The Efficacious Schools of the Year, 2022 | TKR

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ACKNOWLEDGING THE ETHOS OF INDIAN EDUCATION

Indiasharesamagnificenthistoryofknowledgein itscumulativeevolutionasacountry.Beitthe ancientphilosophicalwisdom,theliterary geniuses,thebio-medicalinventions,orcrudely criticalfundamentalmathematics,andhistoryhas multipleaccountsofIndia'scontributiontothepresent progressionofeducation.Althoughthehistoryof educationinIndiacanbetraceddowntocenturies, withtheancientscriptures,theGurukulsystemand theuniversitiesdatingasearlybetween600BCto500 AD,thecountryalsofellintothehandsofforeign invadersthatdraineddownitsrichesandexploitingits peoplewithuttergoverningnegligence.

Underforeignrule,educationwasonlyaccessibletoa verysmallclassofprivilegedindividualsandwas neverregulatedasafundamentalrightwithinthe IndianPopulation.AsIndiareleaseditselffromthe clutchesofforeignrulein1947,ithadalongjourney infrontofitwithatumultuousonusofreinstatingits age-oldgloryineducation.

In2009,theIndianparliamentpassedalandmarkact for 'Right to Education',whichensuresfreeand compulsoryeducationfromtheageof6to14,which, inturn,stimulatedahumongousriseintheaccessto qualityeducationforall.

Todayafter75yearsofindependence,theIndian educationsystemisoneofthelargestintheworldcateringtoover250millionstudents,withovera millionschools(privateandgovernment).Asthesun risesonthehorizonofahopefulfutureforIndian education,thestakeholdersbeholdasignificantkeyin expandingaccesstoqualityeducationandrevamping theefficacyoftheeducationalpedagogy.

Withthiseditionof'TheEfficaciousSchoolsofthe Year,2022', The Knowledge Review takesamoment tocherishtheheroicschoolsinthecountrythathave beenprogressingsteadilytotransformeducationin India.

Prepareforanindulgingread! T R

Candor

SchoolRaising Students to be Global Citizens

Candor International School offers an international education curriculum that prepares students for an ever-smaller world.

Theenvironmentchildrengrow

Tupinlargelydefinestheentire pathaheadofthem.Inahighly competitiveworldandinadeveloping countrylikeIndia,parentshavea gargantuantaskinfrontofthemto choosetherightschoolfortheir children.Alotofthought,spadework andweighingofprosandconsgointo providingtherighteducationandthe rightfacilitiesfortheirchildrensince parentswillstopatnothingwhile preparingthemforasecurefuture.

Youngmindsdeserveanenvironment thathelpstheminlearningtheallimportantlifeskills.Withcuriosity growinginthebuddingminds,itis importantforchildrentosatisfytheir thirstforacademicexcellence, creativity,andcollaborativelearning.

Findingtherightfitforanythingcanbe quitetricky.However,searchorlook closelyaroundyourself.Youwillfind theperfectplaceforyourchildrento honetheirskillsandexcelin academicswithinnovativeteaching

Dr. Suresh Reddy Founder, Candor International School

methodsand,importantlyahappy spaceforthemtogrow

CandorInternationalSchoolisone suchschoolthathasdedicateditselfto providingasecureandsafefuturefor children.Theschoolhasadoptedan internationalsyllabusandcurriculum topreparethechildrenforabetter futureandshineinwhateverthey choosetodo.

SettingtheCradleinMotion Bangalore,theheartoftheITindustry

At Candor, we emphasise skill-based learning, cognitive thinking, ethical behaviour, moral integrity, experiential learning, leadership and individuality.

inIndiaandbeingatthefocalpointfor internationalcompaniesallacrossthe world,provideschildrenwiththeideal environmenttogrowwhile maintainingtheinternationalstandards thathavebecometheneedofthehour

Identifyingthisuniqueniche requirementoftheeducationspace, Dr.SureshReddyfoundedtheCandor InternationalSchoolinAugust2011.

Theschoolhomes25acresofcampus inoneoftheprimeareasinBangalore betweenBannerghattaandElectronics City.Itsprimelocationprovideseasy accesstothepopularresidentialareas andconnectswellwiththecitywhile maintainingacalmandsuitable environmentforstudentgroomingand growth.

Mission-PreparingforLife

Beingoneofthebestinternational schoolsinBangalore,India,the CandorInternationalSchoolhas dedicateditselftopreparingstudents forlife.Foraccomplishingthis mission,theschoolhasgathereda teamofdedicatedandspiritedlearners, makingtheschoolacommunitythat nurtureseverychildtodevelopintoa knowledgeable,confident,caring,and responsibleglobalcitizen.

Vision–GuidingLampforthe CountryandtheWorld

CandorInternationalSchoolaimstobe aguidinglampforbuddingminds.The schoolaimstobethecatalystthat triggerspositivechangefornational andinternationalstudents,taking responsibilityforgroomingstudentsto becomeglobalcitizens.Withthis value-addedapproach,theschool strivestodevelopstudentswhowill protecttheenvironmentwhile reservingethicalandmoralvaluesin theever-changingsocial,economic, environmental,andpoliticalshift paradigm.

The Efficacious Schools of the Year 2022

CoreValues

Ÿ Loveoflearningthroughlifelong enquiry

Ÿ Respectfordiversityofpeople, faith,culture,andideas

Ÿ Concernforthecommunityatall levels

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Integrityofthought,speech,and action

Opennesstoadoptingthebest models

Transparencyofstandardsand practices

ACompleteCampus

CandorSchoolcampusislocatedata primelocationinBangalore,spread over25acres,thatincludesa6-acre organicfarmtorespectandhonour farming,theprimaryoccupationin India.Theschoolhasan Administrative,Kindergarten,Primary, Middle,andSecondaryblockthat enablestheschooltocommunicate effectivelyandmaintainthesmooth functioningofday-to-dayaffairs.

Beinganinternationalcampus,Candor SchoolisalsoaWiFi-enabledcampus, anditsuniquedesigniswhatmakes thecampusacompleteone.For studentswhowishtostudyandliveon thecampus,theschoolprovides boardingwithtopofthelinefacilities

forboysandgirlsabovetenyearsof age.

CandorSchoolcampusconsistsof classrooms,aplayandsportsarea, labs,libraries,musicstudios, dormitories,andacafeteria.The school'sinfrastructureiscuratedand designedcarefullytomakeitstudentfriendlyandage-appropriate.

AcademicProgrammes

Theschooloffersacomplete internationalprogramforitsstudents, withCambridgeandIBbeingthe academiccurriculaprovided.Keeping theneedforspecialattentiontothe studentsinmind,theschoolhasa1:6 Teacher-StudentRatiotogivespecial attentiontostudents'development.

PrimarySchool(Pre-K–Grade5): CandorInternationalSchooloffersits studentsInternationalBaccalaureate PrimaryYearsProgramme(IB-PYP).

MiddleSchool(Grade6-10):The curriculumformiddleschoolisdrawn undertheCambridgeSyllabus.The CambridgeLowerSecondarySyllabus isfollowedfromGrade6to8,whereas forGrade9and10,thesyllabus followedisIGCSE(International GeneralCertificateofSecondary Education).

HighSchool(Grade11&12):TheIB orInternationalBaccalaureateDiploma ProgrammeandTheCambridgeCAIE ASandAlevelsareofferedbythe CandorInternationalSchool.

AVisionaryLeader

TheCandorInternationalSchoolisthe brainchildofDr.SureshReddy,who istheFounderandChairpersonof theschool.Beinganentrepreneurofa leadingITcompanyintheUnited StatesandservingasaDirectorofthe SmallandMediumEnterprise Consortium,Dr.SureshReddyfeltthe needtoprovidequalityinternational educationfacilitiestoyoungIndian students.Hebelievesthattheyounger generationneedstobegroomedinan internationallyrecognisededucation systemforthedevelopmentof communityandenvironmental activism.

Dr.SureshReddy,anenvironmental activist,hasbeenrecognisedbythe KeiseiUniversityinSouthKoreato createanenvironment-friendlygreen schoolin2017andreceivedan sthonorarydegreein21 Century Buildingfromthesameuniversity

AWell-BalancedEducational Approach

Thevastsyllabusofstudentshasmade itdifficulttofocusontheholistic developmentofstudents.Thereisnota singlesyllabusintheworldthatonly focusesontheoreticalknowledge. Evensciencehasprovedtousfrom timetotimethatthingscanbe theoreticallypossiblebutmightbe verydifficulttoachieveinpractice.

CandorInternationalSchoolhas craftedtheacademicecosystemfroma well-curatedsyllabusinsuchaway thatallowsthestudentsandteachersto findaperfectbalancebetweentheory andpractical.Theschoolhasachieved thatbyengagingstudentsinvarious activitiesbasedonreal-lifechallenges andpracticalapplicationoftheoretical knowledge.Onesuchinitiativestarted atCandorInternationalSchoolisCAS –Creativity,Action,Service.The initiativeencouragesstudentsto developskillslikecriticalthinkingand honetheircreativetalents.

Theschoolhasunderstoodthe importanceofartsandotheractivities thatallowsstudenttobalancetheir academicchallenges.Today,with

students'andteachers'collective efforts,theschoolhasbecomeacentre forTrinityMusic,acertificationexam thatoffersaperformance-only alternativeforvariousmusicians.The schoolisalsotheofficialtestcentrefor ACTexams,andover15examslots withflexibletimingsarearranged accordingtotheconvenienceof students.

