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Choithram School

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Choithram School
Context
Nestled in Indore and affiliated with India's national board, Choithram School has been a beacon of holistic education since 1972. Our vibrant community of 2,920 students, studying from Nursery to Grade 12, reflects a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and economic diversity. With immense focus on problem-based learning, interdisciplinary approach, activity-based learning, art integration, peer and group learning, teaching-learning process stressing on behavioural aspects, the students are provided with experiential learning to face real-world challenges. Global citizenship programme is the hallmark of the school and is integrated through collaborative projects with international partner schools, student and teacher exchange programmes, intercultural learning curriculum and a focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Our TED-Ed Club and annual TEDx event further amplify our global engagement. The school has been part of various programmes of core skills run by the British Council.
Overall impact
Through the Skills Builder Programme, our teachers were provided with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to effectively develop the eight essential skills in our students. The programme empowered our students from Nursery to Grade 12 by creating opportunities for them to learn, practice, and apply these skills in real-life situations. Students were able to see their progress and evaluate themselves through the Skills Passport. All lesson plans and extracurricular activities were designed with these essential skills in mind, ensuring that our students had ample opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities. Teachers utilized the Skills Builder Hub to enhance their teaching of these skills while parents were encouraged to visit the Homezone platform of Skills Builder and explore the wide range of skill-building challenges with their children to reinforce the skills taught at school. As a result, we observed a significant improvement in students' confidence and ability to tackle complex problems. The programme also fostered a collaborative learning environment, strengthening the relationship between students, teachers, and parents.
Keep it simple
The language of essential skills permeated every corner of school life. Our Skills Education Policy clearly outlined the rationale behind the each of the eight essential skills of the Skills Builder Programme. Regular letters to parents, parent meetings, and staff meetings all emphasized the importance of these essential skills. To celebrate student achievements, we used skill tokens for Montessori to Grade 6 and awarded certificates to students from Montessori to Grade 12. Classrooms proudly displayed skill banners, and skill standees greeted visitors at the reception areas of the Montessori, Junior, and Senior School. Student-led assemblies, both in Junior and Senior School, provided a vibrant platform to showcase their understanding and progress. Innovative steps were taken to engage the wider community, introducing visitors and alumni to the skills and gathering their feedback on the utility of these skills. Voices from students, teachers, and parents affirmed that these essential skills are deeply embedded in our school culture, making a clear and positive impact on everyone involved.
Start early, keep going
The Skills Builder Programme was seamlessly integrated into the entire school, from Nursery to Grade 12. All lesson plans of every subject and class were aligned with the Universal Framework, ensuring students had ample opportunities to practice these essential skills. Our lesson plans in Performing Arts (dance, vocal, and instrumental music), Visual Arts (art, craft, clay modeling), Physical Education, and a variety of clubs viz., Eco Club, Community Service Club, Health and Wellness Club, Literature and Drama Club, Photography Club, Scouts and Guides, Vocational Club, and TEDED Club were designed to cultivate the eight essential skills. Students of all ages discovered the relevance and usefulness of these skills in their daily lives, making the Skills Builder Programme an integral part of their educational journey. The teachers embraced this programme wholeheartedly, noting a marked improvement in student engagement and skill application.
Measure it
Teachers gained a balanced understanding of students' strengths and weaknesses through various forms of assessment. Regular formative assessments prioritized the teaching of essential skills, and the Skills Builder Hub report indicated that all teachers consistently evaluated these skills. Skill passports, used by students from Grade 4 to Grade 11, facilitated students' self-reflection and personal growth. This comprehensive approach ensured clear student progress, enabling personalized support and targeted development. Peer assessments and feedback sessions further enriched the learning experience, helping students recognize and build on their strengths.
Focus tightly
A dedicated timetable was designed to teach essential skills using the Skills Builder Hub across Montessori, Junior, and Senior Schools. This timetable ensured that teachers knew exactly which skill they were focusing on and for how long, providing a structured yet dynamic approach. Skill lesson plans showed that this is differentiated and pitched to the right level. Students found these lessons highly engaging, with their photographs and reflective videos showcasing the programme's remarkable impact. Students further provided written feedback on the skills taught, offering valuable insights. The Hub report highlighted that 2,162 short lessons were downloaded by teachers, exemplifying the widespread adoption of the programme.
Keep practising
At Choithram School, we seized every opportunity to cultivate and reinforce essential skills. By integrating these skills into lesson plans, we ensured that students regularly practiced them in various contexts. Students were encouraged to reflect on their progress, recognizing the transferable nature of these vital skills. For instance, our participation in the Topical Talk Festival, organized by the UK-based Economist Educational Foundation, allowed Grade 9 to 12 students to hone their speaking, listening, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Our school proudly secured the top spot in Asia. Furthermore, our Global Skills Leader was interviewed by the Teacher Engagement and Development Lead from The Economist Educational Foundation, highlighting how essential skills of the Skill Builder Programme supported students in Topical Talk activities. Our diverse clubs provided ample opportunities to practice these skills. Incorporating essential skills into the Performing Arts (dance, vocal music, and instrumental music) and Visual Arts (art, craft, and clay modeling) and Physical Education, we provided students with a wealth of opportunities to practice and excel in these crucial areas.
Bring it to life
At Choithram School, students thrive on hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom, honing essential skills in real-world settings. Our Grade 9 to 12 students independently organized a three-day event called 'Innoverse', featuring an E-summit, Tech Fest, and exhibition, with 22 schools participating in 10 student-curated events. Students in Grades 10 to 12 launched a business enterprise 'Good Earth' under the Teach A Man To Fish initiative, hosting fundraising events and using the profits for philanthropic endeavours, all while developing essential skills. Montessori students showcased their skills through performances at their graduation ceremony. Students in Grades 3 to 5 demonstrated their prowess during the Science and Computer exhibition by creating working models, conducting experiments, and confidently explaining their projects to visitors. Our student exchange programme with a school in Vietnam enabled Grade 9 to 12 students to participate in projects focused on culture and adolescent mental health, further refining their skills. The Skills Builder Challenge Day provided an engaging platform for Grades 3 to 5 students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting, working on real-world projects and developing all eight essential skills in a dynamic and interactive way.
What's next
At Choithram School, skills development is our top priority, and we are committed to continuously enhancing this focus. Every lesson plan for every class and subject integrates essential skills, ensuring our students receive a well-rounded education. As part of the School Innovation Council under the aegis of Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell, we foster a culture of innovation, ideation, creativity, design thinking, and entrepreneurship. This initiative encourages out-of-the-box thinking amongst students, aligning with the visionary goals of the National Education Policy 2020. Looking ahead, Choithram School will mentor three other schools and two colleges within the Choithram Education Service Unit to achieve the Gold Award of the Skills Builder Programme in the 2024-25 session, extending our commitment to excellence in skills development.
India