Moulding the toppers: From ‘stay backs’ to remedial classes, how CBSE schools shape toppers

Nagpur: While students rightly get the credit for topping in board exams, what often goes unnoticed is how modern-day schools are innovating to provide an ecosystem where academically brilliant students can get the much-needed edge.From organizing ‘stay backs' to ‘remedial classes', CBSE schools in Nagpur are providing a vibrant ecosystem for potential toppers to thrive.Nagpur's been in the news across the country due toDPS Mihan's Class 10 student Shaankari Jadhav scoring 100% marks. Students like her are a result of efforts being taken by schools, that recognize academic talent and nurture them. Nidhi Yadav, principal of DPS Mihan, said, "Teachers and students voluntarily have ‘stay-backs', where they remain in the school for a specified time and work on academic difficulties, helping to provide an edge to students."In CBSE Class 12, the highest score recorded in Nagpur was 98.4% by two students.Riddhi Thakkar of Jain International School and Saishree Agrawal of School of Scholars (Wanadongri).Anmol Mukherjee, principal of Jain International School, said, "Students put in that extra effort because they feel they are equal stakeholders in the school, which comes from the democratic culture we encourage in this school. Once that sense of ownership in school comes in, students go that extra mile. Also, we have online problem solving sessions, which go beyond the regular classwork."Kavita Nagarajan, senior principal of SOS Wanadongri, said, "There are many things which our school does, and one of the things is teachers holding one hour online classes, where students can get their queries resolved."At 97.8%, Centre Point School (Katol Road) student Aarav Dharmik topped the science stream. The school's director-principal Shilpee Ganguly said, "We have been producing science toppers consistently for many years, and the staff and teaching methodology play a big role. The school adapts and teaching process also evolves with time."In the humanities stream, Saloni Chauhan of BVM Srikrishna Nagar topped with 97.2%. School principal Lalit Joshi said, "For well over a decade, our humanities section has produced toppers. Beyond the regular classroom teaching, we also focus on training students about how to approach the paper during exams."In an interconnected world where best-practices are shared with everyone, it's not possible for schools to do something completely unique. Methodologies overlap, and the difference is the minor fine-tuning which principals implement, which impacts the final results. Internal tests help schools identify who their potential toppers are, then remedial classes polish off the rough edges which could make a difference at the top level where the podium position is lost with just one mark.CBSE schools in Nagpur have kept innovating all the time, which is why the board's popularity has also increased in the region, and ultimately helped students take the pole position.