Of satchel and success - International school with an Indian soul
Transcription
Of satchel and success - International school with an Indian soul
Times School An OMS Initiative, The Times of India Advertorial, Education Promotional Feature OCTOBER 29, 2014 Of satchel and success T imes Group partnered with i3 Research Consultants to conduct its first International and national School Survey 2014 to determine the Top schools in Mumbai. Mumbai Schools International Curriculum Rank 1-15 RANK SCHOOL 1 EcoleMondiale World School 2 Oberoi International School 3 Aditya Birla World Academy 4 Singapore International School 5 Podar International School, Santacruz 6 NES International School 7 Ryan Global School, Andheri 8 Maina Devi Bajaj International School 9 RBK Kanakia International School 10 Fazlani L AcademieGlobale School 11 Cambridge International School 12 D. Y. Patil International School 13 NSS Hill Spring 14 Udayachal High School, Vikhroli 15 Pillai Global Academy RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The objective of this research was to arrive at a list of top schools in Mumbai. The study had two major modules i.e. perceptual rating survey and factual survey. In the first module, based on convenience sampling, a structured questionnaire was administered to selected respondents to arrive at a ranking and rating of schools in Mumbai. The initial list had over 250 schools of Mumbai, though each respondent was asked to give ratings for only those schools that he/she was aware of and a maximum of 20 schools to avoid interviewer as well as respondent fatigue and to ensure quality data. A sample survey of 780 was conducted in six zones in Mumbai (South+Mid Town, Bandra to Andheri (W), Andheri (E) to Ghatkopar, Goregaon to Borivali, Thane and surrounding, Navi Mumbai and surrounding). ** Schools offering only International (IB & IGCSE) Curriculum Learning for Life... A ditya Birla World Academy, which is located in the heart of South Mumbai, has carved a niche for itself in the field of education for a holistic approach to learning. Perhaps, the most distinctive feature of the school is that it is ‘an international school with an Indian soul’, wherein children not only remain connected with their identity but also experience learning from diverse perspectives. This is the ethos of an international education. Chairperson Neerja Birla lays emphasis on making the students believe in themselves, the ultimate objective being “to instil in children a strong sense of self-belief that comes through deeply imbibed values which serve as a moral compass and guide them in life. We foster a spirit that seeks excellence”. The school offers an internationally benchmarked curriculum from Cambridge International Examinations till Grade 10. In keeping with the child-centric philosophy, the school has recently introduced the well-recognised Cambridge A Level Programme, in addition to the existing International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Hence, the students of Grades 11 and 12 get the choice of two invigorating and equally acclaimed international programmes depending on their career interests and preferences. Comprehensive three-week internship programmes are also organised for students to gain first-hand experience in relevant industries of their choice. Fun-filled experiential learning and a warm atmosphere enables students to make relevant connections to everyday life. The school provides a platform where students have the opportunity and the challenge to do the things they are capable of and rise to their potential, on all fronts – curricular and co-curricular. At Aditya Birla World Academy, the emotional wellbeing of students is a priori- A geographical spread of the sample was ensured by selecting multiple starting points spread across the city. There were two main respondent categories who were interviewed to evaluate a school: Those who had the experience of such schools (Experiential) and those who are searching, aspiring to get admissions for their ward and evaluating these schools (Perceptual). The respondent categories included: ● Experiential ● School teachers ● Alumni ● Experienced parents ● Students ● Perceptual ● Aspiring parents ing. The school has tie ups with different venues for morning sports activities like football, basketball, cricket, athletics and table-tennis. These are conducted under the guidance of professional coaches. The school even sponsors two football teams! To encourage international mindedness, students engage in class projects on current socio- economic issues across the world through global perspectives. Exceptional and gifted children are sent annually for the Summer Institute for Gifted Programme conducted at Princeton, Yale, Berkeley and Emory. Community Service is integral to the philosophy of the school. Engaging students in relevant projects sensitises them to the right to a life with dignity for all human beings. Educational tours are an essential part