Topping the Grade XII CBSE Boards – Abhishek Singh
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With 97% in the Grade XII CBSE Boards, Abhishek Kumar Singh’s score places him as one of Bangalore’s toppers, coming in a close second at Ekya School ITPL behind Kaavya’s 97.2%. We gave him a ring to learn how he pulled off such an impressive score – here are the excerpts from our conversation.
“I remember refreshing the results page as the servers were down from all the traffic. When I got to see my results, I was in disbelief. I won’t lie; my emotions got the better of me. I was overwhelmed, I was in tears. I got a grip on myself and broke the news to my parents. They were really happy for me.”
Did he expect it? Was it his plan all along?
“I wasn’t expecting this kind of result. I did aim to better my previous score in Grade X but to score 97%, the feeling is surreal. When I prepared, I went all in. The only thing I had in mind was to beat the 95% margin. I kept this score on the back of my head as I prepped for the Boards.”
“I was neck deep in preparing for competitive exams as well, so I had to make a choice – to focus on the entrances or giving a 100% focus to CBSE. In October 2017, I realized I had to take a decision.
Pre-boards helped me make this decision. I got a taste of how the board examination would turn out. I got to know where I stood in terms of my preparation for the finals. My results taught me what I missed out, and when January came, I knew exactly what I had to work on to improve.”
There is a marked difference in one’s approach towards competitive exams and board exams, as Abhishek notes,
“When you are preparing for competitive exams and entrances, you tend to focus on the quickest way of solving a question. You are constantly looking to better your approach towards hard topics and big problems.
With CBSE syllabus, even the small markers count. Questions that are for one or two marks can help carry your score over the 90-95 mark. I realized this by the time I finished my first pre-boards. Questions with lower marks threw me off. I had to work on finer details”
Solving previous question papers helped him; an advice that came from his seniors and a hack that helped him ace his boards, as Abhishek remarks,
“I put my time in a lot of question banks and question papers from previous years. Solving those helps you get comfortable with the pattern of questions asked. You begin to identify the format of how topics and portions are asked, and you get well-versed with it.”
The idea here is not only about understanding how the questions are asked, but also getting better at answering,
“You may come across several questions that you don’t have answers to while looking at papers from six to seven years ago. When you go searching for these answers, you’ll end up finding answers for two or three other prospective questions.”
This is exactly how he tackled Physics, a subject he least favored. On being asked if he had any advice for future aspirants and how they could tackle their board exams, Abhishek was quick to note the importance of starting early.
“Be thorough with your topics and concepts by February – includes the NCERT, reference guides and extra questions from here and there. Your study break should be set aside for solving question papers. Scour through every exercise activity at the back of chapters in search for potential small markers. This will come in handy later.
Your preparation in February will give you the confidence in March. Don’t save topics for last minute cramming. Finish as much as you can before you give your pre-boards.
Across the country, the month of March is renowned for the exam stress it brings, so we asked Abhishek what was his stress-buster.
“I played a lot of football and badminton until February. During my exams, I turned to Squash, a game that you can play single-handedly. It helped me take my mind off studies; I’d go every day if I needed to. Come back home refreshed from a game, head straight to the shower and back with the books. That was my routine.”
In the papers
And in the age of digital distractions, we asked if he did away with gadgets for the month,
“My parents didn’t put any kind of pressure on me. I quit a couple of social media platforms in Grade 12 but that was a personal choice. There was no self-imposed ban on technology while I was at home.
I’d attribute much of my success to my group of four friends. We had a WhatsApp group going, over which we have shared around 600 images of questions papers and topics. We would exchange questions, discuss answers at length, solve doubts and help each other before every exam. That brought us so much confidence when we headed into the examination hall.”
How did Ekya make a difference? We asked him for his honest opinion, and Abhishek delivered
“The regular unit tests at school helped keep us on our toes. We were constantly preparing. Our teachers kept us grounded throughout the year. They stressed the importance of going into details of our NCERT textbook and other resource materials – something I understood after I wrote my finals. They would cover important questions that came after every chapter, and that really helped.”
And his classmates?
“A competitive spirit always prevailed in class. It was a conducive environment. Everyone was motivated to do well. Everyone was there to support each other – exchange doubts, solve them together. No room for judgment, we shared everything with each other.”
