FAQ

NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) has drafted a syllabus for all boards in India. The CBSE (Central Board for Secondary Education) follows a two-language pattern and the SSC (State Board – Secondary School Certificate) a three-language pattern. The only language up to class 4 is English and the other two languages – Hindi and Marathi – start only in class 5. However, in our school we start teaching them the script in class 3 and simple words in class 4, so in class 5 the child is able to read the text book and write simple words. Both the languages follow the same script, so they have that as one extra subject in the 3rd and 4th grades.
Now, about the syllabus as such, there is no significant difference in the two boards. You may remember that when you went to school, or before that, the CBSE kids would get an extra 5% added to their marks for admission to college. But since NCERT made a uniform syllabus, you don’t see that happening. That is because there is really no difference in the syllabus. The order of chapters changes a little but that is about it. The significant difference is only in the 3rd and 4th geography and 4th history syllabus. The 3rd and 4th Geography textbooks are divided into two parts. The first part of the 3rd geography textbook talks about ‘Our District’, so that is different in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur etc. obviously as that content would change. The second part is physical geography and that is identical nationwide, only the examples given change as children relate to local rivers, plateaus, plains etc. better. In 4th geography again, the first part is ‘Our State’ so that changes from state to state and the second part again is physical geography with examples given from the state. As for 4th history, Maharashtra boasts of an impressive history of the great Marathas. So that is what the history textbook deals with. It is the history of Shivaji and the Marathas. Other than that – there is no significant difference in the boards.

Additionally, with the latest development, in two or three years time, all boards across India are most probably going to have a common syllabus, so unless your child is a 6th grader atleast, this query really does not even hold any significance.

If the syllabus for the SSC and CBSE does not have much difference, why do the textbooks look so different?

Various reasons for that. The SSC textbooks are printed in two colours and cost between 15 and 25 rupees each. The CBSE have four colour printing and cost between 70 and 150 rupees each. So the CBSE textbook has more pages. It explains each concept in three or four different ways and so the content of the textbook increases. The SSC textbook does not do that. But if you sit down and go through the table of content and the level of detail in both the books, you will find that it is the same.

Will the child be missing out on anything by going to a SSC school instead of a CBSE school?

The answer to that question is – in this school – NO! Our planners sit down well before the academic year starts and do their R & D to find out those extra things in the CBSE textbooks and we add that into the material we give our children. In fact, the planners even find out what the CBSE textbooks have missed and add that too. In addition to that, our children even get tested on each topic to find out what they have not understood and that is again reinforced. In this way, we try to make sure that each child knows everything. So in this school, your child will not be missing out on anything at all – not academically and even not in the extra curricular activities. Its quite the opposite, actually.

Marathi starts in Std 3. We teach simple letters in Std 3 and joint ( jodakshar) in std 4. He has a formal textbook for Marathi and Hindi from Std. 5 onwards. Anybody joining in 3rd would not need to take special classes. Communication in the school is in English. We have abt 60 kids who are either US citizens or have stayed there for 3-4 years and they have adjusted to the school very well and are extremely happy. I was looking for such a school for my kids when I returned from usa after a 10 year stay there and because I couldnt find it I was forced to start one. I think this sums up the whole thing!

What is the average class size and what is the mechanism for student feedback, parent/teacher meetings etc?

We do not admit 49th child in any class. The maximum class strength is therefore 48. (Compare that with 60+ in all schools over here)

4 tests are conducted over the year for each subject ( look at the Event List ) The portion for a test is completed about 10-15 days before the test and then revision is conducted during the last 2 weeks. A child spends 2 clock hours on the computer every week and uses software designed by me for his courses in all subjects including Marathi. From std. 3 to 7 he plays 3 games every year ( each for 70 days ) for 90 minutes everyday. He has an option to choose one in 8th so that he spends 90 mins a day for all 5 days on only this activity for 2 years to be professionaly trained in that. The activities include dance, music, arts and sports.

What are the languages taught in the school? Do they have to learn Hindi and Marathi?

Up to the fifth grade, children only have to learn one language – English. In the fifth, there are textbooks for Hindi and Marathi. Marathi is compulsory up to grade 10 as is it the local language in Maharashtra. Since the textbooks for Marathi and Hindi start in 5th, we teach the children the script in the 3rd (Devnagri script) and simple words in the 4th so they are ready to read the textbook in the 5th grade. Hindi and Marathi share the same script, so preliminary reading and writing is done in 3rd and 4th. From 8th to 10th the languages taught are English, Marathi and Sanskrit. Each paper is for 100 marks. Sanskrit is added because it is highly scoring. The Sanskrit paper is Sanskrit - English.

