Reshma Ravishanker

In a move that could ease learning for ISC students, the Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is introducing two levels of Mathematics and English syllabus for students following the ISC curriculum (classes 11 and 12).

This was among the announcements made by the board officials during a meeting with ISCE and ISC school principals from across Karnataka in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Joseph Emmanuel, chief executive and secretary, CISCE said that the board is considering implementing the same form the next academic year itself.

“We need to provide learning opportunities tuned to the needs of the learner. One suggestion I got from across the country at meeting school heads was that our language curriculum was one of high proficiency. Everyone need not have the same proficiency level in English. Those who are opting for English literature, humanities or similar careers, they require to study literature of a higher standard. Someone aiming for medical, engineering or architecture need not be so proficient. Focus must be on other subject areas. Principals have asked us to develop an English course for this set of learners.

“Similarly, with mathematics, those wanting to study engineering, pure sciences or mathematics itself can study mathematics of a higher level. Children aspiring to pursue medicine don’t need the same syllabus. There can be different levels in subjects catering to different skill sets,” he added.

Emmanuel sought schools to brace themselves for changes to be able to adopt to the recommendations of the NEP 2020. To enable the same, he recommended that schools also introduce new subjects to cater to the demands of learners.

“We are going for a 360 degree change to prepare ourselves and teachers. Continuous dialogue must happen between teachers and parents to understand the pulse of parents,” Emmanuel added.  

Meanwhile, Vani, principal from Tapovan School, expressing a similar concern said that as against ICSE, ISC schools have been lagging and that there is a high dropout rate (moving out to PU colleges or CBSE affiliated schools). “Language is one concern. It is very high compared to the market norm. We could have two levels- one as a working English and an advanced course material for those students aspiring to pursue a course in literature. Similar with respect to mathematics,” she urged.

Also read: CISCE board to set assessment papers for classes 3, 5 and 8