‘The teaching pedagogy here encourages my son to self-study’

This parent’s association with Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg began in 2022 when the family shifted from Hyderabad in mid-session. Since the parent wasn’t familiar with the city, she relied on friends from her medical circle and some online research. “Apeejay School’s name kept coming up repeatedly. The school’s reputation for discipline stood out immediately; the academics and extracurricular activities were strong as well. These factors helped me decide,” Dr Meenakshi said, whose son, Samarveer, studies in Class VI here.

In a candid interview, this IVF expert at Vardaan IVF Centre in Jalandhar talks about the growth of her son since joining this school.

How smoothly did he adjust to the learning environment here?

My son joined the school in Class III. Most subjects were easy for him because the syllabus aligned with what he studied in DPS Hyderabad. The only real challenge was Punjabi. He had never studied it before, and here the language is introduced from the early classes, so he had to start from scratch.

How did he overcome the difficulty with Punjabi?

His teachers were amazing. They put in great effort and helped him with the basics, like single-letter and two-letter words. Since Punjabi is my mother tongue, I helped him at home too. Gradually, he gained confidence and caught up.

Have you noticed any changes in his study habits now that he is in middle school?

In Class VI, I see him becoming more independent. The academic pattern has also evolved, moving towards case-based questions and conceptual understanding rather than memorising. This variety of question formats has encouraged him to read and learn on his own.

Which teaching methods at the school have supported his learning the most?

The introduction of case-based questions, regular class discussions, and group projects has been beneficial. These methods push students to think critically and understand the subject in depth. The school also conducts Olympiads regularly, which has strengthened his conceptual clarity.

Has he been involved in co-curricular activities?

He has been an active participant in annual functions except for one year. Recently, his house teacher reached out regarding an upcoming school assembly where they want him to present a positive or inspirational message. I find these frequent small events very beneficial because they give children stage exposure and help them overcome hesitation.

Has there been any memorable experience in the past three years that has stayed with you?

I remember how the Computer Department teacher helped him when he struggled with basic coding. She took extra time, even one-on-one sessions during free periods, to ensure he grasped the concepts. That personalised attention made a huge difference.

How would you describe your overall experience with the school?

His academic progress has been consistent, and he is growing confident daily. He still needs encouragement to participate more in sports, but the school offers excellent opportunities. His shift towards self-study and conceptual learning is especially reassuring.