Apeejay School, Kharghar, organises PISA Orientation Programme 

Recently, Apeejay School, Kharghar, organised an informative PISA Orientation Programme to familiarise students with the objectives, framework and significance of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The session was led by the school’s Principal, Dr Sonali V Balwatkar, and Academic Coordinator, Ms Minakshi Tiwari, who guided students through the key aspects of this internationally recognised assessment.

The programme aimed to help students understand how PISA evaluates their ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations rather than merely assess their understanding of textbook concepts. The speakers highlighted the importance of competency-based learning and explained how students can develop the skills required to approach unfamiliar situations, analyse information and arrive at logical conclusions.

During the session, students were introduced to the broader learning approach associated with PISA, which places emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, reasoning and the practical application of concepts. They were encouraged to look beyond rote memorisation and develop a deeper understanding of subjects by connecting classroom learning with everyday experiences.

Dr Balwatkar and Ms Tiwari also emphasised the importance of curiosity, independent thinking, and the ability to evaluate different perspectives while addressing challenging situations. The orientation helped students recognise that meaningful learning involves questioning, exploring possibilities and using acquired knowledge effectively in diverse contexts.

The programme served as an important step towards familiarising students with global educational benchmarks and encouraging them to embrace a more analytical and application-oriented approach to learning. It also reinforced the school’s commitment to nurturing confident, competent and independent learners who are equipped to meet evolving academic and real-world challenges.

Through such initiatives, the school continues to promote a learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, builds essential competencies, and prepares students to become thoughtful and responsible global citizens.