Interviews
“No other school in Delhi-NCR has such a big playground”
Bank of America Vice President Ranjeet Mazumdar, father of Apeejay Noida class 2 student Aarika Mazumdar, is mighty impressed with the school’s infrastructure
Why did you choose Apeejay Noida over other schools?
The reason is brand value. One can see it with only a look at how the school has conducted itself over the past 30 years. Also, I’ve received some great feedback from parents whose wards were enrolled in this school.
Please tell us a little about your child and her progress?
I have two children, Ahnay and Aarika. Ahnay is studying in class 5, so Aarika was also enrolled in the same school as her elder brother.
Aarika is quite introverted by nature. She is very calm, quiet and spends most of her time by herself. She is superb in Maths and Hindi. She solves a Maths question in seconds. I am very impressed by this ability. She is also good at drawing and has excellent handwriting.
Aarika is inquisitive by nature. Her progress has certainly been great during the first two years when she was physically going to the school. I have seen her interacting with the other kids. There are certain key aspects such as learning as a part of a group which isn’t happening due to the online classes. But it is a limitation for all due to the pandemic.
Do you think the teachers are engaging well with the children?
Yes. I can talk about my ward’s class teacher Ms Shivani Singh. She ensures that everybody gets a chance to speak in the class. She asks every child according to his/her roll number, that way everyone gets an equal opportunity. She also tries to engage the students and keeps an eye on everyone. If a student is not attentive during the class or moves away from the camera, she gently reminds the student to pay attention. When my daughter was in class 1, her teacher Ms Narula, ensured that every child participated in school and class events.
What is the best thing about school?
The best part I think is the school’s emphasis on physical education. The immense opportunity Apeejay Noida provides for participating in different sports is unique and commendable. The school’s sports ground is huge. No other school in Delhi-NCR, as far as I know, provides their students with such an open space.
How do you perceive the experience of online classes during the pandemic?
There are limitations and challenges. It is a different experience for everyone. I have also been working from home for the last 18 months. There are poor network challenges at times but still I see, the teachers prepare well before the class. They upload the modules in advance.
Aarika is not getting a chance to interact with other students. She was initially not speaking much during the online lectures last year but now I see she is eager to participate in the online classes.
