India's Best Educational Schools in 2023: Cygnus World School, Vadodara - A Global Ecosystem for Holistic Development

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Vol. 01 | Issue 04 | 2023
Vol. 01 | Issue 04 | 2023
Vol. 01 | Issue 04 | 2023
India
How Schools Can Revolutionize
Learning in India
Innovating Classroom
Cygnus
World School, Vadodara
A Global Ecosystem for Holistic Development
Exploring the Advantages
of a Holistic Education
Approach for Students
Prioritizing Whole-
child Development
India's
EDUC TIONAL
A
in 2023
Schools
Best

Pedagogical
Excellence
Celebrating
E ducation has always been a
Ecritical pillar in the
development and growth of
a country. It is through education
that we are equipped with the
necessary knowledge and skills to
innovate, create and drive progress.
As we enter 2023, the world of
education is evolving at an
unprecedented pace. With
technological advancements and
changing pedagogical approaches,
the way we learn and teach is
rapidly transforming. The world of
education is constantly evolving,
and schools must adapt to these
changes to ensure that their
students are equipped with the

Note
Ed or's
necessary tools to succeed in a
rapidly changing world.
India, with its young and dynamic
population, is at the forefront of
this change. The country has made
significant strides in improving the
quality of education offered in
schools, and we have witnessed a
surge in the number of schools
offering innovative and progressive
learning environments. India, being
the second most populous country
in the world, has always placed
great importance on education. In
recent years, the country has
witnessed a surge in the quality of
education being offered in various
schools across the country.
It is with this in mind that we
present to you our latest edition of
The Knowledge Review, 'India's
Best Educational Schools in
2023,' highlighting achievements,
unique strengths, and contributions
of such innovative schools to the
field of education. These schools
have demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to providing quality
education.
Our aim is to recognize and
celebrate the efforts of the best
educational institutions in India and
contribute to the ongoing dialogue
on education in the country.
Have an enticing read!
Anish David
฀Anish David

Contents
T
agore
Creating Free Minds for a Progressive Country
International School 26
Unique
Giving Wings Gen-Y with Quality
Education and Holistic Development
Public School 40
Cathedral
Shaping the Young Minds
& John Connon School 34
The
Exploring and Embedding Overall Social and
Academic Development of Students
High School 20
St. John s
‘
P r o f i l e s

Cygnus
A Global Ecosystem for
Holistic Development
World School,
Vadodara
08
C o v e r
S t o r y
A r t i c l e s
Innovating Classroom 16
Prioritizing Whole-child Development 30

P e o p l e Behind
this
Editor-in-Chief
Pooja Bansal
Senior Editor
Anish David
Managing Editor
Riya Chatterjee
Assisting Editor
Gopal Ingole
Sr. Vice President
Megha Mishra
Marketing Manager
Ashwini Pahurkar
BDL
Priyanka Chaudhuri
Sr. BDE
Sachin Bajad
Art & Design Head and Visualiser
Rahul Shinde
Co-designer
Ankita Pandharpure
Technical Specialists
Prachi, Rajeshwari
Digital Marketing Manager
Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executive
Yash Bhatt
Circulation Manager
Tanaji Fartade
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Description
Name of the Institute Web Address
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, is one of the oldest boys
boarding schools in Asia and was the ﬁrst ‘Public School’
in India. Since its inception, the school has gone from
strength to strength.
bishopcottonshimla.com
Bishop Cotton
School, Shimla
Academic education at Cygnus World School involves
practical experiences, team work, leadership and building
of technical skills by availing top-notch facilities. With
excellent academics taught by the best faculty, the school
encourage students to go beyond books.
cygnusworldschool.com
Cygnus World
School, Vadodara
Harsha International Public School helps build the
foundation for the child’s future by unlocking their true
potential. Through innovation in education, the school has
built an exclusive learning community for its students.
hips.ac.in
Harsha International
Public School
Meru International School believes in every child and
nurtures them to transcend and succeed in life. The
school achieves this by imparting strong value systems
and lifelong learning to its students.
meruinternationalschool.com
Meru
International School
Pinewoods International School and Junior College
offers a clean, happy and safe atmosphere together with
the beneﬁts of modern facilities and educational
technology within a traditional Indian cultural and
moral framework.
pinewoodsinternational.com
Pinewoods
International School
and Junior College
St. John's High School is an all-boys, english medium,
unaided Catholic Minority Institution, and the institute, like
any other social structure, has its own rules and
regulations, which promote cohesiveness amongst its
members and is value-based.
stjohnschandigarh.com
St. John's High
School, Chandigarh
The philosophy of Tagore International School is based on
three goals: academic excellence, the spirit of innovation
and the zeal to impart value-based education.
tagoreint.com
Tagore International
School, Vasant Vihar
Enriched with spirit, legacy and character, the history of
The Cathedral & John Connon School has been one of
excellence and innovation. The school has completed 162
years of excellence in education in the country.
cathedral-school.com
The Cathedral
& John Connon School
With a vision to imbibe competent qualities in the
younger generation, Unique Public School was
incepted in 2016 and today it has created a strong
foothold of quality education.
upsooty.com
Unique Public School
For over 160 years, Woodstock has touched the lives of
young people from all corners of the globe and from all
walks of life who have come to this place to live and
learn together.
woodstockschool.in
Woodstock School
India's
EDUC TIONAL
Schools
Best
in 2023

Cygnus
World School, Vadodara
A Global Ecosystem for Holistic Development
Cygnus World School,
or CWS as it is popularly
known, is a progressive
brain in a secure and
aesthe cally designed body
with a mul -faceted heart
and a unique soul.

"The highest education is that which
does not merely give us information
but makes our life in harmony with all
existence," Rabindranath Tagore said
this when he referred to Shanti
Niketan.
Asimilar confluence of
knowledge, harmony, and
wisdom is Cygnus World
School, Vadodara. As a pioneer and
leader in the educational spectrum, the
institution meets the eye as a
magnificent green campus housing five
artistically constructed school
buildings with ample outdoor spaces
for children to play, move around and
explore, along with overwhelming
greenery standing out in the concrete
neighbourhood. It is definitely not
Rome that was built in a day. It stands
as proof of the extensive research and
detail that has gone into the making of
this dream school.
Cygnus World School stands apart as
an institution that purely aims for
qualitative, holistic, child-centred
education which is a lifelong
experience. Cygnus World School, or
CWS as it is popularly known, is a
progressive brain in a secure and
acres. With a humble beginning, the
school has always represented its
educational excellence and wants to
shape students for the challenges of the
future while teaming up with teachers,
students, and parents for inclusive
growth. It is the faith of this team and
the parents that took the school from
its inception to where and as what it
stands today.
The World Inside Cygnus
The Cygnus ecosystem nurtured by the
School Founder—Ms. Madhavi, is
about the place and the people who
have a ‘soul’. And this has become
possible because the head, hand and
heart function in harmony. There are
not just lessons from books that are
aesthetically designed body with a
multi-faceted heart and a unique soul.
That is the complete definition of
Cygnus World School. It includes
academics, sports, art, music, nature
and value education in its lesson plans.
This is not just books and walls but a
direction and way of life.
Spearheading this revolution in the
global education space is its
Founder—Ms. Madhavi Agrawal.
Her eye for detail and perfectionist
approach is obvious as one notices
every piece of furniture, the fittings
and the embellishments along the
Cygnus ecosystem that is blossoming
the life of every student.
We, The Knowledge Review, crossed
paths with Madhavi Agrawal and the
School Principal—Ms. Kanchan Joshi,
over a welcoming cup of coffee in the
office of the Founder Director of
Cygnus World School in Harni,
Vadodara, Gujarat.
How it all started?
Cygnus World School(CWS) was
th
established on 8 June 2011 with 53
children, ten teachers, and five
administrative staff, spread across 7.3
Cygnus World School is
about the place and the
people who have a
‘soul’. And this has
become possible
because the head, hand
and heart func on in
harmony. There are not
just lessons from books
that are taught here; life
is lived here through the
symbio c associa ons
formed among the
people of all ages that
form the Cygnus family
and with the community
around it.
India's Best Educa onal Schools in 2023