of learning too. A parent at the school described it as a ‘school with a heart’, perhaps because of its firm belief that “every child matters”. With a teacher student ratio of 1:6, there is personalised attention! At Aditya Birla World Academy, the children are encouraged to believe in themselves and to reach for the stars. The motto “Learn Achieve Inspire” epitomizes the essence of the school. For details, contact: Aditya Birla World Academy Vastushilp Annexe, Gamadia Colony, J.D. Road, Tardeo, Mumbai - 400 007 Tel: 022-2352 8400/1/2/3 Email: info@ adityabirlaworldacademy.com www. adityabirlaworldacademy.com RANK SCHOOL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Dhirubhai Ambani International School Campion School, Fort Bombay Scottish School, Mahim The Cathedral & John Connon School, Fort Jamna Bai Narsee School,Vile Parle Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School,Thane R.N. Podar School, Santacruz J.B. Petit High School for Girls, Fort G.D. Somani Memorial School, Cuff Parade St. John’s Universal School, Goregaon (W) Arya Vidya Mandir, Bandra Ryan International School, Goregaon Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai Utpal Shanghvi School, Juhu HVB Academy, Marine Drive Maneckji Cooper School, Juhu Don Bosco Senior Secondary School Vibgyor High, Goregaon Bombay International School, Babulnath St. Mary’s High School, Mazgaon ** Schools offering National (CBSE & ICSE) and National + International (IB/IGCSE) Curriculum Continued on page 2 An aim to redefine education in the country R BK International Academy (RBKIA), Mumbai is gaining ground among the parents desiring global education for their children without compromising on their holistic development. The academy aims to tap and nurture the innate potential of the students to mould them into beautiful human beings with value based world leadership qualities. Driven by the credo ‘knowledge is light’ the learning environment in the school is conducive to promoting students’ cognitive and social developments. The teaching methodology, based on a child centred approach continuously strives to train its students to be free thinkers who would be compassionate, humane and strong pillars of society. On the other side, it also readies its students to take a quantum leap when it comes to facing the challenges of the present and the future. The Principal, states, “Every student has the potential to uniquely contribute to our ever changing world. We work with the students to develop the ability to think, explore and apply what they learn. The students are constantly challenged to ensure they have in-depth understanding of what is being taught.” The school offers its students an opportunity to undertake varied method of assessments. The >> Chairperson Neerja Birla with students of Aditya Birla World Academy ty. There is a competent and sensitive team of special educators, counsellors and a child psychiatrist who guides students individually through their academic and emotional challenges. Workshops for parents to educate them on how to cope with the travails of modern parenting, and for students on how to deal with issues of growing up are also conducted by the team. Furthermore, an independent team for career guidance and counselling, advises students on career choices and university placements after Grade 12. Visits from University Admissions teams to orient and interview these students are organised. The strength of a school is measured by the achievement of its students and the commitment and competence of faculty members. Graduating batches have found placements at prestigious Universities like Imperial College, London School of Economics, University of Toronto, McGill University, Brown University, Carnegie Mellon, and in India, St. Xavier’s College, HR College, Jai Hind College and Shrishti College of Art & Design. Radhika Sinha, Principal, believes, “ A school is always a ‘world in miniature’ for it is here that we begin to learn our lessons in life! It is our prayer that students go out into the world with the strength, not only to excel in their professional aspirations, but to remain fine human beings.” Academic excellence is but one facet of a holistic programme. Creative impetus is encouraged through activities such as music, jazz dance, speech and drama, robotics, pottery, debate and public speaking, gym and kick-box- Mumbai Schools National Curriculum Rank 1-20 CAS program gives them experiential learning that allows them to develop interpersonal skills, and leadership skills. They learn to take responsibility for their own deeds and be tolerant towards other’s needs and point of view. Among other things, the school management believes that it is critical to have a low studentteacher ratio for the overall growth of the students. In pre-primary the school has two teachers for 25 children (2:25) and a helping maid. From grade 1 to 12 it has only 25 students in each division. It enables teachers to identify learning needs and