As the world is becoming more globalised, it is imperative that the future generation develop the necessary skills and knowledge. The consistent growth and development across different industries have demonstrated that today, education needs to be more holistic and advanced, unlike traditional learning.

There are a wide range of educational boards from which a parent can choose, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Every parent should understand the key differences between these boards and make an informed decision. To help the parents in their endeavours, we have come up with a guide to choose between IBDP, CIE, and CBSE!

IBDP vs. CIE vs. CBSE: A General Overview

IBDP vs. CIE vs. CBSE: Curriculum

CIE and IBDP offer equal importance to all the fields, namely the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and languages. The comprehensive and wide approach focuses on the overall development of the students. These curricula also emphasise more practical learning that extends beyond the classroom.

On the other hand, the CBSE board is known for its traditional approach to education, wherein students have to emphasise more on the subjects of mathematics and sciences. The curriculum is intended to prepare the students for national entrance exams in the fields of engineering and medical science. The curriculum includes both academic and extracurricular exposure for the students and is inclined more towards rote learning and theoretical exposure.

IBDP vs. CIE vs. CBSE: Grading and Assessment

The CBSE curriculum employs two types of assessment methods to measure students’s academic progress throughout the school year. The first is formative assessment, which consists of activities such as quizzes, classwork, homework, projects, and presentations. These activities are conducted to monitor student development continuously and provide ongoing feedback. The second assessment format is a summative assessment, which comprises term-end examinations and the Class 10th and 12th board examinations. For the grading system, CBSE has a nine-point grading scale (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D, E1, and E2) to evaluate students’s performance, with grades determined by specific percentage ranges, where A1 represents the highest (91–100%) and E2 represents the lowest (20–32%).

The CIE board also conducts assessments in both formative and summative evaluations. The formative assessments consist of quizzes, classwork, homework, projects, and presentations. These assessments are conducted throughout the academic year to monitor students’s progress and provide continuous feedback for improvement. On the other hand, summative assessments consist of final examinations in each subject, conducted at the end of the academic year. The school conducts internal examinations, such as periodic tests and term-end examinations. The external examinations are conducted by the examination board, such as the Cambridge Assessment International Education, usually taking place in May, June, October or November. The CIE grading follows an eight-point scale ranging from A* (highest) to G (lowest).

The assessment and examination process in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) consists of both internal and external evaluations. For internal examinations, the school conducts assessments such as written assignments, oral exams, presentations, practical work, and other types of coursework. For the external assessment, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) conducts the final exams at the end of the two-year diploma programme. Generally, the internal assessments contribute to a range of 20–30% of the final grade, while the remaining 70–80% is derived from external assessments. The IBDP grading system uses a seven-point scale, spanning from 7 (the highest) to 1 (the lowest). To get the final diploma, the students must attain a minimum cumulative score of 24 points across all six subject areas. Additionally, they must score satisfactory marks in the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).

IBDP vs. CIE vs. CBSE: Final Thoughts

To summarise, each board has unique features that set it apart from the others. Although IBDP, CIE, and CBSE prepare students for a global education approach, there are minute differences that one must consider before making the final call. If students are interested in pursuing a career in the field of engineering and science in India, choosing CBSE as their mode of education is the best choice. On the other hand, if students want to pursue an education or career in the United Kingdom (UK), CIE will serve as the best gateway for them. Last but not least, an IBDP programme will help the students enter top universities in the United States (US) or the UK and even other global universities around the world. However, the parents must carefully assess their child’s strengths, skills, and aspirations before making the final decision.

Are you a student looking for tips to ace your International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations?
Being one of the most popular secondary school certifications, IGCSE is affiliated with the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. The IGCSE examinations are evaluated as a combination of internal and external assessments. Out of your chosen subjects, you need to strive for an A in all of them. Although the journey to achieving it may be challenging, if there’s a will, there’s definitely a way! Today, we have come up with an extensive guide that will help you crack your IGCSE exams easily!

