Hiranandani Upscale School: Elevating Education Standards

Sivakumar Srinivasan, Director, Hiranandani Upscale School, in conversation with BW Education, shares various insights about the school’s programmes, initiatives, curriculum and the NEP guidelines that the school is following and emphasised the career advantages of International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. 

What inspired the establishment of Hiranandani Upscale School in Chennai? How do you incorporate the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum into the curriculum?

The inception of the school was done under the visionary leadership of Surendra Hiranandani, a renowned entrepreneur and the Founder and Chairman of the House of Hiranandani. His unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of education and nurturing the cognitive and emotional development of students has been paramount in shaping the institution's ethos. From the outset, the primary objective has been to create a stimulating environment that encourages young minds to flourish and evolve both academically and personally, fostering a culture of support and growth. With the House of Hiranandani having a 120-acre township in Chennai and being committed to having the best infrastructure, the presence of a school within the township would provide the residents an easy access to world-class education. 

At our institution, we offer IB continuum education which includes PYP, MYP and Diploma programmes. We maintain a steadfast commitment to uphold the rigorous standards and practices established by the IB curriculum. It is imperative that we meticulously adhere to these standards across all programmes, ensuring that curriculum delivery aligns seamlessly with the guidelines of each specific program. To uphold the excellence of our faculty, who come from the background of diverse curricula, we conduct regular workshops and professional development sessions to ensure their ongoing growth and proficiency. When we recruit teachers who are not from the IB background, we enroll them immediately, upon joining us, for IB workshops and training sessions to help them seamlessly integrate into the standards and practices of IB. Moreover, we prioritise the cultivation of a diverse skill set among our students, encompassing research capabilities and adept social communication, in addition to their academic pursuits.

How is the school incorporating NEP guidelines in its curriculum? 

As a leading IB school dedicated to advancing educational standards, Hiranandani Upscale School has embraced the principles outlined in the National Education Policy. Central tenets such as International Mindedness, Lifelong Learning and the cultivation of Global Citizens have been seamlessly woven into our academic framework. Guided by the exacting standards of the IB curriculum, we strictly adhere to their regulations and policies, crafting a comprehensive educational experience. This approach aims to equip our students for success in an ever-interconnected and diverse world, fostering their readiness for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

How does the school support students in their academic and personal development?

Hiranandani Upscale School advocates for a learner-centered classroom approach that shifts away from traditional teacher-driven methods. This student-focused approach emphasises inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions and engage in mutual discussions. We also implement activity-based learning, allowing students to showcase their understanding through exhibitions tailored for PYP students. We empower students to identify their preferred learning methods, supporting them in their chosen approach. In the IB framework, the emphasis lies not only on what students learn but also on how they learn. In PYP, exhibitions serve as demonstrations of learning, while the learning process itself involves various engaging activities such as quizzes, presentations, group projects and grade-appropriate problem-solving tasks that draw upon multiple subjects. This transdisciplinary approach encourages students to tackle problems using knowledge from various disciplines rather than being confined to one. In MYP, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach where students collaborate across subjects to generate innovative outcomes.

In order to offer various learning methods, we have established a partnership with Callido Learning to conduct sessions for both teachers and students throughout the year, focusing on five key skills crucial for personal growth. These skills encompass self-management, which involves mastering time and emotions; social skills for effective communication; research skills to enhance understanding and analysis; critical and creative thinking skills for problem-solving and data management capabilities. By imparting these essential skills, students are equipped with a well-rounded personality and gain invaluable insights into personal development. This initiative not only enhances students' academic performance but also fosters a holistic approach to education that emphasises the importance of personal growth and skill development. The approaches to teaching that incorporate personalised instruction, collaboration among educators, inquiry-based methodologies and a focus on conceptual development have proven effective in supporting teachers' growth and improvement in their practices.

Can you elaborate on the teaching methodologies employed at Hiranandani Upscale School?

In our educational framework, we've carefully chosen a diverse range of highly effective teaching strategies that work together to create a rich and engaging learning experience for all students. These strategies include personalised teaching methods, where we tailor our instructional techniques to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each student. This approach fosters inclusivity and provides personalised support, empowering students to thrive academically and reach their full potential.

Additionally, we prioritise differentiated instruction, where we assess and adapt our teaching methods to accommodate the varying abilities and preferences of each student. This ensures that every learner receives the necessary guidance and resources to excel academically, leveraging their strengths and learning inclinations.

By integrating these comprehensive teaching methodologies, we aim to create an educational ecosystem that promotes academic excellence, holistic growth and a lifelong love for learning. Our ultimate goal is to empower students to flourish in their educational journey and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in an ever-evolving world. We aim to equip our students with the skills of critical thinking and problem-solving, communication, collaboration and teamwork, technological literacy, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, resilience and continuous learning adaptation. These skills will help them to:

• Analyse complex situations, evaluate information and generate creative solutions for complex problems.
  
  
• Convey ideas convincingly while collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.
  
  
• Work effectively in teams to leverage collective expertise to achieve common goals.
  
  
• Use digital tools expertly to perform tasks efficiently and drive innovation in the workplace.
  
  
• Understand and manage one’s emotions, as well as empathising with others.
  
  
• Understand and respect cultural differences, promoting inclusion in the workplace.
  
