Myths Associated With International Schools in India

Every Indian parent is concerned about their children’s future and their career, so much so that, they start manifesting signs of concern in the early years when they are supposed to begin their school. Schools are considered the pedestal for pursuing any career and choosing it wisely is a parent’s job. Although most parents are aware of the top international schools in Gurgaon and in other cities, they carry a foggy perception about them which, at times, becomes very confusing. The article has listed below the myths that are surrounding the international schools of India-

Only foreigners or NRIs go to international schools

This is the biggest myth surrounding the international schools in India. Since the schools have the title ‘international’, parents often believe them to be the schools meant only for the foreigners or NRIs of the country. This is a complete distortion of one’s perception. Fortunately, with time, people have started understanding the truth and stopped relying on the myth.

International schools are for students who want to go abroad for higher studies

Many people dream to go abroad, but not everyone can succeed in it. Many parents want their children to finish their courses abroad and that is why they want their children to study in an international school. It is a myth that children who study in international schools have a higher chance of going abroad than others.

Indian academic is tougher than international academic

The pattern and the strategies implemented by the Indian education system may differ from an international school but it is not tougher. The Indian, and the international approach towards the education system is different.  While the international board inclines more towards practical thinking, facing the exams, problem-solving skills etc, the best schools in Gurgaon and other cities of the Indian board give more emphasis on theory.

International board only assigns their students with projects

Myths like these are not all true. Similar to Indian board, the international board also prescribe textbooks to their students. Since, compared to Indian boards they assign their students with a lot of projects and more emphasis is given on writing essays, presentations, exhibitions, games, etc., it is believed that international board only gives importance to projects

3 Ways Schools can create a safe environment for the students

There has been a growing crisis of children’s mental health in the past few years. According to a survey, there has been a huge increase in the number of hospital admissions of students due to self-harm in the last six years. The number of students expressing suicidal thoughts has been more than ever. The ‘name-calling’, bullying, vandalism, hatred-filled taunts and derogatory epithets, have become a common practice behind the school walls. A school is a place where students should feel supported, safe, respected and not rejected and dejected. With this in mind, the best schools in Gurgaon and other cities can adapt to the following policies :-

Friendly approach

Students often suffer in silence rather than opening up to their parents or teachers about the harassment and bullying they experience in school. They feel scared and believe whatever they do will not make a difference. This is when the adults have to intervene. Using a friendly gesture, talking to them about the different issues, and investing time in listening to what they are saying can help the students to develop a sense of trust in people. Once children develop trust in someone, they become pretty open with them.

Encourage reporting

Every year most of the harassment and bullying cases in schools go unreported. As the students grow older, they incline towards seclusion rather than rather than turning to adults for help. A strict and confidential policy for reporting of such activities should be established. The key is to make each and every student feel safe while reporting about any such activities. This way it is easier to gain someone’s trust and create a safe and sound environment for everyone. It is the duty of an adult to find a way of being more approachable.     

Employing qualified staff

Any top international school in Gurgaon or any other city should have qualified staff. Both teaching and non-teaching staff should have the basic knowledge of understanding the risks and resilience factors of a student. School counselors and social workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the students will help to ensure a safe environment for them. Encouraging them to open-up and supporting them to cope with various activities in day to day life will help to understand a student’s need. Having a ‘well-equipped’ staff is necessary to ensure a safe and sound environment for the students.

Importance of following an IB education module

School education in India is not just confined to one or two educational boards anymore. There are different boards that provide varied styles of education that help in holistic and individualistic development of a child. Thankfully, a plethora of options ranging from ICSE to IB board are available in India. Hence, it gives a window to both parents and students to choose a module that fits them the best. 

Abbreviated for International Baccalaureate, IB course modules are a bit difficult than CBSE and ICSE modules but also sharpens a student’s aptitude. It is an internationally recognized school system composed of the Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten to Class 5), the Middle Years Programme (Class 6 to Class 10) and the Diploma Programme (Class 11 to Class 12) which is more practical and application based.