Prepare a Detailed Study Plan

There is no point in studying a day before your mock test or your class test. In this case, you will be anxious and won’t be able to grasp half the topics properly. Acing the exams in a limited time frame may not be a good option. Therefore, in order to succeed in your exams, you must prepare your study schedule in advance. You can prioritise the subjects or the topics that require your utmost attention, spend time preparing notes and revise as much as possible to be ready for the final examinations.

Utilise Various Study Materials

If you are planning to just study from your school textbook, then it may not be sufficient. The IGCSE exams are aimed at testing your comprehension level, so you need to check for other study sources too. As Cambridge sets the syllabus that is used by multiple publishers to create textbooks,  referring to just one source won't help you score the best grade. Therefore, you can refer to other books in the market and even check for relevant sources online to gain wider knowledge on each topic.

Solve Past-year Question Papers

As an IGCSE student, you must understand that just studying the syllabus and solving the book exercises may not be enough. You may dedicate more than six hours a day to learning and revising your syllabus, but it will only be effective when you solve the past-year question papers simultaneously. Solving the previous year's question papers helps you understand the areas that need improvement and thus helps you focus more on those areas so that you are well-prepared for the main exams. You can find the question papers either in your school libraries, bookstores, or even on relevant websites.

Pay Attention in Class

Paying attention in class helps you to focus more and understand the subjects better, thereby minimising your study hours. Therefore, you must take advantage of learning everything in depth from your respective subject teacher while you are in school. Besides gaining clarity on subjects and topics, your involvement in the class can help you retain the information better as you tend to remember things better when being attentive in class.

Practice Self-learning

You must practice the art of learning the subjects on your own. Self-learning includes reading and understanding the topics on your own and without any external motivation. Self-learning helps you to become self-sufficient, and this can be considered one of the essential life skills these days. Therefore, you must practice independent learning to understand the subjects better and motivate yourself to perform better all the time.

Beat the Competition

When we talk about beating the competition, we mean that you can prepare the chapters in advance to stay ahead of your classmates, especially in subjects where you struggle. If you practice the succeeding chapters of your weak subjects in advance, you will tend to spend less time revising them during main exams. Therefore, rather than spending time revising the existing chapters that you have clarity on, you must dedicate your time to studying the next chapters in advance and practise them beforehand so that you can understand them better when taught in class. By doing so, you will stay ahead of your peers and will also have enough time to complete your syllabus and revise on time.

Way Forward

In conclusion, if you are an IGCSE student preparing yourself for the Cambridge examinations, you can begin by making a comprehensive study plan. By prioritising the subjects and topics, you can dedicate time to consistent revisions and face the main examinations confidently. Moreover, you can refer to additional sources of study to gain a broader knowledge of each subject. You can also solve past-year question papers, as it helps you identify your weaknesses and allows you to improve your academic performance. Additionally, your attentive participation in the classroom not only fosters a deeper understanding of subjects but also creates a favourable impression on your teachers. Lastly, we suggest you embrace the art of self-learning and gain a competitive edge over others by preparing the chapters in advance. By applying these strategies, you will definitely ace your IGCSE examinations!

A recent survey shows that there has been an impressive growth of international schools in India and around the world since the 2000s. The number of students studying in international schools was just 3,000, however, the number stands at nearly 5 million globally. These statistics clearly demonstrate the rising popularity of international education among parents around the world.

If you want your child to pursue education at an international school, you must ensure that your child is ready for the journey. The growing popularity doesn’t indicate that your child will be able to grasp the international curriculum with ease. You need to consider different factors that can influence your child’s readiness for an international school. Therefore, to help you in your endeavours, we have come up with some common questions that you must ask yourself and your child before making the final decision.

Is your child academically ready?

Every child is unique to each other and possesses distinct academic skills and knowledge that are required to succeed in an international school. However, if you take your call to enrol your child in an international school, you must assess your child’s ability to read, write, and solve basic mathematics. Additionally, you must also evaluate that your child has basic clarity on core subjects such as science, social studies, and other subjects. As the international curriculum can be more rigorous and demanding than the traditional mode of education, therefore, you must ensure that your child is able to handle the academic pressure. Alternatively, you can reflect on the following questions to check if your child is academically ready to study at an international school:

• How does your child perform in the current curriculum?
• Can your child complete the assignments independently or with very little help?
• Can your child manage time properly and create a balance between academics and extracurricular activities?
• Is your child equipped with the basic computer literacy required to navigate today’s digital world?

