At TIPS, we aim to give every child the very best start possible in their education through vibrant and engaging teaching. We enable the children to become active learners by offering challenging, broad and balanced International Baccalaureate and Cambridge curriculum programs.

Throughout the school we want our children to enjoy a wide range of academic and co-curricular experiences which bring the curriculum to life and make learning fun. All our facilitators ensure the best possible quality of education for the children in every year group. We help students learn in the ways that are right for them, nurturing a joy for learning and a passion to pursue their interests.

Affiliations

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3-12.

primary

TIPS is the authorized Cambridge School and Examination Center from 2010 onwards.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is for students aged 16-19.

diploma

Recognitions

Council of Boards of School Education in India

Association of Indian Universities

F.A.Q. IGCSE

University of Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of education programmes and qualifications for 5–19 years old. Over 9000 schools in 161 countries around the world offer the Cambridge qualifications. It is a part of Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profit department of the 800 years old University of Cambridge.
Cambridge programmes and qualifications for 5–19 years old are divided up into four stages: Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary 1, Cambridge Secondary 2 (IGCSE) and Cambridge Advanced (A level).
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) administered by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14–16 years old. The IGCSE Programme is firmly established and recognized world-wide and is taken in 144 countries and in more than 2600 schools around the world.

Currently, in India we have around 300 schools offering IGCSE course. It is well recognized in India as equivalent to Grade X and used as a preparatory level for A Level, International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) or State HSC. It is also equivalent to the Grade 10 examination of the CBSE and ICSE or the middle year Programme of the IB.

The IGCSE programme is more practical and application-based. It has a broader spectrum of subjects that lead to all-round development. IGCSE examinations test students’ knowledge, not their memory and speed. The focus of the IG pedagogy is on ‘how to learn’ rather than ‘what to learn’.

The purpose of IGCSE is to produce global citizens. The IGCSE curriculum is more challenging, but the challenge is in the quality of assignments, not in the quantity of the assignments.

The IGCSE has always emphasized adding value within a national context whilst also contributing to international level. The development focus is to safeguard distinctive cultural identity through specific language and literature syllabi, for example; or to include study of regional geography or history, whilst also encouraging an international outlook. Thus, the importance of an appropriate mix of global and local contexts is well recognized as an essential dimension of IGCSE.

  • Provides an ideal foundation for higher-level courses such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, A Levels and the North American APT (Advanced Placement Test)
  • Has worldwide recognition and is equivalent to the Certificate of Secondary Education from Indian education boards, General Certificate of Secondary Education, and O Level
  • Offers syllabi which reflect local economies and cultures within a global context, hence ensuring that students gain a wide perspective while recognizing and valuing their own environment
  • Develops key learning, problem-solving and investigative skills by encouraging an active, critical and questioning approach to study

Ensures a broad-based education, while encouraging a degree of choice.

There are now over 310 Cambridge schools in India, and more than 9000 schools in 160 countries make up the Cambridge learning community worldwide
The IGCSE examination is suitable for virtually the whole ability range. It has an 8-point scale of grades:

A*,A, B,C,D,E,F and G.

(Grade A* is awarded for exceptional levels of achievement).

To take account of differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers in most subjects. This allows teachers to decide on the most appropriate level of papers for their students.

The Core curriculum in each subject is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve grades C to G. The Extended curriculum, which comprises the Core curriculum and the Supplement, has been designed for the more academically able and leads naturally into higher education or professional training. It is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A to E.

GRADES AVAILABLE
Core Curriculum C D E F G
Extended Curriculum * A B C D E

The overlap of three grades (C, D and E) is designed to accommodate students who perform either better or worse than their teachers expectations. Students who fail to meet the minimum satisfactory standard for either the core curriculum (Grade G) or the Extended curriculum (Grade E) will be marked (U).

No. There will be no mention of Core or Extended selection on the marksheet.
The school in consultation with the parents will decide whether a student will opt for Core or Extended paper.
In IGCSE, over 70 subjects are available, including more than 30 language courses. However the top ten Cambridge IGCSE subjects worldwide are:

  • Mathematics (Without Coursework)
  • English as a Second Language
  • First Language English
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Geography
  • Literature (English)
  • Business Studies
  • Information and Communication Technology
At TIPS, for Grade 9 and 10 we offer the IGCSE curriculum. We offer a combination of subjects catering to the Science and Commerce streams. Each subject is certified separately, offering a variety of routes for learners of different abilities. With a choice of Core and Extended papers in most subjects, the IGCSE is suitable for students with different levels of ability. The IGCSE is an internally based curriculum allowing teaching to be placed in a localized context, making it relevant in different regions. The school follows Oct/ Nov examination and offers the following subjects:

SUBJECTS OFFERED AT TIPS

  • Science Stream: English; Mathematics; French / Hindi; Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Economics; Information Technology.
  • Commerce Stream: English; Mathematics; French/Hindi; Combined Sciences; Economics; Information Technology / PE.
TIPS has selected the most popular subjects for IGCSE that meet the eligibility for higher studies in India.
TIPS allows its students to appear for other subjects in their individual capacity. However, coaching for additional subjects will be provided only if there are minimum 7 students opting for the same.
We conduct Checkpoint exams at the end of Grade 8, IGCSE exams at the end of Grade X.
Examinations are held in May /June and October /November each year with results issued in August and February respectively. Students can appear for Cambridge IGCSE through the registered schools (CIE canters).

From the year 2015, in India the Examinations are held in the month of March with results is May.

At TIPS, IGCSE board examinations are held in Oct-Nov and the results are announced online on the 23rd or 24th of January every year, with the print copies of results available in the School by the 2nd week of February. These early results do synchronize with the admissions schedules of the Indian +2 boards (ISC/CBSE/HSC). However, school may consider permitting students to appear for June exam at their own discretion and managements approval.
Students at TIPS start DP program from January onwards so, they continue their study at TIPS itself. For those who wish to join other boards, we, at TIPS, have devised a special finishing school programme for our children from Jan to June. This 3 months programme includes subject specific classes to ensure compatibility with other boards and real life exposure. Thus, every child passing out of TIPS will have a well rounded and well groomed personality to face the challenges of life ahead.

Yes, it is recognized by CBSE, CISCE and state education boards in India as a qualification for entry to class XI or for other higher secondary education courses. It is also recognized as class X qualification, as one of the prerequisites, for admission to undergraduate courses in India. The latest Indian recognition details can be viewed at:

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/301400-india-recognition-statements-as-level.pdf

We appreciate that our IGCSE students will continue at TIPS and follow the DP Programme in classes XI and XII.

They can also opt for A level programme in any other International school that offers the same.

IGCSE also qualifies the students for admissions in all the Indian +2 boards (ISC/CBSE/HSC). IGCSE students are eligible for admission to local and national boards through both online and offline.

It is pertinent to note that students who completed IGCSE can pursue IB Diploma programme as the most suitable option. The skill set inculcated in IGCSE are well suited to any International program, IB or A-Levels.

IGCSE helps the students to develop key learning, problem-solving and investigative skills by encouraging an active, critical and questioning approach to study. With a choice of Core and Extended papers in most subjects, the IGCSE is suitable for students with different levels of ability. Hence it is wrong to say that results of IGCSE are stricter than SSC.

However, we agree that the SSC students are granted marks very leniently including internal and sports marks. But all reputed colleges have accepted IGCSE and students are admitted for HSC. Even IGCSE students are allowed to fill online application form for HSC admission.

CIE issues separate mark sheets for IGCSE; one with Grades and the other with marks. So students do not face any difficulty in securing admission in regular Colleges.
No, the best of five policy is not applicable to IGCSE students, as of now. However, a pass in five subjects including English will make the student eligible for HSC admission. However, Association of Indian Universities give equivalency certificate only to candidates having A, B or C in the five major subjects including English.
Yes, IGCSE student can fill the form online through the website as well as directly to the college offline for HSC admission.
Certainly. There will be no hitches. We will take care of the ‘transition’ related issues. If the child is encouraged to have a proper attitude & aptitude he/she can easily switch over from any local Board to IGCSE Board. We also have special tutorial sessions before the commencement of the course for such students.
Kindly browse www.cie.org.uk/countries/india for list of schools providing IGCSE and A level curriculum in India.

F.A.Q. IB

TIPS follows Primary Years Program from International Baccalaureate based on the ideas, theories and practices prevalent internationally to develop the multiple intelligence of students such as cognitive and motor skills. Through each unit of inquiry, the students’ curiosity and imagination is sparked by exposing them to a new world of “Discovery with Action”.
The Middle School /Checkpoint curriculum at TIPS provides natural progression from Primary Years and develops children’s knowledge and skills in Mathematics, English and Science. We offer the core subjects – English, Math and Science as per the curriculum framework given by the CIE. Checkpoint text books recommended by CIE are used for the purpose. Students’ language skills are further enriched through training in national and foreign languages like Hindi and French. The Social Studies are also taught, the emphasis is on developing students’ understanding of their environment and deepening their reverence for rich geographical wealth and the glorious historical heritage of our country. Students are further equipped with technical skills through the study of Information and Communication Technology. Cambridge Checkpoint exam is taken at the end of Grade VIII.
At our School, students are trained for IB/ Cambridge pattern of examinations right from Grade 1 onwards. All inquiries, question papers are designed as per international curriculum so that students get used to solving application based questions.
Schools recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and offering the IB curriculum are known as IB World Schools.