taught here; life is lived here through
the symbiotic associations formed
among the people of all ages that form
the Cygnus family and with the
community around it.
"Yes! Education is not simply from the
printed and the spoken. It is from the
philosophy that guides those that guide
a student. Anything and everything that
can nurture a student’s potential,
develop the student and enable the
student to rise and blossom is what
education is all about. And that is the
essence of Cygnus World School!" says
Ms. Madhavi Agrawal.
This success of CWS is a result of the
vision of the Founder and
Chairperson—Mr. H. V. Kanoria. He
is an eminent industrialist who truly
believes in giving back to society. He
stands for his faith in education being
the way to herald economic, social, and
cultural change. This makes him an
ideal member of the Board of Trustees
of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and
Chairman of the Social Committee of
Gungabux Kanoria Bhavan School,
Kolkata. With the guidance and
blessings of such an experienced
visionary, his team has traveled across
the globe to research, observe and
adapt best practices in every ingredient
that goes into the making of an
educational institute for over a period
of a few years.
With such guiding light, Ms. Madhavi
has made the school become the most
favored and top leader across the
education community worldwide. Lets
know her story and how she diligently
shaped the school ecosystem and is
successfully giving back to society.
A Standout Educational
Leader—Ms. Madhavi Agrawal
As Ms. Agrawal goes down memory
She shares that the Hallmark of
Cygnus has always been to be
extremely well planned. "Post
pandemic, the new Hallmark of Cygnus
will be the 'Adaptability to Changing
Circumstances'," says Ms. Agrawal. In
response to the virtual learning
process, the school fortified its strong
training programme even further by
offering online training programs. 90
per cent of their teachers are now
Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE)
and over a span of 3 months, 4 of them
became Microsoft Innovative Educator
Experts (MIEE).
Words from the Principal
Principal—Ms. Kanchan Joshi
reflects upon how the school has grown
over the last few years with the
complete support of the school
management, a trained set of dedicated
teachers and parents who place their
faith in the school. She explains how
they aspire to nurture the torch-bearers
lane to share her glorious academic and
sports career, the passion for holistic
education is obvious. An alumnus of
New Delhi’s prestigious Modern
School, Shri Ram College of
Commerce, ICFAI and Harvard, Ms.
Agrawal has also represented New
Delhi in hockey and has been into
athletics, basketball, tennis and horse
riding. A good orator and a theatre
enthusiast, Ms. Agrawal’s school and
college career saw her in many
challenging and leadership roles. This
was where she began appreciating the
importance of a 360-degree education
and perhaps subconsciously nurturing a
dream to establish an institute to that
effect.
At Cygnus, she has exemplified her
leadership skills and has introduced an
ecosystem that is not only self-
gratifying but is also responsible for
providing an astounding academic
experience.
Ms. Madhavi
Agrawal
Founder, Cygnus
World School

of tomorrow, who will be well-formed
and well-informed rather than just
well-filled. She says, "At Cygnus,we
prepare future leaders who take pride
in being Indian and are global in their
approach and understanding."
The Cygnus Way of Education
It is quite interesting to see how the
school campus, the trained educators,
the technology and the ideology, all
find a harmonious home, every day in
children to play an international
standard game.
The center of attraction for students
and visitors is the 'The Bistro'. The
Bistro accommodates 540 children
at every meal. It has a smooth
functioning of the service and
cleaning teams as well as the
maintenance of quality and
discipline. 35 happy personnel
serve these children, supervised by
an efficient manager. The food
served is delicious, with varieties
ranging from paneer to soya and
halwa to balushahi. The students
are completely justified in the bond
they feel even for their Bistro.
And no! It is not just all play and
no work here. Team Cygnus has
effectively found a centre ground
that balances between free
learning and adequate assessment.
It follows a continuous,
comprehensive, and constructive
assessment system.
Ÿ School Council - Way to
Impactful Leadership
An expansive 45-member
secondary school council that
includes students from grade 7 to
and how the school functions. The
team ignites curiousity and encourages
the ability of the children to explore,
question and accept the world around
them. They work with a progressive,
innovative, constantly-updated
curriculum and integrate the best from
current international teaching practices.
What goes into the making of the
happy and knowledgeable faces
smiling across the campus of Cygnus
World School is thoroughly researched
activities that are crafted to address
multiple intelligences in each child.
Ÿ Sports and Health- A Way of
Living
The school houses a well-planned
sports programme in action on its
multiple sports areas, football,
badminton, and basketball courts.
th th
The 7 and 8 -grade students
shared how they have regular
dedicated coaches who undertake
regular morning and evening
practice sessions along with their
routine 'Group Games'.
The attention to detail of Ms.
Madhavi is visible in the specially
designed basketball court that
allows effective water drainage and
provides the ideal ground for the

Cygnus is one of the only ‘Green Schools’ in
the country and is the proud recipient of
The LEEDS USA Gold award for Green
construc on the Pla num award from IGBC
India for green prac ces at the school. The
school has been conferred with the Na onal
Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar 2018 by the
MHRD-India for exemplary work in water,
sanita on and hygiene.
Cygnus is the proud recipient of the
Brainfeed School Excellence Award (2019-
20) for having
*BEST INFRASTRUCTURE,
*BEST SPORTS EDUCATION,
*LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION &
*BEST TECH-SMART SCHOOL.
It has been conferred with the “Leading
Schools of the World” award.
Recently in 2020-21 ‘Cygnus World School’
is Ranked No.1 in Vadodara under the
category – CBSE City-Wise in a survey
conducted by Educa onToday.co.
Cygnus is the recipient of the Bri sh Council
ISA award twice in a row for 2017-20 and
now from 2020-23 for bringing interna onal
dimension into the school curriculum.
A short film tled ‘Nine’ about organ
dona on which was scripted, shot, edited
and directed by our students Siddhant
Agrawal, Siddh Jain and Avi Patel won the
Silver Beaver Award at the 8th Na onal
Science Film Fes val, at Guwaha (Assam).
Also for the film 'No Tomorrow', produced
by Cygnus World School, Siddh Jain, the
Director of the received the Junior Beaver
Award at the 10th Na onal Science Film
Fes val of India 2020.
Ÿ Bri sh Council Interna onal Dimensions
Award - 2020-2023 and 2016-19-for
inculca ng worldwide accolades and
integra ng global ac vi es into the
curriculum with an aim to go beyond the
classroom.
Ÿ Bri sh Council ISA Award - 2017 – 2020-
For providing an interna onal standard
of educa on within the country of India.
Ÿ LEEDS USA Gold Award- 2014: For green
construc on and eco-friendly
infrastructure of the school.
Ÿ IGBC India Pla num Award- 2021-2024:
For availing of green and sustainable
prac ces within the school.
grade 11 taking charge of events
like Teacher's Day, Annual
Concerts and so on and so forth.
They learn to be a part of various
teams like the editorial, sports,
cultural, etc. and are prepared for
larger leadership roles in the school
and their future lives.
The school has successfully been
able to instill responsibility and
confidence in its students by
enabling a separate council
for its primary school, which is
responsible for its events.
The members are selected after a
valid process of nomination, fair
campaigning, and elections.
Civics is lived in the lives of
these children right from
grade 1.
Ÿ Co-scholastic – Way to
Entrepreneurial Leadership
At Cygnus, the students play a
crucial role in guiding their own
learning. It is evident even in the
Co-scholastics building. One could
see the efforts of the students and
art teachers in the colorful displays,
sculpture teacher’s lessons taking
the form of art and sculpture
exhibits, and a group of theatre
enthusiasts rehearsing a street play
to be performed for an inter-school
competition as notes of melodious
instruments and voices wafted
across the corridors.

The school enables students to
work in groups regularly. The
spacious corridors of its beautifully
designed building have a lot of
charts covering their boards outside
the classrooms, and students draw
and color over these blank
canvasses of soft boards based on
thematic charts, write-ups and
images. The school organizes some
friendly competitions like The
Entrepreneur Week where students
had created business ideas and
designs, made products and sold
these items in the school to raise a
commendable amount of Rs.
66,000/-. The students shared how
this entire experience included
learning about market research,
having their own Shark Tank
experience, applying the technical
and digital skills they had learned,
and actual experience working in
teams for planning, execution,
marketing and sales.
Ÿ STEAM LABS – A Way to
Experential Learning
The school is equipped with Creya
and AI Labs—an innovative
STEAM program lab for students,
from Grade 4-9. It is an
experiential learning system that
provides students with a set of
literacies and competencies for
st
success in the 21 -century. Tynker,
across the country in Vadodara and
befriended them, spent time with
them and helped them get computer
savvy through teaching of basic
computer skills like the MS Office
Applications. They also had a lot of
interactive sessions with the trust
members and trustees. They came
up with a project called DNA-
Definitions Not Applicable. This
kind of involvement with the
community around is commendable
project indeed!
Tinker CAD, IoT and digital
learning are part and parcel of the
lives of the Cygnites. Using these
to create 2D and 3D models in their
academic subjects is the ideal
integrated foot forward. It also
includes collaborative learning, use
of experience and questioning.
Through the AI lab used by grades
8 and 9, Semantics, an AI driven
online game is used along with
Autodraw and Inkelwriter and MIT
App Inventor for app development.
With such core hands-on learning,
the analytical skills are honed to the
maximum. The young children are
found to present their work and
explaining it confidently refecting
on the exemplary student led
learning once again. These labs are
not just free grounds but also offer
the AI academic parcels of
knowledge as laid down by CBSE
for class 8 and 9.
Ÿ Social Welfare Programs—A Way
of Giving Back to Society
The school students are also
involved in educating selected
underprivileged children of the city
as a part of the welfare programmes
initiated by the Baroda Citizens
Council (BCC). The students had
also visited 'The Lakshya Trust' a
shelter home for transgenders from
Cialfo
For career counselling and
psychometric and
DMIT tes ng for high-
school students.
Interna onal
Collabora ons
Bickley Park School, United
Kingdom
Belgrano School, Argen na
Mills Berry School, Nepal
School House with Khan
Academy
Affiliated Organizations