Staying grounded, Abhishek says that his parents’ happiness trumps over all the media spotlight he has been receiving
With the phone lines ringing and best wishes coming from across the country, we asked the boy in the spotlight if he had any regrets,
“Only slight. I scored 95 in Chemistry when I was expecting a centum score. I searched through the question paper to see where I lost the 5 marks. I have made my peace with it though”
Having appeared for a string of competitive entrance exams, Abhishek has set his sight on a couple of universities in Singapore, to pursue an engineering degree in Computer Science.
“I like how you can pick a book on coding, learn it and implement what you learned right off the bat. Python and Java are my favourites at the moment. Ekya picked Python for Grade 12, and I thoroughly enjoyed studying it”
Here is what Ms. Jyothi Menon and a couple of his teachers from Ekya School ITPL had to say about Abhishek,
Hear from our toppers
- Kaavya Srikumar secured 97.2% in her Grade XII CBSE Boards, topping not just her school, Ekya School ITPL but is also one of Bangalore’s toppers.
- Securing 97.2% in the Grade X ICSE Boards, Devaamsh Rajesh is not just our school topper at Ekya School JP Nagar but also one of the city’s leading board toppers.
Explore more
Ekya / July 26, 2024
Guide to Conquer the IPMAT Entrance Exam
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a significant stepping stone for undergraduate aspirants aiming to carve a niche in the business management realm. Initiated by IIM Indore and now adopted by several other IIMs, IPMAT serves as a gateway for young students to enter prestigious management institutes directly after high school.
At Ekya Schools, we recognise the importance of early preparation for such competitive exams. We partnered with an esteemed institution like Career Launcher to provide our senior students with top-notch entrance exam coaching. This strategic collaboration ensures that our students are well-equipped not only to face the IPMAT but also to excel in it.
IPMAT Selection Process
Navigating through the IPMAT selection process is crucial for candidates aiming to secure a place in the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). This multi-stage process not only tests your academic prowess but also your ability to perform under pressure and showcase your personality traits during interviews. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the selection stages from the initial aptitude test to the final admission offer, emphasising the necessity of achieving high scores and excelling at the personal interview.
Understanding IPMAT and the Integrated Program in Management (IPM)
The Integrated Program in Management (IPM) serves as a prominent pathway into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for students immediately after completing their 12th grade. Originally pioneered by IIM Indore, this forward-thinking initiative has since been embraced by four additional IIMs—Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya, and Jammu. The IPM merges a Bachelor's Degree in Management with an MBA into a single five-year program, although it allows students the flexibility to exit after the first three years with just an undergraduate degree. Given its wide-reaching appeal across various educational backgrounds and its high esteem within the professional community, management continues to be a top career choice for many aspiring students. The IPM's inclusive, stream-neutral approach makes it an attractive option for those keen to delve into the world of management. To secure admission into these programs, aspiring candidates must successfully clear one of three entrance exams: IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT. Each of these exams is designed to meet the specific admission requirements of the respective IIMs. At Ekya Schools, we believe in going beyond textbook learning to guide our students toward fulfilling careers that align with their passions and interests. Our College and Career Guidance provides a closer look at how we offer personalised guidance and strategic planning to help students navigate their future academic and career paths effectively.IPMAT Eligibility Criteria - Gearing Up For Success
To be eligible for the IPMAT entrance test, you will need to meet specific age and academic qualifications requirements. The age limit is typically 20 years for the General and NC-OBC categories, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates. In terms of education, you must have passed your Class 10 and 12 board exams (or equivalent) in 2023, and 2024, or be appearing for them in 2025. While the minimum percentage requirement might be confirmed closer to the exam date, it's wise to start preparing early in your senior school years to ensure you meet any potential benchmarks and have ample time to refine your skills for the IPMAT. By beginning early, you can develop a strong foundation in areas like quantitative and verbal abilities, giving you a competitive edge come exam day.Exam Format and Syllabus
As we progress from discussing eligibility criteria, our focus shifts to the core components of the IPMAT: its exam format and syllabus. Mastery of these elements is crucial for developing an effective preparation plan and excelling in this rigorous test. The IPMAT is structured as a computer-based test (CBT) and is divided into three key sections, which include:
IPMAT Selection Process
Navigating through the IPMAT selection process is crucial for candidates aiming to secure a place in the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). This multi-stage process not only tests your academic prowess but also your ability to perform under pressure and showcase your personality traits during interviews. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the selection stages from the initial aptitude test to the final admission offer, emphasising the necessity of achieving high scores and excelling at the personal interview.