Here are a few reasons why you should opt for an IB board for your child’s education.

Exposure to international module 

The IB board was established in Geneva, Switzerland. It offers a wide spectrum of subjects and the examinations test knowledge rather than memory and speed. The focus is more on gaining practical knowledge rather than rot learning. IB schools in Delhi provide all-round development of students that is at par with international education.

Comprehensive assessment of modules 

Themes of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay and Creativity Action Service (CAS) are the focus of the program. In addition to examinations, a student’s portfolio over the years is also given due weightage. There are also no prescribed textbooks so students can choose their own textbooks. The focus is on quality rather than quantity of assignments and projects.

Development of positive attitude towards learning  

The focus of IB Board is on how to learn rather than what to learn. It provides grades rather than percentage for a more balanced evaluation and less competition among students. Even the best CBSE and ICSE schools in Gurgaon and NCR have realized how deeply the percentage system can impact a child. That is why; they too are following in the footsteps of International education and moving towards grade-based evaluation.

4 Qualities – Modern Innovative Schools

The term ‘Innovative’ has entered the scholastic realm with schools utilizing their spaces for maximum retention amongst students and new ways to make studying interactive. On the other hand, these schools are revered for their approach towards pedagogy.

The staff is considered to be one of the most important factors that define the practices of a school. Creativity in terms of teaching is additionally appreciated by parents. Some IB schools in Delhi are considered to be at the helm of these innovative practices. Here are qualities that define great schools:

These schools focus on Individuals

An increasing number of schools educate children with their personal strengths in regard, instead of considering them a part of the group. With the help of supportive personal technologies, they offer personalized learning to the children. As a consequence, they are encouraged to take an active part in the learning process. These schools are structured so that standardization is not required to function properly without hindering the executional procedures. It creates a flexible environment where students can progress at their own pace.

Their campuses are creatively designed

The visual aspect of construction plays an important role in the studying process. Modern schools are built on contrary beliefs of standard schools. Many new intriguing features and shapes are constructed to create a contemporary atmosphere. Moreover, particular spaces at ICSE schools in Gurgaon can be used for a variety of creative purpose and therefore, the process of teaching is multifarious.

They have no barriers

New-age schools are very well connected with the outside world. They involve groups and communities present in the local range of the school to be involved in some way or the other. They are encouraged to utilize the spaces for their personal learning and impart knowledge as they will.
From the beginning, their academic procedure includes a practical knowledge of the outside work. They focus not only on memorizing but practical skills necessary to thrive in the real world as well.

Their curriculum is Original

The content of the curriculum and the way it is imparted to the students is original in every sense. The purpose is to stem critical and creative thinking amongst the pupils. Practical approaches are adapted for discussion, problem-solving and active engagement with the environment. Their agenda teems with the philosophy of learning by doing. Finally, students are instructed to use the theoretical knowledge into practical terms.

Why introducing Yoga at young age is a good idea?

Yoga has always been an integral part of school education in India since time immemorial. Best schools in Delhi and other metropolises of the country have always stressed upon its importance in improving the health and fitness of children, both mental and physical. Ever since Yoga became popular in the West, its benefits for one and all have found themselves under unprecedented limelight. 

The National Curriculum Framework 2005 has mandated that Yoga be taught across schools at all levels. Therefore, it is even more important for parents today to admit their children to schools where Yoga is practiced and taught with proper attention to detail. Some of the noted benefits of introducing Yoga and meditation to your kids at a young age are: 

It makes children fitness-conscious

In a day and age where technology has disrupted our lifestyle, children seem to be the ones affected worst. With every kid owning a Smartphone or a computer, the lack of exercise and physical activity is increasing at an alarming rate. With Yoga, children get to realize the importance of fitness and meditation. By means of simple breathing and stretching exercises, children get to be fitter and flexible. This helps in increasing their affinity toward sports and other physical activities.

