Shaping Lifelong Learners

What is the pedagogical approach at your school that sets it apart from other established and new-age schools?

Our teaching and learning pedagogy at JBCN International School Chembur has been strategically designed to include a blend of progressive, innovative and creative approaches with traditional foundational skills. Dedicated sessions for Literacy and Numeracy allow our learners to develop a deep understanding of essential concepts such as phonics, multiplication facts, spelling, arithmetic and grammar. These are then paired with a learner centred, inquiry based, experiential approach, ensuring that our learners are not only developing a strong theoretical understanding of the concepts and content being taught, but also learning how to apply this understanding to real world situations. In essence, they are learning how to learn for themselves; analysing, debating, justifying, creating, innovating and problem solving.

How do you ensure holistic education for students?

We don’t just focus on the academic growth of our learners. We also place a huge emphasis on their personal development by providing opportunities for them to develop the skills, attitudes and mindset required to thrive and succeed now and in the future. This is done through our unique blend of Academic and iPROPEL/Co-Curricular programmes that still focus traditional academic subjects and rigour whilst also allowing every single learner to explore their artistic, athletic and expressive selves through subjects such as Visual Arts, PE/Sports, Music, Dance, Chess and Speech & Drama. These are all subjects that are compulsory for our learners across different grade levels.

How do you ensure that the teachers are in sync with your educational philosophy?

Along with qualification of the faculty, we look at an overall fitment of the facilitators. We carefully look for progressive, innovative and creative educators that not only have an in-depth knowledge of curriculum and content, but also a genuine passion for education and a drive to inspire and guide the next generation. We also have a robust goal setting, appraisal and professional development programme, allowing all of our faculty to create a clear path for themselves, learn from their peers, attend a variety of workshops and masterclasses and continuously look for ways to grow and learn. We want all of our learners to become lifelong learners, so we also ensure that our team has the same mindset.

How does the infrastructure support your vision for your students’ growth?

Dedicated learning spaces and resources are an essential part of our holistic, progressive and experiential approach that focuses on cerebral, athletic, artistic and expressive development. Whether it’s our flexible classrooms, furniture and display spaces, or our specialised learning areas such as the Self Expression Zone, Music Rooms, Play Arena, Discovery Zone, Innovation Lab and Sports Ground, all of our infrastructure plays a vital role in the development of every single one of our learners. 

Meha Mathur

BW Reporters The author works as Senior Associate Editor with BW Businessworld