CandorInternationalSchoolreceived offersfrom250+Universitieswith over$10millioninscholarships,and inadditiontothat,theschoolreceives 100%placementeveryyearand continuestodothesame.

CareerGuidanceandCounselling Beingapartoftheinternational curriculum,theschoolunderstandsthe nextall-importantstepforstudentsin choosingtheircollege.Therefore,the schoolgroomsandpreparesits studentstorecognisethestudents' potentialandthefieldsthattheycan exploreandhaveanexcellentcareer in.Thegraduatingstudentsgothrough theCollegeandCareerGuidance Counsellor,whoholdstheirhandsin theirsearchforcollegesand universitiesbothinIndiaandabroad.

Thecounsellorappointedbytheschool isaresourcepersonwhocaterstothe students'nichespace,needs,and requirementstohelpthemwiththe completeprocessofadmissionto furtherstudies-fromcollegeselection, admission,andfundingprocessesas applicable.

BridgeUPlatform:Theschool providesstudentswithanAvant browserandapplicationtoolthathelps themnavigatetheirinterestsandshows resultsforbest-fituniversities.This uniqueplatformhelpstheminthe collegecounsellingprocessbysending thetranscripts,andothernecessary documentstovariousuniversitiesand collegesthestudentapplyfor

UniversityFairs:Candor InternationalSchoolisaglobally recognisedschool,andovertop oftheline,100universities fromallovertheworldvisit theschooltohelpstudents intheirhigherstudies.

DuringtheUniversity FairsatCandor International,the studentsgetto

experiencecoursemodules,explore scholarships,enhancetheapplication process,etc.,first-hand.

Counsellors:theschoolhasappointed qualifiedPersonalCounsellorswhoare trainedandexperiencedinhandling variousissuessuchasenvironmentand studentmentalhealth,andthe counsellorisresponsiblefor identifyingtheproblemandproviding

solutions.Thisisastudent-oriented programwherestudentsgetachanceto honetheirskillsacademically,socially, andemotionally

AHomeAwayfromHome Growthliesbeyondcomfort,andfor mostyoungsters,theircomfortzoneis oftentheirhome.Forstudents'overall developmentandextensivegrowth,the schoolprovidesboardingfacilitiesfor

We are a community of dedicated and spirited learners, and we believe that every child can be nurtured to develop into a knowledgeable, caring, confident and responsible global citizen.

studentsfromGrade5,andithasa boardingcapacityofaround200 students.Alongwiththat,theschool alsogivesachoicetostudentschoose betweenregularfull-timeboardingor weeklyboarding,whereastudentcan gototheirparentsfortheweekends.

Withexcellenthostelroomsanda specialwingfordining,theschool providesstudentswithahomeaway fromhomewithspecialroomsfor entertainmentpurposes.Inthe academicyear2019-20,Education TodaymagazinerankedCandor InternationalSchoolatNo.7under India'sTop20Day-Cum-Boarding Schools.

Theschoolrecognisestheimportance ofsportsinstudents'life,andspecial trainingsessionsforboardingstudents arearranged.Alongwitha6-acre organicfarmthattheschooltakespride in,itprovidesvarioussportsfacilities foritsstudents.Thesportsfacilities includeaSyntheticBasketballcourt, TennisCourts,Footballfields,Cricket Pitch,half-sizeOlympicswimming pool,Archeryarena,skatingarena, Athletictrack,andgymnasium.The facilitiesforindoorgameslikeThrow Ball,Snooker,AirHockey,Foosball, Carrom,Chess,TableTennistables, andplaystationsareimmensely popularamongtheboarders.

ALSProgram

SpecialEducationalNeedsprogram, whichprovidesexceptionalsupportto theneedsofgiftedstudents,andthis programisapartoftheschool's AdditionalLearningSupport.The schoolhiresspecialeducatorwhohasa deepunderstandingofthestudent's uniquelearningneeds,andtheyleave nostoneunturnedtoenrichtheir learningexperience.

Achievements & Awards

• Candor International School has received multiple awards for its leadership in International Education, facilities, safety, and green infrastructure.

• Ranked #5 in India's Top 10 International Schools (2015)

• Ranked #1 in Leadership Management Quality (2015)

• Ranked #1 in Infrastructure Provision (2015)

• Ranked twice among the top three in Bengaluru's Top International Day Schools (2015 and 2017)

• Most Influential Brand in Education Award (2015-16)

• Ranked #1 in Safety and Hygiene (2016)

• Ranked among Bengaluru's top five International Day-CumBoarding Schools (2017-18)

• Ranked #5 Top International School in Bengaluru and #6 Top Residential School in Bengaluru (2018)

• Forbes Great Indian Schools (2018-19)

• India's Most Trusted International Residential School in the South Zone Region (2019-20)

• Awarded by 'Brainfeed' for the innovative approach in grooming young learners with skills for life. For being one of the top international schools, having the best infrastructure and technology, providing a healthy and serene atmosphere to ensure the happiness quotient index for the overall development in all children (2019-20)

• Excellence in Tech-Connect and Sports Infrastructure (2019-20)

• Outstanding Commitment and Exceptional Efforts in Promoting Curricular Education

• Ranked twice among the top three in Bengaluru's Top International Day Schools (2015 and 2017)

• Most Influential Brand in Education Award (2015-16)

• Candor International School ranked India's #9, Karnataka's #5, and Bengaluru's #5 International Day-cum-Boarding in the 'EducationWorld India School Rankings 2020-21'

• Candor International School is ranked No.7 in India, No.2 in Karnataka & Ranked No.2 in Bengaluru. Category- 'India`s Top 20 International Schools' in a survey conducted by education Today

• #4 in India | #1 in Karnataka & Bengaluru for Excellence In Blended Learning in the EducationWorld Grand Jury India School Rankings 2021-22.

• India's No. 1 for Academic Reputation ( Education Today 2020-21 )

• #5 in India | #2 in Karnataka & Bengaluru | Category- 'India's Top 20 Day-Cum-Boarding Schools' in a survey conducted by education Today

BILLIMORIA

Legacy that Inspires!

Education!amagicrecipethat sprinklesknowledge, inculcatessocialdiscipline, andinvigorateschildrenwithwisdom, hasalwaysbeenintheglobalspotlight. Understandingthesignificanceof educationinsocialdevelopment, BillimoriaHighSchoolhassprouted theseedsofintellectualdevelopment whileusheringinaneraofchildcentriceducationtrend.

SpearheadingthisrevolutionisMs. AditiGoradia.AstheManaging DirectoroftheSchool,sheleavesno stoneunturnedtorevampthe113years

ofschoollegacyandistheguiding lightoftheglobaleducationworld.

Scoutingtheglobetoknowthe efficientschoolsthatmadeamarkin theeducationspace,wecrossedpaths withMs.Aditiandlearnedmoreabout theinspiringstoryoftheschool.

Let'sdiveintoBillimoria'sinspiring story!

HistoryandthePresent

TheBillimoriaschool,Ownedand managedbytheGoradiaFamily,was historicallyfoundedin1908bythe

LateMr.NowrojiBillimoria.Sitting atoptheSahayadriHillsinthe peacefultownofPanchgani,this century-oldheritageinstituteisthe proudalmamaterofmanysuccessful alumni.FromGovernorstowriters, CorporateCEO'stoDJs;fromactors toArmyPersonnel,BHShasraiseda diversegroupofworldcitizensfor thepast113years!

Whileenlighteningusaboutthe school'sinnatemethodology,Ms. Goradiaasserts, "Our school's pedagogy is simple: keep things child-centric. For us, it is essential to

value every individual who learns with us. To encourage their individuality and independent thoughts. To raise healthy, confident global citizens." The schoolacknowledgesthechanging dynamicsofeducationtheworldover, andisawarethatchildrenaspireto careerswiththeiroutrightpassion.The managementbelievesthatitisnomore aboutthedoctor-engineer-lawyertriad butbeyondimaginationandthatthe youthoftodaycanmakeasuccessful careerinanyfield.Theycancarvea nicheforthemselvesdoingwhatthey love.

BHSstrivesforthechildrentorealise theirpotentialbyprovidinga wholesomeenvironmentthatfacilitates all-roundgrowth.Thecarefullycurated curriculumisaboutmuchmorethan justacademics.LearningatBHS includesaprogressiveLifeEnrichment Program,whichgiveschildrena chancetoexploreavarietyofactivities increativearts,specialisedsports, informationtechnology,andotherlife

The Efficacious Schools of the Year 2022

skills.AccordingtoMs.Goradia,this activeapproachencouragesselfexpression,whichisablysupportedby apassionateandproficientteam comingtogether

ALeaderthatBindsthePastand WeavestheFuture

Withintentionstooverhaulthe monotonyintheeducationsystemand revampingthelegacyoftheBillimoria HighSchool,Ms.AditiGoradia graduatedfromtheUniversityofTexas atAustinwithadegreein AnthropologyandAsianStudiesalong withacertificationfromtheUTeach programattheCollegeofEducation (UTAustin).AnAlumnaofBillimoria HighSchoolherself,shehasbeena youthathletespecialisingintrack& fieldandbasketball.