Can your child adapt to any learning environment?

International schools are known to be culturally diverse with children flocking from different cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds. Although international schools can be a source of learning for your child with respect to cultural diversity, you must also ensure that your child is able to adjust to a diverse learning environment. You must prioritise your child’s adaptability and willingness to learn new things without any external influence. You can assess your child's adaptability level by reflecting on the following questions:

• Is your child excited about the opportunity to learn about different cultures and languages?
• Is your child comfortable being around people from different backgrounds and respecting them?
• Is your child resilient and able to cope with change?
• Is your child motivated to learn and achieve milestones under new circumstances?

Is your child mature and independent?

International schools are popular for having a more rigorous curriculum than traditional schools and also place a greater emphasis on independent learning. Therefore, you must clearly assess your child’s ability to manage time and learn. Your child must be able to complete the syllabus independently. Furthermore, your child should also be able to make decisions whenever necessary. We have listed a few questions that will help you assess your child’s maturity and independence to start international education.

• Does your child take complete accountability for actions and decisions?
• Is your child thoughtful and considerate before making any decision?
• Can your child handle personal hygiene, belongings, and personal space independently?
• Can your child build positive relationships with other children and teachers?
• Is your child aware of self-safety measures and can keep oneself safe during emergencies?

Can your child learn different languages?

Since the language of instruction at the international school is usually English, your child must be fluent in it to understand the textbooks better. Moreover, the curriculum also demands learning new languages besides the native language. Although learning a new language can be a challenge, it is also an important skill to thrive in this globalised society. Moreover, language proficiency can help children grasp the topics better and break the language barrier. They can also participate in group discussions and interact with peers from different linguistic backgrounds. You can reflect on the following questions to see if your child is ready to learn new languages:

• Is your child curious to learn new languages and be able to communicate with them?
• Has your child ever been exposed to a foreign language through media or books? Did any of those words grab the attention?
• Is your child eager to learn new languages through different methods such as textbooks, audio-visual aids, and others?
• Since learning a new language can be time-consuming, is your child ready to invest time and energy in it?

Way Forward

In conclusion, the surge in international schools is an indicator that people are preferring international education over traditional education. However, this trend doesn't imply that every child is ready to adapt to an international school. As a parent, you must assess your child’s readiness for an international school by evaluating academic preparedness and adaptability to diverse environments. Furthermore, you must also check if your child possesses the maturity and independence to handle the curriculum independently. Besides this, you must also look forward to your child’s interest in learning new languages and mastering effective communication skills. Therefore, by asking these critical questions, you can make an informed decision about your child’s readiness for an international education.

According to a recent survey, the number of international schools has increased from 2,500 to 12,000 in the last decade. The demand for international education is no longer driven by only international expatriates seeking education for their children while relocating. Instead, local parents are now the primary drivers of this demand.

The growing demand of the international CBSE schools could be because the parents want their children to develop a global mindset by breaking the barriers of local education. Since the curriculum in these schools focuses on critical thinking, communication, self-management, research, and social skills, parents believe that such a learning environment is conducive to their children’s overall growth and development. As a result, they are turning to such institutions to prepare their child to face the competitive world with essential skills and knowledge.

Now, let us understand in depth why international CBSE schools are attracting families around the world:

English Proficiency and Global Mobility

International CBSE schools predominantly use English as their primary language of instruction. Proficiency in English is perceived as a pathway to global mobility and accessing better opportunities worldwide. Parents recognise fluency in English as an essential skill for future career success. Therefore, they are adopting this educational structure regardless of their children's chosen location or industry in the future.

Global Recognition and Quality Education

CBSE is a widely recognised Indian educational board known for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive curriculum. International CBSE schools combine the CBSE curriculum with an international perspective. By adopting this approach, the school offers its students a balance between traditional Indian education and global exposure. This unique combination ensures the delivery of quality education that prepares students for both national and international opportunities.