There are just 40 IB World Schools in all over India. The list of authorized schools is available on the IBO website www.ibo.org.

The IBDP is a comprehensive two-year course and is a rigorous academic program. It is designed as a pre-university program for students aged 16 to 19.

There are a wide range of courses designed to meet the interests and requirements of different students. In addition to the courses offered, it is unique because only the IBDP includes the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program, the Extended Essay and the Theory of Knowledge course. Together these offer IBDP students experiences and skills they will not find in any other program.

DP students choose one subject from each of the following six ‘Subject Groups’:

Group 1: First Language (English)

Group 2: Second Language (French ab initio, Hindi, etc)

Group3: Individuals and Societies (History, Economics, Business and Management, etc)

Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems)

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science

Group 6: Electives (either Visual Arts or a second subject from Groups 3, 4 or 5)

In addition, all DP students must study a two-year course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK); work to produce on Extended Essay (EE); and engage in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).

There is more breadth and depth in higher level subjects. The content in HL subjects requires 240 teaching hours versus 150 hours for standard level. Generally higher level subjects are more rigorous than Standard level.
The choice of IB subjects should be according to:

  • Areas of strength
  • Future career
  • University requirements for each country
Theory of Knowledge is an essay of 1,200-1,600 words written on a given title (from a choice of ten), followed by a ten-minute presentation of the essay by the student in class.

The Extended Essay is an original independent research leading a DP student to produce a

Comprehensible written piece of 3,500-4,000 words in any chosen subject and title.

Under Creative, Action and Service (CAS), each DP student must complete at least 150 hours of work spread over one-and-a-half years, engaging in some form of creativity, participating in sport or other physical action, and doing social service.

Although the PYP, MYP and DP form a continuous sequence, each can be offered independently too. A student can join the IB Diploma Program after completing the grade 10 level qualifications from CBSE, ICSE or any other State Board .The Diploma program is equivalent to 10+2 level qualification through CBSE.
No. It is not possible to complete the entire Diploma Programme online. One choose one or two subjects online though.
A: The usual IB exam registration fees apply, the course fees are set by the course provider. Refer to www.pamojaeducation.com for more information.
Online teachers must hold qualifications and demonstrate successful experience as IB face-to-face teachers. This includes attending current IB professional development as well as successful training pertinent to online teaching and learning.
The course provider, Pamoja Education, is required to report current grade averages for all online students on a regular basis. A site-based coordinator/link mentor will be the main point of contact with the course provider and receive information from the course provider on how to administer the courses, including registering students, retrieving grade reports, communicating with the online instructor, etc. The site-base coordinate/link mentor will communicate progress reports to the school and parents.
There is no rule on a maximum number of online DP courses per student, but careful consideration to the nature of the student and the experience of the school with online courses should be factors in the decision. Currently most students are opting for one or maybe two online DP courses within their Diploma, but in very exceptional cases students have taken three.

For further inquiries contact: dp.online@ibo.org

The IB program is practical and application-based. It has a broader spectrum of subjects that lead to all-round development.

IB examinations test students’ knowledge, not their memory and speed. There are no externally evaluated examinations till the Middle Years Program (Class 10). The focus of the IB pedagogy is on ‘how to learn’ rather than ‘what to learn’.

The purpose of the IB is to produce global citizens, but it can be well-integrated with the local curriculum. Hindi can be offered as a second language in the IB Diploma Program.

The IB curriculum is more challenging than educational boards like the CBSE and ICSE. The challenge is in the quality of assignments, not in the amount of work assigned.

The rigor and high standards of the IBDP ensure that colleges and universities around the world recognize the IB Diploma as a superior academic program and a strong university – entry credential.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) rates the IB Diploma at par with Class 12 CBSE, ICSE, NIOS or State Boards. Many educational institutions and colleges have published their policies and entry criteria for IB students on their websites. For example, Delhi University colleges have specified their conditions for entry of IB students. The in

formation is also available on the IBO website www.ibo.org

Universities in over 110 countries recognize the IB Diploma and it will allow entrance to the most competitive universities around the world. The university admission authorities recognize the academic rigor of the IBDP, and value the “extra” parts of the Diploma, such as TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay.

