Academics

Foundational Compartment (Balvatika – Class II)

s per the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) of India, the Foundational Stage, will now include three years of Kindergarten (Balvatika , KGI & KGII) for children aged 3 to 6 years, followed by Classes 1 and 2 for age 6 to 8 years.)

Age Criteria: As per the NEP 2020, children must meet the following age criteria as of March 31, 2025

  • Balvatika : Completed 3 years (as of 31 March 2025)
  • KG I: Completed 4 years (as of 31 March 2025)
  • KG II: Completed 5 years (as of 31 March 2025)
  • Class I: Completed 6 years (as of 31 March 2025)

THE THREE-YEAR KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMME

(BALVATIKA, KGI & KGII)

  • BALVATIKA:

 Balvatika is now an integral part of kindergarten and falls under the structured Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. It is designed to provide a strong foundation for early childhood education through a paly-based, activity driven approach, ensuring that children develop essential cognitive, social, and motor skills.  It emphasizes the holistic development of children in the Foundational stage.

 At ISML Balvatika, we will prioritize learning through play and exploration, enabling children to actively engage with their surroundings and learn through hands on experiences. This approach will foster, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • LKG /KG-I: It is also called the Junior Kindergarten (Jr. KG) stage.
  • UKG/KG-II: It is also called the Senior Kindergarten (Sr. KG) stage.

The Key Activities of our Three-Year Kindergarten Programme

(Activities have been designed at three levels/stages (Balvatika, KGI & KGII)

  • Cognitive, Emotional and Social Development: The program encourages children to enhance their learning abilities in a holistic manner.
  • Play-based and Activity-based Learning: The curriculum has been designed to cater to the development of physical, mental and emotional needs of children.
  • Language Development: Focuses on enhancing listening, speaking and comprehension skills.
  • Mathematical Thinking: Encourages understanding of numbers, shapes and patterns.
  • Physical Development: Promotes gross motor skills such as running, jumping and maintaining balance.
  • Social Skills: Facilitate participation in group activities, understanding cooperation and forming friendship.

 

 Conclusion

The National Education Policy of India (NEP 2020) is structured to align with international best practices and mandates that every student completes 15 years of education in school. Additionally, it is to be noted that Balvatika is not optional and cannot be skipped.  According to CBSE, India, the completion of three years of Kindergarten ( Balvatika , KGI and KGII) is mandatory for a child’s progression to Class – 1.

Preparatory Compartment (Class III – V)

The curriculum for Classes III to V is thoughtfully designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and nurture critical thinking through interactive and engaging learning experiences. At its core is an activity-based, student-centered approach that connects academic learning with real-life contexts. Through a wide array of hands-on activities, students build essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and independent thinking, while deepening their understanding of key academic concepts — reflecting a truly holistic approach to education.

Lessons are inquiry-driven and dynamic, incorporating experiments, storytelling, role-plays, model-making, and group projects. These methods make learning both enjoyable and memorable, while also boosting students’ confidence and practical abilities.

By integrating technology and promoting 21st-century competencies in a vibrant, activity-rich environment, the curriculum lays a strong foundation for future academic success and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Middle Compartment (Class VI-VIII)

At ISML, the middle school curriculum (Classes VI to VIII) is thoughtfully aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to provide a holistic, engaging and future-ready learning experience.

We focus on a multidisciplinary approach where core subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Languages are taught through inquiry-based and experiential learning methods.

Vocational education begins in Class VI, allowing students to explore diverse fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Financial Literacy, Travel & Tourism and Embroidery.

Language learning is enriched through the three-language formula, promoting proficiency in English, Hindi or Malayalam and Arabic.

Assessments are now more formative and competency-based, evaluating critical thinking and practical application rather than rote learning. The integration of 21st-century skills—such as creativity, digital literacy, collaboration, ethics and environmental awareness—ensures well-rounded development. Art, sports, health and value education are core components, fostering personal growth. Our curriculum is dynamic, learner-centric, and designed to equip students for tomorrow’s challenges.

Senior Compartment (Class IX- XII)

At ISML, we offer a holistic CBSE-aligned education for Classes 9–12 that goes beyond academics to prepare students for higher education, careers, and life. In Classes 9 and 10, students build strong foundations in core subjects such as English, regional languages (Hindi/Malayalam/Arabic), Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Assessment includes internal tests, projects, and the Class 10 board exam. In Classes 11 and 12, students choose between Science and Commerce streams based on their career interests. The Science stream includes Physics, Chemistry, Math/Biology/Computer Science, while the Commerce stream covers Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics/Marketing, and optional subjects like Math or Informatics Practices. Emphasis is placed on practical work, case studies, and project-based learning to ensure conceptual clarity and real-world application.

Beyond academics, ISML promotes life skills through CBSE-recognized skill subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Financial Markets and Physical Activity Training offered from Class 9 onwards. These courses foster digital literacy, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities further support holistic development, including debates, cultural programmes, sports, art workshops, exhibitions and educational tours. Regular inter-house competitions and annual events encourage leadership and teamwork.

Our dedicated team of teachers and counselors provides personalized academic and career guidance, helping students navigate stream selection and future planning.

We are committed to nurturing confident, well-rounded individuals who are ready to lead in an evolving world—guided by our motto: In Pursuit of Excellence.