– Niyati Chitkara

Hello Future! At Chitkara International School

The drive to ensure “learning that makes a difference” has been the genesis of many worthwhile educational reforms over the years. Be it the shift to smart classrooms or the focus on artintegrated learning, educationists worldwide have worked hard to provide “functional education” to children that induces effective individual and societal development.

One such exemplary initiative developed at Chitkara International School (CIS) is the reverse integrated learning model (Ph.D to Playway) aimed at maintaining the highest standards of modern, research based education. The model equips younger generations with the required business, research and technological skills to help them succeed in Industry 4.0. It’s noteworthy that CIS was born out of a need realised by its founders – Dr. Madhu Chitkara and Dr. Niyati Chitkara — to develop students’ research and entrepreneurship skills, with the objective to boost their employability in a dynamic world.

Through its Ph.D to Playway learning model, the school empowers students to transcend the boundaries of knowledge and experiences at all levels. CIS well-designed curriculum that integrates co-curricular with academic education focuses on creative art and design, meeting prowess, banking & finance, telephonic conversation, socialising across cultures, business correspondence, dramatic play, negotiation, presentation, basic auto and organisational skills, saving habit, language proficiency, positive thinking and the art of conversation.

TEK-8 Curriculum and Industrial Programmes for Grade 1 and above

• TEK-8 (Specialised Eight STEAMBased Modules) The school’s TEK-8 curriculum includes practical modules on Computer Science, Electronics, Mobile Technology, Automobile, Robotics, Household and Energy Management Technology, collaboratively designed by subject experts and faculty of Chitkara University and Chitkara International School.
• Industrial Programmes for Young Learners Close alliances with the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh campuses of Chitkara University provide CIS students with ample exposure through industry-aligned programmes. For example Chefography introduces budding chefs to the world of hospitality and hotel management providing them with a platform to showcase their culinary skills. Through Change the Game, young learners interact with eminent personalities and industry experts. While Diamond Challenge encourages budding entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas on global platforms ensuring promising careers, CineMaestro – Shaping Future Filmmakers offers real-time training in filmmaking, acting, choreography, etc.

Collaborative Learning through Internationalisation at Chitkara Schools

With over 180 international collaborations (Deakin University, Australia, Vancouver Island University, Canada, Macquarie University, Australia, University of Delaware, USA, Isituto Comprensivo Dante Schools, Italy, Progate Inc., Japan) and over 200 foreign visitors in a year, CIS has provided its students with international exposure widening their entrepreneurial and professional opportunities. CIS students are also encouraged to attend international programmes, webinars and workshops.

Unique & Simulated School Internship Programme with Chitkara’s B.Ed. College

One of the most prominent aspects of the Reverse Gamut of Education at CIS is the constructive integration of Teacher, Student and Hybrid Education — highlighted in the recently released NEP 2020. Chitkara University’s unique B.Ed programme allows aspirant teachers to experience, handle and learn from real classroom situations within the CIS campus.

Innovative Learning Spaces and Hybrid Classrooms of the Future

Special attention is given to creating learning spaces that instantly evoke a passion for learning within CIS students. The Squad Rooms (activity and theme-based co-curricular and vocational rooms), Knowledge Walkways (corridors exhibiting syllabus-related posters and university’s patented models and research projects), Green Windows (blinds depicting eco-friendly information), Career Walls (screens with career-related gen), Fact Windows (showing interesting facts) and Value Windows (showing righteous values) maximise students’ interest in learning.

Under its vocational training programme, the school runs well-devised squad lessons in acting, singing, painting, photography, robotics, hospitality, speaking, coding, media & animation, gaming orientation which focus on skill-based learning, and enhancement of soft skills under its reverseintegrated PhD to Playway model.

Employability-Focused learning Studios, ATL Lab & Career Progression Structures at Chitkara Schools

The promotion of research-based education is well-enshrined in the school’s mission and vision. CIS focuses on developing researching skills within students and faculty through its innovative curriculum and learning methodologies.

Under NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, the school has recently launched the Atal Tinkering Lab at its Chandigarh campus. The ATL@CIS provides a workspace for students to experiment with their innovative ideas through hands on, do-it-yourself methods. Students work with diverse tools and equipment enabling them to comprehend the basics of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).

Also read: Niyati Chitkara – Radically reform teacher education