modify his/her teaching strategy to suit the learners’ requirements. The personal touch also helps in a better student-teacher interaction. RBKIA prides itself on its dynamic and talented faculty, highly qualified and experienced in International Curriculum. It believes that every teacher is also a learner who needs to continually adapt to the dynamic needs of the 21st century. The faculty regularly attends IBO workshops conducted in India and abroad, apart from regular in-house training sessions conducted in the school. Ambience and infrastructure of the school too is given a lot of attention. It offers young students an open-minded, motivational and well-balanced space for growth, which leads to a rounded mix of physical, mental, creative and spiritual well-being. The dance room, playground, basketball court and tennis court are amply used to develop the bodily kinaesthic intelligence of the learner, while >> Rupal Kanakia, Director - RBK Educational Institutions, receiving ‘Outstanding School of the Year’ award from SOE Global Education Awards 2014 music develops the musical intelligence of the child. Co-curricular activities, in fact, equal emphasis to class room teaching. RBK Educational Academy recently bags ‘Outstanding School of the Year’ award from SOE Global Education Awards 2014. RBK Educational Academy has been awarded with the prestigious “SOE Global Education Awards 2014” at their awards ceremony in New Delhi recently under the category of “Outstanding School of the Year”. “This award comes with a responsibility to carry forward our aim to usher our children onto the path of learning eternal values,” said Rupal Kanakia, Director - RBK Educational Institutions after receiving the award. A rich library, updated science lab, well-equipped medical room, wide corridors for frees movement and well maintained washrooms for good hygiene add to it. The nutrition of the students is too is given special care. It boasts of a dining facility that is the best RBK offers a wide range of courses, which include: ● Primary Years Program (Nursery to Grade 5) ● Middle Years Program (Grades 6-8) ● IGCSE (Grades 8 and 10) ● IB Diploma Program (Grades 11& 12) in the industry. With students’ safety being a key focus area, CCTV is installed and the housekeeping staff is well trained. For details, contact: RBK International Academy Opp. Indian Oil Nagar, Near Shankara Colony, Ghatkopar - Mankhurd Link Road, Mumbai - 400 088 Phone: 91-22-65218124, 91-22-65218125, 91-22-65218126 Email: [email protected] Universal Education: One of Asia’s fastest growing Educational Organisations U niversal Education began its journey 11 years ago in 2003 with a single school in Goregaon, Mumbai, armed only with the aspiration of creating excellence and being of service. Today, it boasts of over 22 campuses with 50-plus institutions – from Play-group to Post Graduation and a student count exceeding 30,000 spread over Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Dubai and Sharjah. The schools follow ICSE, IGCSE and CBSE curriculums. REAL (Redefining Education And Learning) is the acronym for Universal’s acclaimed education system as an integrated, comprehensive education model. Infrastructure wise, each of the schools of Universal Education has state-of-theart technology connected classrooms, well-selected design of school furniture and Wi-fi zones at important locations. Teaching methods promote skills of autonomy and soft-skills, learning-bydoing and a holistic approach to balance academics with music, art, craft, dance and sports. Teachers are in tune with the intellectual and psychological needs of their wards. Departments of in-house career counselling offer career choices through annual Career Fairs. Remediation and learning resource rooms make sure no child is left behind. Universal Education recognises the inevitability of technology in education. It is not merely a class period, it is a way of life and is woven into the fabric of “Our foremost endeavour is to make children creative, confident and articulate individuals and to prepare and inspire them to be holistic and life-long learners as opposed to certificate and degree holders.” –Jesus Lall, Chairman and CEO, Universal Education all that is done. It boasts of the first Apple school where children use iPods and iPads to further their learning in ways that are futuristic, by enhancing speed and efficiency. Universal is the first school to introduce UK’s top digital curriculum service Espresso, to deploy Kindles and Nooks in libraries to provide several thousand books, to use Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Kinect for providing ‘Virtual PE’ and ‘Virtual Music’ lessons for its learners, in addition to real life sports and music training. “Our mission is to unearth and unlock potentials, thereby creating leaders capable of lifelong learning and independent thought. To this end, we will do everything in our power to create an educational system that maximises