Choosing a school for your little one in Gurugram can feel like navigating a maze of options, especially with so many excellent academic boards on offer. Each board paints a different picture of learning, and understanding their nuances – as that of the school – is key to finding the perfect fit for your child’s unique personality and future aspirations.
But before we dive into the specifics, let’s address two crucial points:
First, it’s important to know that all recognized school education boards used in India, including Cambridge International (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate (IB), CBSE, and ICSE, are aligned with and approved by India’s upgraded National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The NEP is rather modern – and it aims to transform the Indian education system, focusing on holistic development, critical thinking, experiential learning, and flexibility. While each board has its distinct approach, they all operate within the broader framework and spirit of the NEP, ensuring a commitment to quality education.
Second, and perhaps even more vital than the board itself, is the quality and commitment of the specific school and its teachers. A brilliant curriculum can only go so far without the delivery apparatus – especially passionate and skilled educators to bring it to an impactful school.
The best teachers can make any curriculum engaging and impactful, while a less committed staff, even with a renowned board, might leave your child feeling disengaged. So, as you explore the academic boards, remember to look beyond the brochure, its infrastructure and delve deeper into the heart of the school – its faculty!
WHAT ARE THE PROS & CONS OF VARIOUS ACADEMIC CURRICULAM BOARDS – IN USE BY THE MAIN GOOD SCHOOLS IN GURUGRAM?
Let’s review in short the pros and cons of the most prominent academic boards in Gurugram:
1. CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL (IGCSE)
The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a globally recognized qualification, popular for its international perspective and emphasis on critical thinking.
Presence in India and Gurugram: Cambridge International has a significant and growing presence in India, with over 800 Cambridge International Schools across the country, and over 10000 across 160 countries. In Gurugram, you’ll find a more selective number, with around 6-13 schools offering the Cambridge/IGCSE curriculum. This often means greater focus, smaller class sizes and more personalized attention.
Pros:
- Global Recognition: Developed decades ago – by a globally top ranked UK based university – its respected & accepted by top universities worldwide, making it an excellent choice if you foresee your child pursuing higher education abroad (and its well respected/accepted across colleges /universities in India as well).
- Focus on Application and Critical Thinking: Less rote learning, more emphasis on practical knowledge, problem-solving, and analytical skills, aligning rather well with global best practices & NEP’s push for skill-based learning.
- Subject Flexibility: Students have a wide range of subjects to choose from, allowing for personalized learning paths.
- Skill Development: Encourages research, communication, and independent thinking – key 21st-century skills.
- Cambridge International offers specialised curriculums for early years, primary, lower secondary, IGCSE & also programs for higher school & college years too.
Cons:
- Can be Rigorous: The curriculum is a bit demanding and requires dedication and a strong grasp of concepts (is respected & considered as a more rigorous International curriculum). It’s often considered more challenging than CBSE.
- Cost: Generally, Cambridge-affiliated schools tend to have higher fees compared to Indian boards.
- Less Direct Alignment with Indian Competitive Exams: While globally recognized, it doesn’t specifically align with the syllabi of Indian competitive exams like JEE or NEET, which might require additional preparation – although the core foundational skills of your child become rather strong.
2. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, developed by a Switzerland based organisation – is renowned for its holistic, inquiry-based learning approach, fostering well-rounded global citizens. IB offers programs for different age groups: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP).
Presence in India and Gurugram: India is home to a substantial number of IB World Schools, with approximately 240-245 schools nationwide offering one or more IB programs. In Gurugram, you’ll find a a number of IB schools, estimated to be around 13-20, concentrated in various sectors.
Pros:
- Holistic Development: Focuses on intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth through interdisciplinary learning and extracurricular activities (Creativity, Activity, Service – CAS), a core tenet of the NEP.
- Global Mindset: Encourages intercultural understanding and critical thinking about global issues.
- University Preparation: Excellent preparation for higher education, especially in international universities, with a strong emphasis on research and independent learning.
- Less Exam-Oriented (DP): While rigorous, the IB Diploma Programme includes coursework, projects, and extended essays, reducing the sole reliance on final exams, reflecting NEP’s move away from high-stakes exams.
Cons:
- High Demanding Curriculum: The program is comprehensive and requires a significant commitment from students.
- Expensive: IB schools are typically the most expensive among the options in Gurugram.