IPMAT Selection Process Overview
The selection process for IPMAT typically involves the following steps: Step 1: Online Application Submission Candidates must first meet the basic eligibility criteria and then submit their applications through the institute's official website. Step 2: Aptitude Test Eligible candidates are invited to take the IPMAT, which includes sections on Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability to assess mathematical and language skills. Step 3: Score Validation Post-exam, an eligibility check is conducted to ensure candidates have scored positively in all sections of the test. Step 4: Conducting Personal Assessments Candidates who pass the eligibility check proceed to the Personal Assessment round, which may include a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI). This stage evaluates the candidates' communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the program. Step 5: Final Selection The final step involves the creation of a merit list based on a Composite Score, which considers performances in both the Aptitude Test and the Personal Assessment.
Key Points to Note:
- The IPMAT Indore scores are accepted at various important institutions including IIM Ranchi, IIFT, and NALSAR University of Law.
- Candidates need to achieve positive raw scores and meet the minimum mark requirements in each of the three sections of the aptitude test to be considered for the personal interview stage.
- The final merit list is prepared based on the composite score, which considers the candidate's performance across all stages of the selection process.
Preparation Strategies For IPMAT
Cracking the IPMAT is a challenge, but the rewards are immense. It's the gateway to a prestigious management program, and the right preparation can make the difference between success and disappointment. This section lays out a roadmap for your journey, helping you attend the exam with confidence and achieve your goals.- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Begin by familiarising yourself with the detailed structure and syllabus of the IPMAT. Understanding the weightage of different sections and types of questions will help you allocate your study time effectively.
- Create a Structured Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all topics systematically. Divide your time between learning new concepts, practising questions, and revising. Stick to your schedule diligently to ensure consistent progress.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Strong foundational knowledge, especially in quantitative and verbal sections, is crucial. Ensure you have a firm grasp of basic concepts before moving on to more complex problems.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in IPMAT. Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam’s format and timing. This will also help identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Enhance Time Management Skills: Time management can make or break your exam performance. Practice completing sections within the allotted time to improve your speed and accuracy. Learn to prioritise questions based on your strengths.
- Work on Verbal and Written Communication: For the verbal ability section and any subsequent interviews or written tests, enhance your reading, speaking, and writing skills. Regular reading and practising essay writing can be very beneficial.
- Seek Guidance When Needed: If you find certain areas particularly challenging, consider seeking help from teachers, or mentors, or joining a coaching institute. Sometimes, external guidance can provide new perspectives and strategies that streamline your preparation.
- Stay Informed and Updated: Keep yourself updated with any changes in the exam pattern or dates and regularly check the official website for any announcements.
- Maintain Physical and Mental Health: Lastly, balanced preparation includes taking care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep will help you maintain peak performance during your preparation journey.
Ekya / May 08, 2024
15 English Language Mistakes That You Should Avoid
Although English is a funny language, it has become a global language. It is one of the highest-speaking languages in the world. And to effectively communicate in English is crucial in today’s time. For students, parents, and professionals alike, speaking English confidently and correctly is a necessary skill.
However, speaking in English can be tough, especially for beginners. It takes confidence and knowledge to put sentences together and express your ideas in a language that might not feel comfortable yet. Even as you get better, there are still some common errors in the English language that can sneak into your speech. Most of them aren't a big deal, but sometimes they can cause misunderstandings.
As one of the best CBSE Schools in Bangalore, we’ve identified fifteen common English language mistakes and give you tips on how to fix them, so your next conversation can go more smoothly.
