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![]() Vadodara, India |
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Navrachana International School (To take a closer look at the enchanting world of Navrachana children please visit http://www.navrachana.ac.in) ![]() What's Happening? Education Update NISV Authorised By International Baccalaureate Organisation The IB Primary Years Program (Nursery to Grade 5) offered by Navrachana International School Vadodara has been authorised by International Baccalaureate Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland and the school has received the Authorisation Certificate. Visiting the school as part of the authorisation team were Ms. Kathy Derrick, PYP Associate Regional Manager, Asia Pacific and Ms. Premila Sen, Member Authorisation Team and PYP Co-ordinator Indus International School, Pune. An extensive interaction with the PYP co-ordinators and teachers followed wherein the implementation of PYP program in the school was evaluated. The team members also met some parents to see if the pedagogy of the program was understood. This is a major achievement for NISV as it is the third school in India to have authorisation for all three programs - PYP, MYP, DP. International Baccalaureate Organisation of Geneva, Switzerland with its presence all over the world offers three programs viz. PYP Primary Years Program from Nursery to Grade 5, Middle Years Program from Grade 6 to 10 and Diploma Program Grade 11 & 12. For any school to offer any of the programs, it is imperative to be authorised by IBO. NISV offering all three programs from Nursery to Grade 12 is now fully authorised by IBO for the same. This is a very big achievement for the school. SEE CERTIFICATE Annual Athletic Meet 2008-09 As a perfect culmination to the weeklong sports activities, NISV celebrated its 6th Annual Athletic Meet 2008-09 on 25th January at the School Sports Arena amid much fervour and excitement. Mr. Rakesh Asthana, Commissioner of Police, Vadodara, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Mr. Charu Sharma, renowned Sports Commentator and Quiz Master, was present as the Guest of Honour. The programme commenced with the Walk Past, Torch Run and Oath followed by the Chief Guest Mr. Rakesh Asthana's address to the gathering in which he expressed his pleasure for being part of this important school event and urged the students to make the most of the fantastic facilities offered by the school. This gave way to the athletic events and displays. There were beautifully choreographed performances - Swedish Drill, Yoga Demonstration and Harmony (a mix of various forms of dances) and the grounds came alive with colourful costumes and music. This was followed by Gymnastics and Rock Climbing, where NISV students gave some daredevil performances and were truly a feast for the eyes. These left an indelible mark on all present. Run for Peace followed this splendid display of talent, in which all present participated. The Run was an appeal to one and all for Global Harmony and Inter-Cultural respect which is also the ethos of the school. Thereafter the Guest of Honour Mr. Charu Sharma expressed his appreciation at the advancement of sport and facilities made available in the school and praised the efforts of the entire school in making the athletic meet a success. The Final Prize distribution followed with the School Song and National Anthem and the Meet was declared closed. Emerging Educational Frontiers School education is a truly multidimensional activity. It is very much like studying a rough diamond so as to facet and polish such that it reveals the diamond's true brilliance. It is during the schooling years that children discover their aptitudes, experiment with knowledge and imbibe values. Schooling therefore plays a vital role in nation building, not only economically but also socially. The foundations of moral, ethical, secular and democratic values are laid during the schooling years and schools therefore need to be keenly aware of this responsibility. Vadodara has been fortunate to have had a visionary like Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad and his legacy of educational institutions. The MS University of Vadodara and progressive educationists in the early 50's and 60's continued this legacy in establishing a strong schooling system in our city. The last decade has seen a mushrooming of schools. This has been very good and has provided a choice to parents and to a great extent relieved them of the stress of school admissions. In spite of this, quality education with good infrastructure is not available to a large number of children of school going age. Lack of accountability at all levels in the schooling system is also a major concern which needs to be addressed. The National Curriculum framework - 2005, drafted under the chairmanship of eminent educationist Prof. Yashpal, addresses these concerns in great detail and in a manner that marks a major departure in the ways we impart school education. Children must be given the opportunity and encouraged to think creatively, critically and analytically and develop a mindset that practices self and lifelong learning. The ability to work in teams and communicate ideas and concepts clearly and interestingly must form part of the essential skill sets of the student. The challenge before us is very clear, while the opportunities are in reality a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly or seen only in economic