It’s a stress-busting therapy

The pressure to perform at studies, to live up to parents’ and their expectations, and to be at par with peer groups can lead to immense stress. Participation in Yoga helps in improving mood, focusing away from pressure, and eliminating all the stress that has built up.

It improves focus and concentration

Meditation is an important part of Yoga that has the obvious benefit of enabling practitioners, such as school students, to improve their focus and concentration levels. In fact, it is an important part of the curriculum of the day boarding schools in Delhi. Through focusing on the slow movements and rhythmic breathing, a child learns to concentrate better. This boosts the memorizing power of the child as well.

It improves strength and stamina

Yoga is wonderful way to exercise the core muscles of the body, thereby improving the strength and stamina of the body. Through abdominal exercises, Yoga improves the tenacity of the body, and keeps the weight in check.

All myths busted about boarding schools

When it comes to ensuring the proper foundation of knowledge and values in kids, parents have to toil a lot. Finding a right school for your child is extremely important as it plays an indispensably significant role in shaping the attitude of kids towards the society and life in general. This is what makes choosing the school for kids all the more important for their parents. Parents who are immensely focused on the right kind of development of their kids usually incline towards boarding schools. But at the same time they are wary of the all the myths about them. 

While some consider boarding schools the right platform for a child’s development, many worry about the terrifying stories surrounding it. In reality the myths that seem to terrify most are nothing but farfetched stories.

Most people have a stereotypical perception of the boarding schools that they are meant for troubled children only. This is perhaps the most preposterous myth among other unreasonable ones. Boarding schools happen to have better facilities and focus on the development of the students than any other CBSE or ICSE schools in Gurgaon, Delhi or NCR. Parents who understand it make an informed decision to put their kids in the boarding schools for better overall development.

Another big myth is that the students in boarding are treated as prisoners and their rooms are like a prison. While it is true that boarding school maintain a certain level of strictness which is more than traditional schools but by no means it can be at level with a prison. Students have the freedom to do things that please them as long as they adhere to the rules meant for their safety and discipline.

"Boarding school students are bookworms" is another statement often heard in discussions indicating that boarding students are not allowed to have fun. Or worse, they are incapable of having fun. Now this is so ironic that it is hard to digest for a boarding school pass out because all they know is prank. Fun and creating life long memories is an indispensible part of boarding schools that only best IB schools in Delhi/NCR and India can provide.   

Parting away from child can be a painful process for any parent but if you wish to make a bright future of your child then you have to take that risk.

Rising importance of International Schools in India

In ancient India, students used to visit gurukuls to obtain their education and had to live at the ashrams in service of their ‘Gurus’ until the education was complete. With this being the trend in those times India was able to produce some world renowned international universities such as Nalanda, Takshila and Vikramshila. Along with the time there came a lot of changes in the education system of modern India. The boarding schools which used to be the only source of education in those days were slowly replaced by day schools. This sought of change in our education system can also be attributed to the rise of Madarsas in Mughal period and day boarding school in British era. 

The education system has changed a lot over the years and so has the modes of schooling. There are a limited number of boarding schools compared to day schools. International schools have gained huge popularity in the recent years. It is place where the students from different communities, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds get a chance to interact with each other which is very essential for social bonding and building a generation with stronger moral values. Recently, one can notice a good number of international schools opening in metro cities. For instance, top international schools in Gurgaon are known for their high quality of education. 

Best school in Gurgaon are the most popular among the hundreds of other schools including many best performing schools affiliated by Central Board of Secondary Education and Indian School Certificate Examination Boards. Parents now are more focused towards the overall growth of their children and not just the academic excellence. They want their children to be good at education as well as the extra- curricular activities. Sports has got a huge boost as a career in last few years and therefore parents are also keen to send their kids with good sports and athletic facilities. Overall, international schools are the places which have sworn for the all round development of the next generation of the country. These educational institutes are a place that ensures a secure future of your child.