In modern education, cultivating values, skills, and holistic learning is crucial for nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a rapidly changing world. In this insightful interview, Dr. Jay Kumar Singh, Director, The Shri Ram Universal School, Greater Noida (West), U.P., sheds light on these important aspects of his school’s educational philosophy. Dr. Singh discusses the integration of core values into daily interactions, strategies to align learning goals with evolving societal needs, the culture of mentorship among faculty, promotion of critical thinking and experiential learning through technology. He also talks about initiatives fostering a holistic learning environment, ensuring students are equipped with essential 21st-century skills, and addressing challenges in maintaining the school’s commitment to excellence in education. Let’s dive into this enriching conversation!
The Shri Ram Universal School, Greater Noida (West), U.P.
Q. What are the core values of Shri Ram Universal School and how are these integrated into the daily interactions within the school community?
The core values of The Shri Ram Universal School are Integrity, Sensitivity, Pursuit of Excellence, Pride in One’s Own Heritage, and Respect. We integrate these values into our daily interactions in several ways. For instance, we foster Integrity through transparent communication among teachers, students, and parents, which you can see in our regular parent-teacher meetings. Sensitivity is something we really focus on during “Circle Time” and through our inclusive education practices aligned with the Right to Education, promoting acceptance and tolerance. The Pursuit of Excellence shines through in our efforts to maintain a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and in various Shri Differentiators like Wonder Time and Circle Time, which encourage continuous intellectual and creative growth. We instil ‘Pride in One’s Own Heritage’ through cultural programs like “Mad About Heritage” and SPICMACAY, celebrating India’s rich cultural fabric. Even something as simple as using ‘Namaste’ as our greeting helps instil this value. And, of course, Respect is promoted by encouraging respectful behaviour towards everyone, regardless of age or role. These values are woven into our daily routines, creating a holistic and value-driven educational experience.
Students at the school.
Q. Could you elaborate on the specific strategies employed by your faculty to align learning goals with the evolving needs of modern society?
Our faculty at The Shri Ram Universal School employs some really progressive practices like “Wonder Time,” “Circle Time,” and “DEAR” (Drop Everything And Read) to ensure our learning goals keep up with modern society’s needs. For example, during “Circle Time,” we focus on social-emotional learning and tolerance by encouraging students to share their thoughts and listen to others, which fosters a supportive and understanding classroom environment. “DEED” (Debate, Elocution, Extempore, and Drama) is another great strategy that enhances critical thinking and communication skills, preparing students for contemporary challenges through public speaking and analytical discussions. We also emphasize experiential learning activities, project-based assignments, and integrating technology into our lessons. This approach ensures our students develop essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy, which are crucial in today’s fast-changing world.
Investiture ceremony at the school.
Q. In what ways does Shri Ram Universal School foster a culture of mentorship among its faculty, and how does this contribute to the overall educational experience of students?
At The Shri Ram Universal School, we really emphasize a culture of mentorship. We maintain a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and hold regular “Coffee Mornings” for our teachers to collaborate and develop professionally. This means teachers can provide personalized support to each student, addressing their individual needs and fostering a nurturing learning environment. The “Coffee Mornings” are great for teachers to share best practices, discuss challenges, and come up with innovative teaching strategies together. This mentorship culture not only supports teachers in their professional growth but also ensures that students benefit from tailored, effective teaching methods. It all contributes to a richer educational experience for everyone involved.
A Cultural Program at the school.
Q. Could you share examples of how your school promotes critical thinking and experiential learning, particularly through the use of technology?
We’re really big on promoting critical thinking and experiential learning through technology at The Shri Ram Universal School. For example, we use interactive digital tools and platforms as part of our curriculum. Our students engage in project-based learning using educational software that simulates real-world scenarios, which enhances their problem-solving skills. In science classes, we use virtual labs where students can conduct experiments safely and effectively, providing hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of complex concepts. Augmented reality apps are another tool we use, especially in subjects like history and geography, to bring lessons to life. These technological tools make learning more dynamic and help students develop critical analysis, creativity, and engagement.
Sports Day at the school.
Q. What initiatives has Shri Ram Universal School undertaken to create a holistic learning environment that supports the growth and development of both students and faculty?
We’ve taken several initiatives to create a holistic learning environment at The Shri Ram Universal School. For students, we balance our curriculum with 60% academics and 40% co-curricular subjects. This mix supports physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional growth. Our co-curricular activities include sports, arts, and various clubs, which encourage students to explore their interests and develop new skills. For our faculty, we have regular “Coffee Mornings” and professional development sessions that promote continuous learning and collaboration. We also have dedicated subject experts who ensure our teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. These initiatives ensure that both students and faculty thrive in a supportive, dynamic educational setting.
Students present a Play at the school.
Q. How does the school ensure that students are prepared with essential skills for success in the 21st century, and how do you measure the effectiveness of these preparations?
At The Shri Ram Universal School, we make sure our students are ready for the 21st century by incorporating technology, critical thinking, and collaborative learning into our curriculum. We use interactive digital tools, virtual labs, and augmented reality apps to enhance experiential learning and problem-solving abilities. Programs like “DEAR” (Drop Everything And Read) and “DEED” (Debate, Elocution, Extempore, and Drama) help develop communication, analytical, and creative skills, preparing students for contemporary challenges. Activities like ‘Wonder Time,’ ‘Discovery Hour,’ and ‘Circle Time’ also foster innovation, teamwork, and social-emotional learning.
We measure the effectiveness of these preparations through continuous assessments, student portfolios, and regular feedback from parents, students, and educators. We look at performance in collaborative projects, participation in school-wide events, and individual progress in critical thinking tasks to gauge how well our students are developing the necessary skills. By analyzing these outcomes, we can adjust and enhance our programs to ensure our students are consistently prepared for future success.
A Cultural Program presentation by the teachers and students.
Q. Can you discuss some of the challenges faced by the school in maintaining its commitment to excellence in education, and how does the leadership address these challenges?
Maintaining our commitment to excellence in education does come with its challenges at The Shri Ram Universal School. We have to constantly adapt to evolving educational standards, address diverse learning needs, and ensure teacher retention and professional development. To tackle these challenges, our leadership team implements proactive strategies. We regularly review our curriculum to align with best practices and offer tailored support for students through personalized learning plans. We also provide ongoing training and mentorship opportunities for our faculty. For instance, we conduct regular workshops on the latest pedagogical advancements and invest in technology infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Additionally, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among our staff, encouraging the sharing of ideas and best practices to overcome obstacles. Through these efforts, our leadership demonstrates a steadfast commitment to addressing challenges head-on while upholding our standards of excellence in education.
The Shri Ram Universal School, Greater Noida (West), U.P.
