Darjeeling, Aug. 6: Loreto Convent has decided to introduce a parallel syllabus along with that of the ICSE to bring about greater flexibility in academics.

The school plans to introduce the National Institute of Open Schools’ (NIOS) course from next month, and will be asking “relatively weak” students to follow the new course.

Sister Cecily, the principal of Loreto Convent, said: “The NIOS syllabus is recognised by the ministry of human resource development and is equivalent to any other examination. We have decided to introduce the course as weak students find it difficult to clear the ICSE examinations and one of the major hurdles they face is in mathematics. This course is ideally suited for such students.”

Even though non-regular students can follow the NIOS courses, the school will not allow them to attend the course from the school.

“Weak students will be encouraged to take up the course, and there will be no disparity. Those who are following the NIOS syllabus will have to attend classes like ICSE students and take part in all the school activities. There will be no discrimination at all and it will be just another course the school will be offering,” said Sister Cecily.

Students’ performance will be the yardstick to determine who will be asked to follow the new course. These students will take up subjects like home science, word processing, economics, apart from regular subjects like social science, Nepali and English.

“There are many students who will not pass the ICSE, but the NIOS will allow them to sit for the examination twice. The first examination will be held in November and the other in May. If candidates fail in any subject, they will be allowed to take the exam in the same subject in May. At least the student will be given an opportunity to easily pass the Class X exams, which are so important to move ahead in life,” she added.

The school authorities belive that the number of students clearing the board examination will also be better under the new system.

“The new course will benefit both groups of students,” said Sister Cecily.