Evolution of School Education System in India

The recognised schools across India are affiliated to either state boards, or the centralised CBSE, ICSE/ISC, IGCSE Boards. All of these have their own unique approach to develop students’ skills in different subjects.

While the awareness on courses offered under modern education courses such as Primary year programme, Middle year programme, IB diploma programme, ICSE and CBSE is increasing, not many know about the roots of education system in the country.

India has earned a special repute for the contributions made by its scholars to significant discoveries and inventions. One of the first major mathematician astronomers, Aryabhata, believed to be born in 476 CE, was the author of several treaties that still have practical scientific applications around the world. And the oldest known and formal education system was the Gurukul System where the teacher and students lived together in a natural habitat. The students were taught philosophy, religious text, arts, science, political administration and martial techniques.

Guru was the central entity in a gurukul and students showed their gratification towards their teachers (guru) by helping them in daily chores. However, a prime flaw of this education setup was that only Brahmins and royal Kshatriyas had rights to education. The lower strata of the community was not imparted any kind of knowledge.

In the medieval period, Vedic schools and madarsaas were common medium of education. The modern system of education in India was introduced by the British. Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay formally brought the English language to schools in 1830s. Other subjects taught included science, maths, history, geography and civics. The British eliminated subjects such as philosophy and metaphysics, considering them unnecessary for school education. Teaching was mainly confined to classrooms.

The education system was subsequently influenced by different institutions. In the second half of the 19th century, Swami Vivekanand’s Rama Krishna Mission and Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott's Theosophical Society of India endeavoured to combine the western model of education with the congenial oriental knowledge. Their aim was to inspire young Indian minds and help them gain universal acceptance. In the same period, education in many institutions also became free and it was everyone’ prerogative without the discrimination of religion, caste or creed.

Today, the education system of India has culminated into courses prescribed by CBSE Board, ICSE / ISC Board and more recently, the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. An IB curriculum school in Gurugram focuses on all round development of children by prescribing a mix of theoretical and practical education with sports, extracurricular activities and community development programmes.

The best IB schools of Gurugram are also known for their discipline and the enthusiasm of students in observing different events. It may be Independence Day or Diwali, Teachers’ Day or Yoga Day, the children plan and execute functions with full fervour. They participate actively in debates and dramatics which in turn build their confidence for a professional life.

If your child studies in one of these IB schools, ensure that she makes the most of available opportunities and interacts with all her classmates to learn and grow with confidence.

Author bio - The Gurgaon based campus of Amity Global School received its first batch of students in 2008 and has been helping young scholars imbibe the virtues of education year after year. A disciplined approach to academics, sports and extra-curricular activities is the hallmark of the institution.

Michael harley is a writer at Search Engine.