Not Speaking Enough
One common mistake is not speaking English enough. Many students feel shy to speak English at first, but speaking is one of the best ways to improve your command over the language. Imagine a cricket player who only watches others play but never picks up a bat themselves. They would never get better. The same goes for English. So, don't be afraid to use your voice. Talk with friends, ask questions to teachers in English, or even practice speaking to yourself. The more you speak, the better you'll get.Translating from Your Native Language
A common error in the English language many students make is trying to directly translate their thoughts from their native language into English. This is a problem because translations are rarely exact and it takes longer for your brain to do the work. Even if your English is basic, don't worry. Use the expressions and phrases you have learned. Practice using new expressions so they become a part of your regular vocabulary..Emphasizing The Wrong Syllable
Another tricky English language error is emphasizing the wrong syllable. It's like singing a song out of tune. For example, "import" is pronounced as "im-PORT" not "IM-port." Another one is "address" which is pronounced as "a-DRESS" not "AD-dress." These little changes in emphasis can change the meaning of words and make it hard for others to understand. To improve this, listen carefully to your teachers and make note of how they say the word. The best ICSE schools in Bangalore prioritize proper syllable emphasis in spoken and written English, incorporating it into the grammar lessons. Additionally, you can watch English movies, sitcoms, or cartoons to mimic how they emphasize the syllable.Pronouncing Sounds That Aren’t There
Pronouncing sounds that aren't there is a common mistake in English. It happens when we add extra sounds to words. For example, saying "aks" instead of "ask". To avoid this, we need to pronounce words correctly and not add any extra or unnecessary sounds.Overuse of “Will” for Future
This is one of the most common English grammar mistakes. A lot of students rely too much on the word “will” when composing future sentences. While it may seem like the easiest option, using the more versatile structure of "going to + base form" is actually more appropriate in many situations. "Will" is best suited for promises, spontaneous decisions, predictions, and future actions beyond the speaker's control. However, when discussing plans for the future, it is more accurate to use "going to". For instance, instead of saying "Tomorrow I will go to the bank," it is correct to say "Tomorrow I am going to the bank."Adding Unnecessary Words and Missing Necessary Words
Another common English Grammar mistakes that students often make are adding unnecessary words or leaving out necessary ones. These errors can make sentences sound confusing or change their meaning completely. For example, saying "I am agree with you" is incorrect because the verb "agree" doesn't need the helping verb "am" before it. On the other hand, forgetting a necessary word can also lead to problems. For instance, saying "I looking for a bus to the city center" is incorrect because the word "am" is missing. When talking about something happening right now, we use the Present Continuous tense by adding "am," "is," or "are" before the verb, along with the suffix "-ing." So, a correct version of the sentence would be "I am looking for a bus to the city center." Remember, it's important to use the correct words and structure so that your meaning is clear.Saying Incorrect Negative Sentences
Students often make mistakes when forming negative sentences. For instance, saying “I no like pizza" instead of "I don't like pizza." In the Present Simple, to create a negative sentence, we need to use "don't" or "doesn't" before the verb. It's also important to remember that after "he," "she," or "it," we should use "doesn't" and remove the "-s" ending from the verb. For example, instead of saying "He's not wanting to go," the correct phrasing is "He doesn't want to go."- Using the Wrong Word Order in Questions
Not Using Adverbs
Many beginners don’t use adverbs in their speech. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They add more details to a sentence and make it more interesting. For example, instead of saying "he ran fast," we can say "he ran quickly." Adverbs help us paint a clearer picture of what is happening. So don't forget to use adverbs in your speech to make it livelier and more descriptive.Missing Comma in a Compound Sentence
Not using commas or pauses in a sentence while talking or writing can lead to confusion. It becomes difficult to distinguish between different thoughts or ideas, making the overall communication less clear. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but." For example, instead of saying "I went to the store and I bought some apples," we should say "I went to the store, and bought some apples." By using a comma, we can indicate the pause between the two independent clauses. This helps our listeners understand our thoughts and ideas more effectively. So, don't forget to include commas in compound sentences when you're speaking or even writing.Faulty sentence structure
Faulty sentence structure is a common English language error that arises when a sentence is not properly constructed. This can make the sentence difficult to read and understand. An example of this error is using too many commas, which can make a sentence disjointed and confusing. Another example is failing to use proper subject-verb agreement, which can make a sentence grammatically incorrect. To avoid this error, it's important to practice constructing sentences with clarity and precision.Lack of pronoun
A common error in English is forgetting to use pronouns. Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition. For example, instead of saying "John went to the store," just say "He went to the store." Remember to use pronouns like he, she, it, they, we, etc.Unnecessary Shift in Verb Tense
It occurs when there is an inconsistent change in verb tense within a sentence, paragraph, or passage. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the writing. To avoid this error, you should ensure that you maintain a consistent verb tense, making sure that all verbs match in past, present, or future tense.nnecessary or Missing Apostrophe
An unnecessary or Missing Apostrophe is another common error. For example, "it's" is a contraction of "it is" and should not be used to show possession. Instead, "its" without an apostrophe indicates possession. Missing apostrophes result in incorrect pluralization, such as "apple's" instead of "apples".Poorly Integrated Quotation
Lastly, poorly Integrated Quotation is a common English grammar mistake. It happens when a quote is not smoothly integrated into a sentence. For example, "She said, 'I like pizza.' instead of 'She said that she likes pizza.' To fix it, we need to integrate the quote correctly into the sentence. It is okay to make mistakes while learning. However, the key is to learn from those mistakes and continuously improve. Learning English may be challenging, but the rewards it brings are immeasurable. By being mindful of grammar mistakes and actively working to avoid them, you can enhance your fluency and communication skills. So, embrace the learning journey, avoid common English language mistakes, and watch yourself grow more confident and fluent in English. For exceptional mastery over English , consider Ekya Schools, one the best CBSE schools in Bangalore. Call 080-49609096 for more information about admissions.Ekya / May 07, 2024
What Is IGCSE And Is It the Right Choice for My Child?
