Well-rooted education

METHODOLOGY The survey was conducted in three phases. In phase-1, schools were invited to provide information on academic and non-academic facilities, performance of students and profile of teachers. Then research agency C fore shortlisted schools for the second round, in which a perceptual survey was carried out with a sample of 3,000 parents and teachers across the city's six zones. They were asked to assess schools they were aware of on a scale of 10 against 14 parameters.
Results of the perceptual survey were combined with objective data from the first round to rank schools. In phase-3, C fore researchers visited the schools to conduct an audit and finalise rankings.
Perceptual data scores were extrapolated for schools that did not participate.

BACK TO BASICS With South-East Delhi residents living in the lap of luxury, schools in the area strive to impart values and principles along with the daily lessons. Our teachers encourage us to ask questions at every stage because they know that it is important to understand, not just learn.

R A Z A H A S N A I N , student Technology is a double-edged sword.

It helps in understanding some concepts but steals the child's imagination.

A N U R A D H A S E N , teacher Cut-offs are very frustrating for the students, especially if you are inter- ested in extra-curricular activities more than academics.

C H H AV I K AT H U R I A , student Parents are becoming more ambitious because the outside world demands it. A skill-oriented curriculum is a must.

V I J AY G R O V E R , teacher

G Peopl y@hindustantimes.com litzy malls, exclusive boutiques and restaurants, posh aunties: flamboyance thy name is South Delhi.
e here may be happy in their People here may be happy in their little bubble of comfort and luxury, but the schools in the area are trying hard to keep students grounded and focused.
Parents and schools share a common sentiment -that marks are not the only thing that make for great report cards. The need for a neighbourhood school with a value-oriented curriculum is a pressing one.

The list of schools that have made it to the top 10 in the 2011 Hindustan Times -C fore Top School survey for South-East Delhi has mostly remained unchanged. The well-known Mother's International School has scored the highest in 10 out of the 14 parameters, including `individual attention to students', `teacher care and development' and `social accountability'.
Run by the Sri A u r o b i n d o Educational Society, the school imbibes the spiritual teachings of the guru and has also topped the `value syst e m /i n t e g ra t i o n' parameter. parameter.

Familiar names abound on the list, but the schools have worked hard to retain their edge. Blue Bells School, Kailash Colony, tops the `innovative teaching' parameter, while Amity International, Saket shines through in the `sports' category. Old-timer Laxman Public School has aced the `parental participation' and `extra-curricular activities' parameters.

The two new entrants are Don Bosco, Alaknanda, which ranked second in the `life-skills education' category and Tagore International, East of Kailash (TIS) that has scored well in `innovative teaching'.
A VALUABLE EDUCATION R C Shekhar, director, Gyan Bharati School, Saket has seen education don quite a few masks in his experience spanning decades. Change, he says, “is not easy and always meets resistance“.
Gyan Bharati, he adds, has consistently been working to promote a shift from teaching to learning with spiritual and cultural roots as the foundation.

“We focus on Indian culture and looks for ways to weave traditional values in our daily lives,“ says Amodini Arora, a class 11 student. Gyan Bharati has scored well in the `sports' and `infrastructure and facilities' parameters, among others.

Learning lessons of life is important, but they leave a mark only if they are taught creatively. At Apeejay School, Sheikh Sarai, if children are found abusing in school, they are made to brush their teeth in front of all their peers.

Kartik Kedanat, a class 8 student at the school appreciates this method.
“These exercises have a much more favourable outcome than reprimands and rebukes,“ he said.

School might be a place which imparts knowledge and values both, but over the years it has also become synonymous with heavy bags and exam stress. Many schools here are now trying to move away from the much-trodden path of a prescribed, static curriculum, choosing to sculpt it in such a way that it meets each child's individual needs.

“Pressure exists when students are pushed to perform beyond their capabilities. We try to push only those areas where they show calibre, and automatically stress levels drop significantly,“ said Suman Nath, principal, TIS.

If only our entire education system would follow suit. TOMORROW To find out which SouthWest Delhi schools come out on top in various categories, from `individual attention to students' to `infrastructure and facilities', look out for the Top School survey in tomorrow's HT. THEY TOO MAKE THE GRADE...
They might have not made it to the top 10 but hold as much promise as their crowned counterparts. Here is a list of other options.

SCHOOLS TO LOOK OUT FOR

AMITY INTERNATIONAL PUSHP VIHAR A sprawling three-acre campus houses the school building which boasts of wellstocked laboratories, language labs and libraries. The tiny tots can enjoy a miniature swimming pool and an activity room designed to facilitate motor skills. The building has been designed keeping modern requirements in mind and has provisions for fire fighting, rainwater harvesting and waste-water treatment.
CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL SRINIVASPURI This school is situated on a four-and-ahalf-acre campus that provides extensive grounds and diverse play areas, including tennis, basketball and volley ball courts as well as a cricket pitch.
Activities and clubs liven up the school day, but academic rigour is emphasised as well.
FR. AGNEL SCHOOL GAUTAM NAGAR Established in 1979 by the Agnel Ashram Fathers, it aims to provide comprehensive education to students. The school boasts of a vast sports complex including a fullsized play ground, a tennis hard court and turf cricket pitches. Cultural activities like debates and symposiums are an integral part of the curriculum.
K R MANGALAM GREATER KAILASHII Apart from air-conditioned smart classes and great infrastructure on a five-acre campus, the school has a unique curriculum where children up to class 8 learn robotics, chess, taekwondo, tennis and skating. The school has also tied up with SPIC MACAY to hold cultural events and activities and sends students on exchange trips to five countries.
AMRITA VIDYALYAM PUSHP VIHAR Run by the Kerala-based Mata Amritanandamayi Math which manages many other educational institutions all over the country, the school pays special attention to value-based education and training in life-skills. OTHER GOOD OPTIONS APEEJAY SCHOOL SAKET Equipped with good sports facilities and audio-visual rooms as well as a science park and a herbal park, the school offers something for everybody's interest.
Clubs ranging from percussion and calligraphy to handicrafts hold regular activities. The younger kids can enjoy their own 'special' zone, complete with an activity room, a splash pool, swings and a sandpit.
FRANK ANTHONY PUBLIC SCHOOL LAJPAT NAGAR Established in 1958 by the All-India Anglo-Indian Education Institution, the school has continued its tradition of emphasising on education with values.
Known for organising various interschool competitions such as quizzes, debates and symposiums, it has a multipurpose sports complex as well.
BALVANTRAY MEHTA VIDYA BHAWAN GREATER KAILASHII The CBSE-affiliated school encourages students to take part in various co-curricular activities such as music, dance, arts and sports. The campus is well-equipped with spacious, ventilated class rooms fitted with the latest teaching aids, stateof-the-art computer labs, science labs and a play ground.
DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL EAST OF KAILASH The school promotes modern education rooted in Indian values and culture, celebrating all Indian festivals with enthusiasm. A haven for the young child, it provides primary students with play areas, video libraries and encourages healthy eating and living habits. Students can also access computer rooms, well-stocked libraries and art and music rooms.
ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL ALAKNANDA Now managed by the Muthoot group, the school prides itself on its infrastructure.
Modern teaching aids such as electronic smart boards and slide projectors are used in classes. Activities, ranging from clay modelling to a spelling bee, are on the roster.