‘Teacher’s holistic approach nurtures intellectual and spiritual growth in children’

Meghna Diwan and Rahul Diwan, the parents of Shivansh Diwan, a class 1 C student at Apeejay School, Noida, are enthusiastic and dedicated individuals, who are actively involved in their child’s educational journey. Their commitment to providing the best education for Shivansh is evident in their active engagement with the school and their support for his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Read edited excerpts:

Can you share your overall experience with Apeejay so far?

As the time for my son’s admission to a formal school approached, I was determined to enroll him at Apeejay School, Noida. Having been an active participant in Apeejay’s yearly inter-school competitions during my own school days, I had high hopes. Fortunately, I was not let down. It has been a delight to witness my child’s growth in this wonderful institution, which has instilled confidence and communication skills in him, especially since he is naturally shy. The vast campus and greenery provide a pleasant learning environment, and the holistic approach to education is the icing on the cake.

How would you describe your child’s journey at the school up to this point?

My son was initially very shy and I was concerned about how he would adjust to a formal school post-pandemic. However, with the support of incredibly talented and knowledgeable teachers and caregivers, I have witnessed significant changes in him over the past three years. Through regular inter-class performances, poetry recitations, storytelling, and various extracurricular activities, his confidence has soared, and his stage fear has disappeared. Apeejay School provides unparalleled encouragement and support to each and every student, shaping them from the ground up.

What aspects of the school’s environment do you think have positively influenced your child’s development?

Firstly, the school’s strong security system, including male and female guards, separation of primary and senior classes, and a quick response to grievances, is reassuring for parents. Secondly, the school’s strong focus on academics and its preparation of students to handle pressure and excel in their studies is commendable. It also places equal importance on extracurricular activities, ensuring that students are well-rounded and prepared for the competitive world they will face after leaving school. Lastly, the experienced educators at Apeejay Noida provide confidence that my child’s future is in capable and caring hands.

Could you tell us about the teaching methods and pedagogies you have observed at the school?

Apeejay spares no effort in delivering knowledge in the most effective manner. In addition to traditional textbook learning, teachers provide practical, hands-on experiences for children. This includes excursions, nature walks within the school, storytelling sessions in the auditorium, educational videos through smart boards, character enactments, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate, boosting their confidence and personality. For example, the school organised an event for children about the G20 summit, educating them about our country’s relations with the world—a critical topic for today’s world.

Are there any particular teaching approaches or techniques that you believe have been beneficial for your child’s learning?

The staff at Apeejay Noida is highly cooperative, and teachers are empathetic toward their students. Teachers follow a holistic approach to education, helping children develop intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The school day begins with prayers, and regular assessments, revisions, the use of technology, practical demonstrations, show-and-tell, enactments, festival celebrations, music and dance classes, and stage performances are just a few of the beneficial techniques employed by teachers. These methods have made my son more proactive, confident, self-reliant, and well-mannered.

How does the school encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students?

Apeejay promotes critical thinking and problem-solving from a young age by providing a stimulating environment for students to explore and deduce results based on their experiences and practical experiments. Teachers encourage students to voice their thoughts, views, and curiosities, pushing them to explore the world and find their own answers, rather than relying on pre-determined solutions. Group performances and real-life scenarios challenge students to think critically and solve problems.

Can you share insights into your child’s academic progress and achievements at Apeejay School, Noida?

My son has been a dedicated learner, and Apeejay has enhanced his learning capabilities even further. With guidance from his class and subject teachers, he consistently ranks among the top performers academically, both in his class and across sections. He has received numerous certificates for achievements and participation in stage performances, storytelling, and recitations. He actively participates in the school’s annual functions, carnivals, and sports programs. Most importantly, my child has learned values and morals at this institution, laying the foundation for becoming a good citizen of our society.

Do you think the school effectively balances academic and extracurricular pursuits?

Apeejay Noida consistently maintains excellent academic records and is regarded as one of the top schools in Delhi NCR. What impresses me most as a parent is the wide array of extracurricular activities offered, including dance, music, swimming, tennis, fancy dress competitions, and drawing and art competitions. The school regularly organises sports camps that enhance students’ physical and mental health. My son eagerly anticipates participating in these camps. Not all schools provide such a variety of activities, and my child’s all-around experience of both academics and play ensures that he has ample time to relax at home and prepare for the next day with energy, excitement, and vigour.

How does the school create a positive and safe learning environment for your child?

The school has established a secure and robust safety system for the students. Strict gate staff, on-duty guards, friendly assistants, and helpers are always vigilant to ensure the safety of children within and around the school premises. A safe environment allows children to focus on their studies and learn freely. Regular parent-teacher meetings bridge any communication gap between teachers, students, and parents, enabling the evaluation of student performance and suggestions for improvement when needed. The primary in-charge and the school principal are also available to address parental queries.

How does the school prepare students for their future endeavors, both academically and in terms of life skills?

Apeejay Noida emphasises a well-rounded, 360-degree approach to education. The school focuses on critical thinking, communication, parent-teacher collaboration, problem-solving skills, adaptability to various environments, and the development of children’s creative and emotional intelligence. This preparation equips students to navigate challenging situations and emerge successful in all aspects of life. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the school authorities and staff for helping our young learners grow into bright stars of the future.