In the school assembly last week
I reminded students of the importance of opening themselves up to every
opportunity and learning from each new experience which we provide them at
Pathways. Just as in later life, we continue to educate ourselves without formal
teachers, so too as young people it is important to remember that education
does not just come through subject teachers or class teachers but from all the
experiences and knowledge which lies beyond our classroom walls. Through such
experiences, our students can grab the best opportunities to develop themselves
and discover new skills.
Here is an indicator of all that
has been happening in the school for the three weeks of November alone.
Student Experiences
Inter House Music Competition
Over the past three weeks,
secondary school students participated in an inter-house music festival which
showcased their talents. There were two inter-school events – a cultural
festival at the Sri Ram Millenium School and a technology event at Apeejay
school. Two students participated in an inter-school Rotary debate. Primary
students visited the National Gallery of Modern Art.
There were some thoughtful
assemblies – one on students with special needs and the importance of inclusive
education, the other on keeping a focus on the Uttarakhand tragedy with a
special presentation by Habitat for Humanity. Two guest speakers from the UK
and France, who have been cycling around the world spoke to primary and middle
school students about their experiences.
The Readathon is on and visitors
to the school can see students sitting back on cushions and mats dotted around
the atriums quietly reading. Grandparents day saw nearly 150 grandparents come
in. Children’s Day showcased the talents of our teachers with drama, music and
dance.
College counsellors have come in
through the month from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS),
University College London and Imperial College London. From within India we
have hosted the Pearl Academy of Fashion, Ashoka University and Ansal
University.
Sports teams participated in an
interschool athletics championship at Pathways Aravali where we faced stiff
competition and creditably stood 3rd. A team of basketball and tennis players
participated in an all-India inter-school tournament at Vishwashanti Gurukul
school in Pune. While they did not win, it was excellent experience.
Teacher Development
Teachers have continued to be
learners too, at the school.
Professor Jayson Richardson from Kentucky
University came in to conduct a training for teachers on technology in education
An internal workshop was conducted for Heads of Department on setting smart
goals, another on using the ManageBac software. Three teachers attended an
international IPad summit at the American school. Last Saturday we hosted an
nation-wide workshop on Maths for IB schools.
Coming Up
In the next two weeks we will
conduct a training on the Model United Nations for students in preparation for
the Middle school MUN which we host annually. This year we are expecting some
schools from around the country.
Middle school teachers and
students are preparing for the Student Led conferences where they will reflect
on and showcase their learning to their parents.
Finally, we are looking forward
to organizing the first student cum parent event with our Christmas carnival at
the end of term. Proceeds are going to our fundraising efforts in Uttaranchal
and I hope that all parents will be able to participate enthusiastically.
Meanwhile…
Teaching and learning is
continuing as we come to the end of term. Senior school students are centrally
focusing on assignments and assessments and Form 12 students are eyebrow deep
in final submissions. Primary school teachers are working towards the final
documents required by the IB for PYP authorization. Middle school teachers have
continued to meet and plan the pilot lessons they are conducting for the MYP.
Senior school exams are scheduled from 9th December.
It is this combination of
challenging academic deadlines, culture, sport and activity which enriches the
life of a Pathways student. It also teaches them to manage different
priorities, to participate and to take responsibility for their own work. It
is, in short, what education for life is all about.
Dr. Shalini Advani
School Director
Dr. Shalini Advani
School Director
