‘Students, teachers, and parents partnership propelled my kids’ success’

 Finding the right school can be a daunting task because the kind of education the child will get for the next 14 years sets a path for the bright future of the ward. Parents have significant worries about the educational standards their children are exposed to.

They seek institutes that not only achieve high academic marks but also provide comprehensive growth prospects, encompassing extracurricular activities, athletics, and education in life skills. Identifying a school that lives up to its standards can prove to be a difficult task, especially when faced with the decision of selecting the Board.

But for some parents choosing a school for their child comes by default. Meet one such parent Gautam Mathur whose children – Aaditya (MYP-IV) and Aahana (PYP-IIII) study at Apeejay School International (ASI) in Panchsheel Park. “When we were in Bengaluru, my son was in the IB Board because back then we had just moved from Australia where he had an IB curriculum. We wanted a continuance for him. When we shifted to Delhi, it was natural for us to look for an IB Board,” Mathur shared.

In a candid interview, the proud father talked about the progress of his kids.

Why did you choose Apeejay?

As I mentioned earlier, we wanted a continuance for our son since he is familiar with the IB Board. I am an alumnus of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park (former Sheikh Sarai). I am well-versed in the kind of education that the group provides to the students. It was natural that I would look at Apeejay and since it has an IB Board we decided to enroll Aaditya here. When it was time for our daughter to go to school, ASI was the obvious choice.

Can you share a significant achievement of your son?

Yes, my son Aditya recently developed a product named Paws Pulse to understand the emotions of dogs. This innovative device measures a dog’s steps, heart rate, and emotions. It was exhibited at a recent exhibition and received excellent reviews, including appreciation from everyone present. This project reflects the school’s encouragement of thinking and real-world application of ideas.

Your daughter has also achieved quite a lot at a young age. Could you tell us more about that?

Absolutely. My daughter, Aahana, has written about 10 books and is a published author at the age of 10. Her series, Milly and Me, targets children aged seven to 12 and was inspired by her assignment from school. She first wrote two pages, then five, and then 20. That is when I encouraged her to add some design elements to it. She did all that on Canva, We first published 10 books and from there today it is 10 books. After getting published and featured in newspapers, she has been invited to various schools to give talks on entrepreneurship. Her achievements highlight the school’s support and encouragement in pursuing diverse interests.

Has the school played a role in your children’s accomplishments?

Yes, 100 per cent. The school’s approach, emphasising a three-way partnership among students, teachers, and parents, has significantly contributed to my children’s successes. Teachers encourage broad thinking, real-world applications, and independent projects, fostering an environment where students can thrive in their interests and academics.

How is IB unique?

The main thing I’ve observed is in the approach to learning here. The IB system encourages a depth of understanding, independent thought, and real-world application. My children have developed a broad worldview, engaging in discussions on global issues and participating in activities like MUN, which I believe are due to the open and holistic approach of the IB curriculum.

Would you recommend the school to other parents?

I’m a big advocate for the school. However, I’ve also expressed a concern regarding the need to increase student numbers to enhance social and developmental aspects. While the small class sizes offer personalised attention, a larger peer group could provide more diverse interactions and competitive challenges, contributing to a more rounded social development.