Ÿ Green Way of Living and
Learning
The school, with its nature-centric
ideology, has made a positive
difference in the air quality in
school despite the reasonably large
concrete belt around the school!
The school has a well-maintained
RO system, biogas plant, solar
panels and rainwater harvesting
system. This gives the students
much learning outside their
classroom walls, right within their
school campus. The school
participates in many awareness
drives about banning plastic,
increasing the green cover and
saving the environment. The 3Rs
are practised through art, craft, and
all their activities. Their cultural
performances and assemblies often
have presentations based on such
themes. Not only that, every year,
the Cygnus family is gifted with a
jute bag to encourage the 3Rs in
practice and at all times. The school
does practice what it preaches and
the students live what they learn!
The Marvels of Cygnus Preschool
Sharing insights on how the school
ensures happy learning experience, The
Head of Preschool, Ms. Aparna
Maheshwari explains how her team
ensures that a happy learning haven
with an optimal growing environment
is created within their pre-primary
school, Cheviot Kids. The well-
arranged, colourful, and safe
classrooms reflect the efforts of the
teachers and the thoughtful inputs by
the team. There are plenty of
opportunities for hands-on learning,
incorporation of technology with the
use of smart flat panelled screens
bringing the world to the fingertips of
the teachers and an array of books and
manipulatives and teaching-learning
aids. In these premises, one stands
witness to a strong foundation for the
sample board paper discussions,
laboratory activities and also
preparatory leaves. In the list of other
activities, the students also participate
in quite a few MUNs that are held
across the country and their students
outshine most others. One tough
balance made easy for them all! The
students of this section have a lot of
help at hand. They have two in-house
counsellors, in addition to a special
educator for the entire school, who
help them understand their own selves,
grow emotionally and socially."
"We use in-house presentations,
NIMHANS Life Skills Modules and
informatory videos and documentaries
as a method of teaching, followed by a
quick feedback and summary of the
sessions. The 'Awakened Citizenship
Programme' has also been
implemented for the students through
the Ramkrishna Mission, Vadodara
along with meditation sessions through
the Heartfulness organization. The
primary graders have sessions on
'good touch-bad touch' and the middle
schoolers have open forums on
'puberty and adolescence'. There are
sessions to help them understand and
question the world around them, know
about the future that awaits them and
make intelligent and informed choices
in life. This includes their subjects
right from the third language to their
optional subject choice and eventually
career choices. There are programmes
like American Field Service (AFS),
Ciaflo, Global University Fair and
college visits to give ample of
opportunities to the students to interact
with each other, their juniors, their
teachers, experts from the various
professions in the real world,
experience various work arenas and
get a real slice of life. Leadership roles
and roles which ask them to take
ownership and responsibility are
encouraged," concluded Ms. Madhavi
Mangat and Ms. S. Jyoti.
pursuit of knowledge and a complete
understanding for effective learning.
At Cygnus, the team understands the
core competencies of every child and
gradually familiarises them with
multidisciplinary subjects like Maths,
Science, Social sciences, and
Linguistics (English and Hindi).
Theory and practice go hand in hand
here, and a healthy ‘learn and apply’
cycle is created. This is evident in the
way the children move up to the
Primary school and as shared by the
Head of Primary School, Ms. Sakina
Giniwala.
We also happen to spot a well equipped
and manned infirmary closeby. When
asked about medical facilities in
school, Ms. Sakina explains, "We have
a full-time in-house doctor to attend to
the children. This is quite in contrast to
the frail and flimsy first aid provided in
the name of full- time medical
attention."
Balancing between Academics and
Co-scholastics
As the student proceed into secondary
school, they are gradually moved into
the CBSE based curriculum, curricular
competitions, textual learning,
additional modules created by subject
teachers and supplemented learning
through various digital portals. This
helps the students have an easy an
interesting transition from primary to
secondary school.
In an engaging discussion, the
Secondary Co-ordinator—Ms.
Madhavi Mangat, and the Senior
Secondary Co-ordinator—Ms. S.
Jyothi explain about the academic-
extracurricualr balance maintained by
Cygnus World School. They said,
"Interspersed with all events are tie-
ups with offshore coaching centres,
remedial classes, coaching sessions,

Schools Can
Revolution e
Learning
How
in India
16 | January 2023 | www.theknowledgereview.com
Innovating Classroom

E
Education has always been crucial to
any society, and India is no
exception. With a population of over
1.3 billion, India has one of the largest
education systems in the world. The country
has made significant strides in improving
access to education in recent years,
implementing policies such as the Right to
Education Act and the National Education
Policy.
However, despite these efforts, the education
system in India faces several challenges. To
address these challenges, the education
system in India must undergo a
transformation. This transformation requires
a shift towards a more holistic and student-
centric approach to education. This involves
rethinking traditional teaching
methodologies and embracing new
technologies and innovative approaches to
learning.
Several initiatives and organizations are
already working towards this goal. From
edtech startups to non-profit organizations,
there is a growing movement towards
transforming education in India. The
adoption of digital tools, online learning,
and personalized learning platforms has
opened up new opportunities for students,
educators, and parents.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has
further highlighted the need for a
transformation in education.

With the forced shift towards online
learning, schools have had to embrace
new approaches to education. This has
created opportunities for greater
flexibility and inclusivity in the
education system.
In this context, it is essential to
recognize the efforts of those who are
working towards transforming
education in India. By embracing new
methodologies and technologies, we
can create a more inclusive, equitable,
and dynamic education system that
prepares students for the challenges
and opportunities of the future.
As the world continues to change at an
unprecedented pace, the education
system in India must evolve to meet
the needs of the 21st century. The
traditional one-size-fits-all teaching
and learning model no longer suffices,
and educators recognize the need to
innovate the classroom.
Personalized Learning
One of the most significant ways in
which schools can innovate the
classroom is by adopting a
personalized learning approach.
Instead of relying on a rigid,
standardized curriculum, personalized
learning recognizes that each student
has unique strengths, weaknesses, and
learning styles. By tailoring instruction
to meet the individual needs of each
student, educators can create a more
engaging and effective learning
experience.
There are many ways to implement
personalized learning, such as through
adaptive software programs that adjust
content and pacing based on student
performance or by providing students
with more opportunities for self-
directed learning. However,
personalized learning is not just about
technology; it requires teachers to be
skilled at assessing student needs,
providing differentiated instruction,
and fostering student agency.
Project-based Learning
Another effective way to revolutionize
learning in India is through project-
based learning (PBL). PBL involves
engaging students in complex, real-
world challenges that require critical
thinking, collaboration, and problem-
solving skills. Instead of memorizing
information for a test, students work on
long-term, interdisciplinary projects
that enable them to apply what they've
learned in a meaningful way.
PBL can be a particularly effective
approach in India, where there is a
need for more hands-on, practical
learning experiences. By allowing
students to work on projects that are
relevant to their lives and communities,
PBL can make learning more
meaningful and engaging.
Technology Integration
The use of technology in the classroom
has the potential to transform the
learning experience for students and
teachers alike. By integrating
technology into the curriculum,
educators can provide students with
new and exciting ways to learn, as well
as streamline administrative tasks and
enhance communication with students
and parents.
Technology integration can take many
forms, such as using digital simulations
to teach complex scientific concepts or
providing students with online tools
and resources to support their learning.
However, it's important to note that
technology should not be viewed as a
panacea for all educational challenges.
Rather, it should be used in a way that
enhances, rather than replaces,
effective teaching practices.
Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is another
effective way to innovate the
classroom. By working in groups,
students can develop important skills
such as communication, teamwork, and
leadership while engaging in deeper
learning through discussion and
debate.
Collaborative learning can take many
forms, such as group projects, peer
teaching, or cooperative learning
activities. However, it's important to
note that effective collaboration
requires careful planning and
facilitation by the teacher. Students
need to be taught how to work
effectively in groups and provided with
clear expectations and guidelines for
collaboration.
Teacher Professional Development
Finally, in order to truly revolutionize
learning in India, it's important to
invest in teacher professional
development. Teachers need to be
equipped with the skills and
knowledge to implement innovative
teaching practices effectively and
reflect on and improve their practice
continuously.
Professional development can take
many forms, such as workshops,
conferences, and online courses.
However, it's important to ensure that
professional development is ongoing
and sustained rather than a one-time
event. In addition, professional
development should be differentiated
to meet the needs of individual
teachers and align with the school's
overall vision for teaching and
learning.

