‘In terms of adapting to the contemporary methods of learning, Apeejay does a pretty good job’

Deepak and Kiran Jakhu’s daughter Drishti is a student of class 3 at Apeejay School, Noida. With some of his own friends being alumni of the same school, the father was already aware of what the institution had to offer for a child’s development. In an interview, Kiran, a homemaker, and Deepak, Senior Adviser, NTT Data Dell, talk about how their daughter is gradually developing the curiosity to learn. Edited excerpts:

What made you opt for Apeejay School, Noida?

Deepak: I knew about Apeejay Noida since some of my friends studied there. They are all well-settled today. So, I knew that the school faculty is good. Before enrolling my daughter, I had done some research on the school—how it started and evolved over the years. Moreover, the school is just 2 km from our house.

Given all the research that you did vs your firsthand experience, would you say the school lived up to your expectations?

Deepak: The academic programme has evolved. Apeejay is among the top five schools in Noida and its curriculum is well-designed to meet the needs of the students.

Kiran: The teachers are very cooperative and give my child personal attention. During online classes, they handled the queries of children very well.

In terms of Drishti’s overall development, what changes have you noticed?

Deepak: Drishti is gradually catching up. She is taking interest in some co-curricular activities as well. It is good that she is finally back in school this academic year, where there is scope for more one-to-one interaction.

Does she feel comfortable at school?

Deepak: Yes, she was excited to meet her friends and teachers. She feels very comfortable.

Kiran: Drishti is enjoying her time at school. She is a little shy by nature so she might take a few more days to open up.

Have you found Drishti taking enough interest in learning?

Deepak: Drishti is doing her part in terms of learning. Even during the online classes, the teachers ensured they kept children engaged and interested while teaching a topic. I am hopeful that through in-person interactions with the teachers in offline classes, her interest will develop further.

Kiran: It has only been three days since she has started going to school. But she is already picking up. Just the other day she asked me the meaning of “technology” after being introduced to the word in school.

Are Apeejay’s innovative methods of teaching helping children?

Deepak: I think so. The syllabus has changed a lot from what it was a decade back. In terms of adapting to the contemporary methods of learning, I think Apeejay does a pretty good job. Our daughter is getting accustomed to the process, and I am quite satisfied.

Kiran: The teaching methods like thematic learning or using audio-visual representations are unique and effective in helping children learn. They grasp a concept very well from pictures or cartoon characters, for instance.

Can you tell us what relationship teachers share with students’ parents?

Deepak: Teachers and parents have chat groups where they interact with each other regularly. Now that schools have opened, I am looking forward to attending offline parent-teacher meetings to get a better understanding of Drishti’s progress.

Kiran: The teachers are available whenever we need them. They also keep us updated with all kinds of information regarding the school. Personally, I have never faced any issues.