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Ekya / September 27, 2022 Posted by : administrator

“Does the IGCSE curriculum have any scope in India and how can it benefit my child?”

It’s a common question that comes to every parent’s mind who is seeking a good school for their child. Deciding between CBSE, ICSE, and IGCSE boards can be hard as each of them has its benefits and challenges. While the CBSE curriculum is nationally recognised and sets a strong academic foundation for clearing competitive exams in India, the ICSE curriculum is globally-recognised and lays more weight on practicals and co-curricular activities. The IGCSE curriculum (for grades IX to XII) focuses on inquiry-based, experiential learning through making real-life connections and building skills to clear global entrance exams or language tests for overseas migration.

Are you looking for the best schools in Bangalore that offer the IGCSE curriculum? Here’s a comprehensive guide to the IGCSE grading system and curriculum for parents planning to move their children to a good IGCSE school.

The IGCSE Curriculum: Salient Features, Scope & Benefits 

The IGCSE board is for non-native English students who’re looking for overseas employment opportunities. It caters to the specific needs of learners with different learning styles. The best IGCSE schools in JP Nagar and Byrathi offer a choice between the core curriculum (ordinary-level) & the extended curriculum (for advanced study of a discipline). Both aim to

  • Engage students with interactive learning
  • Encourage inquiry and experimentation
  • Build cross-curricular perspectives
  • Make connections between different concepts & subjects
  • Apply the understanding of the subject matter to real-life situations
  • Find solutions to various problems
  • Develop creative expression and good communication skills in English
  • Increase students’ global cultural awareness

The IGCSE curriculum is stimulating and flexible, and lays emphasis on developing critical life skills like curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making skills, etc., with adequate training and scaffolding. It offers around 70 subjects, including:

  • Core & advanced learning courses in commerce, humanities & science streams,
  • Professional courses (E.g., ICT; advanced maths; creative, technical & vocational courses, etc.),
  • Foreign languages (E.g., German, French, etc.).

Despite the international outlook, the IGCSE syllabus retains local relevance to avoid cultural bias and ensure that students learn the same concepts from a local as well as a global point of view.

The benefits of enrolling in an IGCSE school include

  • Greater flexibility in choosing subjects
  • Keeping students on par with the latest technologies
  • Focus on student-centric, practical learning
  • Skill-based formative assessments to understand and facilitate mastery of subject matter
  • Focus on developing skills that are demanded in future professions
  • Exposure to global education for broadening students’ perspectives
  • Raising students as well-adjusted individuals

Grading System In Education: IGCSE Vs CBSE Vs ICSE

The IGCSE board follows an 8-letter grading system (from A* to G grades).

  • A* (90-100) & A (80-89) or proficient-level grades,
  • B (70-79) & C (60-69) or intermediate-level grades,
  • D (50-59), E (40-49), F (30-39) & G (20-29) or basic-level grades.

The IGCSE curriculum includes core courses that aim to clarify the basic concepts of students and focus on improving the skills of basic-level and intermediate-level learners. Contrary to this, the extended or advanced courses (with higher proficiencies) are designed to increase the academic abilities of students by preparing them for higher education and helping them perform well in competitive examinations. The idea is to mentor students to attain advanced or proficient levels (grades A*, A, and B) by the time they finish their education.

The IGCSE grading system is regarded as one of the most thorough and toughest grading systems because it tests the development of both knowledge and skills in students through formative & summative assessments. Moreover, the IGCSE curriculum is very extensive, with lots of core and reference books, which may be cumbersome for some students. As a result, the roles of schools (in terms of curriculum implementation) and educators (in terms of learning delivery) are critical.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best IGCSE Schools In Bangalore

When looking for the best IGCSE schools in Byrathi and JP Nagar, parents should select an institution that offers

  • A custom-designed, well-balanced, and academically challenging curriculum till Gr. VIII so that students are prepared for the challenges of the IGCSE curriculum in Gr. IX
  • Personalised pedagogies to ensure students’ physical, mental, social, emotional, and psychological development
  • A Lower student-teacher classroom ratio to ensure that every child gets individual attention.
  • Skilled, passionate, and trained educators for seamless delivery of learning.

The Ekya School is among the best schools in Bangalore that implement a personalised curriculum till Gr. VIII, designed by an expert in-house team to ensure that students live their lesson every day. The school also offers the internationally-recognised IGCSE curriculum for Gr. IX and above so that learners can develop exemplary academic abilities to pursue their higher studies at foreign universities and get employed at global corporations. With campuses in five locations, including JP Nagar & Byrathi, Ekya is the best choice for parents and students who are planning to move to an IGCSE school. Get in touch to know how we do things differently.

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Ekya / April 03, 2024

The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education

In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.

At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.

Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.

Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.

In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

By Sweta Pradeep Rao

Senior English Educator

Ekya School JP Nagar

Ekya / April 02, 2024

Gadget-free Summer Break

With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.

Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others.  When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.

I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds)  with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.

This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.

Mathangi R,

Head of School,

Ekya NICE Road.

Ekya / April 02, 2024

The Eye of the Storm

In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.

And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy

Grade 8C

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#TeacherBlogger: Starve Their Distractions and Feed Their Focus By, Ms. Rumana Teaching Staff, Ekya School, JP Nagar

Classroom management

“Starve their distractions and feed their focus”, is the mantra to keep students engaged. Students returning to school after a break are distracted and distressed, this takes away their focus from learning and the teacher’s focus from teaching, and the process of teaching-learning is affected.