Every popular city in India has a
few schools that have a special
place in the hearts of both
students and parents for the
effectiveness it provides in the overall
development of the youngsters. Those
schools are often not new but have
been established a long time ago. Since
their inception, such schools have been
making constant progress in their
academic eco-system and other
facilities that they provide.
One such school located in
Chandigarh; the capital city of Punjab
is St. John's High School. It was
established in 1959 by the Capital
Project, and the Christian Brothers
were invited to take charge of the
school. The school opened on
February 1, 1960, with its first batch
consisting of 41 students.
Today, St. John's High School provides
more than just formal education from
Kinder Garten to Class 12. Before
switching to CBSE in 1993, the school
was affiliated with the Council for the
Indian School Certificate Examination.
The first batch to appear for the ISC
examinations was in December 1963.
Mrs. Kavita Chatterjee Das took
charge of the school as Principal in
April 2007. Under her able guidance,
the school has improved its ranking
and made a place for itself among the
top schools in India. Under her
supervision, CCE was introduced, and
later the school went on to become a
Senior Secondary School. As of today,
Exploring and Embedding Overall Social
and Academic Development of Students
St. John's High School
the school is responsible for educating
over 2000 students at a time, which is a
huge achievement considering its first
batch had only 41 students in the year
1961.
The Perfect Infrastructure
The best part about St. John's High
School's infrastructure is that it is 100
per cent solar-energised. The school is
spread over an area of 30 acres with
the perfect infrastructure for the overall
growth of its students. The campus
houses three major academic buildings,
namely - the Junior Wing for Primary
students, the Middle Wind for Upper
Primary students and the Senior Wing
for High School students.
For students to get an actual laboratory
experience, the schools also built
various labs for Chemistry, Biology,
E

The school is on a mission with a
vision task to bring out the best in
every individual, along with helping
them in recognising their dignity. The
school aims to form a community of
students, teachers, parents,
management, and other staff, living by
the precepts and teachings of Jesus
Christ.
Prioritising RTE- Right to
Education
St. John's is relentlessly working
towards the holistic development of
children. It has created an environment
on its campus that stimulates and
encourages students to develop
important life skills like critical
thinking. The school has planned its
education policies based on the
National Education Policy introduced
in 2020. However, the school had
already embedded a majority of the
policies in its eco-system, like
Sustainable Development Goals, even
before the introduction of the NEP.
The school is generating a lot of
educational material for children to
enhance their Critical and Creative
Thinking and reasoning based skills in
the languages, Sciences and
Mathematics.
St. John's High School believes in
providing education to every student.
That is why for the last 25 years, the
school has been actively incorporating
Indradhanush Children—children
under the Economically Disadvantaged
Group (EDG)—as equal shareholders
in the school, which allows them to
enjoy all the rights and privileges as a
member of St. John's family.
The schools have also started a Foster
Parent Programme, a unique initiative
that helps establish a good rapport
between teachers and students. Under
this program, every teacher adopts
three EDG students as their children in
school and looks after their overall
performance.
An Ingenious Leader
"I see children as a blank canvas;
unique beings, ready to explore the
different facets of the world. I, as a
teacher, have merely mediated in the
learning process of my children as a
facilitator, and helped them to explore
the unbound potential hidden in each
one of them so that they are able to
St. John High School has
gained a prestigious status
not only because of its
education facilities but also
because of its extra-
curricular and co-curricular
activities.
India's Best Educational Schools in 2023
Physics, Computer, Mathematics. A
Special lab for Multi-Skill Foundation
Course and a Geology Museum is also
present to help students explore
different vocational fields. This
provides the young, growing minds
with a perfect space to grow and be
practically ready for the future, even
before pursuing higher education.
Apart from the classrooms and labs, St.
John's High School has also provided
its students with excellent sports
facilities on its campus such as an
International Standard Skating rink,
Pistol Range, Science Park, Open
Gymnasium, Indoor Gymnasium,
Adventure Park, two Basketball
Courts, two Cricket Fields, three
Football Fields, Squash Courts, a
Hockey Field, two Lawn Tennis
Courts, a Volleyball court and a Kho-
Kho area for the overall growth of its
student.
Value-based Vision and Mission
The school has embedded four core
values as its foundation, and those
values act as a stepping stone for the
school’s vision and mission. Also
known as the four cornerstones of St.
John's, the school's core values are
Spirituality, Inclusion, Justice and
Advocacy, and Compassion.

paint the canvas of their lives
thoughtfully and ultimately reach a
level of self-actualization," says Mrs.
Kavita Chatterjee Das.
Being the Principal of the school, she
is responsible for taking St. John's
High School to new heights. Shedding
some light on her teaching style, she
says, "The purpose of my existence is
rooted in my spiritual journey of
teaching and learning. I believe a
teacher is a facilitator who nurtures
the talents and inherent skills of the
children by providing them with the
right kind of environment. I draw from
the educational philosophy of
Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath
Tagore."
Sowing the Seed of Values in
Budding Minds
St. John's High School organises
activities like Unique May Day
Celebrations, Class Canteens, and
community involvement activities.
Every class from KG to 12th is
associated with one organisation that
helps in the growth of the community.
E.g. Class 1 will be associated with an
animal adoption program, whereas
Class 10 will collaborate with GRIID
(Government Rehabilitation Institute
for the Intelectually Disabled) and
Class 12 with the Transgender
community, to make society a better
place.
Apart from that, despite being an
all-boys school, St. John's High School
was one of the first schools to support
the cause of girl children. In fact, the
theme when celebrating the school’s
golden jubilee was ‘Empower the Girl
Child’.
The school arranges activities
throughout the year like club activities,
Just Fair – a free fair organised for
special guests and students from
NGOs, A Fistful of Rice – donating
food for the needy, Sports Academies,
an Annual Athletic Meet, SJOBA
Debates, etc.
Once a Johnian, Always a Johnian
St. John's High School prepares its
students for a bright future, and the
students’ relation with the school stays
intact even after they pass out from the
school. The school prepares its pupils
for the future by adding industry
experience to its curriculum. Special
guest lectures, field trips, mentoring
programs, internships, and vocational
training are arranged for the students
so that they can get real-time
experience to help them get an edge
over the competition in the future.
For the last 25 years (well before the
RTE was even conceived), the school
has been actively incorporating EDG
Children, as they are very much a part
of the school and are given every right
and privilege they deserve as members
of the St. John's family.
Frontline Warriors in Educational
Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic
One of the most devastating effects of
COVID-19 was on the education space
St. John's is
relentlessly working
towards the holistic
development of
children.
Mrs. Kavita
Chatterjee Das
Principal, St. John's
High School

across the world. The closing of
schools and colleges worldwide
restricted the development and growth
of young minds. However, St. John's
High school courageously took up this
opportunity to grow and become
frontline warriors in the education
space. It ensured that even the EWS
children were able to join the Online
classes thanks to its alumni who gifted
the school with enough mobiles to
ensure that every child could attend
class online.
Launching various programs like
उ ान, जाग कता, आशीवाद, आनंद,
सं ह, that focused on spreading
awareness through various mediums,
providing rations to the needy and
helping people who had lost their jobs
during the pandemic with placements.
The school initiated a program with
teachers and students to spread
happiness by reaching out and taking
care of the senior citizens and others.
A Multi-skill Foundation Course was
launched for children on online and
oﬄine platforms, which focused on
developing essential life skills like
learning, carpentry, cooking, etc. On
the eve of Christmas, the students
donate food grains to the needy under
the traditional Johnians program, A Fist
Full of Rice.
Continuing the Miracle Saga
"2021 has been a year of never-ending
miracles," said the principal, scanning
the year and looking forward to the
future of the school. "An extraordinary
year with the steepest learning curve I
have ever seen! We leapfrogged from
reluctant traditionalists dragging our
feet, straight into a set of
professionally competent, digital avant
gardes," added Mrs. Kavita Chatterjee
Das.
Being a teacher and principal, she
emphasised learning by saying, "We
learnt that the human spirit is
indomitable and that we are better
than we think we are. We learnt that
'impossible' is just a word. And, most of
all, we learnt that compassion,
kindness, and sacriﬁce are written into
our very DNA."
With these words, she focuses on
continuing the miracle saga that started
in 2021.
Notable Achievements
• 1st prize in SWACHH SCHOOL under SWACHH SURVEKSHAN 2022.
• Ranked among the top 10 overall national schools by KVSInfo.
• Solar School Award by the UT administration’s Technology Promotion Society (2021).
• TOP 3 Best CBSE schools in Chandigarh by the ThreeBestRated organisation (2021).
• Recognized and awarded as an Earth Day school, ONE of the six in the country by
earthday.org (2020-21).
• Ranked no. 1 in India by the Education World School Rankings in 2020.
• Award of Appreciation from the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights for
the KINDNESS TREE for being a child-friendly initiative.
• St. John's was declared the top school in India in the Boys Day school category by the
Education World Rankings 2020.
• Ranked 2nd in the country under the Boys Day School category by the EW India School
Rankings for three consecutive years (2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20).
• St. John's bagged the TOP School award (2nd in India, 1st in Punjab and Chandigarh)
presented by the Education World India School Rankings, 2019-20.
• St. John's was awarded a Platinum rating under the School Health Accreditation Project
of the Education Department, Deptt. of Community Medicine and School of Public Health,
PGIMER Chandigarh.