Whilerevisitingherintentionsand methodologyforadvancement ineducation,sheasserts, "Schools across the globe must center themselves around the needs of the

children, share ideas, and grow collectively." Asshebeganherjourney asaleaderoftheesteemedBillimoria HighSchool,theschoolhasstepped intothenew,progressiveageof experientiallearning.Shebelievesthat learningisconstantanduniversal,and itmustalwaysbeajoyfulprocess.She encouragescollaboration,respect,and opennessamongtheteamandstudents atBillimoriaHighSchool.

Ms.AditiGoradia'sceaseless,constant effortsandcontributiontothe educationspacehavebeen acknowledgedtheworldover.Below aresomeawardsandaccoladesthatshe hasreceived:

Ÿ MostPromisingInfluentialLeader of2019-SiliconIndiaMagazine

Ÿ TopWomenEntrepreneurship AwardinEducation-World EducationSummit2019.

Ÿ EducationEvangelistofIndiaGreatPlacetoStudy(ForbesIndia)

Ÿ OutstandingSchoolEducation Leader(Top20WomenEducators Award)-ASMAAcademia

ShehasalsobeenaPanelSpeakerat variousEducationalConferences, includingIndiaDidac,World EducationSummit,SchoolLeadership Summit,APAC,andtheBrainfeed EducationSummit.

State-of-the-artInfrastructureat Billimoria

BillimoriaHighSchoolsetsa benchmarkforresidentialschoolsin thecountry.Withits17-acreheritage campus,theBritishErablackstone AcademicBuildings,thecampus boastssportsfieldsandmultiplecocurricularfacilities.

Living Spaces:Theairydormitories providethestudentswithasacred spacewheredormmatesbecome siblings.Together,triumphsare celebrated,andjokesareshared.Under thesupervisionoflovingdormparents, itisahomeawayfromhome.Here,the

childrengainthelifeskillstobecome responsible,caringyoungmenand women.Anditisherethattheymake friendsforlife.

Audio-Visual Labs-Theschool supportsalternativelearningresources andbelievesinimpartingholistic learning.Teacherspersonally create/curatedigitallessonstoenhance thelearningexperienceofthechildren.

Laboratories-Apartfromadvanced Biology,Chemistry,Physics,orMath labs,theschool'scomputerlabis equippedwiththelatestsystems, highlyprotectedwithfirewalls, uninterruptedwi-ficonnectivity,and powerfulmultimediadevices.

Library-Oneofthemostexpansivein theregion,theschoolLibraryisa sanctuaryofwisdom.Itisspaciousand airy-aplacewherechildrenlearnto loveandrespectthesignificanceof wordsonpaper.

Sports and Fitness-AtBHS,sportisan integralpartofthecurriculum.The schoolhasamplespace,multiple

grounds,andexcellentsports infrastructure.Studentsaregiven exposuretoavarietyofsportsbefore beingencouragedtopursuethespecific sportsoftheirchoice.

Performing and Creative Arts-The schoolbelievesthatartprovidesthe perfectavenueforself-expression.Art inculcatesconfidenceandself-love. Withthisinmind,theschoolhas incorporatedanextensivePerforming andCreativeArtsprogramthatstaysin effectthroughouttheyear

CharacterandIntentofBillimoria HighSchool

Whilespeakingabouttheschool's CharacterandIntentinextendingits capabilitiestoensurequalityeducation throughtheyears,Ms.Aditiexplains, "Every child is different. Every child is unique."

Billimoriaextendssupporttoevery childtohelpthemrealisetheir potentialbyprovidingawholesome environmentthatfacilitatesall-around growth.Thecarefullycurated curriculumhoneslearningina progressivecurriculum,whichgives childrenachancetoexploreconcepts withthehelpofvariousactivitiessuch ascreativearts,specialisedsports, informationtechnology,andotherlife skills.Theschoolprovidesanurturing spacetoencourageself-expression supportedbyapassionateand proficientstudent-centricteam.

AdvancedLearningModules

BillimoriaHighSchoolrecognisesand enactssignificantskillssuchas independence,self-confidence, compassion,andempathy The managementquotes,"Being a residential school, Billimoria High School offers experiences of life that are beyond academics lessons."The schoolprioritisespreparingstudents

fortheworldwhilesimultaneously discoveringtheirindividualstrengths andabilities.Theschool'sLife EnrichmentProgramisonesuch initiativethatplaysacrucialrolein helpingstudentstapintotheirspecial interestsanduniqueskillsets.

Theschoolstrivestocreatehealthy futureleadersbyimpartingstrong valuesofethics,courage,compassion, andproactivity.Whilespeakingabout leadership,Ms.Aditisays, "Successful leadership is the result of positive intent combined with hard work, openness, and collaboration. A position of leadership provides authority A good leader will ensure that the responsibility and liability of the position are prioritised above recognition and power."

TheBillimoriaHighSchoolhasa comprehensiveLeadershipprogram whereintheyconsolidatethespiritof trueleadership.

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TheSchoolLeadershipForumof Captains&Prefects

TheDebatingSociety

TheSchoolMagazineand JournalismClub

TheInteractSociety(AStudent PanelofRotaryInternational)

Ÿ TheCulture&Communications Team

Theschoolhasbeenaffiliatedwiththe CentralBoardofSecondaryEducation (CBSE),Delhi,forthelastthree decades,andtheteamfirmlybelieves intheIntegratedLearningOutcome BasedCurriculum,whichis encouragedbytheBoardandNEP 2020.

LittleThings,BigDifference

BillimoriaHighSchoolprovidesa well-developednutritionplanthat ensuresoptimumphysicalgrowthwith aperfectblendofnutritionandflavour.

Ms.Aditibelievesthatfoodexperience directlycorrelatestolearning,forthe brainandthebodyneedspositive sustenancetofunctionwell.Shesays, "Let mealtimes be positive experiences because food tastes better when it is shared with family. Our children experience family as they share the table with their teachers."

Furthermore,whenastudentisinjured orfeelsunwell,theInfirmaryiswhere theygoforsomerestandrecuperation. Theschoolhasa24-houron-call Doctorwhovisitsdailyandresident nurseswhocareforthelittleonesjust asamotherwould.Incaseofmajor injuriesoremergencies,nearby medicalfacilitiesandspecialistsare availablewheneverrequired.

Impact of Education on Society

TTheformationofsocietyhasgiventheaccelerationto thehumanracefordevelopment.Placingthemselves inthecontextofahealthylifestyleandmakingitan integralpartofthesystem,educationhasbeenplacedasthe bridgebetweenbuildingasustainablesociety

Lookingfromabroaderperspective,educationisoftenseen asaphaseofaperson'slife.Formaleducationisextremely importantforaperson'sgrowth.Still,keepingthe perspectiveonsociety,educationisusedasatoolthatwill helpthesystembuildagenerationthatwoulddefinethe future.

Theimpactofeducationonaperson's lifeishuge,itbuildstheircharacter andpersonality,opensthedoorto employmentopportunities,etc. Keepingtheperspectiveofsocietyin mind,theimpactofeducationgoes waydeeperthanthebracketofgrowth.

Let'sexploreindetailtheimpactof educationonsociety:

BuildstheBaseofDemocracy

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

AbrahamLincoln

Thesystemaroundtheworldisbased onthisquotegiventotheworldby AbrahamLincoln.However,to developasystemofthepeople,bythe people,andforthepeople,something hastoconnectwiththepeople.This bracketoffillingthespaceof connectivityisfilledbyeducation.

Educationisnotaboutthetransferof information,butoneofitscorefactors alsoconsistsofequippingan individualtomakeadecision.This powerofmakingadecisionthatwould decidethefutureisgiventothe commonpeoplethrougheducation. Peoplelearnhistory,behaviour patterns,etc.,withacollaborationon allthis;educationisusedasatoolthat helpssocietybuildthebaseof democracy

ReducingPoverty

Statistically,morethan9.2%ofthe peopleintheworldliveinpoverty. Thoughtheprivilegedclassoften ignorethesemillionsofpeople,the governmenthavetakeninitiativesto improvetheconditionofsociety

Educationnotonlyhelpsthepeopleto bespecialisedinonethingandalso

teachesthemhowtomakealiving. Educationhasbeenaneffectivefactor intherapiddevelopmentofEuropean th thcountriesinthe18 and19 centuries. Helpingmanydecliningarcsshowing countriestojumpbackfrompoverty Thisistheimpacteducationhasonthe upliftingofsociety.

GatewaytoFundamentalRights

Afterthesecondworldwar,every individualintheworldwasgiven rightsonthebasisofhumanity Thoughmanycountriesbroughtthese rightsintoaction,spreadingawareness abouttheserightsisdifficult. Educationplaysacrucialrolein makingtheprocesseasierandmaking everygenerationawareoftheserights.

Fundamentalrightsliketherightto live,freedomofspeechand expression,freedomofthoughts,etc., aresomeofthemany.Educationover theyearshasbecomeagatewayto spreadingawarenessabout fundamentalrights.

ImprovingSocialLifestyle Peoplecannowsatisfytheircultural requirementswithabetterawareness oftheindustrialisedworldandahigher livingstandard.Goingtothetheatre, exhibitions,orconcertsisenjoyable andenrichesone'ssociallife.Indeed, lifeisaboutmorethanjustsurviving, andeducationallowsforahigher standardofliving,moreinterpersonal understanding,andpersonalfulfilment throughschool,employment,and extracurricularactivities.

thModernlifeinthe20 centuryisall aboutlifestyle,andeducationisthe reasonbehindit.Withcontinuous improvementinmakinglifeeasierand better,peoplearereadytosatisfyall theirneedsanddevelopinthiscontext.

