Ambuj Jhunjhunwala, Trustee, Swami Vivekanand International School
Much of education and in the 21st century has become akin to ‘drinking from the firehose’, a term I first heard while pursuing my MBA at MIT Sloan. The idiom refers to how graduate students in institutions such as MIT are overwhelmed with the number of events and opportunities, they find interest in while simultaneously having to complete the rigorous academic requirements of an institution.
What I underwent in my 30’s at MIT, Generation Alpha has to undergo in their teens at their school, now. They have the option for limitless extra-curricular opportunities and have to achieve high academic scores to stand out.
The question then is, what is the right model of education for the 21st century that equips students to drink from the firehose?
It is now not about how a student can do it all, but about whether the student should do something in the first place. With the needs of Generation Alpha in. mind, we at SVIS have devised the 4P model of Student success, that focuses on developing personality and passion while helping students achieve percentage and proficiency – necessary ingredients to make 21st century choices.
Personality
We see Personality as a students’ ability to exhibit character, utilize 21st century skills (think of the 5Cs – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and citizenship) and recognize mental health.
At our schools we are committed to celebrating cultural, regional, national and global events with gust and pomp to develop an understanding of human character.
By empowering students with leadership opportunities in student bodies such as the student council, NCC and sports we provide them independence to conceive new initiatives thereby developing 21st century skills.
Our wellness center and team of expert student counsellors ensure that awareness and understanding of mental health increases amongst our student body.
Passion:
The passion led economy of the future belongs to those who will be able to convert their passions into their profession. We believe that individuals are happiest when they develop, identify and pursue their passions.
Through our Sports and Performing Arts program, we encourage students to gain an exposure to a myriad of activities ranging from Brazilian Martial Arts – Capoeira to Football and Basketball.
Students are also encouraged to pursue their passions competitively in sports and events across the world. Special academic support and training is provided to students choosing to excel in their desired fields.
Percentage:
Academic excellence remains a cornerstone of the school’s mission. By setting high academic standards and providing robust teacher support, we ensure that students achieve their exam goals.
However, our idea of percentage is not limited to marks but incorporates important skills such as inquiry, curiosity, debate and academic exploration. When we speak of setting high academic standards, we are aware that not every student can be a topper but each and every student can imbibe habits of work and learning such as neatness, tidiness and timeliness that enable students to deliver their highest quality of output, every day.
Proficiency
In the age of AI, foundational understanding and deep knowledge is necessary for people to utilize AI tools effectively. We see proficiency as the ability to utilize knowledge attained, outside the textbooks.
We execute proficiency through all forms of learning that happens without chalk and book. Bag free school days, experiential excursions, robotics and laboratories, projects and integrated theme classes are few of the ways we encourage proficiency amongst our students.
At SVIS, we are proud of our student first and approachable environment. We are committed to making learning a thrilling adventure for students helping them make their own choices, introspect and grow.
At SVIS, the schooling journey is full of surprises and memories and we exhort one and all to share their experiences with us – whether as a student, teacher or parent. We have learned to drink from the firehose.
Also read: Swami Vivekanand International School: Holistic Development Programmes for Children
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