My Science School

I am in Class X. I am passionate about Beatboxing. I recently performed on stage at school. Many of my friends congratulated me, but some of my classmates teased me by asking if I were spitting on the mike because I did a sound routine called BMG snare. I understand they didn’t mean it, but sometimes it hurts me. How should I handle this?

Congratulations on your skill. Everybody has a unique skill and it is good to improve it. It does hurt when you talent is not recognized, but sometimes, not everyone would understand one’s unique talent. It is natural to get upset and feel bad when you are teased, but do not worry about it; you must try to become resilient. Do not give up. Obstacles can be overcome as long as you have the perseverance to achieve something in life. Do not get dejected by negative comments and criticisms. Stay motivated and appreciate yourself for your talent. Look at those who support you. Stay calm and confident and continue your journey. Your talent will be well recognized by those who understand your value.

 

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I’m in Class IX. I like to read, but I don’t seem to find the time. And everybody asks me to wake up early in the morning for it, but I can’t do it. How can I manage time?

It’s a good habit to read, and the choice of books is very important. Age-appropriateness of the books must also be kept in mind. As you go to higher classes, your academic requirements will increase, and you must learn to manage your time effectively. Proper time management always helps. Be clear on your goals. Make a plan. Avoid procrastination. Quality time spent on studies will help you focus better on your hobbies as well. Prioritize your work and schedule if for the day and the week. Remember, you are your best judge – allot the right amount of time for every activity and make changes depending on your needs.

 

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I’m a Class X student of a CBSE school. The problem is I have poor memory. Whatever I study, I can’t remember it for a long time. Worse, I cannot remember long answers in the right sequence. What can I do? Please help me, I am very anxious about Boards.

It must be really very upsetting when you forget what you have learnt. This will create a lot of anxiety. A lot depends on your study pattern. It is not the number of hours you spend studying but the quality of your study time that matters. A schedule for studying always helps. Last-minute preparation will create anxiety and and you might not be able to remember or recollect the content. Long hours of study is also not good. Taking a break after every 30 to 45 min is recommended. A proper place of study without distractions is also important. Reduce screen time and the use of gadgets. Go for a walk to refresh yourself when you are studying. In order to remember long answer, make notes and use mindmaps to remember the content. You can make mindmaps with colours, doodling etc. To easily recollect content. Chunking is also helpful – this is a method of learning and recollecting in parts. Do not learn the long answers in one shot. Break them up into smaller segments. This will reduce your anxiety and you can remember answer better. Practise well by doing model examination papers to build your confidence. A calm mind is necessary to study and perform well. Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and yoga are recommended for better body-mind coordination.

 

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I’m in Class XII and I’m a below-average student. Since I managed to get around 70% in Class X Boards, my parents wanted me to continue in the same CBSE School. But I’m struggling a lot now and I’m unable to cope with pressure. We’re a middle-class family, and my parents are spending a lot on school fees and tuitions. I’m feeling guilty about my performance; in fact, only after assurances from my parents did the school promote me to Class XII, with severe warning at that. I don’t have the courage to tell my parents that I can’t score well, it’s too late now. I’m so stressed. Please help me.

I appreciate your concern for your parents and also your genuineness. It is not healthy to get worried and stressed out. Too much of stress will affect your performance. Your parents are ready to spend money on your education but it is important for them to understand your capacity and interests. Aspirations should match our ability. Everyone need not excel only in academics. Every individual has some unique talent. Explore your talents more productively. Getting stressed will not help you in anyway. You are in Class XII. Focus on your performance. Plan your study and perform to the best of your ability. Be open to your parents. Help them understand your limitations and ask them not to set high expectations. But you should not give up. Hard work and perseverance will certainly help you. Good luck for your future.

 

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I’m in Class VII. I prepare for my examinations at the last-minute or just a day before. Sometimes I also take up extra-curricular activities late in the night. My parents scold me when I do this, especially because I often end up going to school late. Is studying late in the night good or bad? Also, will extra-curricular activities affect my academics during examinations?

