Now, students from international schools will study contemporary Indian politics, Bollywood and several topics that were never a part of their academics. The international board is all set for a revamp of curriculum from this academic year with the introduction of three new subjects.
The Cambridge International Examination (CIE) which offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) has introduced three new subjects and skill-based courses — India studies, global perspectives and IGCSE enterprise, from this year. "Our syllabus is revised each year based on the feedback we receive from schools and examiners," said Ian Chambers, CIE's regional manager, South Asia. "The new subjects aim to help students cultivate the habit of critical thinking, promote cross cultural awareness as well as equip them with entrepreneurial skills."
Adding a local twist to its otherwise international course, the IGCSE has introduced India studies, which was designed and piloted for three years. The course will deal with contemporary events and will broadly cover events in India post-1991. The cross-disciplinary course will include topics such as the Kashmir conflict, women's rights and Bollywood's influence on society.
The global perspectives course will look at global themes and issues to promote cross-cultural awareness.
Speaking about the IGCSE enterprise course, Chambers said, "Students will set up and run an enterprise, applying classroom learning to a real business environment.”
According to Chambers, NSS Hill Spring, Tardeo, Vibgyor High, Goregaon, SVKM International School, Ghatkopar had indicated their interest in introducing the subjects.
However, some schools aren't sure of the students' interest. "These are well designed courses, but they aren't very popular as they do not fit into the conventional structure,” said Abha Dharam Pal, principal Utpal Sanghvi School, Juhu.
According to Sudeshna Chatterjee, principal of Jamnabai Narsee
School, the new courses will help IGCSE students align themselves with their counterparts in ICSE and SSC.
“Courses like India studies help students in respecting their local history and in rooting themselves,” Chatterjee said.
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