or in academic terms Of the three pillars of school education - infrastructure, curriculum and the teacher - it is the teacher who makes the other two relevant. The true challenge therefore in school education across all levels of schools is to inspire and train talented and committed individuals who bring about a revolution in the transaction of knowledge. Educating the educator in ways relevant to the classroom needs to be treated at par with any other professional education. The study of content and the methodology of teaching it have to be integrated into a seamless skill. The ability to assess the student's comprehension on a day-to-day basis and fill in the gaps in their knowledge is the most important role of the teacher today, especially so since information or knowledge is available from varied sources and the teacher is not necessarily the only conduit. The other challenge is in education at the grassroots level. Some experiments in this area have already started. An attempt at public-private partnership in school education at the village level has begun where the state provides the infrastructure and the running expenses while a committed private partner with a proven track record in education promises to deliver quality education. I personally have great hope in this model and believe that a lot can be done in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Among others, the 'Navrachana Education Society' has committed itself to managing two such schools in rural Gujarat. A lot of experiments have also started using technology to provide distance learning. This will be our most important tool in reaching quality world class education to the remotest hamlet irrespective of its location, size or number of students. Technology is available and affordable. The challenge and the opportunity lie in creating the content. We have no time to lose; the best minds in our country, the best teachers, technicians and software and hardware professionals all must be roped in to create content. This content I believe will be the real wealth of the nation no lesser than our ancient scriptures. Our generation has this opportunity, let us rise to the challenge and spare no effort or money in creating this wealth. After all, it is rightly said 'VIDYA DHANAM SARVA DHANA PRADHANAM'.
Navrachana International School Vadodara started off the new year with the 'Sports Week'. The athletic and track events were held from 19th to 21st January, 2009. Students from Grade 2 to 12 participated in a variety of events. The winners were awarded prizes on 22nd January; cricketer Irfan Pathan was invited for the prize distribution.
Inter School Navrachana International School Vadodara hosted the first
International Schools Invitational Soccer Tournament 2008 - 09 (18th
to 21st September).
A Cool Dip To Beat The Heat Take a bright sunny day, a cool blue swimming pool and scores IBDP Graduation Day (19th April) 'Fare well' in all your future endeavors. * International Baccalaureate Diploma programme is an equivalent of
+2 or Grade 11 & 12 of other Education Boards. It is recognized the
world over for entry to undergraduate studies. On 19th April, 2008 the little angels of our Pre-Primary section
and
Exhibiting Art The expressions of NISV Art Students were put on display, as the school opened an exhibition - 'Treadings' - to encourage Art and talent within the school. This exhibition was inaugurated by H.H. Shri Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, an Art Connoisseur himself, amid the NISV community and visitors and remains open from 7th to 11th April at Welcome Hotel, Vadodara. The exhibition mainly showcases the Art work of IB DP Year 2 Visual Art students - Ms. Ektaa Patel, Ms. Athika Karolia, Ms. Prima Shah and also exhibits the art of other school students from the 10th April. The students have used various mediums like acrylic and oil, plaster of paris, watercolor, and mixed mediums on canvas to convey various themes. The Art work sure left all agape and enthralled at the versatility and the intensity of the Artists!
Graduation Day
As the academic year 2007-08 came to an end, and the students graduated to the higher grade, we celebrated their 'Graduation Day' with much fervor and excitement! It was a unique presentation which showcased our community and students as global citizens transcending boundaries, race & religion. Revolving around the theme - "Celebrating ourselves and our Commitments", the performances put up by students were an earnest attempt to bring to the fore serious issues like 'Global Warming' and hazards of modern day living. They were also an appeal to save and preserve the Environment and Mother Earth for generations to come and to commit ourselves to this cause. Furthermore, performances depicting diverse cultures of the world
were put up in the form of folk dances, songs, historical and Our celebrations continued for three consecutive days, each day marked by a ceremony of celebrating the student and parent by individually addressing and awarding certificates, an exhibition of 'Learning of Students', and Group Performances. At NISV we recognize the importance of each student at each grade of learning. Thus three days saw Grades 2&3 graduate on 12 March 08, Grades 4&5 graduate on 13 March 08, and Grades 6 to 9 & 11 graduate on 14 March 08. So, as the old adage... 'Ring in the new, ring out the old'- we bid adieu to a wonderful, fruitful year and now have our arms wide open to an even more exciting 2008-09!
