“Let us make it gradual” is a popular way that Sir Edmund Hillary often suggests to Mountaineering enthusiasts. He is probably the greatest in this league being second to none having conquered 11 peaks in Himalayas before deciding to climb Mount Everest. While what he said is quite interesting for lot of us, let us look at the essence of it. Any mountain climber has to cover certain altitude to reach a peak and its one’s choice to either
Take a lenient path initially and face stiff heights
Making it gradual over the journey
Sir Hillary is someone who has believed in the second way and probably no need for explanations as to which is the better way!!
Now, I see the situation of a student moving from a more basic level of Maths and Science exposure in Middle School (VI-VIII) into deeper subject level and more academically important Secondary (IX-X) level almost similar to that of a climber. If one has to look at conquering peak is similar to achieving academic excellence in X, a more gradual path is better suited and result guaranteed than otherwise.
As any student moves from VIII to IX level, he/she would see a drastic change in terms of quantum of syllabus coverage and level of depth covered in subjects like Mathematics and Science. However, the level of topics between IX and X would again be almost similar. As they move from VIII to IX, conceptual clarity, higher emphasis on numericals would definitely be the pillows on a which a rather gradual path of excellence can be built. IIT and Medical Foundation Programs/ Academic Excellence initiatives would essentially try to achieve this objective for the period of IX and X.
While at times, there are some misconceptions often favouring the mindset of students to relax before crucial years, these domains (Academics and Mountaineering) would just make it more stiff to excel later!
Start early is just an old saying, new philosophy is to make anything gradual and more sustainable. All the Best. You may even refer to CONCEPTREE’s post on NTSE here.
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