Preparation for examinations or any other activity at last-minute causes a lot of physical and mental stress. It is desirable to plan your activity ahead to avoid such situations. Also every student has a study time that works well for them. What is very important is to not compromise on your sleep and activities. Do not procrastinate activities that will affect your performance. Extra-curricular activities are good for you because they help you relax and also acquire new skills. So, do plan your activities to stay focused, especially during examinations. We all learn from our mistakes and it is good to learn healthy practices.

 

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A lot of students in Classes X and XII feel they are under pressure from parents with regard to studies. Many parents stop their children’s sports activity or other classes as they feel children have to concentrate only on studies. In such a scenario, what should parents and children do?

Many such students are under severe pressure from not just parents, but also school and peer groups. In daily life, we use the term stress to describe negative situations. But not all stress is bad. Stress is of two types – eustress or positive stress motivates and improves performance while distress or negative stress leads to anxiety, fear, poor performance, disappointment and other physical and mental health problems. Many students undergo distress when they are in Class X or XII as they have to face Board examinations. A lot of stress is caused also due to parents’ anxiety and expectations. Instead of creating distress of children, it is better to help them prepare and plan for their future. A clear and healthy discussion between parents and children is necessary to help students be confident and stress-free.

A FEW HANDY TIPS FOR STUDENTS

• Physical fitness: A considerable amount of physical activity is always essential to keep your body and mind active. Even when you get into higher classes, some form of physical activity – a sport, jogging etc. – is necessary, and it is not good to stop these activities. Pick a hobby to relax and recharge. Yoga will help you stay calm and focussed.


• Plan ahead: A simple strategy of planning and executing activities will help you avoid last-minute anxiety.


• Avoid procrastination: Postponing your work will lead to more anxiety, and is not a solution to your problem. Identify the reasons for your delay and work on them.


• Reduce distractions: Distractions from mobile phones, television, videogames or friends have to be reduced because you tend to lose focus and will regret it later.


• Set realistic goals: Goal-setting will help you be motivated and work better. You will get a direction for yourself.


• Analyse your progress: Never compare yourself with others. Set targets for yourself and look into your performance. Appreciate yourself when you do well, and analyse how you can perform better.


• Stay focussed and work hard: Steady preparation before the examinations gives one immense self-confidence. Positive feelings and preparedness keep worry and negative thoughts at bay.


• Healthy eating and good sleep: A healthy diet and good sleep for at least six to seven continuous hours a day – particularly during examination days – are essential to keep your mind and body healthy.

 

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I suddenly wake up from my sleep in the middle of the night and think about my upcoming examinations. Although I am preparing quite well, I am not able to sleep properly. Please help me with tips.

All of us have faced this. Proper sleep is very important before examinations. Stay calm and revise your portions. Have an early dinner filled with carbs and proteins. Stay away from phones and other gadgets. Listen to relaxing music. Go for a short walk and do some breathing exercises. Do not think about the results. Stay in the present. Before you go to sleep, do not talk to friends who are going to face examinations. Stop comparing your performance with others. Stay away from those who make you panic. Self-affirming statements such as “I will sleep well” or “Have a good sleep” will have a positive effect on you. Also, a warm water bath and a mildly aromatic room can help you sleep well.

 

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I am a girl in Class IX. I have kind of liked this boy from the beginning of the school year. I want to tell him how I feel about him but I get nervous and end up not saying anything. I am probably going to leave this year and vacate to a new place. But before that I want to talk to him. I know I am not supposed to have feelings at such a young age but should that really stop me ? Please help me.

Having a crush on someone during your adolescence is very natural. Such attractions are due to a lot of physiological changes. Having an open conversation is okay as long as the boy is able to understand it with the right perspective. Rather than getting confused about it, decide if you are okay with expressing your feelings to him. Of course, you must be prepared to accept that such feelings may not last long and so it is not necessary to suppress them. Talk to the boy if you want to express your feelings while giving yourself time to be able to be able to accept the change of place. You can always continue your friendship in a healthy manner if the boy also has a healthy attitude towards the relationship.

 

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I’m in Class X. I have high aspirations for my Board examinations. But I have a problem – I’m plump and it makes me feel odd among friends who are all fit. I want to lose weight, and I have taken many steps for it. I have also started cycling long distances. But it makes me tired, and I sleep early at night, which eats into my study hours. What do I do? Please help.