Every parent wants their child to have the best education, you are no different. However, when finding the right school for your child, you are often presented with a plethora of options. One such option that has grown in popularity in recent years is the IGCSE Schools in Bangalore. It is a globally recognized board and its curriculum is designed to foster holistic growth among students.
As one of the top IGCSE schools in Bangalore, we will explain what IGCSE is and help you decide if IGCSE schools are suitable for your child.
What is IGCSE?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally recognized board created by the University of Cambridge in England. It caters to 14–16 year olds (usually grades 9-10) and prepares them for further university studies worldwide. IGCSE courses offer a rich curriculum that tailors to individual strengths and nurtures the skills and competencies of students. Here are some of the benefits of IGCSE schools for your child.Student-Centric Approach
The IGCSE curriculum is student-centric and fosters creativity. Teachers and students contribute equally to the class, making it an enriching experience. Learning is practical, allowing students to understand concepts better through real-life applications. IGCSE schools encourage students to ask questions, share ideas, and learn collaboratively with their peers. This approach nurtures logical and creative thinking skills in students.Preparing for the Universities
One of the major advantages of joining IGCSE schools is that the students here are well-prepared for further studies. This is made possible by the extensive knowledge and benefits that come from a globally standardized education. The students are encouraged to become independent thinkers and learners which is crucial for university studies. IGCSE schools focus on understanding and grasping the concepts rather than just memorizing. These are the traits most universities look for in a student.A Community Worldwide
The IGCSE program brings together students from all over the world in a global community. Children learn how to be inclusive and empathetic towards different people and cultures. This helps them develop a broad perspective. The program also allows each child to become a part of a diverse and comprehensive global community.Inquiry-Based Learning
IGCSE courses foster curiosity in students by emphasizing real-life experiences, exploration, and expression. This encourages children to ask questions and research answers, helping them gain a better understanding of their communities and the world around them.Rigorous Assessments
Top IGCSE schools in Bangalore such as Ekya Schools offer a rich experience for students with thought-provoking assessments. These include a variety of modes such as oral, written, coursework, and practical assessments. These assessments offer questions of different difficulty levels, enabling students to challenge themselves and discover their strengths and weaknesses. By instilling confidence and boosting morale, the IGCSE curriculum empowers students to plan their future educational journeys.Choice of Subjects that Cater to Different Abilities
The IGCSE subjects are designed to meet the needs of different students. With over 70 subjects to choose from, including 30 languages, schools can offer a combination that suits each student. Students must select at least 5 subjects, which include:- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Science
- Languages
- Creative, Technical, and Vocational Subjects Students also have a wide range of 30 languages to choose from, including their mother tongue.
Recognized by Universities Across the World
The IGCSE is the most recognized examination qualification across the world. Students with these qualifications are accepted into several countries like the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. Many universities acknowledge and accept the IGCSE curriculum as part of their entrance criteria. The IGCSE opens up opportunities for further vocational education and serves as a strong foundation for employment. Students with IGCSE backgrounds have the necessary abilities that employers value in potential employees. In conclusion, choosing the best school for your child can be a daunting task considering the number of options today. However, if you think a strong syllabus and robust curriculum are best for your child, IGCSE schools are the way to go. To find the best IGCSE schools near Bannerghatta Road, look no further than Ekya Schools in JP Nagar. Our goal is to give students a well-rounded education that nurtures critical thinking, and creativity along with academic excellence.Join us and allow your child to delve into the stimulating realm of IGCSE subjects, nurturing their personal growth and development along the way.. We're here to shape future leaders with an inclusive and inspiring learning environment.Topping Grade XII CBSE Boards – Kaavya Srikumar, Ekya School ITPL
Securing 97.2% in the Grade XII CBSE Boards, Ms. Kaavya Srikumar not only topped our ITPL campus but is also one of Bangalore’s toppers. Leading the city’s CBSE results is no easy feat, so we got in touch with her, to understand how she pulled it off.