  • Most universities in Europe require the full Diploma as a qualification for entry.
  • Higher Level Courses are broadly equal to British A-Level courses.
  • Higher Level courses are considered equivalent to American Advanced Placement (AP) courses

Successful IB Diploma students may be offered credit (particularly for Higher Level courses and TOK) for first year university courses in Canadian and American Universities overseas.

  • The IB Diploma has earned universal reputation for rigorous assessment, giving students access to the top colleges and universities in India and the world. IB is fast becoming the program of choice for Indian students preparing to pursue higher education abroad.
  • The IB curriculum equips students with the tools needed to succeed in higher education, such as self-confidence, preparedness, research skills, organizational skills and being actively engaged in self learning.
  • Most universities even offer scholarships to IB diploma holders.
  • University admissions around the world are getting competitive by the day. Admission officers are increasingly looking for other evidence that a student will succeed in the university – such as exposure to quality curriculum, research abilities, an international outlook and social service – all enhanced by the IBDP
Universities can be confident that this is a rigorous and transparent process.

All curriculum documents are reviewed on a seven-year cycle. This cycle is not fixed and if significant change occurs in a body of knowledge (for example, computer science), then changes will be introduced more quickly. The cycle allows for:

  • Worldwide research by curriculum personnel
  • Design of curriculum models through consultation with practitioners in IB World Schools
  • Presentation of draft documents to the Diploma Program committee and IB World Schools
  • Analysis of feedback before final publishing, training of teachers and then teaching and examining of the new curriculum.
  • At the end of the two-year program, students are assessed both internally and externally in ways that measure individual performance against stated objectives for each subject.
There are two kinds of IB assessments: External and Internal.

Some assessment methods include portfolios/dossiers, written essays, studio-work, experimental work, oral commentaries, as well as written exams and are tailored for different learning styles.

Considering that exams may or may not reflect what a student really knows and what he or she is able to do, having a variety of assessment tools allows the IB organization to fairly assess the student’s true ability.

In addition, the grading system for all the IB programs is criterion-referenced, to allow each student’s performance to be measured against well-defined levels of achievement. Assessments with oral and written components are assessed by examiners worldwide and monitored by chief examiners with ample experience.

The IB exams are taken in November of the second year (Senior Year).
The IB is designed as a model of holistic education for the mid-range student and above.

Statistically speaking, most students who earned the IB Diploma worldwide were of average or above average ability. It is not a program designed only for geniuses. What the IB program requires students to have are a strong work ethic, good time-management and solid study skills. The IB program offers courses at different levels (Higher Level and Standard Level). In addition, language courses range from introductory level to native-speaker level.

The goal of the College/Career Guidance Program is to provide assistance to each student as they prepare for post-secondary studies around the world. The program aims to provide students with all the available and relevant data on which to base a decision to apply and/or attend a specific college or university. The career guidance counsellor will also prepare transcripts, school profiles and teacher recommendations, which will promote the student’s candidacy by highlighting known skills, achievements and potential.
The criterion varies from one university to another and from one country to another. Generally, Universities give credit to higher level subjects with grades (5-7) and up to one year college credit for a good IB diploma score.

Due to the fact that the requirements of individual universities or countries are constantly changing, the School cannot guarantee recognition of the IB Diploma or IB certificate. It is sole responsibility of students and their parents to verify the university/country requirements prior to initiating the IB Program. The IBO website provides a searchable database of countries and their recognition policies. It is strongly recommended that parents contact the universities directly to verify that the information is up to date. Visit the International Baccalaureate Organization’s website (http://www.ibo.org) for more details.

The IB program is a rigorous two-year program. It is not a stress-free program. The level of stress can vary from one student to another and can be reduced, depending on the student’s acquisition of healthy study and organizational skills. A student who procrastinates and does not know how to manage time effectively will find it difficult to reduce the stress. All students are encouraged to complete assignments on time and meet the internal assessment deadlines. The teachers at AIS also work hard to coordinate major test and assignment deadlines, to keep student-stress to a minimum.
  • ­ Excited and enthusiastic about learning, ­ Self-motivated, mature, self-disciplined and goal oriented
  • ­ Fluent in written and oral communication
  • ­ Strong study and organizational skills and an efficient time manager Intellectually inquisitive and creative
  • ­ An independent, critical thinker
  • ­ Performing well academically
  • Capable in math
The IB/ CIE curriculum at TIPS is enriched by IB/ CIE certified facilitators/teachers offering personalised guidance and mentoring to our students. The facilitators at TIPS undergo C.I.D.T.T. (Cambridge International Diploma for our Teachers and Trainers), face-to-face and online training for IB and CIE. National and International seminars and conferences enable them to upgrade themselves in mark schemes, and examiner’s report etc. The in house training department of TIPS conducts regular workshops, internal seminars and exchange programmes for the integration of teaching techniques within the TIPS family.
Of course, DP curriculum is more practical and application based. It enhances student’s knowledge, reasoning power and problem solving abilities which is required to clear all professional entrance exams.

