Empower Students to Progress at Their Own Pace

Q. Could you share a personal anecdote or experience that has shaped your journey in education and leadership, and how it has influenced your approach to fostering student success?

One pivotal experience that profoundly influenced my educational leadership journey occurred during my early years as a teacher. I encountered a student who struggled academically due to personal challenges at home in Kolkata. Social and economic conditions had made her submissive and she had no vision for herself.

Recognizing the importance of empathy and support, I worked closely with the student, offering encouragement and tailored guidance. A few years later, I met her at the metro station and she shared her accomplishments as a successful office executive gave me immense satisfaction. Witnessing their transformation from disengagement to accomplishment sparked my dedication to holistic student support.

This experience taught me the significance of understanding each student's unique circumstances and providing personalized assistance. It was in 2008, I started the Mentor Mentee program, one-to-one counseling, motivation, and practice that led to confidence and successful results. It informs my approach as a principal, where fostering student success involves empathy, individualized support with ISP, and a nurturing environment conducive to growth.

Q. With the recent implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, what are some key initiatives your institution is undertaking to align with the policy's objectives and ensure a more holistic and inclusive educational experience for students?

In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, our institution is implementing several key initiatives to foster a more holistic and inclusive educational experience for students. Firstly, we are restructuring our curriculum to incorporate interdisciplinary learning, promoting critical thinking and creativity. My team has started a journey of inculcating thinking skills from Balvatika 1 level where our think tank worksheets will lay the foundation for competency skills of the 21st century.

We have also developed skill-based report card which will be directing and guiding the students to develop specific skill sets for a particular job market. We are also sharing the SWOC report card that gives a graphical presentation to parents and students to observe their learning gaps and work with the teachers in the remedial sessions who offers opportunities to weak students to overcome the learning gaps and challenges to students who score well giving them an opportunity to excel.

We also focus on Psycho motor activities at Balvatika level 1, 2, 3 to develop skills in cognitive and motor development areas which helps us to observe the developmental delays and plan interventions to reduce it. Additionally, we're enhancing teacher training capacity development programs to emphasize pedagogical approaches that cater to diverse learning needs.

Here also we have adopted a tailor made mentor-mentee program to develop skills in teachers as per need. Embracing technology, we're developing digital resources to facilitate remote learning and bridge accessibility gaps. Moreover, initiatives like Life skill sessions, Rendezvous with personalities focusing on mental health support and career guidance aim to nurture students' holistic development. By prioritizing inclusivity and innovation, we're committed to realizing the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.

Q. In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in education. How has your institution leveraged technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, and what strategies have been implemented to bridge the digital divide among students?

St. Wilfred’s Sr. Sec. School harnesses technology to elevate teaching and learning, facilitating interactive online platforms, virtual labs, and multimedia resources. To address the digital divide, we've initiated programs providing students with devices and internet access, ensuring equitable participation.

Additionally, we offer digital literacy workshops to empower students to navigate online learning environments effectively. Collaborating with community partners, we've established wi-fi hot spots in underserved areas, bridging connectivity gaps. By integrating technology seamlessly into our educational framework and prioritizing accessibility, we strive to empower all students for success in the digital age.

We are conscious about the mental well-being and safety of our students so we conduct cyber safety and social media handling netiquettes. We also take reflection sheets to observe the thinking patterns of students.

Q. Addressing social issues is crucial for creating a conducive learning environment. What steps has your institution taken to address social problems such as bullying, mental health issues, or student diversity, ensuring a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all students?

St. Wilfred’s School prioritizes a supportive and inclusive atmosphere by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, providing mental health resources, and celebrating student diversity. We conduct regular awareness campaigns and workshops on bullying prevention, social media handling netiquettes and promote empathy-building activities. Mental health support includes counseling services, peer support groups, and wellness programs. Embracing diversity, we celebrate cultural events and incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum.

Additionally, we foster a culture of respect and acceptance through student-led initiatives and faculty training. By actively addressing social issues, we strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Q. Considering the evolving landscape of education, what innovative approaches or programs is your institution planning to implement in the near future to further enhance student learning experiences and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow?

In the near future, we are planning to introduce personalized learning pathways utilizing adaptive technology, allowing students to progress at their own pace and explore their interests deeply. We aim to integrate more project-based learning opportunities, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.

We are training our parents & students to understand the importance of skill over marks. Our students exhibit their talent & potential in subjects’ knowledge & application before parents on the PTM day through our program Expressions & Student Led conference.

Furthermore, we're exploring partnerships with industry leaders to offer internships, mentorship programs, and hands-on experiences, ensuring students are equipped with practical skills for future careers. Embracing emerging technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality, we're committed to providing innovative learning experiences that prepare students for the dynamic challenges of tomorrow's world. We have collaborated with the emerging co-partners.