Summary
- What is meant by ICSE?
- The Governing body for ICSE
- Benefits of ICSE board
- Frequently Asked Questions
Indian schools follow different systems of education. While many states have the option of students opting for the state board, other schools offer CBSE or ICSE curriculum.
A relatively new board added to the Indian education system is the IGCSE board. So, what are the major differences in the boards and what are the advantages and disadvantages. Through this blog, we will provide detailed information about the ICSE syllabus and what are the Benefits of ICSE board.
The Governing Body
The ICSE board stands for Indian Certificate for Secondary Education. The board is famous in India and abroad and is a popular choice amongst students.
The ICSE examination performs by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) which is a private body established to conduct the ICSE examinations in tune with the New Education Policy.
The CISCE body is a progressive institution that is constantly adapting itself to newer techniques of education. The ICSE curriculum is popular because of its comprehensive syllabus and state of the art techniques of instruction.
Arms of CISCE
The governing body, CISCE has devised various methods of examination for different levels.
- ICSE: The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education is the curriculum specific for classes 1 to 10. The board is in line with the New Education Policy and is gets convey in the English language.
- ISC: The Indian School Certificate is the curriculum specific for 11th and 12th.
- CVE: The Certificate of Vocational Education gets enhance on the recommendation of the Ministry of Human resources Development for the vocational training of students.
Also check: PUC vs CBSE- Which Is Better?
Benefits of ICSE Board
While students are given many choices with regard to the curriculum and board, the ICSE board is considered one of the top choices. There are many reasons why ICSE board is better. Let’s look at some of the advantages of the ICSE syllabus.
1. Global Recognition
One of the main advantages of ICSE syllabus is that the board is recognized both nationally and internationally.
Apart from being on the same level of recognized boards in India, foreign countries consider the ICSE syllabus on par with the high school examinations conducted on their soil. Therefore, ICSE is considered an internationally acclaimed board, recognized in India and all over the world.
2. Techniques of Teaching
Another benefit of ICSE curriculum is the prescribed mode of teaching. Unlike many other boards that have remained unchanged with the passage of time, the ICSE board has always adapted to the changing needs of the world.
The teaching methodology has become smarter and more effective with each passing year. The obsolete methods of teaching have given way to more refined and modern techniques in teaching.
ICSE curriculum focuses on experiential methods of teaching and encourages active learning amongst students. Teachers are trained to encourage proactive interactions among students.
3. Subject Options
With the aim of being more inclusive, the ICSE board has included many unconventional subjects in its fold. Students are now given a wider choice when it comes to the selection of subjects.
While conventionally, students have to opt for science subjects and mathematics, ICSE has adapted itself and now offers a range of subjects to students. Students now have the option to choose subjects like computer science, economics, physical education, interior designing among a range of other choices.
The board allows students to choose at a tender age, giving all students access to their preferences. This is one of the major benefits of the ICSE board.
4. All India Presence
ICSE schools are present throughout the country. This makes it easy for students to transfer to any ICSE school without facing a learning gap.
Students can easily transfer from one ICSE school to another without having to face difficulties in adjusting to the education system. Unlike State board schools whose curriculum differs from state to state, making it difficult for students to adjust.
5. Single Language Command
One of the advantages of ICSE board is that it promotes the use of the English language. Therefore, students find it easy to communicate in a single language and transfer from state to state without any language barrier.
Also, since the English language is given top priority in ICSE schools, students graduating from ICSE schools have a higher command over the language, making it easier for them to attempt foreign English qualifying tests.
Some universities and colleges abroad insist that foreign students must attempt the English proficiency tests before applying to the college or university. Students from the ICSE curriculum may find it easier to attempt these examinations because of the high level of English language taught in school.
- TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language
- ACTFL Assessment of Progress toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL)
- Cambridge English Language Assessment
- EF Standard English Test, an open-access standardized English test
- Duolingo English Test
- Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE),
- ITEP, International Test of English Proficiency.
- MUET, Malaysian University English Test
- Oxford Test of English
- PTE Academic – The Pearson Test of English
- Saudi Standardized Test for English Proficiency (STEP)[106]
- STEP Eiken, Test of English
- TELC, The European Language Certificate
- TOEIC, Test of English for International Communication
- Track Test, English Proficiency Test Online (CEFR-based)
- Trinity College London ESOL
- TSE, Test of Spoken English
- University of Bath English Language Test (UBELT)
6. Comprehensive Curriculum
The ICSE curriculum is an all inclusive curriculum. The subjects are in depth and touch the roots of matter in all the subjects. Unlike other boards that have a superficial curriculum and only touch the basics of the subject. Through ICSE, students are given a deep insight into the subjects chosen, thereby making them proficient at a very young age.
7. Inclusion of Internal Assessments
Another reason why ICSE board is better is that the board includes internal assessments in the overall performance of the students, giving more scope for students to perform better. The board believes in a holistic approach to education and evaluates students based on internal assessments.
8. Practical Approach
The ICSE board prescribes a curriculum that promotes active learning. Learning is experiential with projects and assignments as part of the syllabus. Through this kind of learning students gain practical knowledge apart from the theory of subjects, which is more beneficial to students.
9. Potential for Higher Learning
Another advantage of ICSE board is that the basics are so strong that it paves the way for celebrated higher learning.
Students have in depth knowledge of all the various subjects that give them a deep insight into what higher education might hold for them. Students who complete the ICSE syllabus are well equipped to opt for complicated higher education courses.
10. Frequent Teacher Training
ICSE board gives a lot of importance to teacher training. The board holds regular training for teachers throughout the country. The teachers are trained to impart ICSE prescribed curriculum to the students. Apart from physical training sessions, teachers are often trained online by the ICSE board.
11. Competitive Spirit
To enhance the competitive spirit amongst ICSE schools, the ICSE board organizes various inter school competitions amongst students and teachers. These awards are pan India awards and hold a lot of prestige.
These awards are encouraging for teachers and students alike, who strive hard to receive these awards. It encourages students and teachers to perform to their maximum potential. This is one of the benefits of the ICSE board.
12. Considerations for Special Support Children
One of the greatest advantages of the ICSE board is that board takes into consideration special support students and grants them special status. These privileges allow special support students to also take part in mainstream schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is better ICSE or CBSE
While there is no better board for a wholesome overall education, we can say that ICSE is a good choice for students opting for management, humanities or English related courses. While on the other hand CBSE is tailored to cater to the students attempting NEET or JEE or any of the competitive examinations in India.
However, it is wrong to say that ICSE students cannot crack these competitive examinations. ICSE students also fare well in these competitive examinations.
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What is the difference between ICSE and ISC?
ICSE is the board curriculum from 1- to 10th grade. Whereas ISC is the board curriculum for 11th and 12th.
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How many ICSE schools are there in India?
Roughly, there are around 2535 ICSE schools in India.
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What is the official website of the ICSE council?
The Council that governs the ICSE examinations is a private body call it as Council for The Indian School Certificate Examinations. (CISCE) For more information visit their official web page: CISCE
Conclusion
ICSE board is one of the most popular boards in the country. Students who are curious in management and other professional courses are gets a boost to take up the ICSE curriculum. India has several ICSE board schools all over the country, making it one of the most popular choices amongst students.