  
• Build resilience in demanding and high-pressure work environments.
  
  
• Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, staying relevant and competitive in the workplace.

Can you describe any unique programmes offered at Hiranandani Upscale School?

At our school, we are proud to offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities through our Extra Curricular Activities club. This club comprises ten distinct activity clubs aimed at enhancing our students' skills and interests. From yoga and karate to gymnastics and power sports, students have the opportunity to explore and develop various talents outside regular school hours.  

In addition to these enriching activities, our school actively participates in collaborative events with other educational institutions. One such event is the annual Model United Nations (MUN) simulation, known as HUSMUN (Hiranandani Upscale School Model United Nations). This initiative serves to broaden our students' perspectives while fostering a spirit of diplomacy and global awareness. During HUSMUN, students engage in simulated United Nations proceedings, representing different countries as delegates and working collaboratively to address global issues and find solutions.

• HUS Basketball Team participated in the Shraddha Children’s Academy Inter-School Tournament Under-16 category held from February 1 to February 3, 2024 and won First Place.
  
  
• HUS won 3rd place in both boys and girls under 11 categories in the ISSO(International School Sports Association) National Games Inter school football tournament held from 24th February to 25th February 2024 at K.C. High School, Chennai. Dhruv from PYP 4 and Ahana from PYP 5 won the best goalkeepers of the tournament.
  
  
• HUS won the third prize in the Inter-School Sports Football Tournament conducted by Mount Litera Zee School, Chennai in the under-16 boys category on February 10, 2024.

What partnerships or collaborations does Hiranandani Upscale School have with other educational institutions or organisations?

Hiranandani upscale school is open to partnering with organisations that are beneficial for students, they have partnered with Callido Learning to enhance the Approaches to Learning and Kognity, an interactive online platform for grades 11 and 12. Students engage in presenting personal projects at other schools, fostering knowledge exchange. Collaborating with multiple IB schools extends to sports, intellectual pursuits and co-curricular programmes, promoting a vibrant community focused on mutual learning and active participation. This holistic approach enriches students' personal growth and development. The students have become more adept in the following areas after partnering with Callido.

• Self management
  
  
• Social communication and presentations
  
  
• Research
  
  
• Critical and creative thinking
  
  
• Transfer knowledge to new situations and contexts

Does the school provide any support to students who require additional academic assistance or counseling? If yes, then how?

We extend valuable academic support to students beyond regular school hours, with a focus on challenging subjects like math and science. Our dedicated teachers conduct extra sessions, often referred to as remedial classes, to address students' questions and ensure a thorough understanding of complex concepts. These sessions provide a supportive environment where students can conquer uncertainties, fostering academic growth and confidence in their learning journey.

Moreover, we offer dedicated weekly school counselor sessions to address a variety of issues commonly faced by students, including media distractions, psychological challenges and academic obstacles. These sessions aim to create a safe and supportive environment where students can openly express concerns and receive necessary assistance. By closely monitoring students' behaviours and expressions, our counselors identify signs of stress and emotional turmoil, offering individualised support and guidance.

Furthermore, our team includes career counselors who specialise in providing advice and assistance to students seeking higher education opportunities. They ensure students are equipped with the information and resources needed to make informed decisions about their future endeavours. Our holistic approach aims to support students academically, emotionally and in their career aspirations, fostering a conducive environment for their overall growth and well-being.

What measures does the school take to ensure the well-being and safety of its students on campus?

We have a very stringent safety protocol in place at our school. Along with 24*7 CCTV surveillance, multiple processes are followed for any external visitors in the school.  A permission slip is provided to grant access only up to the school's reception area; beyond that point, no outsider is permitted. Moreover, we meticulously record instances of students arriving late and take appropriate measures to prevent any recurrence. Regular fire safety drills and educational sessions are conducted to familiarise students with safety procedures. Hiranandani Upscale School is going to organise an awareness campaign for their faculties and students to sensitise them about the community. This session aims to cultivate a culture of inclusion among students, teaching them the importance of respecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and upholding the principle of equality for all.

What initiatives does the school undertake to promote environmental sustainability and awareness?

Our student council is responsible for such initiatives of which students will be a part. The student council has a dedicated member who plays the role of environment secretary, who looks after initiating activities that create awareness about the environment, sustainability, global warming, etc. We had a whole school competition, from February 12 to 15, 2024, where the students of grades 6 to 12 made educational posters depicting the theme of Black History, out of waste materials, emphasising the need to recycle and reuse waste materials. This is one way of making students understand the importance of recycling, reusing and creativity.

We also have experts coming and delivering guest lectures on various topics to the students, like environmental issues, technological aspects and many more. There is a component of CAS in our diploma programme, which stands for Creativity Activity and Service. When it comes to service, we are involved in a lot of drives, one of which is the plantation drive. Last year we planted around 200 new saplings in the garden behind the school. As a part of this service initiative, we undertake teaching underprivileged children subjects like art, math, English, etc. Similarly, we support differently-abled children through fundraising events organised by our students at school. As part of his project, a student from grade 10 organised a competition for differently abled children at our school, awarding them with prizes and certificates of achievement.

We also have a vibrant PTA where parents significantly contribute to the school's growth. By giving their positive and negative input, they help us grow further.