‘Co-curricular activities nurture socio-emotional intelligence, fostering a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills in diverse contexts.’

- Insights from Dr. Vandna Shahi, Principal, BCM School, Ludhiana

by Subeditor1
In today’s educational landscape, striking a balance between academic excellence and holistic development is crucial, resonating deeply with educators, parents, and students alike. In this interview, Dr. Vandna Shahi, Principal, BCM School, Ludhiana, shares invaluable insights into how schools can effectively support students in navigating the dual realms of academic rigour and extracurricular pursuits. Dr. Shahi talks about a clear path towards nurturing well-rounded individuals can be taken. Let’s dive in!

‘Active Learning Serving Sustainable Solutions’

Q. How does your School support students in finding a balance between academic excellence and participating in extracurricular activities?

We espouse holistic educational ethos, seamlessly weaving co-curricular activities into the very fabric of our academic curriculum, as we do not consider them extracurricular. The activities are thoughtfully designed to enhance and complement students’ learning experiences, ensuring they remain engaged while making their learning visible in diverse and creative ways. Gone are the days of confining assignments to conventional formats;  students are now empowered with the freedom to express their comprehension through varied avenues such as poetry, jingles, musical compositions, visual arts or dynamic presentations, thereby aligning their academic tasks with their individual passions and proficiencies. We have instituted bespoke learning programmes tailored to individual aptitudes and requirements. Our array of clubs and evening sports sessions ensures inclusivity, with offerings diverse enough to resonate with every student. Moreover, structured time is allocated within the school week for extracurricular pursuits, with Saturdays dedicated to immersive club activities. This ensures students have ample opportunities for enrichment without extending their academic hours excessively. Additionally, we conduct stress management workshops, and teaching techniques like mindfulness and time management to help students maintain equilibrium. Through these multifaceted initiatives and unwavering support systems, our institution cultivates an environment where academic excellence seamlessly coalesces with active co-curricular engagement.

‘Creative Clubbing Unleashing Talents in a Supportive Environment’

Q. Does your School collaborate with parents to reinforce the importance of both academics and socio-emotional skills in students’ growth?

Absolutely, fostering collaborative engagement with parents is paramount in nurturing both academic excellence and socio-emotional resilience in our students. Through insightful parent talks and workshops led by seasoned school counsellors and distinguished experts, we address a spectrum of vital topics, from navigating exam anxiety to promoting holistic mental well-being. Our annual festivities extend warm invitations to parents, encouraging their active participation in captivating performances and skits, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment. Thorough parent orientation programmes acquaint families with our school’s ethos and curriculum. Regular parent-teacher conferences serve as vital forums for discussing academic progress and socio-emotional growth. These endeavours underscore our unwavering dedication to cultivating student success through robust collaboration with parents.

‘Parental Partnership – Powering Progress’

Q. How does your school encourage alumni involvement and maintain connections with its alumni community?

We diligently cultivate alumni engagement, fostering a vibrant ecosystem teeming with mentorship, networking and support through a multifaceted approach. Our exemplary endeavour, the Alumni Mentorship Programme, witnesses esteemed graduates generously volunteering their time to impart guidance and inspiration to current students navigating academic and career paths. Through this initiative, alumni graciously share insights, proffer career counsel and bestow invaluable life lessons, empowering current students to tread their paths with sagacity and assurance.

Recreational activities for alumni are also organized periodically which include social gatherings, sports events and cultural outings, providing opportunities for alumni to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Celebrating Founders Day on May 24th is a wonderful way to unite alumni around the world in celebration of their shared heritage and accomplishments. This global celebration not only reinforces the bonds between alumni but also serves as a reminder of the institution’s rich history and enduring legacy. Through these efforts, we forge a symbiotic relationship, wherein past luminaries continue to shape the future prosperity and legacy of our esteemed institution.

‘Community Connections – Caring through Outreach’

Q. Do you feel balanced focus on academics, extracurricular activities, and socio-emotional learning is important in education? If so, how do you ensure that these aspects are integrated effectively into students’ overall development?

A balanced focus on academics, co-curricular activities, and socio-emotional learning is not just desirable but imperative in education, facilitating the cultivation of well-rounded individuals. Expanding beyond the traditional cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains, competency-based education must embrace a wider spectrum of knowledge, values, capacities, and dispositions to foster holistic growth. This inclusive approach is essential for nurturing productive citizens adept at navigating society’s intricacies. Integration is pivotal, employing active collaborative methods such as experiential, project-based and research-based learning which ensures a comprehensive developmental journey. Moreover, community-connected learning programmes, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), instil a sense of responsibility towards societal issues through diverse activities like volunteering, fundraising and environmental initiatives. By seamlessly intertwining these elements, education evolves into a transformative force, equipping students with the requisite skills and mindset to flourish in this ever-evolving world.

‘Experiential Excellence Engaging Endeavours’

Q. What role do extracurricular activities play in promoting socio-emotional learning among students?

Co-curricular pursuits serve as fertile grounds for nurturing socio-emotional intelligence among students, accentuating a spectrum of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills within diverse and enriching contexts. Engaging in club activities such as art, music, drama or debate fosters self-expression, creativity, and empathic resonance. Through collaborative endeavours in these domains, students refine their communication and empathetic understanding.

Moreover, team sports instill values of collaboration, leadership and resilience, as students navigate the intricacies of collective endeavor, communication and triumph over adversity. Assembly programmes and Inter-house competitions further amplify opportunities for leadership, public speaking, and camaraderie, nurturing a culture of mutual support, organizational finesse and social responsibility. Inter-school engagements broaden horizons, fostering cross-cultural empathy, adaptability and appreciation for diversity. Collectively, these co-curricular avenues form a crucible wherein students forge enduring socio-emotional competencies vital for academic success and holistic personal development.

‘Planet Protectors Encouraging Eco-consciousness’

Q. Can you explain your understanding of Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) and how it fits into your School’s educational approach? Give examples

Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) fosters holistic development by nurturing essential skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, and responsible decision-making. Our ‘Road to Recovery’ programme supports struggling learners through personalized interventions, promoting resilience alongside academic progress. The Life Skills Education Programme, exemplified by initiatives like ‘School Cinema’, facilitates reflective discussions on pertinent social themes, encouraging informed choices. The ‘Buddy Programme’ provides peer support, while community outreach and our School Council promote SEL in real-world contexts and student leadership. Co-curricular activities, vocational education and diverse clubs further enrich SEL integration, fostering social, emotional and academic growth. This comprehensive approach ensures that every student thrives, laying a foundation for lifelong success.

‘Future Focussed Camps Crafting Competence’

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