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Tagore International
School
Creating Free Minds for a Progressive Country
Free minds determine and define
the progression of society. The
liberty that comes with it
represents the development curve of a
community, culture, society, nation and
humanity. One such mind that defined
the arc of liberty with progression was
the great intellect, literate and Indian
freedom fighter, Rabindranath Tagore.
The first Indian to win the prestigious
Nobel Prize for Literature, he led a life
based on principles of a seeking mind,
and has inspired generations. One of
his poems that expresses this
sentiments reads:
The school grew by leaps and bounds
under the supervision of Ms.
Madhulika Sen, the longest-serving
member of the school. Ms. Sen has
been an indelible part of the school,
initially as a teacher and then a
visionary leader. Grooming young
minds since 1978, she has helped them
complete their learner's arc at the
school, and find their passion and
purpose in life. After serving for 20
years as the Principal, she now
supervises the school’s progress as the
Senior Education Advisor.
In our search to find the best schools in
the country, we crossed paths with the
Tagore International School and Ms.
Madhulika Sen. In an interactive
conversation about creating a nation
with free minds through quality
education based on the ideals of
Rabindranath Tagore, she explained to
us the pedagogies and the ethos of the
school.
So, let's dive deep into the inspiring
story of Tagore International School
and learn about its philosophy, vision
and learning pedagogies.
The Brainchild of a Free Mind in a
Free Country!
Tagore International School is the
brainchild of Dr. Hari Sen, a free-
willed woman with a vision way ahead
of her time. Being a high-intellect and
Where the mind is without fear and the
head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken
up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth
of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its
arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has
not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead
habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father,
let my country awake.
Inspired by his philosophy and the
dream of a country run by free minds,
Dr. Hari Sen laid the foundation of
Tagore Education Society in 1964 in
the capital of the country, New Delhi.
This society operates the Tagore
International School from two
campuses. Both the schools progressed
from being top grade South Delhi
Schools to part of the best schools in
the country. The campus in Vasant
Vihar was started in 1972 and has
completed 50 years of its existence.
Directed by the vision of Rabindranath
Tagore, the school has dedicated itself
to providing affordable yet modern and
high-quality education.
F
Believing in a
secular India, the
students are
groomed to
adopt
democratic
means of solving
problems and
resolving issues.

motivated student, she completed her
BA in English from Bombay
University in 1942 at the age of 19 and
then earned an MA in Sanskrit from
Benaras Hindu University in 1947. She
was then offered a scholarship to the
USA for an MA-PhD program in
Education from the University of
California, Berkeley.
Her strong academic background and
her dedication towards learning got the
attention of many companies, institutes
and organisations worldwide, including
the newly formed United Nations.
Disregarding all these opportunities
and following in the footsteps of her
inspiration and her love for her
country, she returned to India and laid
the foundation of one of the best
schools in the country. She dedicated
her life to mentoring young minds and
creating a country with fearless minds
where thoughts and actions break the
shackles of mediocrity, and it moves
forward on the path of progression and
humanity.
takes decisions only after healthy
debates based on logic and by
involving both, students and staff. It is
because of her that students fearlessly
propose new projects and confidently
see them through."
"A true leader, she unwaveringly
credits her team with any success, but
for any setback, she takes it on herself
as leader of the team," the school
management further adds.
Creating Worthy Citizens of the
Country
The Tagore International School has
always had a futuristic-education
approach for its students. The school
focuses on grooming the students to
become worthy citizens of the country
and the world. Expressing how the
school builds and enhances the skill of
the students, Ms. Madhulika Sen says,
"We constantly gauge what skills they
will need in the future, and then chalk
out projects/assignments, motivators
and resource people to help them
Ms. Madhulika Sen: The
Torchbearer of True Education
Starting her incredible journey as an
educator with TIS as a Social Science
teacher for middle school, Ms.
Madhulika Sen soon shifted to
teaching Economics to Commerce and
Humanities students after completing
her Masters degree in Economics.
She served the school as Vice Principal
of TIS from 1986 to 1995 before taking
up the position of Principal in 1996.
Being the longest-serving member of
the school, she is an integral part of the
school, and a pivotal point of its
philosophy. During her tenure, she
focused equally on value-based
education like inclusivity, affordability,
democracy and learning for the future.
Ms. Madhulika Sen currently leads the
organisation as the Senior Education
Advisor, and taking about her futuristic
education vision and leadership skills,
the school management says, "A strong
believer in the democratic method, she

Ms. Madhulika Sen
Senior Educa on Advisor,
Tagore Interna onal
School, Vasant Vihar
practise those skills while in school. All
our programs are hands-on. From
Social outreach programs for the
younger ones where they meet with and
interact with senior citizens to develop
a sense of empathy and responsibility,
to the Middle-schoolers initiating and
operating societies to help the
underprivileged, to the senior students
running unique business plans to
generate money that goes to charity."
Along with this, the school also
ensures the literacy skills of the young
minds while training them on soft
skills, for they have adopted the 4C's
practical model based on Creativity,
Collaboration, Critical Thinking and
Communication.
students on the two sides learn Kathak,
Taichi, Yoga, Calligraphy and Art from
native teachers. All this helps our
students be absolutely at home once
they graduate and explore different
countries for further study or
employment."
"A signature event of TIS, LEAD On, is
an annual one-day summit for Heads
of Student Councils of schools across
Delhi NCR. This sees leadership-skill
building activities along with
addresses and QA sessions with two
very eminent Keynote Speakers. The
entire event, from logistics to invites,
from budgeting to food, is done by the
student body. This is hands-on learning
of organisational skills," she further
adds, explaining the continuous
learning arc of the school.
Curating a Holistic Development
The school recognises the importance
of non-academic activities for the
holistic grooming of students and has
ensured that every student participates
and becomes a part of it. Describing
how the school has integrated that into
its curriculum, Ms. Madhulika Sen
says, "There are nearly 25 options
offered to the students, from Public
Speaking to Technology to learning
foreign languages, and taking care of
our Natural Heritage. Art is integrated
with other subjects. Students from
grade 1 start learning about national
and internationally renowned artists
and their styles, aiming to make them
appreciate art and art forms."
"The clubs offered by the school are
complementary to academic education.
They develop specific skills that are
crucial for one's career. They aim to
make students more qualified and
confident to adapt to the real world.
Club activities for classes VI-VIII are
held on a weekly basis during school
hours. The club meetings for senior
Further asserting her views on the
learning pedagogies at the school, Ms.
Madhulika Sen says, "The world we
live in today has shrunk, and it is easy
to reach out to people in other
countries in a jiffy. TIS has been doing
this since 2000, though. Our
international programs have seen us
build partnerships with schools in
many countries, from China, Japan,
Singapore and Pakistan in Asia to the
UK, Germany and France in Europe,
to Australia, New Zealand and the
African continent. Our students and
teachers have visited these schools,
and we have had return visits too. The
learning gained thus is immense. The
highlight, however, is the virtual
learning program we have had with a
school in China since 2008, where

