Principal Speak: Nurturing young individuals into upright, creative, loyal citizens
Education involves the right balance of academic and co-curricular activities. How is your institution providing this balance to students?
Montfortian education aspires to equip our students for a fulfilling life by fostering intellectual, emotional and practical skills. Our institution provides an all-round education by striking the right balance between academic and co-curricular activities. We focus on rigorous curriculum with experienced faculty, regular assessments and feedback, opportunities for research and project-based learning. Along with academics, we equally emphasise on co-curricular activities that includes sports, physical education, yoga, music, art, debates, quiz, etc. In order to provide support and encouragement to students for pursuing their passions and interests, regular events and competitions are organised to showcase their talents. This helps our students to develop academically and holistically, build leadership skills, team work and confidence so that they become interdisciplinary, empathetic, and responsible individuals.
What are the assessment practices used in your school?
Our school uses a variety of assessment practices to evaluate student learning and understanding. Some of these practices include summative assessments that include unit tests, periodic assessments, project-based assignments and presentations; developmental assessments like class-work and homework assignments, observations, concept quizzes, etc; performance assessments like projects, language arts performances (eg debates, role-plays), presentations, games, etc, related to different subjects; and competency-based assessments include grading, competency progress tracking in the form of report cards.
Sports and co-curricular activities for students?
A concrete focus on participation of students in sports and co-curricular activities is rendered in order to develop their physical and mental well-being. Team and individual participation in various intra-school and inter-school competitions for different sports and co-curricular activities is done to foster their teamwork, leadership, communication skills, creativity, confidence and self-esteem to prepares students for future careers and opportunities.
NEP-2020 has laid special emphasis on vocational skills and entrepreneurship. How is your school providing these two through curriculum?
Our school is incorporating vocational skills and entrepreneurship into the curriculum through introducing elective subjects, skill-based programmes, project-based learning that integrate vocational skills with academic subjects, including entrepreneurship chapters in courses by integrating vocational skills and entrepreneurship with core subjects like math, science, and language, assessing student learning through project-based evaluations. By incorporating vocational skills and entrepreneurship into the curriculum, our school aims to equip students with the skills and mind set needed to succeed in their future and professional assignments.
What measures has the school taken to help students cope with stress and to develop their EQ?
Our school has taken some measures to help students cope with stress and develop their Emotional Quotient (EQ). We provide counselling by trained counsellors, who provide individual and group sessions to address stress and emotional concerns, regular mindfulness sessions, meditation, and yoga classes to promote relaxation and self-awareness, conducting sessions on stress management techniques and time management. We focus on matters like self-awareness, empathy, and relationships by role-playing to teach students how to navigate social situations, conflicts, and emotional challenges, encouraging student leadership initiatives to develop EQ skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, providing teachers with training on EQ and stress management to support students’ emotional well-being and by involving parents through our Parents Teachers Association initiative. By implementing these measures, our school aims to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional well-being, EQ development, and stress management skills in our students.
What is the motto of your school and how are students being trained to follow it?
Our school motto is “For God and Country”. A noble motto that inspires us to develop spiritual values, moral principles, cultivate patriotism and national pride, serve others selflessly, strive for excellence in all endeavours, become responsible, informed, and engaged citizens. To inculcate our motto within students, we indulge in community services, charity events, civic education, patriotic events and cultural celebrations so that they are enriched with values like faith, patriotism, integrity and service. We strive for excellence, achievement, love and happiness that showcases the spirit and soul of our school. Our mission is to nurture young individuals into upright, creative and loyal citizens, infused with passion for others, spiritual awareness and a strong sense of personal freedom, liberty of expression, faith and devotion. We are committed to upholding the dignity of individuals and promoting the unity and integrity of the nation.
As the head of this institution what is your vision and how you are making it a reality?
As the head of the institution, my vision is to create a holistic learning environment that fosters academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility by implementing innovative teaching methods and technology integration, providing opportunities for project-based learning, fostering a culture of critical thinking and problem-solving, integrating emotional intelligence into the curriculum, encouraging student leadership initiatives, incorporating community service and volunteer programmes, promoting environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices, fostering inclusivity and diversity through cultural events and activities. For making it a reality, I collaborate with teachers, staff, and students to implement initiatives, provide professional development opportunities for teachers, engage with parents and the community to build support and continuously assess and evaluate progress to make data-driven decisions. By working together, I am confident that we can make our vision a reality and create a truly exceptional learning environment for our students.