potential, encourages the use of technology and extends out of the textbook into real life,” says a senior academic team member of Universal Education. Some of the CSR activities undertaken by their schools have included distribution of tents to earthquake affected villages in Raapar, Bhuj and Kutch, donations to the Kargil war widows, organisation of clothes to Tsunami-affected victims in Tamil Nadu, collection of funds for flood-hit J&K, and saving the girl child through our association with NGO Childline. Whenever rapid increases in knowledge and multiple options available to students have puzzled educators, the sound guiding principles of Universal Education have successfully directed their schools’ priorities. This has meant shunning complacency and comfort zones and creating a constant and continuous upgrade of skills. The child is kept at the heart of the curriculum. Her/his intellectual, emotional and ethical well-being with values of resilience, compassion, and peacehave always been paramount. Schools in Mumbai under Universal Education are The Universal School-Tardeo, St. Johns Universal SchoolGoregaon, Universal HighMalad, Universal HighDahisar, Universal HighThane, The Universal School-Ghatkopar. Colleges in Mumbai under the same management are Universal College of Engineering-Vasai, Lords Universal College of Education (B.Ed. and D.Ed.)-Malad, Vidya VIkas Universal College-Malad, Lords Universal CollegeGoregaon, Lords Universal College of Law-Goregaon and MSG-SGKM CollegeGhatkopar. For details, contact: www.universal.edu.in pg Times School 2 Future-ready students for the 21st Century Chalking up a success story... H VB Global Academy is an authorised Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum school. HVB believes in its motto ‘Get Set for Life’. The students come from modest backgrounds and an enriching ethos at school keeps them motivated, involved and engaged. The classrooms have both, physical and virtual space. They have adequate space to engage in collaborative planning as well as solitary research. HVB offers the CIE curriculum from pre-primary to Grade 12 and the IB curriculum at the DP level. In an exclusive interview, Principal Dr. Chandrakanta Pathak shares her views. Excerpts… What makes your school stand apart vis-àvis other IB schools in the city? The difference is embedded in the mission statement of HVB: To offer a meaningful, globally-connected and comprehensive educational programme to its students regardless of personal circumstance, so as to empower them to explore and develop their natural curiosity and creativity. At HVB, we stress upon students seeing a connect between what we learn and how it evolves the individual vis-à-vis the community. The emphasis is to enrich the community of which we are all true stakeholders. >> Cultural Exchange Program at HVB Global Academy HVB Global Academy focus on identifying the hidden talent of a child. Nurture it and create lifelong successful stories. Alumni like Uday Kotak, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Rocky S and many more are live example of it. Do you believe faculty is the key factor in any learning environment? Yes, of course. We believe that the IBDP is ‘student centred but teacher led’. Our staff is highly motivated, appropriately qualified and are internationally-minded teachers. Exceptional quality support is offered at a structural and individual level for our teachers. We believe in rewarding our teachers well. A teacher who will serve this institute for minimum nine years and will retire shall get 50%, after 14 years 75% and after 19 years 100% of last drawn salary for the next 10 years on and above other benefits like gratuity and PF, among others. Why the no donations stand? We firmly believe that education is a noble profession and should not be commercialised under any circumstances. We are dealing with our young children and it is our responsibility to inculcate values in them. Tell us a bit about the community outreach programme organised by HVB Academy… HVB’s ethos is to give quality education to all October 29, 2014 >> Dr. Chandrakanta Pathak seen with APJ Abdul Kalam Azad and other members of the Board irrespective of their economic status. We annually organise social service campaigns through active social campaigning. Our students give service through the programmed ‘Aadhar’. The initiative is in-sync with the children of Our Lady of Dolours (a school for street children in the vicinity). Our children also travel to remote tribal belts like Nimboli where they have contributed to preparing ‘smoke-less chulhas’ (*stove) and teaching at the local school. We also have Ujjwal Bhavisya, a joint venture of HVB Academy and Alumni. Here students serve as mentors for the underprivileged students (mentees). These students are from our neighbouring school ‘Our Lady of Dolours’. Use of school infrastructure, including international standard Science and IT labs, Support and Guidance from HVB Academy staff