AttainingGeopoliticalStability

Tomakeasocietygeopoliticallystable, educationisrequired.Terroristscould exploitfreeeducationtoradicalise individualsifthereisn'taproper educationalsystemavailableto everyone.Inotherwords,oneof education'smostpowerfuleffectson societyisgeopoliticalstability.

Whenthereisnoformaleducation,the conflictswithinasocietyincrease. Thoughmostoftheideologiesrevolve aroundtheideaoffreedom,if educationisnotperceived,then violenceandcrimearethetoolsused. Witheducation,peoplegetawareof theirrighttoraisetheirvoicesand knowtheimportanceofastable situationthatputssocietyontheright trackofgrowth.

HopefortheFuture

Oneofthemostprofoundbenefits educationhasonacommunityis givingindividualshopethattheymay improvetheirsituationinlife."Letus considerofeducationasthemeansof developingourgreatestskills,"urged JohnF.Kennedy,"becauseinevery oneofusthereisaprivatehopeand ambitionthat,ifrealised,maybe convertedintobenefitforeveryone andgreaterstrengthforournation." JFK'sstatementsregardingAmerica areapplicabletoallsocietiesonthe planet.

TTell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn."

―BenjaminFranklin

Holdingtruetothisquotefroma distinguishedpolymath,NeuronLabs School,realisesandenactsteaching withafreshperspective,and predominantlythroughitsdynamic philosophyof'Learning by Doing'.

TheKnowledgeReviewproudlyshares thestoryoftheschoolandits impeccableoperations,asperceived throughitsvisionaryCo-Founder, Mrs.LakshmiSantosh

empower every learner with all the skills that she/he may need by kindling the natural instinct to learn and achieve.

Lakshmi Santosh Co-Founder Neuron Labs School

Preschool/PlaySchoolcateringto childrenintheNursery,LowerKG& UpperKGsections.SincethenNeuron LabsSchoolhasgrownstepbystep overtheyearstobecomeoneofthe bestandmostpopularCBSEaffiliated schoolsinthevicinity.Currentlyithas branchesinTingreNagarandDhanori, areaswhichisinPune,Maharashtra. NeuronLabsSchoolwasestablished withanoutrightmottoof'LearningBy Doing'.Mrs.LakshmiSantoshexplains thedrivingforceoftheinstituteasshe pointsout, "When it comes to traditional education, a lot of focus is put on retention and repetition of information. This causes students to simply use rote-learning as a mechanism to pass exams and forget information as time goes by. In the pyramid of education, knowledge forms the base of the pyramid; hence there is a major emphasis given to it. However, above that, there is

Comprehension and Application, which are rarely focused on. Neuron Labs School prioritises skill development along with the deep understanding of concepts "

AccordingtoMrs.Lakshmi,manyof theconceptstaughtintraditional educationdonothavemuchpractical applicationintherealworldandare notimplementable.Also,manyofthe skillsrequiredintherealworld,like research,communication,and presentation,aremissingintraditional education.NeuronLabsSchool acknowledgesthisnicheandfocuses onskilldevelopment,preparing studentsfortherealworld.Theschool assignsstudentsvariousprojects, makingthemdovariouspresentations toimprovetheirlistening, communication,andpresentation

skills.Mrs.Lakshmiasserts, "We believe that when students use practical examples of concepts and are involved in projects themselves, they figure out the root of the concept and learn it forever. "

Theschoolbelievesthattheconceptof TheLearningPyramidvalidatesthis factwhichshowsthattheretentionof studentsfromjustlisteningtoalecture isfarlowerthanthepractical involvementbythestudentusing 'LearningByDoing'.Theschoolalso believesintheco-integrationof varioussubjectstogether,providinga holisticlearningexperienceforthe students.

Mrs.Lakshmigivesanexampleby mentioningamethodologyinitiated attheschool, "For instance, we had

asked students to survey members of their society to see a correlation of diet and weight, which was a subject taught to them in science class. They then plotted the data they had gathered and made it into a graph which was taught to them in math class. By asking the students to speak to other people, it helped them overcome any shyness or fear of talking to strangers and developed their communication skills "

DrivingForceofNeuronLabs Co-FounderofNeuronLabsSchool, Mrs.LakshiSantosh,isaseasoned educatorwithaburningpassionfor advancementsineducation.Shehas contributedtosettingupIB (InternationalBaccalaureate)schools andhasinteractedwithmanynational andinternationalstudents.

Inherearlyyearsasaneducator,Mrs. Lakshmiwasinfluencedbythe Montessoriwayofteachingyounger children,whichinvolvedtheuseof physicalobjectstointroducemathand countingconceptstoyoungerchildren. Shethenbegantodevelopawholistic curriculumforstudentsofallage groups,whichinculcatesthe'Learning byDoing'philosophy.Shebelievesthat co-curricularactivitiesareanintegral partofthisphilosophyandarealsoa partofthecurriculum.

LearningbyDoing NeuronLabsSchoolincludes twomentalandtwo physicalactivities, fromwhich studentscan

Schools of the Year 2022

chooseaccordingtotheirpreference. Roboticsisonesuchactivitythathelps studentsdevelopengineering, programming,mathematical, mechanical,andscienceskillsata youngage.Whileperformingartsor danceisusedasamediumof expressiontocreateanimpactonthe audience.Italsoimprovestheir mobility,flexibility,andbodycoordinationandisaformofexercise. Apartfromothersuchactivities,the schoolalsoconductsAbacusand SpeedWritingtosharpenstudentswith mentalmath,speed,andhand-eye co-ordination.Whiletheschoolalso teachesKarate,whichdevelops strength,flexibility,andmobility.

OnParWithChangingTimes

Whilespeakingabouthowtheschool overcamechallengespresentedpost COVID-19pandemic,sheasserts, "Schools all over the world have had to transition from a physical model of education to an online one, and this was met with a lot of scepticism and fear as no one was prepared for this change. Neuron Labs School was quick to adapt with excellent use of technology, providing good quality teaching through the online medium and making students, parents, and staff embrace this new era of education."

Thepandemicbroughtalotofglobal economicproblems,whichimpacted lotsofpeople.Theschoolproactively issuedrefundstoanyparentswho couldn't/didn'twanttocontinueand

When students have the skills and experience, the possibilities are endless.

providedparentswhocontinued withfeerelief.Despitethe enormouseconomicdrainthe schoolhadtoface,itwent aheadwiththisdecision, keepinginmindthepandemic's financialcrisiscausedtovarious people.NeuronLabsSchool wasoneofthefewschoolsto takesuchadecisionandhasbeen appreciatedbyallasasolidstance inthefightagainstcovid.

Mision

AdvancedOfferingsand Methodology

Assoonastheschoolunderstoodthat lockdownswouldbeimposedforlong durationsoftimeandthatopeningthe physicalschoolwouldbeunlikelyin theacademicyear,thefocusshiftedto providingthebestplatformfor educationonline,whichcameinthe

formofthe Office365 platform.Oneof thefeaturesofthe Office365platformis ith

MicrosoftTeams,studentscouldjoin liveonlineclassesfromtheir mobiles/laptops.Sincethesessions wereconductedlive,studentswere abletointeractwiththeteachersand couldaskquestionsorgettheirdoubts solved.Teacherswerealsoableto shareeitherpre-madepptsorvideos duringtheliveclassestoengagethe student'sattentionandfurtherincrease

thequalityoftheliveclasses.Ifany studentmissedanyclassorwantedto reviseacoursepreviouslytaken,they wereeasilyabletodosowith MicrosoftStream.

Inadditiontotheliveclasses,teachers attheschoolmadepre-recordedvideos andpptsofthesyllabustopicsto provideadditionalinformationand strengthentheconceptstaughtinthe liveclasses.Thesevideoswere uploadedtoOneDrivetoprovidefull accesstothestudents.

Studentscouldbetestedonthevarious syllabustopicsorgivenhomeworkin theAssignmentsSection,gaugingthe

Our purpose is to make a positive difference in every learner in our Universe by building an environment conducive for learning with an unwavering attitude that never gives up.

student'sunderstandingofeachand everytopic,andprovidingthemwith practicewhengivenashomework,or testthemandpushthemtothenext levelintheireducationaljourney At NeuronLabsSchool,allFAandSA examinationsfor2020-21were conductedseamlesslywiththe Assignmentsfeature.

WiththeOffice365IDprovidedto students,theywerealsoofferedOffice 365Excel,PowerPoint,andWord. Studentsattheschoolwereabletouse thesetoolsforvariousprojects, assignments,andnotesthroughoutthe

year,greatlyincreasingtheircomputer literacyandmakingthemcomfortable usingthesesoftware.

Withonlinelearning,theNeuronLabs Schoolhadanopportunitytodosome uniqueactivitieswhichweredifficult toexecuteinaphysicalmedium. 'ImpressionsandInteractions'wasone suchinitiativeundertakenbythe school.Variouspeoplefromdifferent professionscametotalktostudents abouttheirjobs,theirimportance,and thechallengestheyfaceinthem.This exposedstudentstovariedindustry experiencesandinspiredmanyofthem tothinkofdifferentcareerpathslike

HeadingtoaHopefulFuture

Whilespeakingabouttheschool's outlookforthefuture,Mrs.Lakshmi says, "We believe the future of this country lies in the hands of our children. With the 'Learning by Doing' philosophy, we will continue to strive for advancements in teaching. By providing the student's a good education, making them develop skills, creating good human beings and great leaders of the future. The sky is the limit for our future Neuronites!"