Preparation for Global Universities

International CBSE schools are well-equipped to prepare students for admission to prestigious global universities around the world. As international CBSE schools often incorporate elements of international curricula, alongside the CBSE curriculum, it makes the students fit the eligibility criteria of universities worldwide. Additionally, the CBSE curriculum is recognised by universities worldwide, thus allowing students to easily transition to higher education institutions both in India and abroad. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for families who want their children to have a seamless educational path across countries.

Fosters Cultural Diversity

International CBSE schools attract students from various nationalities and backgrounds. When students from different countries and cultures come together, they bring with them a multitude of perspectives shaped by their unique backgrounds. Through diverse exposure, students are empowered to think beyond their own cultural norms and consider the world in a broader light. Moreover, students have the opportunity to engage in conversations, share experiences, and learn about different traditions and languages. By gaining insights into the values of other communities, students can cultivate empathy and tolerance.

Development of a Global Mindset

One of the fundamental reasons parents choose international education with CBSE curricula is to foster a global mindset in their children. Unlike local education systems that might have limitations, international CBSE schools aim to provide students with a broader perspective and the ability to think critically and challenge social stigma. The school curricula encourage students to think critically and approach subjects from a multidisciplinary perspective, thus promoting independent thought and research skills.

Way Forward

In conclusion, the landscape of education has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years across the world. This trend is evident in India as well, where International CBSE schools have seen remarkable growth over the same period. Parents are now enrolling their children in these institutions to foster critical thinking, research, communication and other essential life skills. The fusion of the Indian CBSE curriculum with international perspectives in these schools addresses this need and prepares the children for the future. Parents strive to secure a competitive advantage for their children across the globe, including India. Thus, international CBSE schools emerge as a bridge between traditional education and the evolving demands of the future.

Are you struggling to find an ideal boarding school for your child’s education? We understand that selecting an ideal boarding school is not an easy decision for you. As each child is different and unique in their skills and cognitive levels, finding the right boarding school can be a difficult process. Sometimes, it takes lots of time and effort to find the boarding school that aligns with your expectations and requirements.

Although the entire process of hunting down the right boarding school may appear difficult, you don’t need to worry because we have your back! To help you find the ideal boarding school for your child, we have listed some vital factors that you must consider!

Reputation and Credibility
While choosing a boarding school you must prioritise the reputation and credibility of the institution over other factors. A reputable boarding school is more likely to have a better track record of academic excellence and will set a strong foundation for your child. Moreover, established institutions often attract skilled and experienced faculty members, which further enhances the quality of education. Therefore, you must do a thorough background check, and assess the rankings of the boarding school before selecting it for your child.

Teachers and Staff
Boarding schools are your child’s home away from home. The time that they will spend at a boarding school should be worthwhile and enriching. The competence and dedication of the teachers play a vital role in the delivery of quality education. Moreover, good teachers often extend emotional support to your child who is living away from home. They act as mentors and contribute to fostering personal growth, confidence, and character development. Therefore, always look out for those boarding schools that are empanelled with good faculty members.

Quality of Education
As your child will spend a lot of time at a boarding school, it is important that they have access to a well-rounded and quality education. When you let your child have access to quality education, it establishes a strong foundation in various subjects and acquires essential skills for their future careers. Boarding schools with quality education encompass more than just having a good academic curriculum. Moreover, an ideal boarding school promotes a holistic learning environment by keeping a balance between academics and extra-curricular activities. This comprehensive approach allows your child to grow intellectually, and also encourages character development, and self-discipline.

Availability of Infrastructure
Since your child will be spending a considerable amount of time in a boarding school, having a proper infrastructure plays an important role in selecting an ideal school. The availability of infrastructure encompasses various physical facilities and amenities that can significantly impact the overall experience and well-being of your child. For instance, the quality of dormitories, common areas, and recreational facilities can impact your child’s overall residential experience. Additionally, access to state-of-the-art facilities like well-equipped classrooms, libraries, science labs, computer labs, and other learning spaces can enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for practical, and hands-on learning.

