Creating Safe, Inclusive School Environment Requires Addressing Social Issues With Holistic Approach

Siddharth Pruthi, Principal of Mother’s Pride School (Presidium School) in Bahadurgarh, shares his journey and innovative approaches to education leadership in a captivating interview with Education Post's Prabhav Anand. Pruthi's experiences, rooted in his passion for teaching and molded by his alma mater, St. Marks Sr. Sec Public School, have shaped his empathetic leadership style. He discusses the school's adaptation to the National Education Policy 2020, integration of technology for immersive learning, proactive approach to addressing social issues, and student-driven initiatives fostering community impact. Through his insights, Pruthi underscores the school's commitment to holistic student growth and development.

Q. Reflecting on your journey in education, what experiences have shaped your leadership style and approach to supporting student growth and development?

My journey in education has been a transformative odyssey that profoundly shaped my leadership style. Despite familial pressure leading me towards engineering, my inherent passion for teaching emerged during college. Tutoring neighborhood and underprivileged children. Became a defining chapter, intertwining teaching with my life's fabric. St. Marks Sr. Sec Public School, my alma mater, played a pivotal role in molding my leadership qualities. It offered diverse opportunities and, remarkably, later presented a teaching role, altering the trajectory of my career. Returning to my roots, I found myself working alongside the very teachers who once guided me. This unique perspective, transitioning from student to educator, granted me profound insights into the day-to-day challenges students face. Such firsthand awareness empowers me as a leader, allowing me to discern and implement effective strategies for holistic student growth and development. My journey underscores the symbiotic relationship between teaching and leadership, forging a deep understanding of the educational landscape.

Q. With the recent implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, how is your school adapting its curriculum and teaching methodologies to align with the policy's objectives and promote holistic learning experiences for students?

In response to the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, our school is actively aligning its curriculum and teaching methodologies to embody the policy's objectives and foster holistic learning experiences. Recognizing the paramount importance of teacher readiness, I ensure daily awareness and conduct essential trainings to equip educators with the necessary tools. Prioritizing the emotional well-being of students stands as a cornerstone in our approach. Methodically implementing the policy, we initiated awareness sessions followed by the introduction of skill-based subjects like design thinking, yoga, and farming, transforming them into experiential learning opportunities. This gradual progression is beneficial for both teachers and students alike. Furthermore, our commitment extends to instilling moral values through diverse activities, fostering not just technological prowess but also nurturing individuals with a sense of responsibility towards humanity. Each subject is infused with life skills and activity-based learning, rendering education not only interesting but also applicable to real-life scenarios. Our comprehensive strategy embraces the National Education Policy's vision, ensuring a balanced and enriching educational journey for our students.

Q. In what ways does your school integrate technology into the classroom to enhance teaching and learning experiences for students and teachers?

Embracing the transformative power of technology, our school integrates it into the classroom to elevate both teaching and learning experiences for students and educators alike. We employ a multifaceted approach to harness the benefits of technology. Firstly, we leverage virtual modules, providing students with immersive learning experiences. These modules serve as dynamic tools, allowing students to explore subjects in a visually engaging manner. To reinforce comprehension, we conduct question-answer rounds after students interact with the virtual content. This not only enhances their understanding but also encourages active participation. Secondly, our commitment to making learning enjoyable is reflected in the incorporation of online quizzes. These quizzes serve as interactive assessments, fostering a sense of excitement and competition among students. This gamified approach not only reinforces knowledge but also makes the learning process engaging and memorable. Thirdly, we prioritize digital literacy by having students use computer systems to learn the latest software applications. This hands-on experience ensures that they remain digitally updated, preparing them for the evolving technological landscape. Practical exposure to software applications equips students with valuable skills, enhancing their adaptability in an increasingly tech-driven world. In essence, our school's integration of technology is not just a tool but a dynamic strategy that enhances the educational journey. It fosters curiosity, engagement, and prepares students for the challenges of the modern digital age while providing educators with innovative tools for effective teaching.

Q. Addressing social issues such as bullying, mental health, and diversity is essential for creating a safe and supportive school environment. How does your school address these challenges and promote a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity?

Creating a safe and inclusive school environment requires addressing social issues such as bullying, mental health, and diversity with a holistic approach. Recognizing the significance of emotional intelligence alongside academic achievement, our school implements a comprehensive strategy. We prioritize the cultivation of empathy, courage, and a sense of responsibility through weekly life skills activities, beginning from pre-primary classes. This structured curriculum ensures that students gradually develop insights into social issues, fostering a mature and compassionate perspective as they grow. It's not just about awareness but instilling practical approaches to deal with these challenges. Equally important is the preparation of our educators, as they play a pivotal role in shaping students' attitudes. Regular sessions and activities for teachers enhance their understanding, enabling them to effectively guide and support students facing social issues. We believe in going beyond posters and verbal communication by creating an immersive learning environment. Crucially, we prioritize open communication with parents, recognizing their role as the primary influencers in a child's life. We engage parents through collaborative sessions, keeping them informed and involved in the educational process. Listening to every child's concern is fundamental, and this collaborative approach ensures a collective effort in promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity within our school community.

Q. Can you share an example of a student-driven initiative or project at your school that has positively impacted the school community or beyond?

Certainly, our school takes immense pride in fostering student-driven initiatives that extend beyond the confines of the campus, leaving a lasting impact on the community. One exemplary project initiated by our students involves fostering meaningful connections with a nearby orphanage. What began as a simple plantation drive blossomed into a sustained initiative where our students regularly celebrate festivals with the children at the orphanage. The beauty lies not just in the initiation of the project but in its continuous and heartfelt continuation. Our students, driven by a genuine commitment to social responsibility, consistently donate essential items to the orphanage, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This student-led endeavor goes beyond mere charity, it instills empathy and compassion in our students. The initiative's longevity speaks volumes about our students' dedication to making a positive impact. Importantly, this project has become a source of inspiration for others, influencing teachers, parents, and the broader community. Witnessing our students take the lead in creating a culture of kindness and inclusion reinforces our belief in their potential as compassionate leaders of tomorrow.