A father’s quest for holistic education led him to this IB school

Choosing the right school for your child can at times, make or break your kid’s career. Therefore, parents right from the beginning – of pre-school to the time it is time for their ward to start formal education spend hours on end searching the Internet for that perfect school that will enhance their child’s overall development and in turn their future. Asking for recommendations from family and friends is yet another way that help parents make a calculated decision.

For parents like Anand Bhardwaj, whose daughter, Anandita studies in DP-1 (class XI) at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park the choice of school was based on a couple of factors. In a candid interview, the father talks about why he chose an IB school among other things.

How and why did you choose APJ for your daughter?

We chose Apeejay School International (ASI) for our daughter because my wife is from Calcutta; I also started my first job in this city. But coming back to my wife, she is familiar with the Paul family. She knew about Apeejay Education and how Dr Stya Paul had started the Apeejay Schools and worked on it. We had a fairly good idea for these schools. We knew the family and when we decided to change Anandita’s school, we chose ASI. 

Have you been involved with the school since the beginning?

No, initially, our daughter attended a different kind of school called Mirambika. She was there from the nursery to class VI. It is a free-progress kind of school. Right from the start we wanted a different kind of education for our daughter. But then we decided to shift her school to ASI in class VII.

Why did you opt for the IB curriculum instead of the more common CBSE?

We were attracted to the IB curriculum because of its rigorous and interdisciplinary nature. My sister was in the IFS and her children have studied abroad. Her elder son had done IB in Switzerland. When I spoke with my sister, she told me how nice the IB system was. We were also keen to put our daughter in IB for a simple reason – if Anandita wanted to go and study abroad – IB would be better suited.

How has the school helped your daughter cope with the rigorous IB curriculum?

The school has been wonderful in providing a holistic education, not just academically but also in developing public speaking and interaction skills. Holistic education works wonders for the child at the workplace. Teachers have been very supportive, and this environment has made our daughter more confident and well-rounded.

How have the teachers and the IB curriculum benefited your daughter?

The IB curriculum has significantly enhanced her critical thinking and analytical skills. Teachers give personalised attention, which has helped her become more rational and articulate in her arguments. She is very cogent with her answers.

How does the school encourage participation in extracurricular activities?

The school places a lot of emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Our daughter joined the debating society, which has been a positive experience for her, helping her become more engaged and confident in public speaking.

Would you recommend the IB curriculum to other parents?

Yes, I would recommend the IB curriculum, especially for parents who are considering international education for their children. Despite some Indian colleges and universities not recognising the IB diploma, the curriculum’s focus on overall development and critical thinking is invaluable.