Ramagya School

Ramagya School

IIntoday'scompetitiveage,itis essentialthateverystudentlearns differentconceptsthoroughly.

Thiswouldhelpthemtoenhancetheir skills,whichwould,inturn,transform themintoable-bodiedprofessionals. Accordingly,theyintendtopursue theireducationinefficaciousschools, whichwouldnurturethem,educate themthoroughly,andpreparethemfor thestiffcompetitionoftheprofessional world.

Here,theleadinginstitutionssuchas RamagyaSchoolcometotheiraid. Theschooltrainsthestudents thoroughlysothattheycanbuilda

brightfutureforthemselves,while makingapositiveimpactonthe societyanddifferentindustries.

Withinaspanof15yearsofits existence,RamagyaSchoolhasproved itsmettleasaninstitutehavingthe rightamalgamationofknowledgeand valuesforacademics,escalationforcocurricularexcellence,andattainment ofbrillianceinsports.Ithasbeenvoted byTOIsurveyasoneofthetop4 seniorsecondaryschoolsinNCRand isalsolistedamongstthe30great IndianschoolsbyForbesIndia magazine.

Enabling Students to Arise, Awake, and Attain their Goals with Efficiency

We educate students not just in mind but also in morals.

RamagyaSchool,affiliatedwithCBSE, islocatedintheheartofNoida,Sector –50,withinasprawlingcampusarea ofmorethan3acres.Theschool's enviablescholasticandco-scholastic attainmentsareattributedtoaneclectic mixoffacultyhavingmorethan15 yearsofacademicteachingexperience. Aspartofthemanagementpolicies, teachersareregularlyattending internationalandnationalseminarsand conferencesthusbroadeningtheir horizonsofacademicexcellenceboth onnationalaswellasinternational platforms.

RamagyaataGlance

Therearemanysalientfeaturesthat whichmakeRamagyaSchoolthemost sought-afterplacetopursueeducation. Theyareasfollows:

Ÿ CORE(CurriculumofRamagyian Eminence)–EarlyChildhood

CurriculumbasedonAustralian andFinlandteachingpedagogy

Ÿ Student-centricandadaptive teachingpedagogybasedonCBSE curriculum

Ÿ Pedagogyfacilitatingflexiand blendedlearning

Ÿ ‘Nochildleftbehindpolicy’ throughdifferentiallearningwith anidealteacher-studentratio

Ÿ REFLECTIONCORNER–Regulatesactions,reactionsand behaviourofstudentstopromote socialandemotionallearning; helpsinrecallingandreinforcing thebasicconcepts

Ÿ ContinuousProfessional DevelopmentbyQualityEducation Asia

Ÿ

Enhancinganalyticallyand preparingthestudentsforthefuture competitiveexamthroughNSTSE, IMO,NSO,IEO,SOF,ASSETand ACER

Ÿ Wellqualified,trained,experienced andUCLAcertifiedteachers

The Efficacious Schools of the Year 2022

Ÿ Environmentalsensitisation throughTERI

Ÿ SPICMACAYforDevelopmentof Creativeskills–Dance,Music& Theatre

Ÿ InspirationaltalksbythebestTED speakersfromacrosstheglobe

Ÿ Upto100%Scholarshipfor meritoriousstudents

Ÿ Thinkofanumber–Abacusand VedicMath,enrichingtheretention power

Ÿ PBP(PsychologicalBoost Program)–Promotingpositive mentalhealthpractices,counseling parent-student-school

Ÿ Sangeet4All–Musiceducation programthatinstilsastrong foundationandalifelonglovefor classicalIndianmusic

Ÿ RazPlus‘Readprogram’for languagedevelopment

Litwits!ReadingProgram–Theschool readingprogramthatdevelops linguisticskillsthroughrelevantand informativebooksanddigitalbooks, teachersupport,andcommunity engagementactivitytoimprovethe educationofstudentsandencourage readingbothinsideandoutsideof school.

ElaborateCurriculum

ThecurriculumfollowedatRamagya canboastofitsgloballineagewith wide-rangingcoresubjects,students, andteacher’sexchangeprogrammefor globalexposure.Ithasanideal student-teacherratioof25:1.Ramagya isoneofthetrendsettingschoolsin Indiaduetoitscontemporaryteaching pedagogieswhichincorporatebest practicesof:

Ÿ MariaMontessori

Ÿ HowardGardner'smultiple intelligence

Ÿ MontessoriLearningCorridors

Ÿ ReflectiveCorners

Ÿ WordWall

Ÿ Opendoors

Ÿ Customised‘flexi-learntechnology’ atthesecondaryandsenior secondarylevel

UpholdingLearningand Collaboration

RamagyaSchool'smissionisto establishaworld-classcentreof learningbydeliveringaneducational experiencethatengagesstudents intellectually,creatively,physically, spiritually,andsociallytotranscendall barriersandworkinunisontobring aboutapositivechangeinsociety. Theschoolhaschangedthepedagogy intopracticumtocontinuallyimprove theeducationalexperienceoflearners. Ithastransformedclassroomsinto learningworkshopsandpromotes co-teachingpractices.Blendedlearning isimplemented-innovativestrategies andmodernlearningtechnologiesthat helpintegratecognitiveandsocial skillswithcontentknowledgeaswell asincreasestudentparticipationinthe learningenvironmentinorderto promoteskills.

We offer an international platform with a technology, modern pedagogy, culture, and innovation.

Themanagementbelievesthat collaborationandacollectiveapproach aretheneedofthehour.Hence,the schoolprovidesitsstudentswith variousopportunitiestoengagein activitieslikeprojects,problems, design,andresearch-basedlearning. Thisallowsstudentstocontribute differentdegreesofpriorknowledge, abilities,andaptitudes.Moreover,they feelinspiredandtakeupmore challengesinthelearningprocess.

ACompassionateLeader

Thepersonalityresponsibleforthe tremendoussuccessofRamagya SchoolisitsPrincipalMs.Aparna Magee,Sheisahighlyaccomplished anddedicatededucationistwith experiencespanningover28years.

Recently,shehasbeenhonouredwith thePrincipaloftheyearawardby GlobalGurusandChinmay Foundation.Ms.Aparnaisaproud recipientofthe'DistinguishedTeacher Award–SAMMAAN2018'conferred bytheRotaryClubofCapitalCity NewDelhiforherexemplary

commitmentandcontributiontothe teachingprofessionandherresearch topicsofseveralNationalAcademic Interests.

Shehasalsobeenhonouredwiththe 'CertificateofExcellence–Leaders Award2018'byEducationTodayand 'CertificateofAppreciation2018'by AcademicHeightsPublicSchoolfor makingadifferenceinthefieldof educationandsocietythroughher leadership,hardworkandcontribution.

Ms.Aparnahasworkedinvarious capacitiesasDirector,Principal, AcademicAdvisor,Administrator, MasterTrainerinConventsand reputedSchoolsacrossIndia.

AccomplishmentsinAbundance

RamagyaSchoolisknownforits dedicationtonurturingthestudents andprovidingthemwiththebest educationalandcareerdevelopment opportunities.Owingtoitsdedication andinnovativeefforts,ithasbeen decoratedwithmanylaurels.

ShapingStudent’sFuture

ThemanagementatRamagyaSchool believesthatthetruesignoflearningis notknowledgebutimagination.Each childisunique;hencetheschool focusesontheholisticdevelopmentof thestudents.Studentsaretaughtlife skillstomeetthechallengesof everydaylifeinahealthy,acceptable, andresponsibleway.Theyaretaught coresubjectsforastrongfoundation. Additionally,theircompetenceisalso developedinproblem-solving,decision making,andmanymoreskills. "Marks are not our only criterion to judge students. Our curriculum sensitizes students towards global problems like stress, scarcity of food, rise in crimes, depression, terrorism, and their solutions," expressesthemanagement. Studentsaretaughtthe6Ps:Plan, Practice,Perform,Patience,Presence ofMind,andPositiveThinking.They areadvisedtoavoidoneP:Panic.

Theschooleducatesstudentsnotjust inmindbutalsoinmorals.The managementbelievesthatintoday's

We believe in collaboration and collective approach for better academic outcomes.

worldwherecorruption,violence,and unresthavebecomesoprevalent,the schoolshaveanaddedresponsibilityto ensurethatvalueeducationasasubjectis takenseriously.Itshouldbeincludedin thecurriculumtoproducenotjust educatedbutalsoresponsiblecitizens withinsightfulmindswhobelievein givingbacktothesociety.

Themanagementstates, "Our educators approach the teaching-learning process to address the whole ambit of education-skills acquisition, cognitive development, capacity building, character formation, mental and emotional wellbeing along with spiritual orientation."

ProminentCollaborations

RamagyaSchoolhastie-upswithvarious institutionssuchasUnivariety,The PrincetonReview,TheChopras,and StudiesOverseasGlobal.Thisprovides umpteenopportunitiestostudentsthrough accesstofreeacademiccounsellingand offersinnovativeandinterestingprograms whichhelptheminchoosingthebest careerforthemselves.

