An international School with India in its Heart

Adorable Pre-Primary toddlers smear paper badges with the familiar hues of the tricolour, our National Flag. Their endearing smiles and giggles captivate me as I walk past the art room. This sparkling glimpse is one of the many magical moments captured in my mind’s eye whenever I visit any of our VIBGYOR schools.

Observing another group, this time those of the Primary Section, rehearsing for their group folk song performance in a forthcoming Inter House Competition, my own face lit up with a bright smile of satisfaction at their efforts. I am touched by the earnestness and purposefulness displayed by the Middle school learners who are discussing a poster based on the life of our great leaders. Topping it all is the naughty twinkle in the eyes of the High school students who are sitting comfortably in circles and painting diyas which will be sold, the proceeds to be given to charity.

Much as we move towards a more globalised education pedagogy, adopting the best educational practices from across the world, VIBGYOR has always remained true to its commitment to the children of India. And one of the most crucial aspects of quality education is to develop in our students, pride for our country and concern for its progress.

As nation builders, we know we have the humongous responsibility of moulding the future of today’s youth. We believe in imbibing in our students, love for the motherland and pride in its diverse cultural and traditional customs and practices. Our students respect all religions and regions of our vast country. We provide many opportunities to our students to bring India alive in the classrooms and even beyond. In our hearts, India rules.

Mr. Rustom Kerawalla Awarded for Contribution to the Education Sector

Over the last 13 years, VIBGYOR Group of Schools has stayed committed to its focus on holistic development and learning which is not confined to a single sphere of interest, but encompasses multiple fields to empower students to shape the future and become global citizens. Through a myriad of national and international events, exposure to different methods of thinking, and innovative practices in learning, VIBGYOR has been providing education that’s not only of premium quality, but also accessible all over the country.

VIBGYOR’s journey towards educational excellence began with the vision and drive of the Founder-Chairman, Mr. Rustom Kerawalla. The inclusive learning experience present at VIBGYOR today arose from his dedication to coming up with an educational model that focuses on all the aspects which contribute to a child’s overall development, and not just conventional knowledge gaining. He led a team of experts to come up with a learning methodology which links various subjects together, and forms an interdisciplinary model of education. Through this approach, Mr. Kerawalla and his team gave focus to classroom curriculum integrated with technology and hands-on learning, sports and performing arts, various experiential programmes, with attention given to the inherent skill sets every student possesses.

But Mr. Kerawalla did not stop there. He began to realise that every parent looks for a school which offers more than just learning.  This led to the implementation of a safe and comfortable environment for the children to grow which included state-of-the-art security system with CCTV cameras and a screening process for visitors. The teachers playing the role of counselors for every child that requires help in any field, whether it’s related to their academics, or their personal and social life. He also placed importance on including facilities that would help children with learning disabilities or special needs, thereby expanding the focus of the school to make Quality Education accessible for all.

Through his dedication towards understanding every aspect that constitutes a reliable and constantly developing educational model, and with the contributions of parents, teachers, and students who realised the potential of the endeavour, VIBGYOR has now expanded into a chain of schools, all focused on innovative learning, and harnessing every student’s true potential.

These methodologies propagated by the VIBGYOR Founder Chairman were honoured at the 10th Edition Award Ceremony of Digital Learning – Elets World Education Summit, held at Le Meridien, New Delhi, when Mr. Rustom Kerawalla was recognised with the Edupreneur Award for his novel approach to education!

The World Education Summit is an influential platform which brings together decision makers, progressive thinkers, and experts from around the world who share a passion to bring about a change in education. The 10th Award Ceremony was held to highlight and commemorate the organisations and individuals who have propagated ingenious and sustainable models of learning in the education field.

Changing Role of Teachers in the 21st Century

Teachers are nation builders and despite the breakneck speed of technological progress impacting today’s classrooms, their presence is of paramount importance to students.