Fresh from the day of the results, the emotions haven’t settled with our topper, who admits her disbelief at the numbers that appeared on the computer screen.
“I still can’t believe it. I didn’t expect this kind of result. I remember being very nervous when the results were out. I am extremely happy, the excitement hasn’t settled yet. ”
Pursuing the PCMC stream, Kaavya’s reputation as a topper precedes her, as she was one of the school’s toppers in Grade X with an impressive score of 95%
“I aimed to do my best. I was among the top three students in Grade X - I can say that’s where the ambition came from. I was determined to better my score and I’m proud to have achieved that.”
With her record of academic excellence, we just had to know her secret of topping the boards.
“I’d say my utilization of time served me well. I started my preparation pretty early, in fact when classes had just begun. I don’t study a lot, usually. I put in four to five hours of study time every day. I’d cover portions that I knew were important or that the teachers had emphasized in class.”
Apart from covering the highlighted portions in the textbook, Kaavya also addressed the importance of revision as a tool that helped her with her exams.
“Our teachers were very helpful from the beginning. We started our revision in early November. This helped us refine our understanding of basic concepts and revisit areas of doubt. I think I utilized this time well and finished topics well in advance.”
Kaavya is not the only Ekya student to top the city at the boards. Devaamsh Rajesh from Ekya School JP Nagar topped the school and city at the ICSE boards - Read his story here.
Kaavya Srikumar
“Balancing my sleep routine and topics to study was a challenge because the portions were huge. During the month of March, I cut down my use of gadgets significantly. I was solely focussed on the next examination and my preparation for it. To be honest, I didn’t study my textbooks extensively. I covered the portions stated by my teachers and those I knew were important from the previous years. You should be confident in what you study.” On being asked for advice for juniors and future aspirants of the Grade XII CBSE Boards, Kaavya noted the downside of rote-learning and the importance of being well prepared.Last minute cramming never works. I prefer a well-planned preparation schedule. I’d also suggest analysing and solving a number of old question papers. This will help shed light on important and frequently asked questions. CBSE questions are application based, so mugging the textbooks won’t be helpful. Making the best use of the study holidays is a must to score well.“My parents are elated. They were expecting a good rank but they didn’t see this coming. To see my name in the newspaper, to see them happy, it’s a nice feeling. My teachers from school have been messaging me best wishes. My friends and family have been calling in, to congratulate me. I will have to make a list now, for the sheer number of people I have to treat.”
In the papers - Toppers of Grade XII CBSE Boards
With plans to pursue an engineering degree in Electronics and Communications, we asked Kaavya if she had anything to add before starting her new journey in undergrad, “A big, big, big thank you to my friends, teachers, and parents for making this possible. I’d like to say that my effort made just 50% of what I achieved. The rest is because of the support I have received and I am grateful to each one of them.” Here is what Ms. Jyothi Menon, Vice-Principal at Ekya ITPL and a couple of Kaavya’s teachers had to say about her:
Kaavya is not the only Ekya student to top the city at the boards. Devaamsh Rajesh from Ekya School JP Nagar topped the school and city at the ICSE boards - Read his story here.
Are Exams Needed or Not? [ Parents of Ekya Feature ]
Are Exams Needed or Not?
By Rajesh Acharya, Parent of Ms. Dhwani and Ms. Dhriti, Montessori, Ekya School JP Nagar
Pedagogy today has undergone a paradigm shift and educational institutions as much as students have adapted themselves to the changing times. While more and more technology is being used to change the way students learn, I have been ruminating on the way the students are being assessed on how much of the content and skills of the course they have actually assimilated. Examinations at the end of the year, is currently how the students are being assessed, which in my opinion needs to undergo a complete overhaul.
