In our years of experience in the education world, we have noticed that if there’s one thing that’s common with almost all 21st-century parents, it is their will to make their children navigate the vast ocean of choices and emerge as really successful beings. To that end, one of the most important decisions parents need to make is picking the right school with the right kind of education board for their kids.
Since the education board dictates the direction, curriculum, and pace of learning, it greatly influences children’s education journey and future. While the Indian education landscape offers numerous excellent choices, like CBSE, ICSE, state boards, etc., the popularity of IGCSE has soared significantly in recent years.
IGCSE is an internationally recognized curriculum designed by CAIE. The board is designed to help students focus more on gaining knowledge at a global scale and doesn’t overemphasize solely marks. If you want your child to study abroad in the future or work overseas in countries like the USA, the UK, Australia, etc., the IGCSE board can nurture them better.
We at Excelsior American School is the Good CBSE Schools in Gurgaon, ranked among the leading IGCSE schools in Gurgaon, chose to offer an IGCSE curriculum at our school because of its robust structure and greater international acceptability by colleges and employers. If you’re on the fence about choosing IGCSE over other boards, this article will help you make an informed decision. After analyzing countless student success stories, we found the IGSCE board played a crucial role in their journey and stood out in the following aspects.
-
Comprehensive and Balanced Curriculum
IGCSE stands out because it focuses on developing conceptual understanding, not rote memorization. In fact, this one principle contributed significantly to the success of Nirbhay Thacker, Gujrat’s youngest engineer. He cleared classes 8-10 within six months and classes 11-12 in merely three months. Nirbhay even became Gujrat’s youngest engineer at 15 because he was enrolled in an IGCSE school. According to Nirbhay, this board permitted fast learners like him to complete schooling in a short time span.
As students learning in the IGCSE board get to focus more on understanding concepts, mechanisms, processes, etc., over rote memorization, success comes naturally to them. The board inculcates critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving and promotes a deeper understanding of subjects, making them stand out among the crowd. Students are also allowed to choose a range of subjects that help them develop a multifaceted skill set that aligns with their interests.
-
Globally Recognized Credentials
We at Excelsior American School believe global acceptability is another top factor behind the board’s rapid popularity. Since IGCSE certificates are globally accepted by universities for higher studies and employers for work purposes, it opens floodgates of opportunities. This recognition can be beneficial for students who plan to study abroad in the future or apply for jobs in countries like the UK, USA, Australia, etc.
Since the board follows a standardized curriculum and assessment system at all institutes worldwide, students receive consistent education quality regardless of their geographical location. It makes it easier for IGCSE board students to transition between different same-board schools within the same or a different country.
-
Emphasis on Independent Learning
The IGCSE board is known for its special focus on nurturing self-reliance in students. The goal is to make students their own teacher, preparing them for a lifelong learning journey. Students in this board are taught effective ways to learn and thrive through independent study. While teachers are there for constant support, they try not to make students dependent on them.
It encourages students to take ownership of their education journey. They are taught to set realistic education goals and how to achieve them. Besides, the board also focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals by instilling strong work ethics, research capabilities, confidence to navigate challenges, strong communication skills, and much more.
-
Holistic Assessment Methods
Another reason that makes IGCSE stand out is its assessment methods. Unlike traditional boards, IGCSE assessments are designed to test students’ conceptual understanding, not their memorization capability. Numerous practical assessments gauge students’ level of understanding of a particular subject or concept, ensuring they focus more on deep understanding and not mere memorization.
These assessments help students apply their knowledge to real-life situations, preparing them for future challenges in their education journey and beyond. The IGCSE board follows a three-tier grading system: distinction, merit, and pass. As one of the leading IGCSE schools in Gurgaon, we at Excelsior American School have seen how the grading system followed by IGCSE eventually shifts students’ focus from scoring good marks to gaining clarity and developing a better understanding of the taught subjects. This is pretty much visible in the growth they register in different walks of life.
Conclusion
Choosing the right education board is like picking the right vehicle for your child’s long voyage. You cannot risk making a wrong decision. Every board has some benefits and limitations, so ensure you thoroughly understand what the board offers and where it falls short. IGCSE has emerged as one of the most popular choices among parents and students because of its unique curriculum, teaching directives, pace, etc. Especially if your kids want to go overseas for further studies and jobs, IGCSE certification can give them a competitive edge. It will also ensure the students evolve into true learners capable of achieving success in all areas of life.
