Curriculum

At the heart of Barnes educational philosophy is, the development of the mind and an understanding of how an individual student learns best. The intellectual, social, and ethical needs of our students determine our educational curriculum.

Our Curriculum consists of two distinct but complementary strands, both of which seek to promote individual excellence and achievement. Firstly, the examined curriculum is the priority in the Senior School, where we aim for effectiveness in preparing our students for various entrance examinations. Secondly, the non-examined courses and assessments conducted both, in the Senior and Junior School, allows choice and diversity of interest.

Classes are kept small and as a result, each student receives individual attention from the teacher which is essential in ensuring that the required level of progress is made. Central to all things in academics is our distinctive K. M.OVICHEGAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY, in the academic building on the school campus.

This has a smaller and more intimate section for the Junior School. A fully computerized center with Internet facility that contains a wealth of resources. It is staffed throughout the day and easy access is provided for the boarders. Barnes takes pride about its provision of a comprehensive co-curricular activity programme, which, taken with everything else demonstrates our intention and desire to create a new educational community. At the very heart of this, community is the individual student and our mission is to realize his or her potential in whatever-field of learning he or she wishes to pursue.

The Junior School

The role of the Junior School located on the ground floor of the Academic Block is to prepare its students to move smoothly into the Senior School or Secondary Education. To achieve this, students are expected to work at levels that exceed the norm which enable them to excel academically and socially. English, or Literacy and Mathematics or Numeracy are the central elements in the Junior School Curriculum. These are delivered with proven and traditional teaching methods and are bolstered by the latest innovations in modern practices. Further to this, the school has ready access to the latest in modern texts and curriculum planning strategies and the staff regularly reviews their teaching practices to ensure a fresh and dynamic approach to education.

Entry procedures involve the parents and child spending a morning in the Junior school where they will meet the head of the Junior school and wherever possible, the prospective class teacher. Certain activities and tasks are given to the child to complete so that the teacher can gauge whether the child is capable of sustaining the study material of the class he/she has applied for. The process of selection is made as comfortable as possible for all people concerned. The School has a strong belief that all students have something to offer and every chance is given to accommodate parents and students who wish to join the School.

The Senior Section

The Senior Section is housed on the first floor of the Academic Block. It is further bifurcated into Middle School, which is from class 5-8 and Senior School from class 9-10. Within its walls is a thriving educational community with rigorous intellectual activity characterizing the daily routine. Students enter the Middle School at the age 9-10 Years from the Junior School and other Preparatory and Primary Schools. Barnes provides a course covering a large number of subjects, while preparing them to make their ICSE choices at the beginning of class 9.

The Senior School offers an extensive range of subjects culminating in two terminal examinations during the academic year which is from April to March. The Management of Senior School has devised the curriculum with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), New Delhi guidelines in mind. These examinations are vital in assessing the student's progress and help the Pupil establish revision skills. To keep the parents in touch with the progress of their children, 'Open House Meetings' are held at the end of each term.

The Junior College

All students after obtaining a clear Pass Certificate in the 10th board examinations i.e ICSE, SSC, CBSE are welcome to join the Junior College. The Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC) course was introduced in the year 2008 and the first batch appeared for the same in 2009.The Junior College is housed in the W. R Coles Learning Center and is equipped with a separate Library for reference purpose.

The Junior College offers science and commerce streams. It is at this level of the school that students become very focused on what careers they wish to pursue. Our highly qualified staff take them through this journey of 2 years with dedication and responsibility so that their admission into universities or professional degree courses can be achieved in spite of tremendous amount of competition that they have to face.

Students from class 10th have to seek admission in this section. The admissions are held as soon as the ICSE examinations are over. The students who have appeared from different boards other than ICSE would get a provisional admission until there is a clearance from the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CISE) and obtain an Eligibility Letter. The students would have to opt for the prescribed subject from each stream opted.