– Minu Salooja, Director, Glendale Group of Schools and a satisfied parent.
Early Life
I was a dream of a visionary, revolutionary and philanthropist Mr Basheeruddin Babukhan. I was given shape and was raised with care and compassion by a versatile, passionate, thought leader Dr Anjum Babukhan who nurtured my soil with the best global pedagogies.
Backing me to grow immensely with eye-catching architecture and beautiful spaces was a silent leader Mr Salman Babukhan.
The vision was to provide a safe and a vibrant ecosystem offering opportunities of holistic growth, inspiring learners to explore the full spectrum of human potential.
I had 12 students and 1 head mistress, 5 teaching staff, 1 security guard , 5 admin staff, 10 support staff.
There was a majestic clock tower and a front foyer. I had a single block with only one floor, one multipurpose hall where activity classes were conducted. I had only yoga, music, art, martial arts and physical education as co-curricular activities. I had only one Inter House Athletic Meet.
Our first board batch of Grade 10 had 18 students and the seeds of leadership was sown with the first student council of 14 students.
Later life
Days went by and I started to grow up, keeping in mind growing needs of children and parents. I became known for my modern facilities for sports with well trained and experienced coaches and children had a choice of 15 outdoor and indoor sports and 10 visual and performing art genres.
The entire city and other schools wanted to be part of my signature events like Anjum Babukhan Literary Fest, Cross’S’words, Satrang, Vanamahostav, Basheeruddin Babukhan Memorial Football and Basketball Tournaments, Glendale Trophy to name a few.
Yet another high esteem to my crown were unique initiatives like the enrichment programme, after-school sports coaching, clubs, career counselling, child protection cell and the remedial department.
I was given globally relevant curriculum with Global Education in Primary which is an eclectic blend of Montessori, Waldorf & Multiple Intelligences pedagogies. I received my affiliation from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Cambridge Assessment of International Education (CAIE).
My methods were now the talk of the town with dual focus on cultivating character and competence.
The former was made possible through whole school transformational model of Leader in Me programme. I was the first in India to introduce UN SDGs within its school system and also introducing conscious discipline philosophy of RRC – Respect, Responsibility and Cooperation.
The latter helped unleash student’s intellect, empower them with critical skills and teach them to learn and grow continuously through MI – Multiple Intelligence Theory, Brain Compatible Learning and 21st Century Skills.
Present Life
Having completed 20 years of my life and still going young, today I am spear headed by India’s leading educator Dr Anjum Babukhan. I am India’s first Light House School and the #1 school in the city and the state since the last three years as acknowledged by EducationWorld.
My alumni network includes more than 10,000 students who are making a name in the fields they have chosen. They visit me regularly and officially on Founder’s Day once every two years to celebrate our mutual growth.
I am known in the country for my Plus 2 programme with 33 subject options to choose from.
I have successfully seen off :
- 10 batches of Grade 12 CBSE
- 15 batches of Grade 10 CBSE 15 batches and
- 8 batches of Grade 10 CAIE
My pedagogies are a guiding light for educators across borders. My campus today has multiple blocks with multiple floors, well-lit labs and classrooms, multiple sports courts, swimming pool, plethora of studios, petting zoo, butterfly garden, Pottery Area and an Auditorium named after the man who dreamt of me.
I have 15 senior leaders and more than 60 other leaders in different capacities through my Strategy in Action, a assessment tool from Harvard brought by the thought leader. Today I have 200 plus dynamic faculty members and 60 plus dedicated Admin. Staff. The 300 plus support staff keep me in best of looks and spirit.
My Feelings
Nothing gives me more joy than to see the happy smiling faces of students, learning everyday and loving every minute. I am a “ Great Place to Study” and I was honoured in the House of Commons in London. I am a ” Great Place to Work ” with faculty enrichment programs and ongoing professional development. My parents call themselves my partners in education. I have a song which makes reaching the stars so easy through determination, I have “aashayein” that keeps the hope in every child alive to achieve their goals.
Expectations from Me
As I grew up, I felt an inexplicable expectation from my stakeholders and well-wishers and I spread my branches to a Cambridge Pathway School and IB School…
Conclusion
Time has flown away slowly but swiftly. Now, I have stepped into an era where the essence of my glory and my existence are being celebrated after 20 years of hard work, determination and commitment.
I am Glendale Education – A Cutting Edge Educational Paradigm.