F.A.Q A-levels

Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced (A) Levels are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparation for university education. They are part of the

Cambridge Advanced stage which is in alignment with the Indian 11th and 12th grade curriculum.

Cambridge International AS Levels have half the content of the corresponding Cambridge International A Level and may be completed in one year. Schools can offer Cambridge International AS Level as a qualification in its own right or as a stage on the way to Cambridge International A Level. Learners can study Cambridge International AS Level alongside other subjects to increase breadth in the curriculum and build further knowledge and understanding to other subjects they are studying at Cambridge International A Level.

We offer subjects in Science and Commerce streams. The flexibility of subject combinations and its International relevance makes it popular amongst the learners. We offer programmes that encourage high academic standards that prepare the students for competitive examinations. The school follows Oct/ Nov examination.

‘A’ LEVEL SUBJECTS OFFERED AT TIPS

Commerce Stream     :           English; Math; Accounts; Business studies; Economics.

Science Stream  :                      English; Physics; Chemistry; Math/Biology.

Cambridge International AS and A Level syllabuses have been created specifically for an international audience. The content of International AS and A Levels is carefully devised to suit the wide variety of Cambridge schools worldwide and avoid any cultural bias. They are taken in over 125 countries and offer a choice of 60 different subjects. Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications are widely recognised and valued by universities and employers alike. Some US universities give up to a year’s credit as a result. Every year, thousands of Cambridge International A Level students gain places at good universities worldwide – including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Three fair passes at ‘A’ level allows a student to skip a year in US, UK and Canadian Universities.
Each subject that a Cambridge international student takes at AS and A Level receives a separately certified grade. From 2010, the Cambridge International A Level will be reported on a grade scale from A* grade, awarded for the highest level of achievement, to E, indicating the minimum required performance. There is no A* grading in the certification of Cambridge International AS Levels, which will continue to run from Grade A to Grade E. There is no core paper in AS and A level.
A level prepares the students for university education like graduation. It also qualifies the student to appear for entrance exams for any professional course of his / her choice.

F.A.Q. – Checkpoint

Cambridge Checkpoint, a new and innovative diagnostic testing service, is a major landmark in the development of assessment services from UCIE. The tests cover all major areas of learning required in the first years of an international secondary education.

Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science. Checkpoint is not a formal qualification with a certificate, although a Statement of Achievement is produced. There is no failing or passing in this test. It is a way in which CIE can help students make the most of their educational opportunities.

The diagnostic reports generated by Checkpoint enable us to:

  • Tailor individual student’s learning programmes
  • Monitor group and individual performance
  • Provide information for reporting to parents
  • Compare the performance of all students taking tests in that session
  • Manage learning programmes within centers as students move between centers
  • Predict performance in student’s formal examinations
There are two papers in each subject, each approximately one hour in length. They provide good preparation for Cambridge IGCSE, by allowing students to experience an external exam. All the questions have been tested by Cambridge to ensure they are suitable for 14 years old and provide useful information and feedback.
Each student will receive a Statement of Achievement and a report that provides more detail about his or her performance. Results are given as Checkpoint scores between 0.0 – the weakest performance and 6.0 – the best performance. The average score is between 3.0 and 4.0. The report gives a score for the subject as a whole and for the main topics, so that teachers can identify any important strengths or weaknesses. The report gives information about the questions that provided evidence of the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Research has shown that Checkpoint scores are good indicators of performance in IGCSE. Students with the same Checkpoint score will achieve a range of IGCSE grades, because some will work harder and learn more than others. See the middle of the range in the table below. Naturally, with appropriate efforts students can better their predicted grade. They will achieve less if they do not put in the effort.

Checkpoint Score Range Probable IGCSE Score Range
0 and 1

1 and 2

2 and 3

3 and 4

4 and 5

5 and 6

F

E

D

C

B

A / B

Cambridge Checkpoint exams are held at the end of Grade VIII in Oct. Results are expected to receive within four to five weeks.

Downloads

AIU Equivalence Information Brochure

AIU Recognition for
IB and CIE

IB Recognition in
India

IGCSE – A-levels Recognition in India

Policies

Admissions Policy

Academic Integrity Policy

Inclusion Policy

 Language Policy

Assessment Policy

Parents & Student Grievance Policy