The term facilitator is now becoming more prevalent, and why not? It goes hand in hand with the quantum of work and the job descriptions of teachers around the world. Long gone are the days of only books and chalk and talk methods. In modern schools one sees how, by using dynamic and exciting teaching methodologies, the learners are drawn into the world of self actualisation and realisation of their aims, aspirations, dreams, goals and hopes.
Collaboration, role play, data sharing, using the internet for research and reference, has become quite the norm. Experiential learning and a sense of connectivity through the net has taken the world of education by storm. Hence, the role of the facilitator extends, at times, to beyond the classroom. She/he is a leader, a mentor, a role model, a counsellor, a coach, a therapist, a seeker, a knowledge base, a disciplinarian, a data collector, a curriculum planner, an event manager and an entertainer among many more avatars.

In this context, I have always considered myself blessed to be surrounded by creative, experienced, innovative and fiercely committed teachers at VIBGYOR. The enthusiastic faculty at all the schools of the VIBGYOR Group are self motivated individuals who are passionate about doing their utmost for the students under their care. What excites and satisfies me is the undaunted spirit of learning that each one carries within herself/himself. The childlike curiosity to learn more and more so as to impart that learning to their students is what I appreciate wholeheartedly in my teachers.

The advent of newer means of communication has had a tremendous impact in the education sphere. Undoubtedly it makes things faster and easier. Nonetheless, it also increases the work at hand with the teaching staff shouldering more and more responsibilities. This, they do tirelessly and with keen interest. After all, teachers have always been the face of the schools for the most crucial stakeholders i.e. the students. Their interaction and rapport with their learners is their key to success.

Hats off to all the facilitators of the world who are striving relentlessly to bring about a change. Take a bow, you hardworking beacons of light, life and inspiration.

Happy Teachers’ Day!

A Game Online: A Threat in the Real World

Online games have become quite the rage now. Millions of youngsters, especially teenagers are getting addicted and consequently becoming more and more isolated and aloof from reality.

Recently, as you all must be aware, a game or rather a social media phenomenon known as the Blue Whale or the Blue Whale Challenge has been in the news. Governments and police in many countries have been investigating to gather proof of its links to many cases of teenage suicides. A boy in Mumbai and another in Kerala have been the latest victims. This game has been so devised by its Russian creator that 50 tasks have to be performed in 50 days and photos posted online as proof of completion. Each task is worse than the other and the final challenge is to say goodbye to the world…i.e. commit suicide.

Parents have been warned of the dangers of their children falling victims to this game. Teenagers who are isolated from family and friends and have lost a sense of connect with the world are easy targets. Once caught in the trap, they cannot opt out. Threats of grievous harm to the players and their families prevent gamers from leaving the game before it ends. Watching horror movies and self cutting are among the vile acts that are part of the different levels of this vicious game.

How to identify the victims:

I strongly advise parents to watch out for many or all of these tell tale signs such as a teenager spending too much time isolated and away from company, playing online games excessively, using the internet continuously, being non communicative and secretive, not participating in celebrations and happenings at home, lack of interest in studies, dropping grades, keeping away from outdoor games and trips, mood swings, change in behaviour and habits, irritability…

Parents on the alert:

Parents have an important role to play. It isn’t really easy to wean teenagers away from a game which has an almost hypnotic effect. Warnings, arguments and stern measures such as not talking to the child or cutting off pocket money or grounding her/him could produce a counter effect and may actually see the child rebelling or becoming even more drawn to the game.

How to help:

Approach the issue sensitively, talk to the child, find out which level has been reached, reason it out, have more ‘together’ family time, involve a trained and experienced counsellor for additional support, reassure the child that the entire family is with her/him, some yoga and meditation sessions too might alleviate the matter and once the child’s confidence is gained, approach people (doctors, lawyers, police) who can help.

It may not always be an addiction to the Blue Whale game that may keep children distanced from family and friends. However, there is no substitute for vigilance! It is imperative for the well being of our children.