school students also happen on a
regular basis, and students are
mentored for interschool, national, and
international level events," she further
adds.
A Student Centric School for Free
Minds
The school, based on the philosophy of
curation of free minds, has launched
and initiated many programs for
completing the learner's arc of its
students. For this, the school has
launched various programs like:
Ÿ Career Aptitude Program for
opportunities after school.
Ÿ Internship Program for skill
building.
Ÿ Peer Mentoring Program for
instilling humanitarian values.
Ÿ An Inclusive Environment for
providing equal education to
everyone.
Ÿ Safety Club to equip students to
handle difficult situations.
Ÿ Counselling for support, care and
growth.
The Trendsetter of Modern Learning
While being one with the entire world
in following the model of personalised
learning, Tagore International School
has built an environment at the campus
that transmits learning through its
every corner. The whole building is
used as a Leaning Aid (BALA)where
the students learn about everything
from mensuration to the SDG’s outside
the four walls of the classroom too.
Further outlining the modern practices
followed at the school, Ms. Madhulika
Sen says, "All the classrooms are
equipped with the latest AV technology,
which is available for the students to
use too. There are specialised labs for
the Physical, Chemical and Biological
Sciences, Home Science, Social
Sciences and Languages, which are
used for extended, practical learning."
Education for Sustainable
Development category
Ÿ No. 1 School for Holistic Education
across the country
Ÿ No. 8 in the country and No.2 in
Delhi for being SDGs Committed
School by Education World
'Enabling the Mind to find the
Ultimate Truth!'
Being a school that is based on the
philosophy and ideas of the great
Rabindranath Tagore, the school
grooms the students in that direction.
Envisioning the future and the school
moving forward, Ms. Madhulika Sen
says, "We recognise that schools grow
in an environment of continuous
learning. This is all about having
dynamic leaders and systems in place,
ensuring that the curricula do not
focus on preparing students for the
'now', but for citizens of the 'future'. We
at TIS aim to engage the students in
their own learning by having a stake in
deciding what, how much and how they
learn. Increased involvement of parents
and the community, both social and the
industry, is also on the radar. A system
to group students ability-wise, rather
than according to age, and grading
according to practical and logical
potential versus based on simple
regurgitation of facts, and reducing
textbooks to take learning out of the
classroom into the practical world are
also being worked on."
"The spectrum of collaboration with
international counterparts will be
widened, with resources and learning
being shared to pull down barriers to
knowledge. Core values are woven into
the TIS fabric. With every generation
of learners, we send out individuals
who are fully equipped to navigate the
world socially, emotionally, practically
and smartly. They will be able to adapt
to any situation easily. They will also
be empowered to support their peers
and take risks," she concludes.
Pioneer and a Leader of Equality
and Dignity
Following the philosophy left behind
by Guru Rabindranath Tagore, TIS is a
leader in recognising equality and
dignity of each individual. With that
view, over the years, the school has
initiated a number of programs to bring
effective change in society. And the
school considers that its greatest
achievement, as it has not only aimed
to bring change through campaigns
within the nation but has also
expressed its views on a global
platform like the United Nations.
A few of those many campaigns that
the school has initiated are:
Ÿ Breaking Barriers – A Human
Rights Campaign especially
designed for the LGBTQIA+
community.
Ÿ Flawless Flaws – A campaign to
support acid attack survivors.
Ÿ SOCH – The Society of Caretakers
of Heritage – an initiative to create
awareness about this incredible
country's heritage.
Ÿ Project Saksham – empowering
and advocating the vision of
Rabindranath Tagore of equality
and dignity of each individual,
irrespective of physical or
intellectual differences.
Ÿ Project Sehpaathi – a project
aimed at facilitating quality
education to students from every
section of society.
The school has been recognised in
several instances for its incredible
contribution to society. A few of the
many awards that the school has
received over the years are:
Ÿ No. 1 School for Social
Engagement in New Delhi by
Education Today
Ÿ One of the top 21 schools in the
country for Mental Health and
well-being
Ÿ Zero Waste School Award under

the
for
Students
Advantages
of a Holistic
Education
E
n today's fast-paced world, the education
Isystem is under immense pressure to
produce students who are academically
successful and well-rounded. The traditional
education approach that prioritizes academic
excellence above all else is no longer
suﬃcient. As a result, there has been a
growing emphasis on whole-child
development in schools, with a shift towards a
more holistic education approach.
Whole-child development is an approach that
focuses on nurturing students' intellectual,
emotional, social, and physical development.
By prioritizing the whole child's needs,
educators can create an environment that
fosters students' well-being, self-esteem, and
lifelong learning. This approach recognizes
that academic success is just one aspect of a
student's overall development and that a well-
rounded education is essential for students to
thrive.

Prioritizing Whole-child Development

Why Holistic Education?
Research has shown that a holistic
education approach has numerous
benefits for students. It improves
academic performance, as students
who feel supported, engaged, and
motivated are more likely to succeed.
It also enhances students' social and
emotional skills, such as self-
awareness, empathy, and
communication, which are critical for
success in the workforce and personal
relationships.
Moreover, whole-child development
can improve students' physical health
and well-being, as it emphasizes the
importance of physical activity and
healthy lifestyle choices. This is
particularly relevant in the context of
the COVID-19 pandemic, which has
highlighted the need for greater focus
on mental health and well-being in
schools.
By embracing a holistic education
approach, schools can create an
environment that supports students'
well-being, fosters their creativity and
critical thinking skills, and prepares
them for success in all aspects of their
lives.
Roundabout Development
One of the most significant benefits of
whole-child education is improved
academic achievement. By prioritizing
students' social, emotional, and
physical needs, schools can improve
academic outcomes such as higher test
scores and graduation rates. Students
who feel safe, supported, engaged, and
challenged are more likely to succeed
academically, which can set them up
for future success.
Another benefit of whole-child
education is improved social and
emotional development. Social and
emotional skills are crucial for success
in school and in life, and schools that
focus on these skills can help students
build resilience, self-awareness,
empathy, and other important skills.
Schools can set students up for success
in all areas of their lives by providing
them with social and emotional
learning opportunities.
Whole-child education can also
improve behaviour and discipline.
Schools can reduce disruptive
behaviour and improve overall student
behaviour by creating a positive
learning environment, addressing the
root causes of misbehaviour, and
providing support and guidance. This
can lead to a more positive and
supportive learning environment for
everyone involved.
A focus on health and wellness is
another key aspect of whole-child
education. By providing healthy food
options, opportunities for physical
activity, and mental health support,
schools can help students maintain
good health and well-being. This can
help students establish healthy habits
that can last a lifetime, setting them up
for success both in and out of school.
Finally, whole-child education can
improve community engagement. By
providing opportunities for community
service, leadership, and civic
engagement, schools can help students
develop a sense of responsibility and a
desire to positively impact their
communities. This can benefit the
broader community and help students
develop into responsible, engaged
citizens.
How to Implement Whole-child
Approach?
To implement a whole-child education
approach, schools must create a
positive learning environment that is
safe and supportive for students. This
includes providing opportunities for
social and emotional learning, creating
a culture of respect and kindness, and
addressing issues such as bullying and
discrimination. Schools must also
identify and address the barriers to
learning that students may face, such
as poverty, trauma, and family issues.
By providing support and resources to
address these issues, schools can help
students overcome obstacles and
succeed academically.
Providing opportunities for
extracurricular activities is also
important. These activities allow
students to explore their interests and
passions and can help them develop
important social and emotional skills.
Extracurricular activities can include
sports, clubs, and community service,
among other things. By providing a
range of activities, schools can help
students develop into well-rounded
individuals who are prepared for
success in all areas of their lives.
In conclusion, whole-child education is
a valuable approach that can benefit
students, teachers, and the community
as a whole. By prioritizing students'
social, emotional, and physical needs,
schools can improve academic
outcomes, promote social and
emotional development, improve
behaviour and discipline, promote
health and wellness, and improve
community engagement. Implementing
a whole-child education approach
requires a commitment to creating a
positive learning environment,
addressing barriers to learning, and
providing opportunities for
extracurricular activities. By
prioritizing the whole child, schools
can help students develop into well-
rounded individuals.

THE CATHEDRAL
Shaping the Young Minds
Education is seen as the
essential part of an individual,
which prepares one for the rest
of their life, playing a significant role
in formulating one's opinion,
personality, and beliefs. As argued by
psychologists, the formulation of
personality takes place in early
childhood by the age of six. Therefore,
it becomes necessary to shape these
factors before the said age.
Today, most students are admitted to
schools by the age of three, where they
spend more than 5 hours a day. This
exposure shapes a child as an
individual who does not learn only
from academic education but also from
the institution's environment,
interaction with peers and teachers, and
imitation of surrounding people. In
such a scenario, the selection of the
school or institution is crucial.
Some institutions have excelled at
providing their students with the
proper guidance and surrounding for
growth. One of such institutions is The
Cathedral & John Connon School of
Mumbai. Standing since 1860, it
continues to excel in its performance
under Dr. Sonal Parmar, the school's
Principal.
education to young minds allowing
them to gain knowledge about how to
learn, understand adaptability to the
ever-changing world, become global
citizens with local vision, develop a
sense of international mindedness and
cherish the individuality of man and
the commonality of humanity.
The Cathedral & John Connon School
believe in monitoring every aspect
keeping the long glory of Cathedral
School's character and tradition intact.
It believes in acceptance and
secularism and makes special efforts
for its students, as it says, "We are an
Indian school where foreigners are at
home, a Christian school which
children of any faith can call their
own."
Talking about the school's objectives,
the former principal (1953-65) Bernard
Gunnery says, "Indeed the School's
objective is all round character
formation and the development of
proper attitudes. Consciously and
unconsciously, pupils absorb a great
deal apart from subjects they study,
and in the great examinations of life,
these extra assimilations speak a
school's worth."
Walk Through the Path
The Cathedral & John Connon School,
also known as The Cathedral School,
was opened within the walls of
Bombay in 1860 by Bishop Harding
and the Cathedral Chaplain. Over a
period, the school underwent many
changes as a few smaller institutions
and buildings were merged to form
The Cathedral & John School that
stands today.
It was during 1965 that the school
faced financial and organisational
issues. Rev. Ridding came up with the
idea of co-education to solve these
issues. Many opposed it. The ruling
was passed by the side of the school
leading to the merger of boys' and girls'
schools.
Today the old boy's school is the
Senior School with Classes 8 to 12 of
the National & International
Curriculum; the old girl's school is the
Middle School with classes 5 to 7; the
John Connon School is now the Junior
School with pupils in Classes 2, 3 and
4, and the Malabar Hill School has
Lower 1, and Upper 1.
Values: Leading the Journey
The school aims to provide an