Fee Structure
The fee structure of a boarding school can significantly impact your decision when choosing the right school for your child. The overall cost of the boarding school, including tuition fees, boarding fees, and other expenses, is a primary consideration when choosing the boarding school. You need to discuss this internally and assess whether the fees are within your budget. You must compare the fees of different boarding schools to find the best option that aligns with your financial situation and expectations.

Way Forward
To summarise, finding the right boarding school for your child can be a challenging task. However, there are vital factors to consider that can make this process easier. By prioritising the reputation and credibility of the school, you will ensure a strong academic foundation. On the other hand, you must consider the competence and dedication of teachers, as they are crucial for your child's personal growth and support. When you choose institutions that offer quality education, your child gets exposure to academics and extracurriculars. Lastly, the fee structure is a significant consideration in finding the right boarding school for your child. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the ideal boarding school that nurtures your child's growth and development.

Are you aware of the fact that the number of international schools in India is increasing rapidly? Currently, India has around 210 international schools, and 156 of these teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Programme. Moreover, recent data from a survey proved the growing popularity of international schools in India, which has significantly increased from 2.5 lac enrollment in 2018 to 3.6 lac enrollment in 2023.

But have you wondered why there has been a sudden popularity of international schools in India? The international curriculum infused within a diverse and multicultural environment allows your children to become more open-minded and adaptable to global society. As parents, one of your biggest concerns is providing a quality education for your children. For many of you, it might be the biggest investment of your life. Hence, choosing the right institution and, most importantly, the right education system could be a stressful journey for you all.

So, to help you in your endeavour, we have a complete guide that will help you understand how your children can benefit from the international schooling system!

Globally-focused Education
As mentioned earlier, international schools offer education that combines the global elements of different curricula under one roof. For example, your children will be studying in an Indian setting, with rich exposure to educational elements from British, American, and other schooling systems. Exposure to such curricula is often suited to the requirements of the global labour market. Additionally, international schools bring together students from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities, which allows your children to understand and appreciate different cultures. This aspect of global education helps develop the personality of your children and contributes to shaping attitudes of tolerance, understanding, and responsibility.

Gateway to the Best Career Options
If you want your children to study at some of the best universities in the world, then studying at an international school is highly recommended. Many universities around the world have recognised the importance of international curricula and their advantages. Due to this global recognition, many students get admitted to top-rated universities and colleges around the world. Moreover, graduating from an international school also enhances the opportunities for your children in the global labour market. The chances of getting noticed by employers increase once they learn that your children have studied an international curriculum. A diploma from an international school prepares your children with specialised knowledge and competence that help them beat the competition over other students.

Effective Evaluation System
International schools often follow a standards-based assessment approach that focuses on measuring students’ mastery of specific learning and skills. This allows your children to progress at their own pace and gain a better understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. Moreover, international schools often emphasise cooperation and personal growth rather than promoting a competitive environment based on student ranking. A lot of stress due to intense competition can be significantly reduced through this approach. Besides this, international schools also provide counselling services, stress management workshops, and many more programmes that are focused on promoting your children’s well-being. By addressing your children’s mental health and emotional needs, international schools create a more conducive learning environment with reduced stress levels.

Promotes Holistic Development
International schools prioritise holistic development by nurturing students' intellectual, emotional, and social growth. The curriculum is designed in a way to promote an inclusive learning environment that values your children’s unique qualities. The comprehensive approach of international schools encompasses a well-rounded and diverse curriculum that includes not only core subjects but also extra-curricular activities like sports, arts, dance, community service, and many more. Exposure to an inclusive and diverse learning environment helps your children thrive academically and emotionally. Moreover, international schools also promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in their teaching methods. Through an emphasis on critical thinking, your children can develop the analytical skills and abilities required to navigate real-world challenges independently in the future.