Notable Achievements

• Ranked Top 5 the Best School in Noida By Class Fever

• Ranked Top 20 CBSE schools in Uttar Pradesh by Times Education icons

• Ranked Top 10 in school (2017) by Education world

• Ranked No.1 in India under the top CBSE school – parameter wise for 'Individual' Attention to Students' in a survey conducted by educationtoday.co

• Awarded for extraordinary contribution in educationConferred by CM (UP) Mr. Yogi Adityanath and Chairman of Zee News, Ms. Subhash Chandra.

• Awarded as the 'Reformers of Indian Education' by India Today Conclave.

• Awarded as 'Best Quality Education School in North India' by India's Education Excellence Awards

• Awarded in Global Collaborative Learning by Think Unique Leadership Awards 2018 - Education and Skill India Summit 2018

• Awarded as 'Best School in category of Excellence in Inclusive Education' by IUEF

• Awarded as 'Icon of Indigenous Excellence' by Economic Times 2018

Edtech

Transforming Indian Education Kinetically

HHumanshavemademassivechangesbytransforming theworldfromthestoneagetothetechnological era.Primitivehumanusedtostayinjunglesand huntanimalsfortheirsurvival.But,astimechanged,they learnedaboutfarmingandcattleraisingfortheirsurvival.

Today,humanshavelearnedmoreinnovativeandadvanced technologytodothesameactivitiesandlivealuxurious lifestyle.

Humanseducatethemselvesandtheirnewergenerationto adoptandmakemoretechnologicalchangesfortheeaselife. Educationalsoplaysanessentialroleinhumandevelopment. Withouteducation,humanscouldn'thavemadesuch significantchangesintheworld.Educationisthekeyto everycreationandinnovation.

Inthemodernscenarioofeducation,manyadvanced resourcesareintroducedeverynowandthen.TheEdtech companiessuchasBYJUS,Vedantu,Unacademyandmany moreorganizationsmadeeducationmoreaccessibleforthe students.

TheeducationsectorisintheheartsoftheIndianPeople. However,thefieldisabitunusualfortheaspirants,

especiallyfromtheK-12level.Onthis level,thepersonbuyingtheservicesis notthesamepersontousetheir services,whichmeanstheparentsare theservicebuyersandthechildrenare theusers.Whichalsomeansthatthe organizationiscateringtheirservices tothesetwogroups,anditmightbe havingdifferentdemandsfromthe educationsector.

FactorsofGrowingIndian EducationSectorandEdTech companies

Indiahasmassivepotentialin educationsector,andmany entrepreneursaregrabbingthe opportunitiesandmakingeducation moreaccessibleforthestudents.Even theIndiangovernmentisencouraging aspirantswhocandevelopthe educationsector,andorganizationslike BYJUS,Vedantu,andmanymoreto meetalltheneedsofthestudents throughvariousdigitallearning experiences.

Indiaisinthetopthreecountries globallyafterChinaandUSAtoget theutmostventurecapitalsfundingin theEd-techsector.Similarly,wewill discussthefewfactorsthatarehelping theIndianeducationsectortoupscale thequalityoftheireducation.

IncreaseintheNumberofSchools andEdtechStart-ups

Haveyouobservedthatmanyschools, colleges,anduniversitieshave establishedinIndiain therecentpast? Sincetheeducationsectorstartedusing artificialintelligenceandonline learningintheschools,manyaspirants arecomingupwithnewideasinthe Indianmarketandmakinglearning easyandexciting.

Apartfromschools,colleges,and universities,morethan6950Edtech start-upsareoperatinginthecountry,

accordingtotheTracxn,whichisa platformtotrackthestart-upsand

companies.Theseorganizations leveragethetechnologytooffer intelligentclassroomsolutions, collaborativeplatforms,learning managementsystems,andvideo graphicsforthe students.

OnlineEducationisCost-Effective Onlineeducationhasbeenatrendier thingworldwidesinceCovid-19hashit theworld.Manyinstitutionsprovide onlinedistancelearning;forinstance, internationalinstitutesconductonline lecturesanddeliveronlinecontentto internationalstudents.

Thecoursefeesforthetermhavebeen reducedindigitaleducationbecause collegesandEdtechcompanies conductonlineclasseswithoutusing theschoolproperty

GovernmentInitiativestopromote E-learning

TheIndiangovernmentisalso promotingtheE-learningconceptto developthecountry'seducationsector

Theyarealsomakingvariouspolicies suchasSWAYAMProgrammeand DIKSHAtoencouragethenew initiativesintheindustry.SWAYAMis aprogrammedesignedtomeetthe threeprimaryprinciplesofeducation policy,i.e.,Quality,Equity,and Access.

WhereasDIKSHA(Digital InfrastructureforKnowledgeSharing) isaninitiativeoftheNCERT(National CouncilforEducationResearchand Training)andMinistryofEducation.It isanationalplatformforschool educationthatcanbeaccessibleto studentsandteachersacrossthenation.

Italsosupportsmorethan18 languagesanddifferentcurriculaof NCERT,CBSE,andSCERTsallover India.

TheIndiangovernmentmotivatesthe highereducationalinstitutestoadopt onlineeducationmethodsandensures thatthesessionsshouldnotbe interrupted.

IncreasingtheInternetUserbase

Sincethepandemichittheworld,there hasbeenasignificantincreasein internetusers.Asper2021reports, therewere624millionactiveinternet usersinIndia,whichhasincreasedto 658millionin2022.

Thefigureencouragestheyoung entrepreneurstocomeupwithmore solutionsandestablishstart-upsinthe Edtechsector.Manyaspirantshave startedprovidingonlinetuitionfor schoolstudentsandonlineclassesfor thecompetitiveexamaspirants. Duetotechnologicaladvancement, thereareampleopportunitiesfor studentstolearnnewaspectsand entrepreneursandbusinessiconsto starttheirventuresinthesector

WrappingUp

Theeducationsectorhasbeen expandingvastly,giventopublic gatheringrestrictionssincethe pandemichadhittheworld.

Duetothisscenario,studentsstarted facingmanydifficultieswhilelearning; asweknow,thehomecan'tbethe effectiveplaceforlearning.

Accordingly,theeducationsectoris adoptingAIsystemsand technologicallyadvancedlearning systems,whichhelpstudentsgather moretransparentinformationaboutthe conceptsandvisualgraphicsintheir minds.EveryschoolandtheEd-tech companiesfocusonprovidingthebest qualityeducationtotheirstudents.

St. John’s High School

Exploring and Embedding Overall Social and Academic Development of Students

EEverypopularcityinIndiahasa fewschoolsthathaveaspecial placeintheheartsofboth studentsandparentsforthe effectivenessitprovidesintheoverall developmentoftheyoungsters.Those schoolsareoftennotnewbuthave beenestablishedalongtimeago.Since theirinception,suchschoolshavebeen makingconstantprogressintheir academiceco-systemandother facilitiesthattheyprovide.

Onesuchschoollocatedin Chandigarh;thecapitalcityofPunjab isSt.John’sHighSchool.Itwas establishedin1959bytheCapital Project,andtheChristianBrothers wereinvitedtotakechargeofthe school.Theschoolopenedon

February1,1960,withitsfirstbatch consistingof41students.

Today,St.John’sHighSchoolprovides morethanjustformaleducationfrom KinderGartentoClass12.Before switchingtoCBSEin1993,theschool wasaffiliatedwiththeCouncilforthe IndianSchoolCertificateExamination. ThefirstbatchtoappearfortheISC examinationswasinDecember1963.

MrsKavitaChatterjeeDastook chargeoftheschoolasPrincipalin April2007.Underherableguidance, theschoolhasimproveditsranking andmadeaplaceforitselfamongthe topschoolsinIndia.Underher supervision,CCEwasintroduced,and latertheschoolwentontobecomea SeniorSecondarySchool.Asoftoday,

theschoolisresponsibleforeducating over2000studentsatatime,whichisa hugeachievementconsideringitsfirst batchhadonly41studentsintheyear 1961.

ThePerfectInfrastructure

ThebestpartaboutSt.John’sHigh School’sinfrastructureisthatitis100 %solar-energised.Theschoolisspread overanareaof30acreswiththe perfectinfrastructurefortheoverall growthofitsstudents.Thecampus housesthreemajoracademicbuildings, namely-theJuniorWingforPrimary students,theMiddleWindforUpper PrimarystudentsandtheSeniorWing forHighSchoolstudents.

Forstudentstogetanactuallaboratory experience,theschoolsalsobuilt variouslabsforChemistry,Biology,

Physics,Computer,Mathematics.A SpeciallabforMulti-SkillFoundation CourseandaGeologyMuseumisalso presenttohelpstudentsexplore differentvocationalfields.This providestheyoung,growingminds withaperfectspacetogrowandbe practicallyreadyforthefuture,even beforepursuinghighereducation.

Apartfromtheclassroomsandlabs,St. John’sHighSchoolhasalsoprovided itsstudentswithexcellentsports facilitiesonitscampussuchasan InternationalStandardSkatingrink, PistolRange,SciencePark,Open Gymnasium,IndoorGymnasium, AdventurePark,twoBasketball Courts,twoCricketFields,three FootballFields,SquashCourts,a HockeyField,twoLawnTennis Courts,aVolleyballcourtandaKhoKhoareafortheoverallgrowthofits student.