Here are a few tips to help both learners and educators to overcome the hindrance:

  • Try to understand the reason for the shift in behavior, sometimes students just want to be heard and understood by us. A little compassion goes a long way.

  • Always encourage students; affirmations motivate students to show their best behaviors.

  • Having self-reflective conversations help the student understand what went wrong and how it could have been better.

  • Maintaining friendly eye contact while teaching keeps students attentive in class discussions.

  • Setting rules before you begin to teach makes students aware of the expected conduct.

  • A surprise class quiz at the beginning or end of class can keep them hooked throughout; also setting healthy and meaningful consequences will help.

  • Allowing students to roleplay (as a teacher) will instill empathy and appreciation for the teacher’s efforts.

All the best teachers!!!!!!

Ms. Rumana

High school biology teacher

Learning Apps For Kids: Using Them Alongside Classroom Lessons To Stimulate Young Minds!

In the 21st-century post-pandemic world where we are gradually adapting to the hybrid model of learning (partly through classroom lectures and partly through the appliance of novel technologies), one question often perplexes caregivers,  "Is the application of technology, particularly smartphone apps, beneficial or detrimental for the academic growth of our current generation?". Read on to know more. Also, discover a list of popular learning apps for kids and how we can use them alongside books to give the best of both worlds to our students.

What Are Learning Apps For Kids And Why Are They So Popular?

Against the commonly perceived notion, learning apps aren't the substitute for classroom learning, book reading, or hands-on experimentation. They're just a means to enhance students' learning by sparking their curiosity, engaging them in interactive processes, and honing relevant skills. A study conducted on 122 grade 5 students by Prof. Michelle Riconscente (from Southern California University) highlighted the use of interactive games to improve students' interest in complex subjects, particularly maths. The results were evident from their better performance on a test conducted on fractions.

How Can Learning Apps Benefit Your Kids?

  • Some topics and concepts are difficult for students to learn, but they are simplified and made more interesting with the help of animations, interactive puzzles, and games.
  • These apps are a treat for audio visual learners.
  • Learning apps let students learn at their own pace without experiencing the stress of following instructions in a specific time frame. It allows students to study autonomously and take ownership of their learning. Moreover, children can access all sorts of learning materials on the go.
  • We're living in a digital world where technology dominates almost every industry. By the time our children finish higher education, advanced digital skills will be in demand at their workplace. Being familiar with apps gives them a chance to access and use technology responsibly, while preparing for their future jobs.
  • A few apps also allow parents and teachers to monitor the child's progress and have an understanding of the things they've learned. Some apps could make a complex concept easier for students who may be struggling with learning difficulties like dyslexia.

Learning Apps That Boost Students’ Productivity And Performance! Language Learning Apps

Language learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, etc., have engaging lessons that add new words to the students' vocabulary, improve their grammar, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Since reading is one of the best ways to learn a language, apps like Amazon Kindle, RAZ, Juggernaut, etc., are great for children to practise loud and silent reading. They've tons of free and paid eBooks for different age groups. If your child is fond of reading, Ekya Schools recommends classics like Dr. Seuss's Fox in Socks, Karadi Tales, Enid Blyton's The Noddy Series, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, etc.
  • Drawing Activity Apps
Drawing apps enhance children’s ability to imagine, think, and express creatively through digital drawings. Some of them provide step-by-step instructions on mixing colours, sketching, and creating characters. E.g., Bini colouring games, Kids doodle, etc.
  • Maths Learning Apps
Understanding complex concepts in arithmetic, geometry, or algebra is easy when they're converted to puzzles, riddles, energizers, and fun games. Apps like IXL and Cuemath include simplified maths lessons, but also include questions & riddles (with increasing difficulties) that sharpen children’s quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Designing Apps
Designing is a multilayered process involving the application of several skills (E.g., observation, research, ideation, creativity, visual-spatial understanding, communication, coding, design thinking, etc.). Students who use apps like Canva and Adobe Express not only learn critical life skills, but plenty more, which find their use in professional designing careers like architecture, interior decoration, animation, digital marketing, video creation, etc. 
  • Thinking Apps
Thinking includes multiple executive brain functions (like focus, organisation of ideas & concepts, planning, memory, observation, etc.) and complex life skills (E.g., decision-making, analysis, reasoning, connecting, etc.). Encouraging children to think independently helps them understand multiple viewpoints, make informed decisions, determine the consequences of various actions, and overcome real-life problems & challenges to lead a better life. The best way to develop independent thinking is to expose children to situations where they can exercise these skills. Apps like Brain Kids, Logic Like, and Memory Match are great tools that engage children in fun games (E.g., memorise the pattern, 2K puzzles, match the tile, etc.).

Balancing Digital Learning With Classroom Education

Despite the advantages, learning apps for kids and other technical tools, it cannot be completely optimised to fulfil all the needs of students. However, they could function as enablers of blended learning (where online and offline in-person learning experiences are effectively combined and custom-tailored) to explain the application of concepts, facilitate classroom engagement, evaluate individual learning capacity, and ensure academic excellence. The Ekya School's in-house curriculum is designed on the principle of 'understanding by design' with student-centric, immersive lessons that are personalised with the right mix of online and offline activities to create meaningful life-long learning experiences. Get in touch to find out how we encourage our students to live their lessons.

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