Bethany High School organizes an orientation programme annually, sometime in the month of October for the parents of eighth graders. This orientation programme is held primarily to introduce them to the ‘Subject groups” offered by Bethany for classes 9 and 10’ (ICSE). These are subjects selected from the list approved by the ICSE. Some subjects are compulsory and others are grouped to form specific streams (Science and Commerce).
GROUP -I: The subjects in this group are compulsory, which include English (Language and Literature), Second Language (Hindi/ Kannada) and Social Studies (HCG History- Civics and Geography).
GROUP- II: There are two options provided:
- i) Physics + Chemistry + Biology OR Commercial Studies
- ii) Mathematics OR Economics
The School currently offers five subjects for group III – (Anyone to be chosen.)
GROUP – III: Art / Physical Education / Drama / Western Music / Computer Application
Bethany is one of the few schools that offer Drama, Western music and Art.
A brief outline for each subject is given below –
ART:
The examination format consists of Paper 1(Still life) and Paper 2 (Nature study along with Project work). There is no theory examination. It is purely based on one’s skill and practice. Opting for Art opens doors for a career in gaming, graphic designing, printmaking, becoming an illustrator, and much more.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
For the unit tests, it is a 50 marks paper, and for the Term Exams 100 marks paper. There are 100 marks for theory and 100 marks for internals which includes the student’s behaviour, discipline, project, and practicals. The practicals include a set of easy and simple exercises and also playing any two sports of their choice, additionally while choosing PE, it is to be ensured that the student is medically fit.
DRAMA: (Performing Arts)
The exam papers are fun to solve as most of the answers are perspective-based subjective questions – in other words, marks are awarded for expression of opinions. Then there are creative questions like writing two- page dialogues based on a prompt which is utterly enjoyable, considering it is all done spontaneously, letting one’s creative juices flow. For assessment, students have to choose between acting out a three-minute scene, complete with costumes, make-up and characterization OR can choose to build a stagecraft model of a scene from a film, book or movie. This project is judged by an External examiner.
WESTERN MUSIC:
Western Music is fun, easy-going and a straightforward subject. The marking is simple too. Writing about your personal experience in music (when you started playing an instrument, started singing, your musical experience or your first performance.
Writing about your favorite artist or band (When and where they were born, how have they inspired you, how they connect with their fans, the awards they have received etc.)
Other than this, one needs to achieve a Grade 4 certificate, either in vocals or an instrument that one plays, from universities like LCM, Trinity or ABRSM which must be submitted to the Music teacher on the stipulated date.
COMPUTER APPLICATION:
Computer application already has a broad scope of opportunities currently and with the rapid pace of digital transformation, having a strong understanding of computer science makes students adaptable to future trends and job markets. The syllabus covers Java, which is essentially the basics of coding. Many major companies use Java for a variety of applications. The school provides unmatched facilities like the Mac Lab with the highest IOS software.
Dr. Akash Ryall, the Director of Bethany Institutions and the Principal are present for this programme. They stress on the importance of making the right choice of subject combinations based on the child’s aptitude and interest. A ‘Psychometric Test’ can be undertaken to help with the selection process.
It’s choice – not chance – that determines your destiny.”