and students of Higher Secondary and IBDP Section, Counselling these children and their parent/ guardians, ensuring there are no ‘dropouts’, are some of the key features of this programme. Are there any areas that you believe in need of constant improvement? What are you doing in that direction? The areas that need constant improvement are: Prioritising the learning needs of a 21st Century learner and prioritising the readiness of teacher staff that can cater to the 21st Century learner The 21st Century learner needs are quite different. These students of the now and the future need to find viable and constructivist solutions to the numerous problems that the world faces in the modern times. As a school we need to continuously harbour a movement that will make our students feel empowered to bring about a change. Readiness to grapple with challenges needs both, expertise and a psychological readiThe generosity of our management has been depicted in our President S.K Somany’s annoucement of a “benevolent fund” on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebration for staff after retirement. A teacher who will serve this institute for minimum 9 years and will retire shall get 50%,after 14 years 75% and after 19 years 100% of last drawn salary for next 10 years on and above other benefits like gratuity and P.F. etc. ness. Our teachers must ensure that they are not staff that the student meets as day boarders but mentors who are themselves brimming with ideas that can seem as a partner initiative with the students. At HVB, we invest in our teacher community that they may interact and learn from the best in the field; that they may sympathize with the need to question and know; and that they may engineer change as stakeholders and not as passive knowledge banks. For details, contact HVB Marine Academy, 79 Marine Drive, Mumbai - 400 020 Phone: 022-6143 6000/ 022-2281 6980 www.hvbacademy.com Continued from Page 1 Module 1| Shortlisting of eligible schools The module 1 was a secondary research module. A comprehensive list of schools was generated with the help of the Internet, magazines and other publications. The various sources used for generation of school list included: z CBSE/ICSE/ IB/ IGCSE approved list of school z List of school from previous surveys z A discussion with industry experts to add/ delete any school to ensure we have a comprehensive list z Schools offering only State board were later excluded from the survey MODULE 2|Perceptual Survey A perception questionnaire was administered to respondents. The same was also used for assessing awareness of schools. Respondents were allowed to respond for those schools only which were known to them. Respondents were provided a list of parameters to evaluate the schools and rate on a scale of 1-10 where 1 stood for poor and 10 for excellent. The list of parameters to be covered in the survey was arrived at based on past surveys as well as discussions with experts from the industry experts and teachers etc. As mentioned above, five different stakeholders were taken into consideration for the perceptual survey, namely teachers, alumni, parents of aspiring students, parents of existing students and students. The questionnaire was so designed that both experiential and perceptual target respondents could be exposed to the same parameters – this ensured that the scores of different stakeholders could be correlated and collated to arrive at a single final score. Module 3| Factual data collection Over 250 schools were sent the factual data questionnaire and were followed up telephonically and personal visits for collection of information. The factual data sheet focused on the following information areas: z General information of the School: establishment, affiliation, among others z Infrastructure and facilities > Sports facilities in your school > Cultural/extra-curricular facilities in your Module 1 Desk Research Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Top International Curriculum Schools in Zone B Bandra, Khar, Santacruz, Vile Parle, Andheri W Name of the School EcoleMondiale World School Ryan Global School, Andheri NSS Hill Spring Mount Litera International School Bombay Cambridge School, Andheri Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 Module 2 Perception Survey Module 3 Fact file collection Analysis of data Final Rankings Top International Curriculum Schools in Zone D Goregoan, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali Name of the School Singapore International School Podar International School, Santacruz Maina Devi Bajaj International School Pillai Global Academy Ajmera Global School Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Name of the School Gundecha Education Academy Lilavatibai Podar Sr. Secondary School, Santacruz Vissanji Academy, Andheri-E Thakur International School, Kandivali Vibgyor High Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Name of the School NES International School Cambridge International