Way Forward
International schools in India are witnessing a rapid increase in popularity due to several factors. These schools offer a globally-focused education, thereby fostering open-mindedness and adaptability in your children. The diverse and inclusive environment allows your children to appreciate different cultures and develop attitudes of tolerance and responsibility. Moreover, international schools, especially those offering the IBDP curriculum, provide a gateway to prestigious universities worldwide. These schools prioritise holistic development, nurturing intellectual, emotional, and social growth through a well-rounded curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking. Overall, the rising popularity of international schools in India reflects their ability to prepare students for success in an interconnected world.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
We all must have heard this proverb at least once in our lifetime. Its power lies in its reminder to strike a balance between work and play, avoiding the pitfall of monotony and diminished effectiveness. This wisdom extends to our children, urging us to ensure they don't solely focus on academics but also immerse themselves in various sports. Sports act as an important channel for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth, shaping well-rounded individuals. From honing strategic thinking on the field to fostering companionship and resilience, sports enrich their lives in myriad ways. Let's embrace this wisdom, empowering the next generation to excel academically and thrive in the realm of play. Their bright and vibrant future awaits, driven by the harmonious interplay of work and play.

We have listed down the importance with respect to each growth factor, which will help you understand the importance of sports.

Promotes Physical Health and Fitness

By engaging in sports activities, children perform regular physical exercise, which is essential for their overall health and fitness. Participating in sports helps children improve their cardiovascular health, develop strong muscles and bones, enhance motor skills, and maintain healthy body weight. It also reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related diseases.

Enhances Motor Skills

We all know that performing sports activities requires the inclusion of various movements, coordination, and balance. Participating in sports contributes to the overall development of motor skills in children. By engaging in different kinds of sports activities, children enhance their agility, speed, endurance, and overall body control. These motor skills are transferable to other activities in their daily lives, such as playing, dancing, and even academic tasks.

Facilitates Social Interaction and Teamwork

When children engage in different sports, it provides them with opportunities to interact with their peers, coaches, and officials. This social interaction builds the foundation of teamwork, cooperation, communication, and sportsmanship. They learn how to work together towards a common goal, respect rules, and handle both success and failure graciously. Moreover, children learn to trust their teammates to achieve victory, thereby building a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Builds Self-Confidence and Self-esteem

By engaging in sports, children build their self-confidence and develop a positive self-image. This happens when they learn to acquire new skills, improve their performance, and achieve personal goals while playing. Furthermore, by being part of a team and receiving recognition for their efforts and accomplishments, it also boosts their confidence, helps them overcome challenges, and develops a sense of self-worth.

Master's Discipline and Time Management

Sports require discipline, commitment, and regular practice. By participating in sports, children learn the importance of setting goals and managing their time effectively. As sports demand a significant time commitment, children learn to manage their schedules efficiently by allocating time for practices, competitions, academics, and personal responsibilities. Accountability in team sports teaches children the importance of showing up on time and being reliable, reinforcing discipline and punctuality.

Fosters Mental and Emotional Well-being

When children actively engage themselves in sports, they improve their mental and emotional health through various mechanisms. Physical activity is known to release endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These hormones can elevate moods and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Regular participation in sports allows children to experience these positive effects, promoting a sense of happiness and overall well-being. Sports also provide a healthy outlet for emotions, allowing children to manage their complex feelings, cope with challenges, and develop resilience in hard times.

Initiates Lifelong Habits and a Healthy Lifestyle

Active involvement in sports from a young age promotes healthy lifelong habits and lifestyles in children. They learn the importance of maintaining good physical health and continue practising it when they become adults. When children are exposed to good physical activity from childhood itself, they tend to stay active even into adulthood, reaping the long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, they learn the art of staying disciplined, maintaining a healthy balance between responsibilities, and setting achievable goals. All of these attributes contribute to instilling lifelong healthy habits and lifestyles in children.

Way Forward

To summarise, engaging in sports offers a plethora of benefits for young minds. They promote physical health and fitness, enhance motor skills, facilitate social interaction and teamwork, and foster discipline while boosting self-confidence. Moreover, sports schools contribute significantly to the mental and emotional well-being of children. The children adopt lifelong habits and a healthy lifestyle that set the foundation for a fulfilling and well-rounded life. Encouraging children to embrace sports alongside their academic pursuits ensures their holistic development, leading them towards a brighter and healthier future.