- Limited Subject Choice at DP Level: While subjects are flexible, the DP mandates a specific structure with selections from various subject groups.
- Not Directly Aligned with Indian Competitive Exams: Similar to IGCSE, it may require extra effort for students aiming for Indian competitive entrance tests.
3. CBSE (CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION)
CBSE is the most popular national board in India, known for its standardized curriculum and widespread presence.
Presence in India and Gurugram: CBSE boasts the largest network of schools in India, with over 28,960 schools across the country. In Gurugram, the choices are abundant, with over 340 CBSE schools available, offering a wide range of options in terms of fees and facilities.
Its historical popularity stemmed from the earlier – class 12 marks led admission system – in colleges, which since the emergence of CUET and admission tests for UG college admissions in India/abroad , has got diluted a bit – as core learning/abilities now are far more important than class 12 marks.
Pros:
- Standardized Curriculum: A uniform syllabus across the country makes it easy for students to transfer schools if parents have transferable jobs.
- Feeds into Indian Competitive Exams: The curriculum is well-aligned with the syllabi of major Indian competitive exams like JEE (Engineering) and NEET (Medical).
- Focus on STEM: Traditionally emphasizes Science and Mathematics, providing a strong foundation in these areas.
- Wider Availability: A vast network of CBSE schools across Gurugram and India means more options and often more affordable fees.
- Evolving Approach: While traditionally structured and exam-oriented, CBSE has been actively incorporating skill-based subjects and continuous evaluation in line with the NEP’s recommendations.
Cons:
- Historically Less Emphasis on Application/Critical Thinking: While evolving, historically the focus has been more on theoretical knowledge and rote learning, though NEP aims to shift this.
- Less Global Exposure (Historically): The curriculum is primarily India-centric, which might be a drawback for students aspiring to study abroad from an early age, though CBSE is also gradually developing a global curriculum to address this.
- Less Flexibility in Subject Choices: Compared to international boards, subject options can be more limited.
4. ICSE (INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION)
ICSE, managed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), is another prominent national board known for its comprehensive and in-depth syllabus.
Presence in India and Gurugram: The CISCE has over 2,750-3,100 affiliated schools in India and abroad. In Gurugram, the number of ICSE schools is smaller than CBSE, with around 19-20 schools offering this curriculum.
Pros:
- Comprehensive and Detailed Syllabus: Covers a vast array of subjects with relatively equal importance given to languages, arts, and sciences, fostering a well-rounded knowledge base.
- Strong English Proficiency: Places a somewhat stronger emphasis on English language and literature, fostering excellent communication skills.
- Holistic Education: Encourages analytical thinking, problem-solving, and a broader understanding of subjects, aligning with NEP’s emphasis on critical thinking.
- Good for Foundation: Provides a strong academic foundation, suitable for students who appreciate in-depth learning.
Cons:
- Vast Syllabus: The extensive syllabus can sometimes lead to higher academic pressure and more study load for students.
- Tough Grading: Often perceived to have a more rigorous grading system.
- Less Direct Alignment with Indian Competitive Exams: While providing a strong foundation, its syllabus isn’t as tailored for specific Indian competitive exams as CBSE.
- Fewer Schools than CBSE: While there are good ICSE schools in Gurugram, their network is smaller compared to CBSE.
BEYOND THE CURRICULUM: THE SCHOOL’S IMPACT
While understanding the academic boards is crucial, remember that the actual quality of education your child receives hinges significantly on the individual school’s delivery. The school’s operations, philosophy, its learning environment, and most importantly, the quality and commitment of its teachers are paramount.
- Teacher Quality: Highly qualified, experienced, and passionate teachers are the backbone of any good school. They go beyond the syllabus, inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and provide personalized attention. Look for schools that invest in continuous professional development for their teachers and have a low teacher turnover rate.
- Teaching Methodology: How the curriculum is taught matters as much as what is taught. Does the school promote interactive learning, project-based activities, and hands-on experiences? Does it encourage a growth mindset and celebrate effort as much as achievement?
- Learning Environment: A positive, supportive, and inclusive school environment where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore is vital for their overall development.
- Infrastructure and Resources: While not the sole deciding factor, good infrastructure, well-equipped libraries, science labs, and sports facilities can significantly enhance the learning experience.
