Most schools usually aim to finish the Class X and XII syllabus by the month of October. While students say it is too quick, schools justify the move saying it gives them ample time for revision.

“We set a target of about four months to complete the syllabus. This gives the students not only sufficient time for self study, the lessons can be revised in the school as well,” says Rakesh Sachdeva, principal, DAV Model School, Sector 15.

Director of Manav Mangal Smart School, Sanjay Sardana, says, “Our students have already given one set of revision examinations in December and the pre-boards are scheduled to be held in January. The motive behind this is to mentally prepare students for the Boards and also let them have a thorough understanding of all the subjects.” 

Parents, meanwhile, feel schools should ease the pace with which students are taught. “It is good that schools are taking pains to prepare the students for the Boards but it seems that their selfish purpose of getting a better result also creeps in. Instead of rushing through chapters to finish the syllabus in a short span, teachers should do it according to a student’s pace. A classroom has both fast and slow learners but schools tend to ignore this at times,” says Poonam Gogia, a parent of a Class XII student.

Sanket Arora, a Class X student, says: “At times, only those topics are taken up which help in scoring higher marks and the less important ones are either not taught or given a cursory glance. There is no in-depth understanding of the subject as there is pressure to score good marks.”

Schools pitch in to ease exam stress, parents seek counselling too

IT IS that time of the year again when stress levels are at its peak among students appearing for the Board examinations. With barely two months to go for the exams, city schools have set up counselling cells and helplines to provide relief to anxiety-ridden students. The Education department, however, is yet to restart its students’ helpline launched last year.

Schools feel it is essential to help students overcome the tension they undergo during this time and counsellors come as a big respite. “Students are under tremendous pressure to perform, from parents as well as teachers. At times, children become nervous which may affect their performance. We counsel students and help them achieve a comfort level regarding the exams,” said Punita Singh, counsellor at Carmel Convent School.

“The Board examinations are considered to be of great significance. It is evident that students feel anxious as the exams are made out to be larger than life. To make it a smooth affair for students, we hold regular workshops in school apart from counselling them personally,” stated Anu Kumar, principal of Stepping Stones School.

Of late, schools claim they have also been receiving cases of parents seeking counselling during the stressful examination months.

“Scoring good marks has become a status symbol. Due to this, parents end up putting undue pressure on their children apart from subjecting themselves to unnecessary tension. Our counsellors have been approached by some parents as well for stress management,” said Dr Rakesh Sachdeva, principal, DAV Model School, Sector 15.