The institution believes education
serves to bridge gaps in a shrinking
world while taking pride in making its
students able to diﬀerentiate between
the right and the wrong and personal
beliefs. It endeavours as individuals
and a community, with everyone caring
for people and the physical
environment. As a school, it strives to
temper its daily thoughts and actions
with core values of honesty,
compassion, inclusion, tolerance,
altruism, and service.
Featured Person
Dr. Sonal Parmar assumed the
institution's principal position in March
2022. As an English Literature teacher,
she has taught in schools and colleges
and been an independent consultant in
translation, editing, and writing with a
special focus on culture.
Dr. Parmar brings a unique perspective
to the ﬁeld of school education with
her holistic approach that integrates
individual enhancement of every child,
balanced with character-building and a
collaborative spirit.
Educational Futuristic Approach
The school has been in alignment with
the key aims of the NEP, and most of
the learning outcomes are application
based, with particular emphasis on
critical thinking and creativity. The
school also follows the guidelines for
its international programs, updating its
Consciously and
unconsciously pupils
absorb a great deal apart
from subjects they study,
and in the great
examinations of Life, it is
these extra assimilations
which speak a school's
worth.
Bernard Gunnery
Principal (1953-65)

conducting seminars on various issues,
hosting international Model United
Nations, and engaging critically in
contemporary and pressing global
issues.
The school clubs promote theatre,
dance, robotics, photography, and other
areas of interest that students might
need to hone their skills. This is in
addition to a vibrant house system with
its wide range of cultural and sports
activities, primarily led by the seniors
of the school, which inculcate a sense
of responsibility, leadership, and team
building.
Apart from this, special attention is
paid to students and relationship
development between teachers and
students through LRC allowing
students to perform to their optimum in
every field.
policies from time to time to keep up
with the needs and requirements of
students and institutions.
Carving the Sculptor
The school focuses on practical
knowledge, thus involving the
interactive process. Making the most of
the project-based learning, flipped
classrooms, socratic seminars, peer
reviews, regular feedback, and
reflection are some of the methods and
strategies employed for students to
direct their learning. Along with this,
assessment is done to recognise
individual strengths and weaknesses.
Apart from the academic guidance, the
school also pays attention to the
holistic development of its students by
involving them in service activities.
The children engage in service projects
from food drives to fundraising,
Dr. Sonal Parmar
Principal, The Cathedral
It is where we
teach our students
how to understand
and empower
themselves with that
which lies outside
them— technology,
information,
communication,
interaction, etc.—as
well as with what lies
within them – strength,
resilience, integrity,
and character.
Dr. Parmar
Principal

In Addition to Fun
As the school believes in students' skill
development, it provides them with all
the necessities required. It provides
classes for music, drama, dance, yoga,
pottery, cooking, planting and
gardening, art and craft, and much
more. Students are engaged in various
indoor and outdoor sports and martial
arts along with additional classes for
languages if interested.
In addition, the school holds FitKid
classes for children to enhance their
fine motor skills, sandpit and waterplay
areas for fun and simple lessons, and
interesting teaching through puppet
shows. Various competitions and
quizzes are organised to develop
students' competitive spirit.
Setting Up for Future
look forward to developing life skills
in its students right from the primary
section. Through various activities,
students are encouraged to enhance
their social, self-help, organisational,
and sense of responsibility.
Students have a circle time session for
an hour every week where they are
encouraged to share their experiences,
thoughts, and problems and find
solutions as a group. This enables them
to learn and appreciate each other,
along with being aware of the various
comforts they are blessed with.
The children are oriented to behaviour
expectations and a list of rules elicited
from them at the beginning of the year.
Playdates with NGOs, preparing skits,
and arranging talks on necessary topics
are held by the school, creating a sense
of awareness among children.
The counsellor meets each class
weekly, where students are introduced
to topics related to communication
skills, stress management, decision
The classrooms are equipped with a
smartboard, computer, and projector
with a backed network by a server that
hosts all the rich content repositories
built by the in-house teachers. The
school's current association with an
NGO, Desh Apnayen, has bought
civics lessons alive for students, and
the children are made aware of their
rights and duties as citizens of India.
making, responsible use of social
media, and much more.
Personalisation in Organization
The school is amongst the very first
schools to incorporate Gsuite. With
every student having their school e-
mail id, Google Classroom is used to
share resources, collaborate, and
enhance the communication between
students and teachers.

Mindspark (by Education Initiatives) is
used for Junior School, allowing
students to move at their own pace in
their math learning. The children also
learn to play the piano using software
that will enable them to progress at
their own pace.
The students learn IoT at the
Innovation Hub and are taught the
basics of electronics, science, design,
technology, and much more through
practical activities. The school has
collaborated with the Clap Talk
organisation that facilitates global
travellers passing through Mumbai to
come to school and talk to them about
their country of origin, the social and
political situation of the country, and
any other detail that the children wish
to know about.
School learning platforms like
Managebac and Entab are used for
eﬃcient curriculum planning,
Envisioning the Future
look forward to exploring new ways to
co-opt technology into its process.
Along with this, it majorly desires to
focus on mental health as a post-
pandemic eﬀect on students concerns
the institution.
The school recognises and encourages
an active engagement in sports, music,
dramatics, and art, wanting to strike a
sustainable balance between
pedagogical robustness and creative
excellence.
Their overarching vision for the future
is to maintain the Cathedral School's
reputation as an institution that sets the
standards of excellence both in and out
of the classroom and to create spaces
where creativity, bonding,
independence of thought, intellectual
curiosity, and academic rigour are
fostered and encouraged.
The school sees itself as a 162-year
legacy that coheres seamlessly with the
st
innovations of the 21 century and
where tradition meets modernity
without disruption or fracture.
assessment, reporting, and
communication with parents and
students.
Winning the World
As one of the most prestigious and
remarkable institutions, The Cathedral
& John Connon School has bagged
many awards. The long list of these
awards includes:
Ÿ Top Prestigious School Jury Awards
2021 (Jury`s Choice Award) by
Education Today
Ÿ Top Prestigious School Jury Awards
2021 (Jury`s Choice Award) by
Education Today
Ÿ Education World 2021-22 India
School Rankings
Ÿ EducationWorld School of
Eminence 2021-22
These and many other awards the
school has received over the years
prove it has kept its 162 years legacy.
We are an Indian
school where
foreigners are at home,
a Christian school
which children of any
faith can call their
own.
Bernard Gunnery
Principal (1953-65)

Education! The word itself gives
us the liberty to imagine
something beautiful and
essential for the community's growth.
Being such a noble profession of
shaping the beautiful lives of people,
teachers are responsible for imbibing
the qualities that will help the younger
generation lead a fulfilling life.
The world is structured in a very
organised way. From the finances,
lifestyle to profession and creativity,
education sets the bedrock for
everything for the youth. As Dr. Ivan
Fitzwater, a prominent educator in his
poem narrates,
"…Several future presidents are
learning from me today-
So are the great writers of the next
decades,
And so are the so-called ordinary
people
Who make the decisions in a
democracy..."
It tells us the importance of education
and teacher in one's life.
Unlike the specialised education that
caters specific niche of the learning
curve in a student's life, the early
formal education is responsible for
developing important values like
punctuality, honesty, creativity,
kindness, independence, empathy,
trust, humour, and tolerance. These
values add meaning to life and bring
the required discipline that paves the
way for the holistic development of the
younger generation.
With a vision to imbibe these qualities
in the younger generation, Unique
Public School was incepted in 2016,
the hardwork of the Managemnet,
Principal, Staff and the Students took
the school to new heights and created a
strong foothold of quality education in
the Queen of Hills Ooty, The Nilgiris.
Eminent Academicians Dream of
Creating a Unique School
Unique Public School is a residential
and co-educational school with a
tradition of providing quality education
to residents of Ooty. Being an
autonomous institution run under the
aegis of trust MOISO (Member of
International School Ooty), the school
holds eminent academicians in its
governing body that enriches the
learning experience at the school.
The school has established global
quality education standards rooted in
traditional values and culture, with a
perspective of holistic development.
Well qualified and dedicated teachers
were the root for the success of
Unique. Their commitment and love
for each and every students were
remarkable. Special programs to bridge
the fast learners and slow bloomers
was a successful one which is a need of
the hour. Unique Public School also
E
UNI UE
p u b l i c s c h o o l
Giving Wings Gen-Y with
Quality Education and
Holistic Development