SO HOW DO I AS A PARENT CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH?: WHAT TO CONSIDER
- Your Child’s Learning Style: Does your child thrive in a structured, exam-oriented environment (CBSE)? Or do they prefer inquiry-based, hands-on learning (IB, Cambridge)? Are they detail-oriented and enjoy comprehensive studies (ICSE)?
- Future Aspirations: If higher education abroad is a strong possibility, IB or Cambridge might offer a smoother transition. If your child is set on competitive exams in India (JEE/NEET), CBSE often provides a direct advantage – although the strong foundational grounding of the Cambridge International is good too.
- School Culture. The peer group at school may impact you significantly – dear parent – as also your child – in the number of years of schooling – so choose a school carefully – where the school culture/peer group aligns with yours – so the child is not getting pulled psychologically between different cultures daily.
- Financial Considerations: International boards typically come with higher fees. IB schools may be the most expensive.
- Location and School Ethos: Visit the schools, observe the environment, and speak to teachers and other parents. A school’s culture and values should align with your families.
- Your Child’s Interests: Does the board and school offer sufficient avenues for your child’s talents, be it in sports, arts, or other co-curricular activities?
Ultimately, there’s no single “best” board. The ideal choice is the one that best suits your child’s personality, learning style, and your family’s long-term goals. Do your research, ask questions, and most importantly, involve your child in the discussion to empower them on their educational journey!
Also don’t choose the best board/school –in a distant part across the city. – not worth it!
The daily to and fro travel ( 2-3 hours daily is lots of waste ) can sap your child of precious time to practice & play daily.
A good – neighbourhood school – with a good Board / curriculum backing – is better for you and your child – than the distant ‘best’ school.
And so please don’t get tense about choosing the best school now itself.
ITS IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE THAT ITS EASY TO SHIFT SCHOOLS IN GURGAON – AS OVERALL GURGAON – HAS SOME EXCESS CAPACITY ACROSS SCHOOLS.
And since there is always some migration of people in/out of Gurgaon – most schools will usually have a seat or two spare at any time – from some family who has moved out. So, if you make your intention clear to the school, and your ward has got reasonable academic/development skills for his/her age & grade and you are willing to wait for a few weeks/months – you will most likely get admission in your target school.
So no need to fret, stress or get anxious (in Gurgaon at least) dear parent – about school admissions. Join a good neighbourhood school/curriculam for now – and let your child grow over the 15 years of schooling – you can always switch schools more than once/twice or more in Gurgaon to meet your /your child’s evolving needs across the primary, middle & high school grades.
So many people move into Gurgaon every year – with kids in different age brackets – who all somehow manage their kids admissions. So if they can – you who are already living here can easily switch too.
SO IN SUMMARY – JUST LOOK FOR A GOOD QUALITY ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL’ – IN YOUR FOUNDATIONAL OR PRIMARY GRADES – SO YOUR CHILD’S CORE – FOUNDATION IS BUILT STRONG – WITHOUT WASTING TIME IN DAILY NEEDLESS/WASTEFUL TRAVEL TO A FANCIER DISTANT SCHOOL.
What are your thoughts, fellow Gurugram parents? Have you reflected on these key points or are grappling with this matter?
Do share your views, experiences and insights in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile enjoy developing your child at a good neighborhood school, home and outdoors
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air, too.
Why – the Sixth Element School?
The Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – crucial for children’s development – as we nurture and prepare them for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in the school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done to instill values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right and wrong is often discussed in its many facets. Discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and community service and fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility.
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW, we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rainwater harvesting, recycling, etc.
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher, helps build self-esteem. Students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience by setting and achieving goals.
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’ School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green, airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning and nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become successful individuals and equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes to lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low-density, impactful format.
The reason why we chose the Cambridge International curriculum is that the blend of teacher-directed as well as learner-self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – whether based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon’ activities enriched’ daycare centres are unique, exclusive, compact neighborhood green campuses – where many outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) occur with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only two sections per class grade – and minimal children on campus allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high-quality, committed teachers – the backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the proper methods and practices. For example, our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with fit Kids, our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches gives our school kids a great foundational fitness start.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLLOUT IN INDIA NOW.
So, in line with some of India’s top and the best globally, we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the schoolchildren love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
