‘Apeejay’s thematic learning concept is a good way to teach kids’

Father-of-two Chirag Walia enrolled his daughters Aradhya and Amyra in Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, last year. While the kids have mainly attended online classes so far, the overall process has been quite seamless, says the father. In fact, his elder daughter Aradhya is now already capable of attending the classes independently. In an interview, Walia,   Senior Manager – Architecture, Vodafone, talks about how the teachers encourage the involvement and participation of all students in a class. Edited excerpts:

What factors did you consider while picking a school for your daughters?

My daughters Aradhya and Amyra joined the school last year, in class 1 and nursery respectively. While shortlisting schools for our daughters, my wife and I wanted an institution that would be trustworthy. I already knew quite a few people who had done their schooling at Apeejay. Coming to Apeejay Panchsheel Park, it has a good track record of being one of the top schools in South Delhi.

Has Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park lived up to your expectations?

Absolutely, the school follows a unique pedagogy. The curriculum is theme-based, and all the subjects are taught following a particular theme which helps maintain continuity. So, it becomes very easy for the kids to pick up new concepts, which is very good. My daughters have adapted very well, and I can see a lot of improvement in both of them.

Since the time your daughters joined Apeejay School last year, how has their experience with online classes been like?

It has been pretty seamless till now. The teachers have successfully created an atmosphere for learning. The elder daughter is now attending online classes independently although my younger one still needs assistance with technology. I looked forward to sending Amyra to school so that she can experience the campus, meet her friends and play with them.

Did the school play a role in helping Aradhya attend the online classes independently?

The school helped by engaging the kids in activities like the morning assembly, for example. Initially, when Aradhya started her classes, she was a bit shy. But having participated in the assembly, among other classroom activities, has given her a lot of confidence. These activities are an exercise in overall character-building. Not just in the case of classes but even overall, she has become a lot more independent. The teachers are quite interactive and there is a lot of participation involved which is very positive.

How well is thematic learning working for your daughters?

Thematic learning gives continuity so, whenever a subject is introduced, the students do not feel like they are being bombarded with something completely different.

Amid the pandemic, did you face any challenges with respect to the admission process?

It was very smooth. The process was mostly online. Later, the workings of the online class system were also communicated over WhatsApp.

Did you visit the campus?

We sent our daughters to school briefly before it closed due to the pollution. The campus is big and yet, children feel very comfortable there. I have seen both my children’s classrooms during PTMs and I think they are built nicely. The facilities at the school campus are very good.

Apeejay Schools also give a lot of emphasis to extra-curricular activities. Are your daughters being encouraged enough to participate in cultural activities?

Yes! My daughters are always looking forward to these kinds of activities. Extra-curricular activities play a big role in shaping a child’s personality. My elder one takes a lot of interest in singing and piano. My younger one is also encouraged equally to participate in various cultural events. I think these were the previously unexplored facets of my children which are now getting the right impetus.

As a parent to two young children who have just embarked on their long educational journey, what are your major expectations from the school?

My main expectation from the school is that they realise what potential my daughters have and push them to make the most out of it. I hope the school nurtures them well and takes them to the next level.