Relieved but ICSE principals worry about Group III

Updated on: Monday, August 22, 2011

Principals of ICSE schools are a relieved lot after the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the Best-5 policy would be extended to their students as well when they go in for admission to junior college. However, they are unhappy that with the implementation of the rule, certain subjects will be ignored.

Most ICSE schools seem to have been expecting this outcome. “We have prepared our batch according to the new policy and told them beforehand that scores in subjects from Group III may not be considered if they want to take admission to junior colleges in Maharashtra under the Best-5 system. This version of Best-5 policy is much better than not having it for our students at all,” said Carl Laurie, principal of Christ Church School at Mazgaon. He added that though students were not very happy with the order, they did not have any other choice. “Our only worry is that from now on, students will not pay any attention to subjects taught under Group III,” Laurie added.

Principals of other ICSE schools share his worry about students neglecting Group III subjects. “Till now, they would still study those subjects. But with the new order in place, they will not pay attention at all and teachers taking those classes will have to bear the brunt,” said Perin Bagli, principal of Activity School on Pedder Road.

Usually, ICSE students have to choose one subject under Group III and they have a choice of topics like technical drawing, physical education, commercial application and yoga. “These are skill-based subjects and they help boost scores if a student is not very good at studies. But now, they will be avoided,” added Bagli.

Parents, too, are not exactly satisfied about the judgment. “The SC judges must have seen something right in this order and passed it, so we will follow it. We (ICSE students) are used to adjusting with the situation at hand. Even after all kinds of policies in place, students are still struggling to get admitted to good junior colleges. There’s nothing else we can do,” said Xavier Luis, father of a student of St Mary’s High School (ICSE) in Byculla.

Relieved but ICSE principals worry about Group III

More Education news