Principal Speak: Assimilating spirit of seva in the learning experience
Education involves a right balance of academic and co-curricular activities. How is your institution providing this balance to students as a principal?
I prioritise a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic excellence and co-curricular growth. DC Model School strives to achieve this balance through a comprehensive approach and works continuously to achieve perfection through diverse curricular clubs like Eco Club, Robotic Club, Waste Management Club, regular sports and fitness programmes, literary fest, arts and Indian culture-based events, community service, interdisciplinary projects and competitions to connect classrooms to real world. Meditation and ‘shaloka’ recitation is another regular practice at the school to maintain physical, emotional and mental health. We foster a culture of inclusivity through regular monitoring, mentorship. Feedback from parents, teachers and students is taken to make informed decisions. Guidance from experienced faculty and guest speakers are also invited to provide great resources. By integrating such aspects, we foster holistic development. Our goal is to prepare students for a fulfilling life, not just academic success.
What is the assessment practices used in your school?
A unique feature of our school is that it uses Pariksha Portal for assessment purposes. The Pariksha Portal includes questions made by the schoolteachers based on Bloom’s taxonomy. The questions are HOTS and thereby increase the critical thinking of the students as well. The other methods of assessment used by our school are summative assessments, formative assessments, peer assessments, assignments, etc.
Sports and curricular activities for students.
Sports and curricular activities in the school provide a chance to students for their overall wellbeing. They foster creativity and self-expression among students. Our school provides free coaching of cricket, table tennis and basketball both in the morning and evening shifts. Yoga, which is considered a way to calm our mind and body, is given utmost importance here in our school and a special coach for girls has been hired who is leaving no stone unturned to bring out the best out of them. Time to time inter and intra-school sports competitions let our budding players show their calibre and stamina in the field. We, at DC Model believe that once something is a passion, motivation is there and the school’s students have enough to wear on their sleeves.
NEP-2020 has laid special emphasis on vocational skills and entrepreneurship. How is your school providing these two through the curriculum?
Our school has incorporated vocational skills and entrepreneurship into the curriculum as a response to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This is achieved through specialised workshops, practical training sessions, and interactive projects. Students actively participate in hands-on learning experiences designed to replicate real-world challenges, thereby promoting entrepreneurial thinking and improving vocational competencies. As a result, they are not only prepared for a wide range of career options but also develop the innovation and adaptability required for the 21st-century workforce.
What measures has the school taken to help students cope with stress and develop their EQ?
The school has introduced programmes that raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma to encourage students to seek help when needed. We have provided access to school counsellor, who supports students in managing stress and developing emotional resilience. We practice various techniques, such as mindfulness, silent sitting, and meditation to help them manage stress effectively. In addition, regular physical activity through sports, exercise programmes, and recreational activities helps them to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
As head of the institution what is your vision and how you are making it a reality?
As the institution’s head, I envision an environment where every student achieves his/her fullest potential through a balanced education approach. Our innovative curriculum, updated through rigorous research, ensures academic excellence. We foster inclusivity with special education for economically weaker sections. Daily meditation and the ‘Om’ mantra promote students’ wellbeing. Co-curricular activities and continuous evaluations further enhance holistic development, focusing on academic, behavioural, and personal growth attributes.
Motto of your school and how are students being trained to follow it?
The school’s motto “Learn to serve” reflects our deep conviction that a true education promotes service to society. We make the students great and good individuals who have integrity of their head, heart and hands. A myriad of ways is adopted to nourish each child’s soul — through prayer, elaborate discussions about moral values, and a renewed focus on the school motto. Activities like ‘Narayan Seva’, collection drive, plantation, SDHA, EWS classes, Bal Vikas, etc, occupy a prominent place in the school calendar. Wholehearted participation develops well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.