A robust form of assessment is to periodically engage with the child as well as the parent to analyze the progress of learning. Creating a healthy environment for learning, both at home and school without a knife dangling on the child’s head will surely lead to more imagination helping the child in retaining the knowledge imparted. Asking the child to prepare a project on the curriculum will help in practical assessment and also stretch the creativity within the child making it easier for the assessment whilst also making the child confident to face the future.
Secondly, assessments by teachers should be more inclusive instead of sticking to standard answer keys. In my opinion, creating tough questions does not bring out the best answers from students. Difficulty has a point of diminishing returns. If a student feels that cramming for extra hours is not going to fetch better grades, they may end up skipping a particular module resulting in incomplete learning. A low score cannot be conclusive – i.e, the questions could have been tough or the student could have skipped the module and hence unable to answer. Answers to questions should be thrown open for discussion in class which would lead to healthy debates and exchange of thought processes. This will increase the confidence among the students as they learn something new instead of being told that their understanding is wrong. This will have a huge psychological impact on the child.
So to conclude, I believe that examinations should be abolished and instead, in its place, assessments should be made fun, relaxed and more engaging by conducting projects, plays, practical experiments whilst also assessing the soft and behavioural aspects of the students. A student may be polite, aggressive etc. which will be on display when they’re allowed to showcase their skill in a relaxed atmosphere instead of being pitted against each other in the garb of examinations. The resultant strengths and weaknesses can then be assessed and worked upon by the teachers helping students become more confident and strong in taking decisions for the future ensuring that they have learned and mastered the curriculum and retained most of the knowledge imparted to them.
Pedagogy today has undergone a paradigm shift and educational institutions as much as students have adapted themselves to the changing times. While more and more technology is being used to change the way students learn, I have been ruminating on the way the students are being assessed on how much of the content and skills of the course they have actually assimilated. Examinations at the end of the year, is currently how the students are being assessed, which in my opinion needs to undergo a complete overhaul.
Assessments by teachers should be more inclusive instead of sticking to standard answer keys.
Questions asked in a test paper are limited and have always been following a particular structure from times immemorial where multiple choice questions are asked for objective exams and essay questions for subjective examinations. The stress that is created on the students due to these examinations is rather large. The reason is that the students need to memorize the entire year’s curriculum and ensure that they remember everything on the D-day as that is the only chance they’re given to showcase their understanding of the course material and their future depends on how they have performed in those 3 hours. This leads to all the students having a singular line of thought which restricts the thinking capacity. The essence of these examinations, which, should be to assess the learning, is lost. Teachers who mark the answer sheets, more often than less, use standard answer keys and this does not bring out the actual caliber of the students. The radical change which is the need of the hour is to ensure that the students are assessed in a stress-free environment which will bring out the best in them and also help the teachers assess where the student needs to pay more attention to or requires additional focus.
A robust form of assessment is to periodically engage with the child as well as the parent to analyze the progress of learning. Creating a healthy environment for learning, both at home and school without a knife dangling on the child’s head will surely lead to more imagination helping the child in retaining the knowledge imparted. Asking the child to prepare a project on the curriculum will help in practical assessment and also stretch the creativity within the child making it easier for the assessment whilst also making the child confident to face the future.
Secondly, assessments by teachers should be more inclusive instead of sticking to standard answer keys. In my opinion, creating tough questions does not bring out the best answers from students. Difficulty has a point of diminishing returns. If a student feels that cramming for extra hours is not going to fetch better grades, they may end up skipping a particular module resulting in incomplete learning. A low score cannot be conclusive – i.e, the questions could have been tough or the student could have skipped the module and hence unable to answer. Answers to questions should be thrown open for discussion in class which would lead to healthy debates and exchange of thought processes. This will increase the confidence among the students as they learn something new instead of being told that their understanding is wrong. This will have a huge psychological impact on the child.
So to conclude, I believe that examinations should be abolished and instead, in its place, assessments should be made fun, relaxed and more engaging by conducting projects, plays, practical experiments whilst also assessing the soft and behavioural aspects of the students. A student may be polite, aggressive etc. which will be on display when they’re allowed to showcase their skill in a relaxed atmosphere instead of being pitted against each other in the garb of examinations. The resultant strengths and weaknesses can then be assessed and worked upon by the teachers helping students become more confident and strong in taking decisions for the future ensuring that they have learned and mastered the curriculum and retained most of the knowledge imparted to them.
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