ICSE schedule leaves little time to cram

ICSE schedule leaves little time to cram

When Bhakti Soni, a student from Kandivli, got out of the examination hall after writing the Indian Council of Secondary Education (ICSE) English language paper, the first of the board examinations, on Monday, she felt no sense of relief. She had already begun to worry about how she’ll be able to cram for her next examination — English literature — in just a day. Several students and parents echoed Soni. This year’s examination timetable leaves little time to revise subjects since there is just a day between most papers. Students feared that revising large portions of a subject in just a day will add to their stress. Only mathematics and technical drawing come after a gap of three to four days. Priya Shetty, a parent from Andheri whose son is a student of Jamnabai Narsee School, Vile Parle (West), said, “We were surprised to see that only a day’s gap was given between two papers. But till last year, the board allowed a gap of at least three to four days.” Shetty pointed out that there is a five-day gap ahead of the technical drawing examination, a Group C subject. “Five days of revision time are not required for technical drawing. Instead, the board should have given more time to prepare for English literature, history and science.” The syllabus for Wednesday’s English literature paper comprises 15 chapters, an equal number of poems and Shakespearean play, As You Like It. Sudeshna Chatterjee, principal of Jamnabai Narsee School, advised students not to panic and to revise wisely, making the most of the short time. “Students can study the important points and summaries. By now, they should have finished studying. So, only a brush-up is required, which can be easily done in a day.”