It’s good to take care of your physical well-being. It is not healthy reduce weight in just a few days. A healthy strategy must be planned to help you out. Of course, it is natural to feel odd among friends. I appreciate your interest and steps taken to change. You are in Class X and you must focus on your fast-approaching Board examinations. Any drastic change in your routine will affect your health. Before any steps are initiated to reduce weight, consult a physician to check for medical conditions and take proper interventions. Exercise and proper diet too are essential. A proper fitness specialist and a nutritionist will be able to guide you. But, you could do these after your Boards. Meanwhile, avoid unhealthy and sugary foods, and increase the intake of proteins and greens to help you stay fresh and active. Drink lots of water and eat almonds and walnuts regularly. Prioritise your goals – your examinations are a priority now. Love your body and do not give up. Don’t make harsh statements about yourself and your body. Healthy eating, proper sleep and exercise are important now. Practise breathing exercises too. Yoga can help you keep your body fit. Cycling is a good exercise but do not overdo it that you get exhausted. Start small and be consistent.

 

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Imagine a workplace where the air is always fragrant with the delicious smell of baking bread. The day is divided between mixing flour and whisking batter. Dallops of cream are scooped on to delectable pastries of all sizes and colours. What a treat it will be, right?

Well, thanks to the increasing popularity of different types of desserts, there is a huge demand for skilled bakers and pastry chefs in the dynamic food and beverage industry.

The culinary art of baking has become serious business. Professional bakers work in five-star hotels, artisan bakeries, television shows and with dessert manufacturers to produce the delicate and delicious creations that glitter temptingly on our social media screens or shop windows.

If you are passionate about baking, working as a professional baker could be a sweet choice. So put on your baker’s apron, grab a bag of flour and start baking!

Scope

The role of a baker involves much more than just baking bread. People with formal training in baking and pastry arts have a plethora of options, including working as pastry chefs or bakers. You can specialise in a specific type of baked good such as wedding cakes or artisan breads. There is a huge demand for customised and creative cakes. This is known as edible art and is a lucrative field. You can also specialise as a chocolatier or a food stylist. Chocolatiers design chocolate bars, truffles and other confectioneries, while food stylists prepare and style food for photo and video shoots.

How it works

Baking is a skill that can be picked up through training and practice. It broadly involves making biscuits, breads, cakes, muffins and pies. Baking is no longer restricted only to conventional local bakeries. While many bake as a hobby, professional bakers are those that put their skills to commercial use. Plant bakers usually work in small-scale, independent bakeries, five-star hotels or a restaurant chain. The last few years also has seen the rise of gourmet bakeries that cater to different tastes and requirements such as gluten-free and vegan goodies.

Required skills

• Passion for baking


• Culinary skills


• Creativity


• Innovation


• Attention to detail


• Organisation skills


• Patience


• Dedication

What to study?

Anyone can become a baker, but to work in restaurants and hotels, a degree or a certificate course in bakery and confectionery is a pre-requisite. Hotel management colleges offer short-term courses in baking. Recently, some institutes started to offer craftmanship courses in Bakery and Patisserie, accredited by City and Guides (C&G), London.

Where to study:

• The Institute of Hotel Management Catering and Nutrition, Pusa, New delhi: Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery (C&G)


• Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, Bengaluru: Diploma in Patisserie (C&G)


• Institute of Bakery and Pastery Arts, New Delhi: Diploma in Bakery and Patisserie Arts


• Kohinoor College of Hotel and Tourism Management Studies, Mumbai: B.Sc in Hotel Management, along with a certificate course in Bakery


• Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata: Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie – one-and-a-half years


• Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Goa: Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie – 24 weeks

Abroad

• Le Cordon Bleu, London and Paris: It offers a Grand Diploma with Professional Immersion programme (includes a course in French language at the Paris campus) and Diploma in Patisserie – Nine months


• Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, the U.K.: Diploma in Professional Patisserie


• Ashburton Chefs Academy, the U.K.: Diploma in Professional Patisserie

 

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