Is CBSE important? What is it?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national level board of education system in India. CBSE is considered one of the most preferred boards amongst parents, and is established as a renowned academic system, having more than 20,000 schools associated with the board across 25 countries, including Singapore. A stepstone after middle school, CBSE uses an approach to holistic education allowing students to focus effectively on academics whilst pursuing their interests in sports and extracurricular activities.

What is CBSE?

CBSE provides quality education designed to help students develop analytical skills. The curriculum, teaching materials and methods are created with students’ well-being in mind, and is standardised across the globe. Indian international schools in Singapore offering interdisciplinary teaching to every CBSE student. It is an opportunity to simultaneously apply knowledge, principles, and values to academic subjects.

Skills instilled by CBSE Board

The CBSE curriculum makes use of innovative pedagogy to ensure a joyful learning experience.

Here’s what you can expect your child to pick up under the CBSE curriculum:

Lifelong learning skills
Lifelong learning enhances students’ understanding of the world around them, providing them with better opportunities and personal growth. Teachers in CBSE schools tend to encourage lifelong learning skills through:
- Critical thinking
  CBSE students are encouraged to apply their best thinking practices into any situation by asking questions, and exploring all sides of an issue. Through critical thinking, students can identify the problems posed, before building logical and persuasive arguments.
- Creative thinking
  Unlike conventional teaching methods, CBSE teaching method encourages the students to take a creative approach towards learning. This gives students the freedom to explore their surroundings as well as stimulating their imaginative thinking skills.
- Communication skills
  Good communication skills are vital in any stage of life. The teachers are trained to present teaching materials in a systematic manner, allowing students to practise active listening skills and positive body language skills. This results in them forging better relationships with their peers.
- Teamwork
  One of the most important aspects students can learn in school is working together as a team. Not only does teamwork strengthen social skills, it also increases individual self-esteem levels, allowing students to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, they are also exposed to a variety of perspectives and improve their negotiating skills.
Interpersonal Skills
Be it in school or at home, Interpersonal skills are essential for creating and maintaining relationships. Students with good interpersonal skills tend to be good at building healthy relationships with their classmates. Teachers also encourage students to take initiatives and step out of their comfort zone to be leaders at something they are passionate about, or good at. The other skills include developing a sense of self-awareness. Self-awareness helps students to be reflective of their behaviour, as well as accept criticisms and understand the feelings of others.
Information Literacy
Students are also taught information literacy skills in CBSE schools. Information literacy refers to the technological and media skills necessary for locating, evaluating, and using information from a range of sources. With a wealth of information available online, it may be difficult to tell the difference between real or fake news. Hence, by encouraging information literacy in students, they are able to ask better questions and evaluate various media sources to seek answers. Combined with critical thinking skills, this nurtures students to be confident individuals and effective contributors.

The AISSCE is a higher qualification studied by students between Grades 11 and 12 over two years in CBSE schools. Placing more emphasis on Math and Science subjects (Accountancy, Economics, Physics, and Chemistry) than Language, the CBSE curriculum is favoured mostly by students looking to pursue a career in engineering or medicine. Results achieved by students in the AISSCE are used by universities for admission considerations.

Benefits of CBSE Curriculum

Besides being the national curriculum of India, there are other benefits to choosing the CBSE curriculum for your child. Here are some reasons:

1. Standardised curriculum

Not only does the syllabus offered by CBSE prepare students for university admissions and entrance exams, it also follows the guideline of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This provides students with a uniform structure, allowing them to study and develop skills simultaneously, ultimately better prepare them for a successful transition to higher education. Due to the standardisation of curriculum and teaching materials, it is easier for students to continue pursuing their studies in foreign schools should their families decide to relocate.

2. Holistic approach

CBSE schools in Singapore devise a student-friendly approach through the introduction of effective teaching and learning methodologies. Besides providing students with academic knowledge, students also apply skills learnt in the classroom to real-world challenges.

3. Ease of admission

Due to the nature of its curriculum, CBSE examinations enable students to use critical thinking skills as well as a deep understanding of global issues to tackle questions. It provides CBSE students an advantage when they sit for a university entrance exam. Furthermore, most engineering and medicine entrance exams are based on the CBSE syllabus, providing these students with an advantage in answering the questions.

In conclusion
CBSE covers a broad range of subjects using innovative and holistic approaches to achieve academic excellence. Synchronising academics with skills subjects and extracurricular activities, CBSE is a board that aims to improve every student’s overall development and skill sets.

Having been in the education industry for six decades, NPS International School is one of the top Indian international schools in Singapore offering CBSE to students, ultimately facilitating their entry into the world's leading universities. Contact our Admission Team at 6294 2400 to find out more about NPSI enrolment or visit our website: Top International School Singapore | NPS International School