We believe study shouldn’t be for marks but knowledge

In these politically volatile times, should the students be insulated from political upheavals? How do you inform/educate them about the changing scenario?

The students are the future of a nation so how can they be insulated from political upheavals? If this is so that means education fails to fulfil its aim. The quiz, activities like MUN, debates on recent issues regularly, relating anecdotes with classroom teaching help in bonding students’ learning to political upheavals.

How do you motivate children to be ‘Green Citizens’?

Being green is a state of mind. It’s about developing green habits and modelling them for the young kids to nurture them to be Green Citizens. The Eco Club, where every student is a member, undertakes numerous activities wherein students are motivated to plant saplings, water plants regularly, campaign for awarding people about 3 R’s, swachhta abhiyan (cleanliness campaign)etc. This club encourages children to adopt these habits for a lifetime.

Our PM Narendra Modi, in his annual Pariksha Pe Chracha speech, repeatedly motivated the students by saying that they shouldn’t just strive for high marks. Do you say the same to your students?

St Angel’s School understands that study should not be for marks but knowledge and develops the penchant for gaining knowledge and not to get into the mad rush for marks.

Pedagogy is changing by leaps and bounds every year. How do you keep pace with it?

“The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die. So the minds, which are prevented from changing their opinions, cease to be mind.” Our life always revolves around changes. Our school organises workshops from time to time. Teachers pass on this knowledge to kids interestingly and most intellectually. These new pedagogical changes enhance the creativity of students. It’s beneficial for students as well as teachers.

How do you motivate students to take up sports as it is a vital part of school education these days?

Participating in improves the cognitive and memory functions of the brain, helping the kids perform better in tests and academics even.

Sports help in maintaining physical stamina and inculcate the values like obedience, discipline, determination. In our school, special attention is given to make sports an eminent part of children’s life as a number of sports events are organised periodically.

During summer vacations too, free camps for the students are arranged on the school premises.

Where do you see your students/school 10 years from now?

In the words of Khalil Gibran, “Children are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.” We at our school try to develop a love for learning and a high level of perseverance among the children that will allow them to flourish whenever they need to adapt their skills and knowledge in this ever-changing world.

Whatever the field our students will be in, they will be dealing with the challenges in excellent ways.

Your profession has many challenges. What, in your opinion, is the toughest?

The synonym to life is challenge. The trick is to face them the way that they may not dread you again. The changing perspective of people towards the upbringing of kids in a prosperous surroundings demand more from teachers as the students need to be given positive traits like generosity, compassion and adaptability.

Would you inspire your own children to take up this profession?

Yes. Teaching as a profession is immensely gratifying as it gives one the satisfaction of working towards empowering young minds who are the building blocks of a nation.

Are you still in touch with your teachers?

Teachers have inconceivable power to understand their pupils. I too contact them whenever I am stuck in the way of my life and they are always there with ready solutions.

Three inspiring words for your students.

I feel the young minds should be inspired with these words adaptability, perseverance and righteousness.

Seema Bhardwaj, founder principal, St. Angel’s School, Rohini. Views expressed are personal.