‘Teachers at Apeejay are investing in my children’s progress’

Parul Jain and IT Process Consultant with Tata Consultancy Services, is “really satisfied” with her daughter Swasti’s progress at Apeejay School, Noida. So, when it came to her younger son’s education, she did not have to think twice before opting for the same school. In an interview, the mother-of-two talks about how Apeejay’s “balanced” approach towards learning has benefited her children. Excerpts:

How long have your children been studying at Apeejay?

 Parul: My son Arham joined Apeejay in nursery. He is in the second standard now. My elder daughter is also in the same school in the seventh standard.

What made you pick Apeejay?

Parul: For my daughter, I chose Apeejay because I had a good image of the school owing to the positive feedback I got. I always wanted to put my child in a school which had a history and background of good education, and not exactly any other new institution. I found Apeejay to be very value-oriented and I also knew that their approach to learning was kids-friendly.

I was satisfied with the way my daughter was progressing which naturally motivated me to put my son in the same institution as well. I had no complaints and was comfortable with everything that Apeejay was providing.

How well have your children progressed?

Parul: I am really satisfied, to be honest. First, the school has a very balanced approach—not just curriculum, they also teach values, give insight into our culture and much more. Besides, the academic schedule is not very aggressive. Apeejay follows an activity-based approach, which keeps the students interested. The teachers are invested in my children’s progress; I would say I am really lucky.

Teaching methods have evolved in the past few years. What kind of learning do you prefer for your children?

Parul: I prefer a module-based learning model because kids’ attention span and retention is very low nowadays. So, at school, the children study small sections and then take small tests on it. They are encouraged to understand the concepts better rather than relying on rote learning.  My daughter did not have exams till the sixth standard–after which she was mature enough to prepare for them­­­—so I never had to burden her.

Were there any challenges with respect to online classes amid the pandemic?

Parul: My children have adapted to the classes really well. I would say the school has played an important role in that. Initially, there were some hiccups but now the process has become very smooth. Teachers have picked up online teaching very well while the children have not missed out on any activity.

In case of smaller kids such as my son, the teacher pays attention to every student, which makes them feel included. As a working mother, it did get a little difficult to devote time to my son, but I did not have to worry since his teacher told him, “Do not ask your parents, ask us”. The teachers do not expect too much from the parents, I really like how they take responsibilities on their own.

Do the teachers keep you up to date with your child’s progress?

Parul: At the parent teacher meetings, I have noticed teachers are usually updated with every child’s progress in class, especially in the case of younger children. Teachers are quite approachable and open to answering every question.