‘Don’t let a single score define your entire academic performance’

This year, to manage with the changes in CBSE exam pattern along with online classes, studying at home and disruptions caused by Covid-19 was surely not an easy task for students. Nonetheless, class 10 toppers from Apeejay School, Saket took challenges head on and made their way to success. Their determination, hard work and adaptability is commendable as these young stars are now geared up for tougher academic challenges.

Students left no stone unturned to attain academic distinction and their results are proof enough! Chhavi Kumar who secured 97.4% says, “In Term 1, the result didn’t meet my expectations. I was very disappointed. But, I did not give up. That day, I promised myself that I would improve my performance. And so, I worked hard to achieve such a score. I felt emotional when my mother informed me about my final aggregate. I am elated and my parents too are very proud of me.”

CBSE while computing the result has assigned Term 1 30 per cent weightage and term 2 weightage of 70 per cent. Hailing this decision, Chhavi says, “For me, this was a welcome change. CBSE gave me an opportunity to measure my pros and cons after Term 1, and re-work upon my abilities. I did that. In Term-2, I practiced harder and took many mock exams. I also learnt to manage my time well.” For Chhavi, Mathematics and English were the most difficult subjects. Crediting her school teachers and parents for their constant support, she opines students should be ready for change and must not let a single score define their performance.

Kshitij Verma aced the exams with a high score of 97.2%. He is absolutely satisfied with the results. He says, “60% of my conceptual learning was classroom-based. In Term-2, I felt more confident to take the exams and did not rest until I gave my best shot. I did not perform well in Term-1 and in the Mathematics exam, I even felt blank. But this time was different because I practiced more. Thanks to my school teachers, especially for English, French and Social Sciences because they helped me improve my performance. Additionally, my parents and elder sisters never pressured me for academics and I feel fortunate for it.”

Kshitij believes in scheduling things in advance and planning them smartly. He mentioned following the Pomodoro technique which means studying for 25 minutes and then taking a short break for his preparations. He says, “My rule has been to stop studying 2 hours prior to the exam. And I even have a process to de-stress. Most importantly, during the Board preparatory leave, I tried not to be confined in a single room the whole day.  I slept on time and focused on calming my mind before an exam.”

Scoring 96.8% in the exams, Pawani Srivastava has opted for Commerce stream in +2. In future, she aspires to become a Chartered Accountant. She says, “During the Board examinations, I faced some hitches while understanding the concepts and theories. I would have preferred to sit with my school teachers and have face-to-face interaction. For my preparation, I took help from online sources to overcome basic difficulties.”

Recognising how the process of online teaching-learning was demanding even for educators during Covid-19, she mentions, “My teachers delivered their best. They made powerpoint presentations, took extra classes and were always available to take up my queries.” Her tip to fellow juniors to be self-paced and understand basics thoroughly. “Making quick-notes is the easiest method to brush up theories a day prior to the exam. Don’t sit to study for hours and hours, rather try to understand concepts well.”

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“There is no parameter for success…Soaring high has been our nature!”

-DR. SUJEET ERIC MASIH, PRINCIPAL, APEEJAY SCHOOL, SAKET