Nurturing Future Leaders: Modern High School International's Innovative Approach To Education

Through a multi-curricular framework, Modern High School International, Kolkata, balances IB and IGCSE with the traditional CBSE Board curriculum, fostering critical thinking and ethical AI usage. Moreover, the school prioritises student well-being, mental health support and ensuring students excel academically and emotionally.

As the Principal of Modern High School International, how do you perceive the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the International Baccalaureate (IB) and IGCSE curriculum compared to the traditional CBSE Board curriculum?

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the teaching and learning environment of schools involved in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and IGCSE curriculum is a progressive initiative aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for the future. 

The IBDP and IGCSE curricula prioritise critical thinking, concept-based learning and practical application, aligning effectively with the skills required to understand and engage with AI technologies. On the other hand, the traditional CBSE Board curriculum tends to focus more on content, potentially failing to adequately prepare students for the challenges and opportunities brought about by the Digital Age. 

Schools should ensure that students understand how to use AI tools to enhance their ability to grasp concepts better. Students must responsibly use AI to enhance their skills in digital literacy and problem-solving to adapt to the needs of a changing world thereby evolving as change agents of the future.

What are the advantages and challenges of offering both the IB and traditional board exams within the same institution and how does Modern High School International navigate these complexities?

We are two different institutions under the same trust; Modern High School for Girls offers the ICSE and the ISC courses while Modern High School International offers the IGCSE and the IBDP curricula. As a school, we understand how the approaches to the teaching and learning of both curricula are different. Therefore, we ensure that each school has a different set of teachers trained and equipped to teach the respective curricula. The teacher selection process in both schools is rigorous and selective; the focus being on finding the best fit in terms of experience and training. Having said that both schools share resources and spaces and students of both schools benefit from various types of collaborative activities that are planned together. 

How does Modern High School International balance the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IGBCE curriculum alongside the CBSE Board curriculum and what advantages does this multi-curricular approach offer students?

Modern High School International implements a multifarious educational approach by integrating the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IGCSE curriculum and an integrated middle school curriculum drawing upon the best practices of the Cambridge Lower Secondary and the IB MYP curricula. 

This comprehensive strategy assures that students receive a holistic learning experience with a strong foundation in core subjects in middle school with an emphasis on critical thinking and aimed at nurturing a global perspective. This multi-curricular approach empowers students with a broad spectrum of educational experiences, nurturing their personal growth and preparing them for global citizenship.

How do the assessment methods used in the IB and IGCSE curricula differ from those of the CBSE Board curriculum?

The assessment methods utilised in the IB and IGCSE curricula significantly differ from those in the CBSE Board curriculum. They offer a combination of internal and external assessments, encompassing essays, oral presentations, practical demonstrations and research projects. 

These assessment methods are created to gauge the comprehension, critical thinking abilities and communication skills of students. On the other hand, the CBSE Board curriculum primarily relies on written examinations as the primary mode of assessment, emphasising rote learning and memorisation. 

Moreover, the assessment methods utilised by the IB and IGCSE curricula nurture creativity and independent thinking, allowing students to navigate the complexities of their professional and personal lives.

Do you believe the IB and IGCSE curricula better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in comparison to the CBSE curriculum? If yes, then in what ways?

The IB and IGCSE curricula are more effective than the CBSE curriculum in equipping students for the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Their focus on critical thinking, concept-based learning and practical application delivers students with critical skills for utilising AI technologies. 

They also prioritise inquiry, creativity and problem-solving, facilitating students to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. 

What strategies does your school employ to foster critical thinking and ethical considerations related to AI technology among students following the IB and IGCSE curricula?

Research skills are honed amongst students even when they are in middle school; from a very young age they are taught about academic honesty, they are taught to respect the intellectual property of others ensuring that someone else’s work is never passed off as their own, understanding how to prevent plagiarism is critical to this process. As a school, we also use plagiarism checks such as software like Turnitin to ensure academic integrity.

How does the school integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into the IB and IGCSE Board curricula and how does this approach differ from the practices commonly seen in CBSE Board schools?

The school gives the space for every student to be themselves. Student wellbeing is of prime importance and the school conducts wellbeing initiatives, pastoral care counseling and other support programmes to ensure that no child is left behind. The school has also introduced well-being surveys to understand the impact of its various activities and interventions. The mentorship programme for high school students also helps to ensure that students get the support that they need.

What strategies does your school employ to support students who are stressed over studying and preparing for exams, in terms of their mental health and well-being?

Modern High School International is committed to supporting students and significantly emphasises their mental health and overall well-being. The school offers access to counselling services, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, promotes a healthy balance between academic work and personal life and fosters a supportive and inclusive school environment.

In addition, the school offers stress management resources, furnishing students with the tools to effectively manage academic pressures while prioritising their overall well-being.

How do the IB and IGCSE frameworks facilitate the development of interpersonal skills, empathy and resilience among students?

The IB and IGCSE frameworks play a vital role in fostering interpersonal skills, empathy and resilience among students. Both curricula promote inquiry-based learning, collaboration and practical application of knowledge, allowing students to enhance their communication skills, teamwork and compassion. 

The IB Learner Profile, in this regard, underscores characteristics such as open-mindedness, empathy and resilience, actively shaping the personal and social growth of students.

Also, the IB and IGCSE frameworks ensure the holistic development of students through hands-on learning experiences and community service initiatives so that they can thrive in their respective fields.