Curriculum, Board, and Exam Body: A Breakdown
Curriculum refers to the entire course of study that students follow in a school or educational institution. It outlines the subjects, topics, and learning objectives that students will cover.
Board is a governing body that sets the standards and guidelines for a particular curriculum. They develop syllabi, question papers, and conduct examinations.
Exam Body is a specific organization responsible for conducting examinations and awarding certificates based on the curriculum and standards set by the board.
Examples:
India
- Curriculum: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education), State Boards (e.g., Maharashtra State Board, Tamil Nadu State Board)
- Board: CBSE, ICSE, State Boards
- Exam Bodies: CBSE, CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination), State Boards
UAE
- Curriculum: British Curriculum, American Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Board: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Edexcel, International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
- Exam Bodies: CAIE, Edexcel, IBO
Singapore
- Curriculum: Singapore Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level, Singapore Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level
- Board: Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB)
- Exam Bodies: SEAB
Key Differences:
- Curriculum: Outlines the content and structure of education.
- Board: Sets standards, guidelines, and conducts examinations.
- Exam Body: Administers examinations and awards certificates.
In many cases, the board and exam body may be the same organization, as is the case with CBSE and CISCE in India. However, in other countries, like Singapore, the board and exam body are separate entities.