School Oberoi International School, Thane S M Shetty International School Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 Name of the School Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania, Thane NL Dalmia High School, Thane Hiranandani Foundation School, Thane Ram Ratna Vidya Mandir DAV Public School Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Top International Curriculum Schools in Zone F Navi Mumbai Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Top National Curriculum Schools in Zone C Andheri E, Powai, Chembur, Ghatkopar Name of the School Dhirubai International St. John’s Universal School, Goregaon (W) Ryan International School, Goregaon Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai Vibgyor High School, Goregaon * For all such gaps, an average score was assigned to the school concerned Top National Curriculum Schools in Zone E Thane and surrounding Top International Curriculum Schools in Zone C Andheri E, Powai, Chembur, Ghatkopar Name of the School Oberoi International School RBK Kanakia International School Udayachal High School, Vikhroli Nahar International School Tridha school Some caveats/assumptions: z Only those schools for whom we received more than 20 responses, were included in the ranking z Further a few schools refused to participate in the survey – such schools were removed from the list z Some of the schools could not provide the factual data completely for their schools i3 Research Consultants (i3RC) is a boutique research & consultancy firm that is focussed on offering Superior Client Service, Strategic Insights, Innovation, Quality & Commitment. i3RC has a young and dynamic team of 12 researchers who are very passionate about their work and are always willing to put that extra effort to make every project a great success. In addition i3RC has a team of highly experienced industry experts as consultants who provide their expertise for specific projects. i3RC is a full member of MRSI and follow MRSI code of ethics while conducting every research project. Given their commitment to quality, i3RC has developed a three-tier and multi stage quality control system to deliver excellent quality.i3RC core team consists of experienced professionals. Top International Curriculum Schools in Zone-E Thane and surrounding Top National Curriculum Schools in Zone B Bandra, Khar, Santacruz, Vileparle, Andheri W Name of the School JamnaBaiNarsee School, Vile Parle R.N. Podar School, Santacruz AryaVidyaMandir, Bandra UtpalShanghvi School, Juhu Analysis: Final ranking of School A robust approach was followed to arrive at the final rankings. The step by step process is given below: z Perceptual Score > Ratings on various parameters for each school > Calculating importance of various parameters to arrive at weights for each parameter – A regression model was used to arrive at the importance of various parameters > Calculation of raw scores and weighted scores for each parameter > Calculation of overall score for each school using importance weightages. z Factual Score The information collected corresponding to similar parameters as in the perceptual survey > A detailed scoring system has been developed for each parameter > After assigning scores to each parameter, raw scores were calculated > The raw scores are weighted to arrive at weighted scores > The final school score are calculated as in the perception survey z The final score for a school are a weighted average of Perception Score and Factual Score equal weight age given to both z The final rankings were calculated separately for Schools offering national curriculum and international curriculum About i3 Research Consultants Top National Curriculum Schools in Zone-D Goregoan, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali Top National Curriculum Schools in Zone A South Mumbai + Midtown Name of the School Campion School, Fort Bombay Scottish School, Mahim The Cathedral & John Connon School, Fort J.B.Petit High School for Girls, Fort G.D. Somani Memorial School, Cuffe Parade school Medical facilities in the school Teachers Potential to network Exchange programs and global exposure Awards An extensive four-week field-work was conducted beginning last week of August 2014 Top International Curriculum Schools in Zone A South Mumbai + Midtown Name of the School Aditya Birla World Academy Fazlani L Academie Globale School New Era School, Breach Candy BD Somani International School Pranjali International School > z z z z Name of the School D. Y. Patil International School Goldcrest International School Dr Pillai Global Academy Harmony International School Prudence International School Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Top National Curriculum Schools in Zone F Navi Mumbai Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Name of the School Apeejay School, Nerul BalBharati Public School, Kharghar DAV Public School D A V Public School, Airoli Avalon Heights International School, Vashi Zone Rank 1 2 3 4 5