Value-BasedVisionandMission

Theschoolhasembeddedfourcore valuesasitsfoundation,andthose valuesactasasteppingstoneforthe school’svisionandmission.Also knownasthefourcornerstonesofSt. John’s,theschool'scorevaluesare Spirituality,Inclusion,Justiceand Advocacy,andCompassion.

The Efficacious Schools of the Year 2022

Theschoolisonamissionwitha visiontasktobringoutthebestin everyindividual,alongwithhelping theminrecognisingtheirdignity The schoolaimstoformacommunityof students,teachers,parents, management,andotherstaff,livingby thepreceptsandteachingsofJesus Christ.

PrioritisingRTE-Rightto Education

St.John’sisrelentlesslyworking towardstheholisticdevelopmentof children.Ithascreatedanenvironment onitscampusthatstimulatesand encouragesstudentstodevelop importantlifeskillslikecritical thinking.Theschoolhasplannedits educationpoliciesbasedonthe NationalEducationPolicyintroduced in2020.However,theschoolhad alreadyembeddedamajorityofthe policiesinitseco-system,like SustainableDevelopmentGoals,even beforetheintroductionoftheNEP

Theschoolisgeneratingalotof educationalmaterialforchildrento enhancetheirCriticalandCreative Thinkingandreasoningbasedskillsin thelanguages,Sciencesand Mathematics.

St.John’sHighSchoolbelievesin providingeducationtoeverystudent. Thatiswhyforthelast25years,the schoolhasbeenactivelyincorporating IndradhanushChildren—children undertheEconomicallyDisadvantaged Group(EDG)—asequalshareholders intheschool,whichallowsthemto enjoyalltherightsandprivilegesasa memberofSt.John’sfamily

TheschoolshavealsostartedaFoster ParentProgramme,auniqueinitiative thathelpsestablishagoodrapport betweenteachersandstudents.Under thisprogram,everyteacheradopts threeEDGstudentsastheirchildrenin schoolandlooksaftertheiroverall performance.

AnIngeniousLeader

"I see children as a blank canvas; unique beings, ready to explore the different facets of the world. I, as a teacher, have merely mediated in the learning process of my children as a facilitator, and helped them to explore the unbound potential hidden in each one of them so that they are able to

St. John High School has gained a prestigious status not only because of its education facilities but also because of its extracurricular and co curricular activities.

paint the canvas of their lives thoughtfully and ultimately reach a level of self-actualization," saysMrs KavitaChatterjeeDas.

BeingthePrincipaloftheschool,she isresponsiblefortakingSt.John’s HighSchooltonewheights.Shedding somelightonherteachingstyle,she says, "The purpose of my existence is rooted in my spiritual journey of teaching and learning. I believe a teacher is a facilitator who nurtures the talents and inherent skills of the children by providing them with the right kind of environment. I draw from the educational philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore."

SowingtheSeedofValuesin BuddingMinds

St.John’sHighSchoolorganises activitieslikeUniqueMayDay Celebrations,ClassCanteens,and communityinvolvementactivities. EveryclassfromKGto12this

Mrs. Kavita Chatterjee Das Principal, St. John's High School

associatedwithoneorganisationthat helpsinthegrowthofthecommunity. E.g.Class1willbeassociatedwithan animaladoptionprogram,whereas Class10willcollaboratewithGRIID (GovernmentRehabilitationInstitute fortheIntelectuallyDisabled)and Class12withtheTransgender community,tomakesocietyabetter place.

Apartfromthat,despitebeingan all-boysschool,St.John’sHighSchool wasoneofthefirstschoolstosupport thecauseofgirlchildren.Infact,the themewhencelebratingtheschool’s goldenjubileewas‘EmpowertheGirl Child’.

Theschoolarrangesactivities throughouttheyearlikeclubactivities, JustFair–afreefairorganisedfor specialguestsandstudentsfrom NGOs,AFistfulofRice–donating foodfortheneedy,SportsAcademies, anAnnualAthleticMeet,SJOBA Debates,etc.

OnceaJohnian,AlwaysaJohnian St.JohnHighSchoolpreparesits studentsforabrightfuture,andthe students’relationwiththeschoolstays intactevenaftertheypassoutfromthe school.Theschoolpreparesitspupils forthefuturebyaddingindustry experiencetoitscurriculum.Special guestlectures,fieldtrips,mentoring programs,internships,andvocational trainingarearrangedforthestudents sothattheycangetreal-time experiencetohelpthemgetanedge overthecompetitioninthefuture.

Forthelast25years(wellbeforethe RTEwasevenconceived),theschool hasbeenactivelyincorporatingEDG Children,astheyareverymuchapart oftheschoolandaregiveneveryright andprivilegetheydeserveasmembers oftheSt.John’sfamily

FrontlineWarriorsinEducational SectorDuringCOVID-19Pandemic Oneofthemostdevastatingeffectsof COVID-19wasontheeducationspace

St. John’s is relentlessly working towards the holistic development of children.

acrosstheworld.Theclosingof schoolsandcollegesworldwide restrictedthedevelopmentandgrowth ofyoungminds.However,St.John’s Highschoolcourageouslytookupthis opportunitytogrowandbecome frontlinewarriorsintheeducation space.ItensuredthateventheEWS childrenwereabletojointheOnline classesthankstoitsalumniwhogifted theschoolwithenoughmobilesto ensurethateverychildcouldattend classonline.

Launchingvariousprogramslike उान, जागकता, आशीवाद, आनंद, संह,thatfocusedonspreading awarenessthroughvariousmediums, providingrationstotheneedyand helpingpeoplewhohadlosttheirjobs duringthepandemicwithplacements.

Theschoolinitiatedaprogramwith teachersandstudentstospread happinessbyreachingoutandtaking careoftheseniorcitizensandothers.

AMulti-SkillFoundationCoursewas launchedforchildrenononlineand offlineplatforms,whichfocusedon developingessentiallifeskillslike learning,carpentry,cooking,etc.On theeveofChristmas,thestudents donatefoodgrainstotheneedyunder thetraditionalJohniansprogram,AFist FullofRice.

ContinuingtheMiracleSaga '2021hasbeenayearofnever-ending miracles,'saidtheprincipal,scanning theyearandlookingforwardtothe futureoftheschool.'Anextraordinary yearwiththesteepestlearningcurveI

Notable Achievements

haveeverseen!Weleapfroggedfrom reluctanttraditionalistsdraggingour feet,straightintoasetof professionallycompetent,digitalavant gardes'addedMrsKavitaChatterjee Das.

Beingateacherandprincipal,she emphasisedlearningbysaying,'We learntthatthehumanspiritis indomitableandthatwearebetterthan wethinkweare.Welearntthat "impossible"isjustaword.And,most ofall,welearntthatcompassion, kindness,andsacrificearewritteninto ourveryDNA'.

Withthesewords,shefocuseson continuingthemiraclesagathatstarted in2021.

• 1st prize in SWACHH SCHOOL under SWACHH SURVEKSHAN 2022.

• Ranked among the top 10 overall national schools by KVSInfo

• Solar School Award by the UT administration’s Technology Promotion Society (2021).

• TOP 3 Best CBSE schools in Chandigarh by the ThreeBestRated organisation (2021).

• Recognized and awarded as an Earth Day school, ONE of the six in the country by earthday.org (2020 21).

• Ranked no. 1 in India by the Education World School Rankings in 2020.

• Award of Appreciation from the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights for the KINDNESS TREE for being a child-friendly initiative.

• St. John’s was declared the top school in India in the Boys Day school category by the Education World Rankings 2020

• Ranked 2nd in the country under the Boys Day School category by the EW India School Rankings for three consecutive years (2017 18, 2018-19, and 2019 20).

• St. John's bagged the TOP School award (2nd in India, 1st in Punjab and Chandigarh) presented by the Education World India School Rankings, 2019 20.

• St. John’s was awarded a Platinum rating under the School Health Accreditation Project of the Education Department, Deptt. of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh.

Giving Wings Gen-Y with Quality Education and Holistic Development

p u b l i c s c h o o l

Education!Theworditselfgives usthelibertytoimagine somethingbeautifuland essentialforthecommunity'sgrowth. Beingsuchanobleprofessionof shapingthebeautifullivesofpeople, teachersareresponsibleforimbibing thequalitiesthatwillhelptheyounger generationleadafulfillinglife.

Theworldisstructuredinavery organisedway.Fromthefinances, lifestyletoprofessionandcreativity, educationsetsthebedrockfor everythingfortheyouth.AsDr.Ivan Fitzwater,aprominenteducatorinhis poemnarrates, "…Several future presidents are learning from me todaySo are the great writers of the next decades, And so are the so-called ordinary people

Who make the decisions in a democracy..."

Ittellsustheimportanceofeducation andteacherinone'slife.

Unlikethespecialisededucationthat catersspecificnicheofthelearning curveinastudent'slife,theearly formaleducationisresponsiblefor developingimportantvalueslike punctuality,honesty,creativity, kindness,independence,empathy,

trust,humour,andtolerance.These valuesaddmeaningtolifeandbring therequireddisciplinethatpavesthe wayfortheholisticdevelopmentofthe youngergeneration.

Withavisiontoimbibethesequalities intheyoungergeneration,Unique PublicSchoolwasinceptedin2016, thehardworkoftheManagemnet, Principal,StaffandtheStudentstook theschooltonewheightsandcreateda strongfootholdofqualityeducationin theQueenofHillsOoty,TheNilgiris.

