A topic of interest for all
parents, even those in Primary school, is the area of university admissions
after Grade 12. Over the years we are
seeing a rising number of IB students choosing to stay on in India for Undergraduate
degrees. Statistics show that nation-wide upto 40% of students do not go
abroad. What are the options available
and how are they changing? At the recent IB Asia Pacific conference in
Hyderabad, I was privileged to lead a discussion on this area. 4 very interesting universities – the OP
Jindal university, the Sushant School of Design, Flame university and the
Munjal university – discussed the ways in which their multi-discipline approach,
the imaginative flexibility of the programme, their recognition of the special
value which IB students bring, showing
how students have an increasing number of choices. Before the end of this
semester, we plan to have an open session for parents of any grade to
understand the university admission processes with our Career advisor. You will
receive notification of this shortly.
MYP Authorization
A two year long process of MYP
implementation culminated in the
IB authorization visit. The visiting team of
Mr Patrick Ritter IB consultant and Ms Amanda Lenck from the Overseas School in
Columbo spent three days in school reviewing teaching, talking to students,
teachers and administration. The official report is now awaited but their
feedback was overwhelmingly positive and they complimented many aspects of the
school programme. The entire process leading to this has been an exciting
challenge for everyone in the school. The teachers and Heads of Department
worked incredibly hard to understand new demands, supported by the multiple IB
trainings and workshops they attended. I cannot appreciate enough the strong
leadership of the MYP coordinator Ms. Anshu Sharma and the Principal Ms. Sandhir
in steering this complicated process.
Exhibitions and Displays
Art: The mandatory art exhibition
of IB Diploma art students threw up an astonishing variety of talent.
From
paintings to installation to dress design, art students displayed work of a
standard which art colleges would be proud of. A number of parents responded to
the invitation to view the exhibition which in itself was a real-life feedback
for our budding artists.
Technology: As part of the digital citizenship week, which focuses
on safe and responsible use of technology, an inter-house
competition showcased
student awareness of this important area. Our technology coordinators from
primary to middle to senior were involved in planning and the process was led
by the technology teachers through the school. As a Microsoft showcase school,
we also hosted visitors from the Microsoft Education team who were astonished
at the variety of applications and knowledge areas our students and teachers are
aware of. This is what they said:
Student achievement, engagement and building
21st century skills is a collective responsibility and when students get
empowered, great achievements happen. It is indeed great to see the school
moving in that direction. I was very impressed with the facilities, discipline
and student initiatives as well. I would like to congratulate you for taking
initiatives on Digital Citizenship efforts as well. It is really wonderful to
spread sensitization around deploying digital assets.
Exams and Graduation
As we move towards the end of the
semester the all-important Board examinations loom. Grade 10 IGCSE students
have already stopped regular classes in preparation for the exams. Grade 12
students are winding down revision classes and will have the final and
emotional Graduation ceremony on 15th April.
We wish all the very best to both our exam groups as well as their
parents. This is inevitably a stressful time for homes so do ensure healthy
eating, enough sleep and calm nerves over the next 8 weeks.
Finally to reiterate the advance notice sent out, please note that
school will reopen for the new year on 1st August. As you are making your
summer bookings bear in mind that all students are required to be back on the
first day of school.
Dr. Shalini Advani
School Director
