Choosing the right school board is crucial for your child’s academic journey and success. In this blog, we’ll explore India’s prominent school boards and discuss key considerations to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the Different School Boards in India:

1. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE):

• Curriculum: Nationalized, emphasizing core subjects like Science and Math.
• Teaching Methodology: Evolving from a strong theoretical approach to interactive and activity-based learning, fostering practical applications, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Assessment: Focuses on standardized tests and examinations.
• Suitability: Ideal for students excelling in structured environments, preparing for competitive exams like JEE/NEET, and pursuing STEM-related courses.

2. Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE):

• Curriculum: Comprehensive and complex, offering equal weightage to languages, arts, humanities, Math, and Science.
• Teaching Methodology: Fosters analytical thinking and application-based learning through interactive methods.
• Assessment: Involves continuous evaluation with internal assessments, including regular tests, projects, assignments, and external examinations.
• Suitability: Tailored for students seeking a broader learning experience, preferring application-based learning, and valuing analytical skills.

3. State Board:

• Curriculum: Basic, varying across states, incorporating regional languages and cultural elements.
• Teaching Methodology: Primarily classroom lectures with a focus on rote learning from provided textbooks.
• Assessment:Follows the respective state board’s examination patterns.
• Suitability: Suited for students preferring a more relaxed academic journey, those seeking education in their regional language, aiming for higher education within the state, or exploring cultural connections.

4. International Baccalaureate (IB):

• Curriculum:Globally recognized, focusing on holistic development, critical thinking, and international understanding.
• Teaching Methodology: A challenging approach promoting inquiry-based learning, project work, and collaboration – a practical-based approach to education.
• Assessment: Utilizes various internal and external assessments, including projects, presentations, and written examinations.
• Suitability: For students with a global outlook, aiming for higher education abroad, and seeking a holistic learning experience beyond academics.

5. Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) – UK-based:

• Curriculum:Globally recognized, focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills.
• Teaching Methodology: Flexible teaching methods incorporating inquiry-based learning and project work.
• Assessment: Primarily relies on external examinations set and marked by Cambridge Assessment International Education.
• Suitability: For students seeking international exposure, aiming for higher education abroad, or wanting a curriculum emphasizing independent learning and critical thinking.

Now that we’ve looked at the different school boards, let’s delve into essential considerations when choosing the right board for your child.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL BOARD FOR YOUR CHILD? – 5 IMPORTANT FACTORS

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when selecting a school board for your child. Much depends on your child’s unique qualities, interests, and aspirations for the future. Take time to thoroughly research and consider all relevant factors before making a decision. In this section, we will discuss key considerations:

1. Know your child’s learning style:

Understanding how your child absorbs information is crucial. Does your child prefer a structured approach, or do they flourish through hands-on, creative exploration? Tailor your choice to their learning style, ensuring a board that aligns with their preferences.

• For those thriving in a structured environment, a board with a clear syllabus and standardized testing might be suitable.
• If your child is more hands-on, creative, or exploratory, consider a board that encourages project-based learning, practical applications, and critical thinking.

Understanding your child’s learning style not only ensures an enjoyable educational process but also sets the stage for optimal academic performance. It fosters a positive attitude towards learning, making education an exciting and fulfilling journey for your child.

2. Understand Your Child’s Core Strengths:

Beyond learning styles, delve into your child’s core strengths. Identify whether they have a natural inclination towards mathematics and sciences or lean towards the arts. Recognizing these strengths influences the choice of the right school board.

• If excelling in subjects like mathematics or sciences, consider a board offering a strong foundation in these areas, preparing for potential futures in STEM fields.
• For those passionate about the arts, a board with a robust arts curriculum and a focus on creative expression may be more suitable.

Understanding your child’s core strengths aligns their education with their natural talents, contributing to a more fulfilling academic experience.

3. Consider Future Educational Plans:

When choosing a school board, consider your child’s future educational plans. If they aspire to study abroad, opting for a globally recognized board like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) facilitates a smoother transition.

• Globally recognized boards provide a broader perspective and emphasize skills valued in international educational settings, offering a competitive edge in the global academic arena.

4. Explore Your Child’s Interests Beyond Academics:

Acknowledge and explore your child’s interests beyond academics. If they have a passion for sports, arts, music, or any other extracurricular activity, choose a school board that supports and encourages these pursuits.

• Consider the availability of extracurricular programs within the school associated with the chosen board. A school board valuing and integrating extracurricular activities recognizes the importance of holistic development, contributing to a well-rounded education.

5. Consider the Cost of Education:

Evaluate your finances and select a board that aligns with your budget, striking a balance between quality education and financial capabilities. This is particularly crucial as different school boards come with varying fee structures, with IB and Cambridge boards often positioned at the higher end.

• Remember that success is not solely determined by the school board; it results from a combination of factors, including dedication and a supportive learning environment. No school board eliminates the potential for a bright future and successful career prospects; rather, certain curriculum options may provide a competitive edge.

Another question you might ask is:

IS CHANGING A SCHOOL BOARD ADVISABLE?

If you notice that the current school board isn’t aligning with your child’s capabilities or evolving interests, changing to a more suitable board might be beneficial. However, this decision should be thoughtful and strategic. Optimal periods for such transitions are Grade 6, Grade 8, or after Grade 10. These stages provide ample time for you, your child, and the school to understand and evaluate the necessity of a change. Before Grade 8, the impact might be limited as different boards often align their curriculum with board exams starting from the 9th grade.

Still unsure about which board to choose? Or perhaps you are not fully aware of your child’s learning style and core strengths, making it challenging to make an informed decision. This is where scientific tools like the Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test (DMIT) come to the rescue. DMIT helps unravel inherent potential, identifies your child’s unique learning style, and minimizes the risk of making incorrect choices. When combined with expert guidance from our experienced career counsellor at Elysian, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s abilities and preferences, ensuring a well-informed decision for their academic journey. Explore the possibilities with DMIT and personalized academic counselling in Chennai with Elysian – shaping futures, one informed choice at a time.,