Extracurricular Opportunities in ICSE vs CBSE Boarding Schools

If you are a parent and have found yourself stuck in the debate of CBSE vs ICSE board, which can provide better extra-curricular activity for your child, then you need to have a perspective of the bigger picture. The time has gone when education was only confined to textbooks and exams because modern schooling is beyond that. It also focuses on extracurricular activities for the holistic development of every student. 

 

While both ICSE and CBSE boarding schools in India offer multiple opportunities to students, not only in academics but beyond that. However, they differ in their preferences, approaches, facilities, and align the extracurricular activities with academic activities accordingly. In this blog, let’s explore the key differences between CBSE vs ICSE board on multiple parameters that encourage overall student development. This blog would help you to make the ideal decision for your child, where they will not only grow academically but also dynamically

Decoding the Structure of ICSE and CBSE Board

Before you compare these boards based on their extracurricular activities in school, it is important to understand how the two boards function: 

 

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

1. It follows a structured and uniform curriculum recognized nationwide by the CBSE board. 
2. It primarily emphasizes science, mathematics, and remains visionary about preparing students for competitive exams. 
3. Encourage participation in co-curricular activities, along with maintaining a strong grip on the academic curriculum of students. 

 

ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) 

1. It is known for its comprehensive and application-based curriculum.
2. It gives equal importance to Science, Arts, and Literature along with other important subjects.
3. Highly encourages extracurricular activities for students for their holistic development.

 

One common trait among CBSE vs ICSE boards is that they highly encourage extra-curricular activities. However, both the schools are still compared for their unique opportunities they provide to students beyond academics. Hence, let’s have a comprehensive look at these attributes of both the board models one after another.

 

Extra Curricular Opportunities in CBSE Boarding Schools

The CBSE boarding schools in India offer a great scope of extracurricular activities for students, creating a well-balanced environment. However. The emphasis on such activities varies from one CBSE boarding school to another. Some common extracurricular activities in CBSE board high schools are: 

Sports & Athletics: 

1. Top notch sports facilities for different sports like cricket, football, basketball, badminton, and athletics.
   
2. Many top CBSE boarding schools in India have a collaboration with national and international sports organizations.
3. Organizes regular inter-school and zonal level sports competitions.

 

Cultural and Literary Activities: 

1. It regularly organizes debates, extempore speaking, and Model United Nations (MUN) for students interested in public speaking.
   
2. Encourage students to boost creativity by organizing art and craft competitions continuously.
3. Organizes annual cultural fests showcasing music, dance, and drama performances.

 

Clubs & Societies

1. CBSE boarding schools have science and robotics clubs that foster innovation.
   
2. Students are made aware and encouraged to form environmental clubs that encourage sustainable practices.
3. Different clubs are inclined towards performing arts such as dance, drama, and music.

 

However, if CBSE offers a premium scope in extra-curricular activities, then what triggers the debate of CBSE vs ICSE board schools among parents? Let’s decode by understanding the activities curriculum at ICSE boarding schools.

 

Extra Curriculum Opportunities at ICSE Boarding Schools

No doubt for most parents, during the admission of their students or changing their school, one confusion remains constant: “ICSE or CBSE, which is better”? Hence, to have a clearer view of the picture, let’s also take a glance at the scope of co-curricular activities, provided by the ICSE board.

 

Fine Arts, Music & Drama:

1. ICSE boards provide extensive opportunities in music, theatre, and fine arts.
2. Multiple top ICSE boarding Schools in India have dedicated rooms for different performing arts like music or theatre.
3. It regularly organizes inter-school competitions at the national level.

 

Sports & Physical Training: 

1. ICSE is known for providing a range of sports like tennis, golf, swimming, and others.
2. It allows students a scope and encourages them to participate in international-level tournaments.
3. Highly supports and emphasizes physical health and physical education. 

 

Experimental Learning & Clubs:

1. ICSE boarding schools promote quality learning experiences like nature expeditions and field research.
2. It has clubs that embrace lifetime skills like entrepreneurship and leadership clubs that prepare students for real-world challenges.
3. Most of them have well-structured literary and drama clubs where students are encouraged to refine their creative writing and acting skills.

 

But even if this doesn’t give you a firm understanding of CBSE vs ICSE boarding schools, then let’s understand it through a table. With this, you’ll be able to comprehend which board among both excels in extracurricular activities, providing students a broader scope of exposure. 

 

ICSE vs CBSE: Which Board Excels in Extracurricular Activities

The table demonstrates the extracurricular activities for students in CBSE vs ICSE board schools in India: 

 

Category	CBSE Boarding Schools	ICSE Boarding Schools
Sports	Structured sports training, but mostly mainstream games	Wide range of sports, including unconventional options
Arts & Music	Limited focus on fine arts and performing arts	Extensive fine arts and theatre programs
Literary Activities	Debate and MUN culture is strong	Strong emphasis on creative writing and literature
Competitions	National-level Olympiads and quiz contests	International and national-level arts and sports competitions
Leadership & Clubs	Science and robotics clubs are prominent	Greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural clubs

 

Is It Still Crucial To Make The Right Decision? 

The choice between CBSE vs ICSE boarding schools for extracurricular activities is contingent on the interests and aspirations of the student. In CBSE boarding schools in India, students keen on sports, leadership opportunities, and preparation for entrance exams record a greater benefit. If the purpose is to nurture all-round development with a greater focus on fine arts, music, drama, and a wide range of sports, aside from being extremely enjoyable, ICSE boarding schools in India are better.

Some of the best CBSE and ICSE boarding schools are G D Goenka International School, Rohtak, Tulas International School,Macro Vision Academy, Burhanpur, and others. For better options and to learn about the scope they provide for students’ dynamic growth, check out Boarding Schools of India. After all, both boards have extensive activities in the extracurricular spectrum, but their depth and focus differ. Parents and students must evaluate individual institutions within each board to be able to make a more informed decision.

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