Students’ Shenanigans

Kavita SahayA school is a mini world by itself and could be the setting of a daily soap opera. I mean, here you will find friendship, drama, comedy, enthusiasm, competitiveness, innovation, ideas… and the list is endless.

All teachers will have their own collection of anecdotes. These are almost mini sagas; while some of them are quite uplifting, others may bring tears in your eyes, yet others may induce uncontrollable laughter.

I still remember the day, a few years back, when one young freshly appointed teacher entered his class to wish his students a good morning. They responded politely. There was a moment of complete silence after which the roomful of teenagers proceeded to create such a ruckus that they could have well resembled a crowd of overexcited frenzied football fans watching a match in a stadium. Ties were removed and thrown away, each one was bellowing to the loudest tone possible, tables were pushed aside and chairs upturned…some books were ignominiously scattered all over the place, leaving the new recruit totally flabbergasted. Alarmed, he fled the scene.

Another colleague told me how a student was so fascinated with the periscope he had newly made in the preceding Physics period that throughout her one hour Geography class he viewed her through it. However, surprisingly, he answered all the questions which she asked him at the end.

In my early days as a teacher, once I had called my students to the school auditorium to rehearse for a choral recitation competition. Much to my exasperation, students sauntered onto the stage at their own sweet pace, each one more reluctant than the other. When the poem was finally recited, it was done in complete silence! While the mouths and lips of the performers were moving, there was absolutely no sound and not a single word could be heard. I realised that no one was actually reciting the poem because no one had learnt it! Each student had thought that she/he would just pretend and lip sync while the others would recite the poem! I don’t know who was more shocked, the students or me!

Such incidences certainly make school an exciting place. The only reward a teacher looks forward to is that special bond which develops between the students and her. Our assessments happen in our classrooms every day. That is what makes it so unique. That is what keeps us going.

Tips To Handle Stress Among Children

With changes in lifestyles and the environment, peer and parental pressure, as well as societal expectations, stress has become a major cause of concern among children from a young age. With every year that passes by, there are changes in the system, advancements in technology, and a lot more that’s expected from children each day which might be overwhelming for them.

As a parent, here’s what you can do to ensure your child is better equipped to deal with stress.

1. Let your child know you are approachable

Every child needs an adult who can understand what they are going through, and can guide them to make better decisions. However, children may not speak out about their problems without a lot of prompting or encouragement. Ask your children about their day, and prompt them to open up by pointing out aspects of their behaviour that indicate their mood with statements such as “You seem to be a little down in the dumps today. Did something happen?”

Let your child know you are approachable

2. Give importance to play

Physical activity stimulates the body and mind, and also helps in the production of endorphins, which are hormones that lift up one’s mood. By encouraging your children to engage in at least half an hour of play can help them deal with stress in a significantly better manner

Give importance to play

3. Space out their schedules

With the level of importance given to grades, competitions, and academic performance, children end up doing a lot more within a day than is healthy for them. The average student goes to school for eight hours, is expected to be completely attentive and at peak performance in class, has tuitions in the evenings, extra-curricular classes, and homework to complete before going to bed. Make sure your child has enough time to rejuvenate each day without having to think of the things they are expected to do.

Space out their schedules

4. Allow mistakes

Kids tend to feel pressurised because of the consequences they would face if they are not living up to expectations. Letting your children know that mistakes are inevitable, and that they won’t face punishment for doing something incorrectly goes a long way in reducing the amount of stress they feel.

Allow mistakes

5. Teach your child how to think calmly and critically

A lot of stress that children feel is due to their feeling of helplessness, or not knowing how to get out of a difficult situation. Teach your children how to think objectively, and help them figure out steps to deal with a stressful circumstance. Getting them acquainted with techniques such as mindfulness and meditation would also help them get in touch with their feelings, and deal with stress in a calmer, more rational manner.

Teach your child how to think calmly and critically

Children just need to know that their parents are on their side, and will support them through any difficulty. Set aside some quality time to spend with your child each day, and equip them with the mindset and confidence required to handle any challenges that life throws at them.