ISC students will have 20 marks allotted for compulsory project work in mathematics from this year to ensure students learn the application of mathematical theories they are taught in school.

Students who take admission in Class XI in 2020 will be the first batch with project work in ISC maths.

ISC students at present are tested only in one 100-mark theoretical paper in maths.

With the introduction of the project work, the theory paper in maths (Paper I) will have 80 marks.

The 20-mark Paper II will require students to complete two projects of 10 marks each, the principal of an ISC school in the city said.

Two projects will have to be done in Class XI and two more in Class XII, according to the revised maths syllabus drawn up by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) for students who will be appearing for the ISC exam in 2022.

The council decided to introduce the 20-mark compulsory project work to acquaint students with different aspects of mathematics used in daily life.

“The ISC maths syllabus has undergone change from time to time to keep up with new research in the field. The introduction of project work was necessary as it will help schools lay greater emphasis on application of some important concepts in mathematics. It will also help students understand the concepts better,” the principal said.

Another teacher said many students developed a fear for mathematics and project work could help dispel the fear. “Students will develop an interest in maths, which will help them overcome the phobia while studying the subject,” he said.

The council has also decided to introduce 20-mark compulsory project work in English language and literature in ISC from this year.

In CBSE, too, Class XII students are assessed on project work in maths. The Higher Secondary council had introduced compulsory project work in mathematics in 2013.

The ISC mathematics syllabus is split into three sections — A, B and C. Ten of the 20 marks allotted for project work in maths will be from Section A and other 10 marks from Section B or C.

The CISCE has provided a list of topics in all three sections for project work. Students can pick a topic of their choice from the list.

The project work will be assessed by maths teachers of the respective schools as well as by external examiners. The individual schools will have to appoint visiting examiners from nearby schools. The appointments will have to be approved by the council.

Some mathematics teachers, however, urged the council to maintain vigil on schools to ensure that the students do the projects under proper guidance.

“The council should check whether the schools have the infrastructure and adequate number of teachers to supervise the students. The council must also see that evaluation of maths projects is not biased. Maths is not easy like many other subjects. Students will suffer in the long run if the vigil is not maintained,” the teacher said.