aims at a multifaceted development of
the child's physical, emotional, mental,
and spiritual personality by nurturing
their unexplored potential and
encouraging liberty to be creative,
expressive, and free.
Wings that took UPS to New Heights
The person that is to be credited for
taking the school to new heights is the
Principal of Unique Public School,
Mrs. Gayathri Raman. She has a rich
experience of 23 years as an eminent
educator. Accumulating an incredible
team with the backing of the
Management committee Dr. K. R.
Rangaraj, Mr. R. Ravi Rao and Mr.
J. Nandeeshwaran, Mrs. Gayathri,
with her innovative and creative ideas,
has given wings to the school.
Understanding and catering to the
special needs of the school, it was her
dedication that boosted admissions in
the school. Under the guidance of the
eminent academicians and her
Leadership, the school has increased
immensely in its strength which went
up from 90 in 2016 to 640 students in
2022.
Her sheer confidence in Demonstration
and Distributive Leadership has helped
students and teachers develop
interesting personalities. As a new
management committee, she had an
additional responsibility to create
brand awareness about the school and
enhance the declining education
quality. Special emphasis was given in
the quality of Education and in Extra
Curricular Activities to help children
develop an Holistic approach to face
the Global Challenges. Further, with
the use of Technologies and new
methodologies she maintained the
consistency which took the school to
new heights of laurels in Ooty.
Due to her dedication, persistence, and
effective leadership, the school was
upgraded to Higher Secondary School
in 2018. Mrs. Gayathri Raman has also
introduced the idea of carnivals, which
was a great success to pull admissions.
Along with that, she has started various
initiatives to discipline the students.
has a unique campus with a beautiful
ambience, set amidst the beauty of
nature that adds to the enhancement of
education facilities at the school. The
school has a beautiful Football Pitch,
Cricket Nets for practicing, Basketball
Court, Indoor Table Tennis Court,
Science Laboratories, Maths Lab, Smart
Classrooms, and a homely residential
block for the residential students.
Visionary Mission of Going Beyond
Formal Education
Mission: The school is on a mission to
impart an education not restricted to
formal schooling only. The school aims
to empower an individual to be
achievers through experience. The
school inspires, educates, challenges,
and supports the students to reach their
highest learning and personal
development level.
Vision: To materialise the dreams of
blossoming minds of the young
generation with innate zeal for learning
and explore the joy of learning in a
holistic environment. Unique Public
School has envisaged a system that
Our endeavour is to
impart education that
goes beyond the
formal schooling and
empowers individuals
to be achievers in
their chosen fields
through experience.

Mrs. Gayathri
Raman
Principal, Unique
Public School
UPS seeks to develop self-esteem
and pleasure in learning through a
stimulating, supportive and happy
environment that provides all members
with opportunities to achieve their
potential in the intellectual, physical,
moral and social domains.
Moreover, she also recognises the need
to understand safety for the younger
generation; that is why she has
introduced lessons to ensure safety at
the school, especially for girl children.
Moreover, she has won awards which
include the Best Teacher Award, Best
Principal Award, Best National Builder
Award in 2019, National Leadership
Award from School Stars in 2020, and
Best Principal Award in 2021 and
2022. Under her guidance, the school
has received National award for
promoting Co-Curricular activities in
2020, Best School Award for 100 per
cent results in Board Examination for
Consecutive 6 years, Best School of
the Year Award in 2022 from Asian
Education Awards.
Exploring the Joy of Learning
Unique Public School is really unique
because it adds that fun element to the
learning process that makes it joyous.
It also gives the students liberty to
explore learning through various
curricular and extra-curricular
activities. Emphasising of the learning
endeavour that encourages engagement
at the school, Mrs. Gayathri says, "We
celebrate all the days without fail with
a concept, and this has not stopped for
nearly 6 years. As a part of our extra-
curricular activities, we have Karate,
Yoga, Singing, Instrumental and
Dance. These Extra-curricular
activities are given to all free of cost
within the fees. All the students
participate in all the activities from
Grade 1 to Grade 5, and then in Grade
6, they take the privilege of showing
their interest in what they are
passionate about. Then they are given
special training according to their
interest."
"As a part of the Co-Curricular
activities, we have various clubs like
Go Green Club, Mothers Club, Adore
Club, Literary Club, Interact Club,
Sports Club, Abdul Kalam Club, and
Ramanujam Club. Students can choose
two clubs according to their interests
and participate in the events. As our
school is placed in a beautiful place,
children can easily meagre with the
nature and happily participate in all
the events. We give special emphasis
on sports; we have a beautiful football
ground which is the talk of the town.
Our Cricket nets attract our students.
We do have a table tennis court and
basketball court. We do have good
district level players. All students in
our school know to play chess and
solve cubes. We don't restrict children
from playing; the chess boards are
available all time during the break and
lunch. This has attracted the students
where they don't spend time in other
activities," she adds.
Unique Public School's Unique
Values and Learning Objective
Unique Public School is a community

for effective teaching and learning;
they see to develop self-esteem and
derive pleasure in learning through a
stimulating, supportive and happy
environment. The school being set in
calm and scenic nature, the school
values grooming students in a happy
environment, which will help all the
school members reach their potential in
intellect, physique, morality, and social
domains.
Highlighting some of the major values
of the school, Mrs. Gayathri explains,
"UPS recognises the importance of
communication. We encourage and
support effective communication
between all members of the school
community. We use positive behaviour
management, model good behaviour,
use a reward system, use sanctions
sparingly, support each other and are
kind and polite."
Moreover, the school's main learning
objective is to give liberty to students
to explore the joy of learning.
Explaining some of the highlights of
the learning objective Mrs. Gayathri
says, "The learning outcome is always
Child Centred on learning. We
personally believe that learning should
be fun and not a burden. We prioritise
strengthening the children in the basics
of all the subjects, communication
skills, interpersonal skills,
intrapersonal skills, and soft skills. We
feel that developing a child into a good
citizen is the first thing that should be
given priority. They should be ready to
face all the challenges that this world
gives them."
Adapting to Modern Technology
Modern technology was flourishing in
the education sector for a while when
the COVID-19 pandemic hit the
education sector hard. Though the need
of educating the younger generation
was held on high priority, the Unique
Public School effectively adapted to
modern technology to keep the process
ongoing. Moreover, the head of the
institute's experience with an online
company made the process
sophisticated and sorted for the school.
Explaining how the process digital
transition process evolved at the
school, Mrs. Gayathri explains, "We
initially started with the WhatsApp
classes and then slowly went on with
Zoom, Google Meet, Google
Classroom, and Microsoft Teams, but
in all these aspects, we were very
particular about the safety measures
for our students both physically and
mentally. Our sessions were worked
such that there were only 2 to 3
sessions and a break between the
sessions. The students were taught eye
exercises which they had to do after
each session. We made the parents to
participate in all the activities online
so that they took the responsibility of
monitoring the child."
"Once the session is over every day, we
informed the parents about taking the
phone, and we freeze the group so that
there is no need for the child to have
the mobile. In the evening, the teachers
would come for one hour to help with
the reviews and homework. We had
special counselling sessions for all the
children where they were briefed about
the safety measures to be followed
while using social media. They were
given numbers where they could
complain if they face any issues while
being online. This made them feel that
they had someone to safeguard them.
Soon the children adapted to our
system, and handling them online was
easy, and we did not face any big
issues as such. Now when the offline
classes have been started, we could see
a big change in both the students and
the teachers where they have bounced
back very strong technically," Mrs.
Gayathri adds.
Unique Plans Awaiting for the
Future
Envisioning the future of the school,
Mrs. Gayathri shares, "We personally
believe that from now for five years,
Unique will have its special place
among the students and the parents.
Unique will be Unique in shaping the
students and transforming them into
the right citizen with values who will,
in turn, contribute to society. Rather
than just making them get their
certificate, we will place ourselves as a
school imparting the skill-based
learning according to the interest of
each and every child."

India's Best Educational Schools in 2023: Cygnus World School, Vadodara - A Global Ecosystem for Holistic Development

India's Best Educational Schools in 2023: Cygnus World School, Vadodara - A Global Ecosystem for Holistic Development

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