Things every ICSE Student comes across and is proud of it.
Whenever I let it slip that I passed 10th from a school affiliated to ICSE board, 10 out of 10 times I get responses
like, “Woah, no doubt you are smart”, or “Oh scholar, topping comes easy to you”. Although these statements
are assumptions, (My batch topper in college is a CBSE pass out) keeping marks aside, I do get the feeling that,
my skills, confidence and personality draw more attention than those of my counterparts in college. All of which
I owe to my high school education.
like, “Woah, no doubt you are smart”, or “Oh scholar, topping comes easy to you”. Although these statements
are assumptions, (My batch topper in college is a CBSE pass out) keeping marks aside, I do get the feeling that,
my skills, confidence and personality draw more attention than those of my counterparts in college. All of which
I owe to my high school education.
Here are top reasons why I blush with pride every time I am asked- “Have you passed out of ICSE Board?”
1.English skills
The command over the English language, both spoken and written, was challenging to master. The
several grammar assignments, compositions, critical analysis of poems, and in-depth study of
Shakespeare’s plays are an integral part of the ICSE parcel. An ICSE student’s vocabulary and speaking
skills never fail to impress.
several grammar assignments, compositions, critical analysis of poems, and in-depth study of
Shakespeare’s plays are an integral part of the ICSE parcel. An ICSE student’s vocabulary and speaking
skills never fail to impress.
- Sound knowledge base
ICSE syllabus is more comprehensive and detailed than any other board’s curriculum. It exposes students
to a diverse range of topics, and thoroughly expands the general knowledge base. It encourages critical
analysis of the work at hand, may it be a math problem, a character sketch, or debating over the validity
of the world wars.
to a diverse range of topics, and thoroughly expands the general knowledge base. It encourages critical
analysis of the work at hand, may it be a math problem, a character sketch, or debating over the validity
of the world wars.
3. All-round development
The level of competitions is fairly high, and works wonders to the confidence and proactive skills. Equal
weightage is given to Arts, Science and Languages; incorporation of subjects like SUPW (Socially Useful
Productive Work), Art, Craft and Moral Science ensure development of an all-round personality. Sports is
also given due importance, with compulsory PE periods integrated within the time-table, apart from inter
ICSE competitions in hockey, basketball, football and other sports. I also remember having periodic fitness
tests- push-ups,-high jumps, skipping and running as a stamina and endurance test.
weightage is given to Arts, Science and Languages; incorporation of subjects like SUPW (Socially Useful
Productive Work), Art, Craft and Moral Science ensure development of an all-round personality. Sports is
also given due importance, with compulsory PE periods integrated within the time-table, apart from inter
ICSE competitions in hockey, basketball, football and other sports. I also remember having periodic fitness
tests- push-ups,-high jumps, skipping and running as a stamina and endurance test.
4. Conquered the ‘mountain’
Studying in an ICSE board is seen as a virtue of the brave, as the vast curriculum requires hard work and
determination to master. I feel somewhat proud to have conquered something which is generally considered
”tough”, that too with distinction.
determination to master. I feel somewhat proud to have conquered something which is generally considered
”tough”, that too with distinction.
5. Work first, reward later
6. Used to scoring less
7.Board Exam scores
Our syllabus, though vast, was neatly divided- the 9th grade and half of 10th grade coursework were combined
and taught in 9th grade itself. 10th grade was spent on practice and wholesome understanding, along with doubt
clearance. This is a common norm followed by reputed ICSE schools for good board exam results. It reduced
the burden of “THE crucial 10th”, keeping us relaxed during the Board exams.
and taught in 9th grade itself. 10th grade was spent on practice and wholesome understanding, along with doubt
clearance. This is a common norm followed by reputed ICSE schools for good board exam results. It reduced
the burden of “THE crucial 10th”, keeping us relaxed during the Board exams.
6. Used to scoring less
Our teachers were trained to be miserly in awarding marks. We would score 70% and 80%, while our friends
from other school boards always seemed to have no less than 90%.
from other school boards always seemed to have no less than 90%.
7.Board Exam scores
ICSE board is known to liberally award marks in the board exams. Although preparation demands perseverance
and hard work, cracking the exam is a breeze. With toppers scoring 99%, getting a score above 90% is simple,
unlike other state boards.
and hard work, cracking the exam is a breeze. With toppers scoring 99%, getting a score above 90% is simple,
unlike other state boards.
8. Respect
Being an ICSE pass-out, you will never fail to inspire respect. As my opening line suggests, you are already a
step above your colleagues from other boards.
step above your colleagues from other boards.
9. Hard work becomes a habit
Struggling to match up to the syllabus, ICSE students will never shy away from hard work; always willing totake the extra mile. This doesn’t stop at schooling, it reflects throughout life.