The RP Sanjiv Goenka Group announces the launch of RP Goenka International School (RPGIS) that aims to set a new standard for 21st-century international education in India. Visioned by Shashwat and Shivika Goenka, RPGIS is the first international school offering the IB-PYP program in the east India, as a candidate school. The sprawling campus is located in Diamond Harbour Road off Alipore in the city of Kolkata.
RPGIS commences its journey by providing pre-primary education and primary education for classes 1 to 5. The school plans to expand to include classes 6 to 8 by 2024 and aims to accommodate students from classes 9 to 12 by early 2025. Each class will consist of two sections, with a maximum of 20 students per section. With two teachers and attendants in each section, RPGIS maintains a healthy teacher-student ratio of 1:5.
As per the organisation’s press release RPGIS is the first international school in the region to provide the IB Primary Years Programme and is committed to delivering a 21st-century education that prepares students for the future. The ten-story school, inspired by the playful stack of Jenga blocks, sets a new standard for educational excellence, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, innovative teaching methodologies, and a world-class faculty.
RPGIS’s specially designed classrooms foster collaborative learning, encouraging interaction and teamwork among students. Additionally, creative breakout spaces are available for students to engage in collaborative tasks, self-exploration, nurture friendships, and enhance their creativity. The deliberately designed learning spaces enable students to think like scientists, mathematicians, authors, artists, and engineers.
By focusing on holistic, inquiry-based education, the school fosters critical thinking, agency, creativity, and instills a strong value system in its students. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, RPGIS empowers young learners to make positive contributions to the global community and shape a united and peaceful world.
The press release further states that RPGIS will offer a wide range of co-curricular activities to promote personal development among its students. The school’s extensive facilities include badminton, volleyball, and basketball courts, a half Olympic-sized swimming pool, a sports court, an open play area for mini football and tennis, a gymnastics arena, a karate and mixed martial arts studio, a yoga studio, and more. Additionally, RPGIS provides ample opportunities for creative development through activities such as art and craft, dance and singing classes, Model United Nations, music lessons, photography, pottery, speech, drama, robotics lab, and a ‘black box’ for advanced theater and performing arts practice. Community service, Interact club, Environment club, and field trips contribute to practical exposure for students. Open-air classrooms and kitchen gardens are also integral features of the school.
The exceptional faculty at RPGIS plays a pivotal role in providing an unparalleled educational experience. The school takes immense pride in having some of the finest teachers in India, led by Principal Hema Chennupathy, recipient of the prestigious GLSC Edu Icon 2023 Award. Academic Director Varsha Agarwal Rodewald, Head of School Mark Fox, and Chief Administrative Officer Riad Rojoa contribute their expertise to ensure the school’s success.
Shivika Goenka, Founder of RPGIS, emphasizes the school’s holistic approach, stating, “Holistic learning is the idea behind our philosophy at RPGIS. Therefore, it’s very holistic, reflective, trans-disciplinary, and participative. We are on a mission to impart more inquiry-based education, where we allow young minds to arrive at their own answers. The nuanced difference that we are bringing in is that it’s a very international education system backed by a strong ethical system rooted in Indian values. Besides the primary language English, there will be Hindi, Bengali, and regional languages, as well as a host of modern foreign languages, including Spanish and French.”
RPGIS embraces digital learning to equip students for the future. By utilizing the latest digital platforms, the school facilitates learning and effective communication between teachers and parents. The integration of technology into the learning process aims to create future-ready leaders who are proficient in using digital tools and are conscientious and empathetic digital citizens of the world.
In line with its commitment to overall well-being, RPGIS offers a vegetarian campus with a dedicated dining hall under the guidance of a nutritionist. The school has also partnered with Woodlands Hospital to provide onsite medical facilities, ensuring the health and safety of its students.
RP Goenka International School (RPGIS) is poised to redefine international education in the East of India. With its unique approach, cutting-edge facilities, exceptional faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum, RPGIS strives to nurture the next generation of compassionate, confident, and proactive leaders.
For more information about RP Goenka International School (RPGIS), please visit www.rpgis.in