My child is born and brought up in a foreign country. We now want to move back, and want to admit my child into the 5th/6th standard. I am a bit concerned about him adjusting to the education system in India. Can you help us with this issue?

For your kids, other than the change in weather, food, water, air, neighbours, people, and housing, school is going to be different. All you need to have is patience for the transition. We are patient with kids - you need to be patient too. As you probably know, the schooling system here is quite different from the schooling system elsewhere.
As for subjects, Maths and Science will be of a higher level (for example, our children in the school know tables upto 30 by the time they are in the 4th grade). History, Geography will be obviously very different. Languages will be different. For Marathi, we will give your child lower standard exams, so that he has time to cope up, and gradually increase the level, so that he is at par by the 7th or the 8th grade. Hindi starts in 5th - so he has no problem. English Grammar is quite extensive here, so be in touch with us to get a list of topics your child can start going through.
There is more writing in this school. So your kids might be a little cranky in the beginning, but you need to be patient. We don't give children a lot of homework on weekdays, so the kids can come home and relax and spend time with their family. We try to make the transition easy on the kids. Our water is very clean. Our food isn't oily and spicy. We are patient with the kids.
Or experience is that the kids take a few weeks to a few months to adjust. In this period, it is very important for the parents to keep their patience and be very encouraging.

What is the orientation? Is it ok if I miss it?

The orientation is very important. Dr. Phatak gives general instructions on what to expect in the following year and mentions the important events, exams etc. The van drivers are also present there to confirm that they have got your address right and tell you what time the van would be arriving and where to wait for it. The class teachers distribute ID cards which have to be worn everyday from day one. So we urge you not to miss the orientation as it will be difficult for Dr. Phatak and you to meet for a whole hour later to give you all the information. So please do not miss the orientation.

Is it compulsory to take the Van service?

Absolutely not. Van service is optional. If you choose not to avail of it, please let us know that you are opting out of it.

Up to what grade is this school? What happens next year to the highest class?

The classes are from Nursery to class 10. We have not yet started the Jr. College and we do not plan to in the next year either. The reason behind this is that admissions to 11th are centralized and we are not keen on admitting students from other schools into our Jr. College.

I want to move back to India. What is a good time span to do so with respect to my childs education and adjustment?

Th earlier the better. Marathi gets introduced in Std.3, Hindi in Std.5. Languages may be the biggest hurdle that your child will face to adjust to the education system here. However, do not lose hope if you decide to come later. We gradually introduce languages to elder kids, so that they get in tune with the other kids in a year or two. Being with classmates who speak these languages fluently, also helps the children. For your kids, other than the change in school, weather, food, water, air, neighbours, people, and housing is going to be different. All you need to have is patience for the transition. We are patient with kids - you need to be patient too.

What do I have to do to get admission?

The whole process is listed in the Admissions section. Please go through it and you can email us if you still have any more questions.

When are the admission tests conducted?

Admission tests are conducted after prior appointment. If you are interested in securing a slot, please contact the school office.

My child is born ‘n’ days later than the deadline… what is the buffer allowed?

The cut off dates are July 31st each year. The cut-off only applies to grade 1. To enter grade 2, your child has to pass grade 1, for grade 6, he has to have passed grade 5. So, this question is only for children in grade 1.
Now, for the grade 1 child, the cut off date of birth is 31st July. The buffer allowed is up to August 15th, but you need to get written permission from the Zilla Parishad / Municipality. Then the school will admit your child to the 1st standard that year.
For children in Kindergarten, we don’t have a problem admitting them, but it is the parent’s responsibility to get the permission letter before the kids enter the 1st standard, else we cannot admit them in the 1st grade and they would have to repeat Sr. Kg. Cut off dates are listed here

What are the documents required for admission?

Up to Class 1 (Nursery, Jr. KG, Sr. KG and Class 1) we need the child’s birth certificate. From class 2 onwards – if the child is transferring from a school outside India, we need a progress report of the previous class and a copy of the birth certificate and if the child is transferring from a school within India, we need a copy of the birth certificate and the original leaving certificate of the school where the child is transferring from. You can find the information under Documents Required in the Admissions section

Is food optional?

Nope. Food is compulsory in our program. The food that children eat in the school is not spicy or oily. The ingredients are of the best quality and high level of cleanliness is maintained. The children from std 1 get a balanced lunch and snack in the school. Secondary section students get an additional snack and a glass of milk as well.

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