A dedicated yoga room in schools creates a peaceful sanctuary for students, nurturing mental clarity, physical strength, and emotional balance — essentials for holistic growth, focus, and well-being in today’s fast-paced world. As part of the Extracurricular Program (ECP), Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park has launched its yoga classes with a unique approach designed to nurture student well-being and development.
Stepping into the yoga room, visitors are captivated by the serene, carefully curated environment. The walls are adorned with scenic visuals and intricate artwork, creating an atmosphere of calm and focus, while enhancing students’ immersion in the practice of yoga.
Each wall illustrates essential aspects of yoga practice, from the symbolic “Eight Limbs of Yoga” to a display of various mudras (hand gestures) that students can explore as part of their journey into mindfulness. Other informative visuals highlight the “Essential Agreements” for respectful behaviour within the yoga space, the benefits of yoga for both body and mind, and a guide to the Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE) strands, which align with the IB philosophy of Interactions, Identity, and Active Living.
Additionally, visual elements emphasise the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, fostering attributes such as open-mindedness, balance, and reflection.
The yoga classes at Apeejay School International are tailored to accommodate students from the Primary Years Program (PYP) to the Diploma Program (DP), with sessions specifically designed to align with each age group’s developmental needs. Classes integrate a range of practices, including meditation, calming exercises, and yogic postures, all aimed at promoting physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
The curriculum is developed to be inclusive and adaptive, considering each student’s age, body type, and physical capacity. A key highlight of the yoga sessions here is that students come not only to practice postures but also to seek personal guidance and discuss exam-related stress with their teacher.
The thoughtfully furnished yoga room is equipped with all essential tools for students to engage in meaningful practice. Yoga mats and blocks support beginners and advanced students alike, while flower accents and singing bowls contribute to the room’s tranquil ambience, enabling deeper meditation and relaxation. The school’s approach under the ECP exemplifies its commitment to holistic education by fostering physical fitness, mental clarity, and social skills that will benefit students both academically and personally.
“Yoga is essential for holistic growth, offering students balance, mindfulness, strength, and resilience. By integrating movement, breath, and mental focus, yoga empowers young minds and bodies to build confidence and thrive, both in and out of the classroom,” Ms Shiny Seth, Yoga Facilitator at Apeejay’s IB School shared and added that practising yoga, physically enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and posture, building a foundation for growing the body.
“While mentally, it aids in stress management, focus, and emotional resilience through mindful breathing and meditation, which also supports academic success and social skills. To help students feel comfortable discussing personal issues, I foster open communication and ensure confidentiality. Empathy and open discussions create a trusting, non-judgmental environment where students can freely share,” Ms Seth said.
Techniques like pranayama — specifically anulom, vilom, nadi shodhana, and bhramari along with mindfulness meditation — can help students in goal-setting, visualisation, and healthy habits like balanced nutrition and adequate sleep.
Incorporating yoga into schools helps students manage stress, build confidence, and become well-rounded individuals equipped for a fulfilling life.”
“When I was younger, I often felt I wasn’t excelling in everything I tried. But since starting flexibility training, I’ve grown to be impressed with my progress. I began practising splits at seven, and ASI has deepened my understanding of yoga, helping me find peace and the right techniques. I truly enjoy it now. My favourite posture is the backbend,” shares Vismaya, a PYP-4 student.
“In my French School, yoga was just an activity without explanation, so I quit and vowed never to do it again. But here, I’ve truly understood yoga’s purpose. It’s more than just poses — it’s about meaning. After gymnastics, when my body aches, yoga helps me relax. Our teacher at the school is excellent, and her guidance and poses genuinely make a difference,” shares Alessandra, a student of MYP-1.
Through this dynamic yoga programme, Apeejay’s IB School is setting a high standard for student wellness, helping students cultivate lifelong practices of mindfulness and well-being in line with IB values.