Girls rule roost in class 10 exams in Coimbatore

All the state toppers from Coimbatore district has one thing in common - none of them took extra coaching or tuition.

Kruthigayini has been a bright student since her childhood. “She always stood first from KG to class 10,” said school principal T. Gunaseela Sivakumar. Kruthigayni said, “I did self-preparation and read nothing out of the syllabus. I think the frequent tests helped a lot to revise on a daily basis. I used to study eight hours a day but did not feel any pressure during the exams.”

She plans to take up Biology and, after plus-two, master agriculture. The reason? “Agriculture is the need of the hour. Every other day, we have farmers committing suicide. I would like to change this and improve farming in India.” Karthika wants to study biology next to become a cardiologist. She is the daughter of Ravichandran, an electrician, and Dhanalakshmi, who works in an anganwadi. “I didn’t require any private tuition. I prepared what I was taught in the classroom. I used to study for six hours a day. Mom and dad helped me in my studies and motivated me all the time to do well.” Her classteacher, I. Jesudial, said, “She was always bright in school and followed to all the instructions given in class. We are very proud of having her as our student.”

Kerethika, a Bharatanatyam dancer, also plays shuttle. She never felt the need for extra tuition classes apart from the class tests and teachers’ guidance. “I expected first rank because I was very confident about my performance and preparations. For plus-two, I will take up science to become a paediatrician because I love children,” she smiles.

Harshini has also never opted for private tuition except in Mathematics. She wants to study computer science and sees herself as a successful software engineer in future.

“I revised all the model question papers from previous years on a daily basis. I can’t express how happy I am, but I really didn’t expect to be one of the rank-holders. This morning, when I was praying in a temple along with my parents, our principal called up and gave the good news. I was surprised and thrilled. I can’t express how it felt,” said the daughter of Kumarasubramanian who works in southern railway. Karolina, the other rank holder, could not be contacted as she is out of town.

In the district-wise ranking, Coimbatore stood 11th in this year's SSLC results scoring 95.65 per cent. Last year, the district was in 5th position, scoring 95.60 per cent.

Students of 510 schools in Coimbatore district wrote the class 10 exam which includes government, corporation, municipality, welfare schools, aided schools, self-finance schools, matriculation schools, Anglo-Indian schools and special schools.

A total of 45,643 students appeared for the exam and 43,659 passed out. There are 26 second and 57, third state rank holders from the district this year and mostly all of them are girls. Archana U, second rank holder from Bharathi Matric Higher Secondary School, Thadagam Road, Coimbatore, scored 99 in Language paper and English, 100 in Maths, Science and Social Science, making a total of 498 marks.

She, too, didn't take any extra coaching. “My success was due to the continuous class tests and extra support from the teachers who were always ready to clear doubts.”

For plus-two, she would like to take Biology as she aspires to become a doctor. Mathumitha R, second rank holder from National Model Matric Higher Secondary School, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, has no future plans or any aspirations yet.

However, she would like to take up Biology and decide her future plans later. Being the daughter of teachers, she got help from them when in doubt. “The class tests were really helpful and the way teachers prepared us for the exams made sure that I didn't have to go for private tuition.” Minu A.S., state second from Vidyaa Vikas Matric Higher Secondary School, Chikkarampalayam, Coimbatore, said there was no stress or pressure during the exams. “It was the daily practice and revision which helped me score good marks. I used to get up at dawn whenever I felt like revising the chapters." She will take up Biology in plus-two and aspires to become a doctor.

Poojalakshmi B, state second rank holder from Sri Sowdeswari Vidyalaya Matric Higher Secondary School, Ramamurthy Road, Coimbatore, aspires to become an auditor. “I would like to take Commerce in plus-two. The good result is due to continuous practice, revising chapters and writing tests at school." Rajkishore B, another state second from National Model Matric Higher Secondary School, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, wants to become an IAS officer. His father is an electrician and mother, a teacher. “Being the son of a teacher is always a plus. Whenever I had any doubts, I had my mom available next to me to clear them. Also, the teachers helped us by conducting many tests and revision. I did not experience any stress as I just followed the syllabus."

Vinita S, second rank holder from Vijaya Vidhyalaya Matric Higher Secondary School, Ondipudur, Coimbatore, didn't opt for private tuition. "Our school provided very good coaching and conducted regular revision tests. I fell short by two marks and missed getting 500/500." She wants to take up Biology and sees herself as a successful doctor in future.