Smart Campus For The Nextgen Leaders

Global Indian International School (GIIS) is ushering next-generation learning by launching SMART campus. SMART Campus is one of the most technologically advanced campuses in Asia offering multiple curricula coupled with 9GEMSTM model of value-based learning beyond academics. Atul Temurnikar, Chairman and Co-Founder, Global Schools Foundation talks about the initiative with Priya Saraf of BW Education. Excerpts:

How do you make your classroom relevant for the new-aged students?

We all know that in this day and age, students are digital natives. They are born with the knowledge to use gadgets. So schools have to adapt to the changing times. At the SMART Campus places a premium on catering to the learning needs of young ‘digital natives’ and equipping them with the skills required for the 21st-century workplace and become NextGen leaders. Every classroom on the campus combines world-class infrastructure with advanced technology to facilitate critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity among students. 

Some key features of the SMART Campus include the following: 

• 92 SMART classrooms equipped with 180 interactive touch-screen displays to stream videos, display student work, and act at SMART boards

• 50 flipped classrooms that encourages discussion, brainstorming and collaborative learning with students of other neighbouring classrooms

• Student and teacher iPads preloaded with authorised education applications that facilitate a more collaborative digital learning experience.

The whole idea is to provide students with the right tools which can be used for interaction, collaboration and communication with experts around the world so that they can be creative and innovative in their approach to learning.

What do Indian students look for when they go abroad?

As with all students, Indian students and parents look for educational institutions offering a high standard of education. They want learning opportunities that open doors to reputed tertiary educational institutions whether in India or overseas. 

Relocation, whilst opens the door for better opportunities, can be a stressful process for both parents and students who seek reassurance in terms of the quality and continuity of education. A new environment comes with a new set of concerns about learning disruptions, inability to integrate, differing curricula, amongst others. Students often times depend on their school to provide the necessary guidance and support to help them cope with this change. 

GIIS takes into account these considerations when formulating its admission programme to ensure a smooth transition for students. Through the implementation of flexible admission periods, consistent teaching and learning standards across all campuses, and the provision of multiple curricula (IB, IGCSE, GMP, CBSE), GIIS continues to place a strong focus on minimising the inconvenience for Indian students moving abroad. More specifically the option of multiple curricula allows Indian students moving from India or other countries a smooth transition with minimal disruption to their education. GIIS also offers a learning environment based on strong Indian values and culture while offering opportunities for students to assimilate into the local culture. It also provides a safe learning environment and a great connection to universities through their university connect programme to help students achieve the right passage for future studies.

As the co-founder, what are your goals for GIIS for the next 2-3 years?

Our vision is to become the most innovative school in the world with the largest SMART Campus consisting of 200 SMART classrooms. On the whole, GIIS will be true to its vision of providing the best, 21st-century education and learning environment to as many students as possible. In this context, GIIS is expanding its footprint in the world, with the commencement of operations in 3 more campuses in India.

What makes GIIS a disruptor in the education space?

We offer a premium-quality education that combines modern teaching – enabled by frontier technology – with the holistic 9GEMSTM framework at a moderate fee point which is almost 50% lower than other international schools. Our strong emphasis is on striking a balance between academics and skills-based education to help students develop competencies beyond the curriculum. 

At the SMART campus, students have access to 42 dedicated studios such as Robotics, Radio/TV, Culinary, Speech and Drama, Yoga, and Graphics Design, etc., that will help them hone creative skills and pursue various interests. Students can also participate in Entrepreneurship and Leadership Bootcamp programmes which serve to develop important real-life skills and enrich students’ personal development.

What are GIIS’ plans for India and abroad?

GIIS intends to launch three new SMART campuses in India in 2019 in Balewadi, Hadapsar and Banerghatta, and over the next three years in Amaravati and Nagpur. GIIS continues to explore new locations to build SMART campuses for the benefit of students all around the world.

Can you share more on the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Universal Values (MGCUV)?

The Global Indian Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Universal Values (MGCUV) was launched in 2006 with the intention of introducing Gandhian values to our student community to instil strong virtues in them. The Gandhi centre as it is called, broadly covers areas like Community Integration, Peace Initiatives and Green Curriculum – meant to teach students the importance of service, peaceful existence and being caring global citizens.

Can you provide more information on the scholarships which GIIS offers to students?

Introduced in 2008, GIIS scholarships have been offered to outstanding students in different categories from Grade 1 to 12 each year. The categories vary from academia to sports to merit-cum-means. Every year, the scholarship programme attracts applications from hundreds of high-scoring students for entry into the IB Diploma, IGCSE or CBSE programme.

The Scholarship Programme 2019 includes: 

• Mahatma Gandhi Universal Values Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship: On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi, the Foundation has announced this visionary scholarship aimed at providing financial assistance to deserving students from moderate-income families to help them in their educational journey. 

• Global Future Skills Scholarship: This highly coveted scholarship is awarded to students of merit and distinction who exhibit qualities that are highly promising as a leader and global citizen of tomorrow. It recognises outstanding talents by providing a concession in course fees. 

• Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarship: This scholarship recognises the outstanding talents of students by providing a concession in course fees.