Harry Potter comes to ICSE schools
English literature classes in ICSE schools are getting a very contemporary makeover. The most popular books of present times like the Harry Potter series will be making it to the syllabus of the junior and middle-school students of ICSE schools. This has been recommended by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination and will come into effect from academic year 2017-2018.
Council of Indian School Certificate Examination
The Council of Indian School Certificate Examination conducts ICSE and ISC board examinations in India; it's a private, non-governmental board of school education. The Council unveiled a new curriculum for ICSE schools in Lucknow on Wednesday. Comprehensive and significant changes were made particularly with respect to English literature courses. Changes to curriculum of subjects like history-civics, mathematics and physics have also been proposed.
Other key curriculum changes
Courses such as mass media and communication will also be introduced as elective subjects for ICSE and ISC students. Modifications in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics will be done keeping in context engineering and medical examinations in India.
A refreshing change in store for children
In addition to reading Harry Potter, students can expect to find even graphic novels like Amar Chitra Katha to Tintin and Asterix. Students from the 3rd to the 8th grade will have the opportunity to study American cartoonist Art Spiegel man's Holocaust saga 'Maus'. The syllabus will also include P G Wodehouse collection for those who enjoy humorous reading.
There's something for the little ones too!
Reportedly, young children in Class 1 - 3 will be introduced to 'Noddy' created by the English fictional author Enid Blyton; television shows based on Noddy have been telecast on TV since the 1950s.
Why the overhaul in the syllabus?
Gerry Arathoon, the Chief of the Council of Indian School Certificate Examination explains that the syllabus overhaul is to prepare future generations for a "dynamically-changing environment". He also explained that it was imperative to equip children with a repertoire of skills and a positive attitude. According to Arathoon the revised curriculum would cater to a "diverse range of individual differences, intelligence and abilities."