EminentAcademiciansDreamof CreatingaUniqueSchool UniquePublicSchoolisaresidential andco-educationalschoolwitha traditionofprovidingqualityeducation

toresidentsofOoty.Beingan autonomousinstitutionrununderthe aegisoftrustMOISO(Memberof InternationalSchoolOoty),theschool holdseminentacademiciansinits governingbodythatenrichesthe learningexperienceattheschool.

Theschoolhasestablishedglobal qualityeducationstandardsrootedin traditionalvaluesandculture,witha perspectiveofholisticdevelopment. WellqualifiedanddedicatedTeachers weretherootforthesuccessof Unique.TheirCommitmentandlove foreachandeverystudentswere remarkable.Specialprogramstobridge theFastlearnersandslowbloomers wasasuccessfulonewhichisaneedof thehour.UniquePublicSchoolalso

The Efficacious Schools of the Year 2022

HersheerconfidenceinDemonstration andDistributiveLeadershiphashelped studentsandteachersdevelop interestingpersonalities.Asanew managementcommittee,shehadan additionalresponsibilitytocreate brandawarenessabouttheschooland enhancethedecliningeducation quality.Specialemphasiswasgivenin thequalityofEducationandinExtra CurricularActivitiestohelpchildren developanHolisticapproachtoface theGlobalChallenges.Further,with theuseofTechnologiesandnew methodologiesshemaintainedthe consistencywhichtooktheschoolto newheightsoflaurelsinOoty

hasauniquecampuswithabeautiful ambience,setamidstthebeautyof naturethataddstotheenhancementof educationfacilitiesattheschool.The schoolhasabeautifulFootballpitch, CricketNetsforpracticing,Basketball Court,IndoorTableTennisCourt, Sciencelaboratories,MathsLab,smart classrooms,andahomelyresidential blockfortheresidentialstudents.

VisionaryMissionofGoingBeyond FormalEducation

Mission:Theschoolisonamissionto impartaneducationnotrestrictedto formalschoolingonly Theschoolaims toempoweranindividualtobe achieversthroughexperience.The schoolinspires,educates,challenges, andsupportsthestudentstoreachtheir highestlearningandpersonal developmentlevel.

Vision:Tomaterialisethedreamsof blossomingmindsoftheyoung generationwithinnatezealforlearning andexplorethejoyoflearningina holisticenvironment.UniquePublic Schoolhasenvisagedasystemthat

aimsatamultifaceteddevelopmentof thechild'sphysical,emotional,mental, andspiritualpersonalitybynurturing theirunexploredpotentialand encouraginglibertytobecreative, expressive,andfree.

WingsthattookUPStoNewHeights Thepersonthatistobecreditedfor takingtheschooltonewheightsisthe PrincipalofUniquePublicSchool, Mrs.GayathriRaman.Shehasarich experienceof23yearsasaneminent educator Accumulatinganincredible teamwiththebackingofthe ManagementcommitteeDr.K.R. Rangaraj,Mr.R.RaviRaoandMr. J.Nandeeshwaran,Mrs.Gayathri, withherinnovativeandcreativeideas, hasgivenwingstotheschool. Understandingandcateringtothe specialneedsoftheschool,itwasher dedicationthatboostedadmissionsin theschool.Undertheguidanceofthe eminentacademiciansandher Leadership,theschoolhasincreased immenselyinitsstrengthwhichwent upfrom90in2016to640studentsin 2022.

Duetoherdedication,persistence,and effectiveleadership,theschoolwas upgradedtoHigherSecondarySchool in2018.Mrs.GayathriRamanhasalso introducedtheideaofcarnivals,which wasagreatsuccesstopulladmissions. Alongwiththat,shehasstartedvarious initiativestodisciplinethestudents.

Our endeavour is to impart education that goes beyond the formal schooling and empowers individuals to be achievers in their chosen fields through experience.

Moreover,shealsorecognisestheneed tounderstandsafetyfortheyounger generation;thatiswhyshehas introducedlessonstoensuresafetyat theschool,especiallyforgirlchildren. Moreover,shehaswonawardswhich includetheBestTeacherAward,Best PrincipalAward,BestNationalBuilder Awardin2019,NationalLeadership AwardfromSchoolStarsin2020,and BestPrincipalAwardin2021and 2022.UnderherGuidancetheschool hasreceivedNationalawardfor promotingCo-Curricularactivitiesin 2020,BestSchoolAwardfor100% resultsinBoardExaminationfor Consecutive6years,BestSchoolof theYearAwardin2022fromAsian EducationAwards.

ExploringtheJoyofLearning UniquePublicSchoolisreallyunique becauseitaddsthatfunelementtothe learningprocessthatmakesitjoyous. Italsogivesthestudentslibertyto explorelearningthroughvarious curricularandextra-curricular activities.Emphasisingofthelearning endeavourthatencouragesengagement

Mrs. Gayathri Raman

Principal, Unique Public School

attheschool,Mrs.Gayathrisays, "We celebrate all the days without fail with a concept, and this has not stopped for nearly 6 years. As a part of our extracurricular activities, we have Karate, Yoga, singing, instrumental and Dance. These Extra-curricular activities are given to all free of cost within the fees. All the students participate in all the activities from Grade 1 to Grade 5, and then in Grade 6, they take the privilege of showing their interest in what they are passionate about. Then they are given special training according to their interest."

"As a part of the Co-Curricular activities, we have various clubs like Go Green Club, Mothers Club, Adore Club, Literary Club, Interact Club, Sports Club, Abdul Kalam Club, and Ramanujam Club. Students can choose two clubs according to their interests

and participate in the events. As our school is placed in a beautiful Place, children can easily meagre with the nature and happily participate in all the events. We give special emphasis on sports; we have a beautiful football ground which is the talk of the town. Our Cricket nets attract our students. We do have a table tennis court and basketball court. We do have good district level players. All students in our school know to play chess and solve cubes. We don't restrict children from playing; the chess boards are available all time during the break and lunch. This has attracted the students where they don't spend time in other activities," sheadds.

UniquePublicSchool'sUnique ValuesandLearningObjective UniquePublicSchoolisacommunity foreffectiveteachingandlearning;

UPS seeks to develop self-esteem and pleasure in learning through a stimulating, supportive and happy environment that provides all members with opportunities to achieve their potential in the intellectual, physical, moral and social domains.

theyseetodevelopself-esteemand derivepleasureinlearningthrougha stimulating,supportiveandhappy environment.Theschoolbeingsetin calmandscenicnature,theschool valuesgroomingstudentsinahappy environment,whichwillhelpallthe schoolmembersreachtheirpotentialin intellect,physique,morality,andsocial domains.

Highlightingsomeofthemajorvalues oftheschool,Mrs.Gayathriexplains, "UPS recognises the importance of communication. We encourage and support effective communication between all members of the school community. We use positive behaviour management, model good behaviour, use a reward system, use sanctions sparingly, support each other and are kind and polite."

Moreover,theschool'smainlearning objectiveistogivelibertytostudents toexplorethejoyoflearning. Explainingsomeofthehighlightsof thelearningobjectiveMrs.Gayathri says, "The Learning outcome is always Child Centred on learning. We personally believe that learning should be fun and not a burden. We prioritise strengthening the children in the basics of all the subjects, communication skills, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, and soft skills. We feel that developing a child into a good citizen is the first thing that should be given priority. They should be ready to face all the challenges that this world gives them."

AdaptingtoModernTechnology

Moderntechnologywasflourishingin theeducationsectorforawhilewhen theCOVID-19pandemichitthe educationsectorhard.Thoughtheneed ofeducatingtheyoungergeneration washeldonhighpriority,theUnique PublicSchooleffectivelyadaptedto

moderntechnologytokeeptheprocess ongoing.Moreover,theheadofthe institute'sexperiencewithanonline companymadetheprocess sophisticatedandsortedfortheschool.

Explaininghowtheprocessdigital transitionprocessevolvedatthe school,Mrs.Gayathriexplains,"We initially started with the WhatsApp classes and then slowly went on with Zoom, Google Meet, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams, but in all these aspects, we were very particular about the safety measures for our students both physically and mentally. Our sessions were worked such that there were only 2 to 3 sessions and a break between the sessions. The students were taught eye exercises which they had to do after each session. We made the parents to participate in all the activities online so that they took the responsibility of monitoring the child."

"Once the session is over every day, we informed the parents about taking the phone, and we freeze the group so that there is no need for the child to have the mobile. In the evening, the teachers would come for one hour to help with the reviews and homework. We had special counselling sessions for all the

children where they were briefed about the safety measures to be followed while using social media. They were given numbers where they could complain if they face any issues while being online. This made them feel that they had someone to safeguard them. Soon the children adapted to our system, and handling them online was easy, and we did not face any big issues as such. Now when the offline classes have been started, we could see a big change in both the students and the teachers where they have bounced back very strong technically," Mrs. Gayathriadds.

UniquePlansAwaitingforthe Future

Envisioningthefutureoftheschool, Mrs.Gayathrishares, "We personally believe that from now for five years, Unique will have its special place among the students and the parents. Unique will be Unique in shaping the students and transforming them into the right citizen with values who will, in turn, contribute to society. Rather than just making them get their certificate, we will place ourselves as a school imparting the skill-based learning according to the interest of each and every child."