5.a. Discover Secondary Education

This series of articles is about the classes 9 and 10. It comprises of three articles to give comprehensive information about this vast and most important level of education.

Malcolm X has said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” It is very much apt for this phase of education.

How are these different from the previous classes?

This is the first stage of career-driven studies. Now the students have to decide, beforehand, the course of their future life. Up to class 8, they have studied all the subjects compulsorily to gain the multifarious knowledge of the basic level. In the senior classes, they get some elective subjects, besides the mandatory ones. These electives form the precursor of their future career.

Therefore, the students are required to give thought by delving into their strong/ weak areas. On the contrary, it is very important to have a passion for at least one area/ subject besides standard knowledge of different subjects.    

Importance of Class 9

It is an important milestone in the entire academic journey. Board Examinations of Class 10 are, now, just one year away.  It is the foundation stage for learning and developing a conceptual understanding of all the subjects.

Case study

For the sake of better understanding, we take up the case of Shobhit. He has passed out from Class 8, somehow managing to get through to the next class. Sports take up a large part of his active time. His parents, Ritesh and Rajeshwari are excessively busy in their professional and social lives, getting hardly any time to look into the academic progress of Shobhit and his younger sister, Medhavi.

Shaurya, captain of his school team, is a high-achiever. Besides his good performance in the sports field, he tops in academics, as well. He is the star of the school and has great affection for Shobhit. Shobhit also holds him in high esteem and shares his problems with him.

He was disturbed to see Shobhit’s result of class 8. One day, when the soccer match was called off, due to the rains, he took the time to counsel Shobhit. He told him, “Friend, the real academic journey begins from this stage. It does not really matter how you have performed, so far. Work harder and it is, certainly, possible to set the ball rolling. Follow these important tips and just see the lofty heights you, too, can achieve.”

11 tips for success in the studies

Believe in yourself

Robert Collier had said, “Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.”

Shaurya confided, “Do you know the reason for my success? I always believe in myself. My long-term and short-term goals are clear to me and I am confident of achieving them. So, develop the self-belief and reach to the top.”

Compete with yourself

He said, “Compete with yourself only. Keep shattering your own records but never be satisfied.”

Time to be devoted for the self-study

One should study for a minimum of 6 hours daily. It would not only help in scoring good marks but also to be well-prepared for facing the Board Examinations. 

Regular follow up of the studies at school

A student must learn the class-room task on the same day after coming back from the school and finish the home task as well. He or she should also actively complete any projects and worksheets given from the school. The most important part is the regularity. 

Apportion proper timing for each subject

For example, languages and literature may be given less time than subjects like Science; Mathematics; Social Sciences; Accountancy; Computer Science, etc. The goal must be to master all the subjects. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, any weakness may affect the overall result.

Maintain good health

It is very important to maintain good health because the students cannot afford to fall sick at this level. It would cause a terrible loss of time and energy. Therefore, take a healthy diet, do exercises, and remain active.

Plan according to the syllabus

It is best to plan according to the syllabus. Due dates for completion of each chapter must be fixed in the beginning of the year. Follow up needs to be taken. It is suggested to make a date-wise schedule on MS Excel Worksheet as per the following example:

Subjects	Chapters	Target date	Date finished
Hindi	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
English	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
Mathematics	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
Physics	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
Chemistry	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
Biology	1
	2
	3
	4
	5

Please note that this chart is only indicative. The actual one would be much bigger and more detailed.

Play

Shaurya said, “It may sound strange but playing regularly for some time in the evening will always rejuvenate you. You will, then, study with a renewed vigour. However, fix a proper time for it and try not to cross it.”

Extra-curricular and Co-curricular activities

He added, “Don’t shy away from participating in these activities in the school. Besides keeping you in the limelight these are quite helpful in the academics also.” 

Prepare notes

After a thorough reading of the book, underline the important portions and make point-wise notes. These notes do not only help you retain it for a longer period but also are helpful for the tests and examinations. However, making notes does not require you to copy the chapter in an exercise book.”

Shobhit was full of confidence and determination to do well not only in class 9 but in future as well by following these useful tips.

#SecondaryEducation #DiscoverSecondaryEducation #SecondaryClasses #ElevenTipsForSuccessInSecondaryClasses 

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The author R. C. Verma has crafted this 3-Article series to give comprehensive information about the education details of classes 9 and 10 with the focus of Indian Examination Systems. This article is first in the series. Hope to get readers’ response. Mail ID: vermarajesh55@gmail.com