Well, we have good news to share. Mr. Curtis Beaverford, MYP Associate Regional Manager, IB Asia Pacific, Singapore and Ms. Arden Tyoschia, MYP Co-ordinator, Nanjing International School, China visited NISV as Authorization Team members for authorizing the Middle Years Programme (MYP)* offered by NISV. Any school offering the International Baccalaureate programme, has to be officially authorized and needs its programme approval from IB. In their short visit from 28 to 30th April 08, both team members were fully occupied in meetings with the chairperson - Ms. Tejal Amin, Trustees, Principal - Ms. Manju Gupta, Deputy Principal - Mr. Louis Dias, HR Head - Mr. Theo D'Souza and other members of the Senior Management. Visits to the Science Lab and Library, classroom interaction and document approval followed. An Open House was organized on 29th April, 08 at Hotel WelcomGroup, Vadodara in the evening, for prospective parents. It was an informative session where all queries & doubts regarding IB school education, were cleared by Mr. Curtis, Mr. Dias and Ms. Gupta. Finally happy with the way the programme was being conducted, Mr. Curtis gave his approval and 'go ahead' to the MYP programme. Beaming with joy was the MYP Co-ordinator, Ms. Usha Singh, "Our sincere efforts and hard work have paid off." Kudos to the MYP department! *NISV offers the complete IB programme i.e. PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), DP (Diploma Programme).
One World, One People Delivered by a consortium of the British Council, Cambridge
Education
As part of the first exchange visit from its partner, Ms Caroline Yuill of Begbrook Primary School in Bristol is Visiting NISV. Says Ms. Sangita Mathur, DP Co-ordinator, "It all began as an e-link of the French teachers and students and blossomed into this exchange." Ms. Caroline, obviously excited, says, "Though the contrast between the two places could not be greater, I have fallen in love with India. The little taste that I have got from this visit has surely opened new doors we would like to explore. The common project we had identified was water. So here, I have been interviewing villagers and studying the water requirements, problems and irrigation styles and also the modern facilities that the school has. I have also noted the differences in water facilities available to people within the same city. I have brought from Bristol our programmes on water preservation. I will take back so much from here and so we will mutually help each other in developing Water as a part of the Global Curriculum. I am also exploring and sharing our common environment issues in classes. Since I teach French and Global citizenship, I am giving my inputs for the same. Well, I am also discovering the amazing art and culture of this country and of course the cuisine! The other day I visited Jambugoda and devoured on Makke Ki Roti and onion! I am learning some dance steps and also trying some cooking. It's been fantastic!" Mrs. Manju Gupta, Principal, feels that "Education needs to be relevant. It should take into consideration the current as well as future needs and the communities and environments of the future. These partnerships bring the 'global dimension' in education and bring the world to the school, changing perceptions." A reciprocal visit from NISV will follow later this year funded by the DGSP, with the possibility of the two schools entering into a Global Curriculum Project. This is called opening new doors to learning and understanding and broadening horizons.
Workshops and Training. Training and Workshops! The 26th and 27th of March 2008 saw a workshop on Asset Assessment
for PYP (Primary Years Programme) and MYP (Middle Years Programme)
teachers by Ms. Urmila Oza, Educationist & Teacher Trainer from
Educational Initiatives - Ahmedabad. The importance of Rubrics and Descriptors was emphasized as they tell us what has been achieved and what needs to be achieved. Overall, the purpose of the workshop was met as all teachers felt
that it helped them
Fortunately for me, I am one of the community of parents who can throw caution to the wind where bags are concerned. My son, in Grade 3 carries only a single diary in a customized bag provided by the school. The bag itself is very light and has a wide comfortable strap. All sports equipment resides in the school and he will start carrying books only from Grade 6. Since much depends on the school curriculum and methodology adopted by the school, one cannot change the system of carrying books, if at all. But we can ensure that our children do not bring back muscle fatigue and spine problems. If you're a mother of a school going child or know one, do keep in mind the following: ... Charity begins
at home. Check your child's bag to see what extra is being carried.
Encourage her/him to take only required books. |
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