‘Our core values of respect, integrity, curiosity, and resilience are woven into every aspect of our school environment.’

Delhi International School, Sector 23, Dwarka, Delhi.

Q. What is the school’s philosophy and mission, and how do you ensure it is built into the environment of the school to ensure holistic education?

Students at the library.

At Delhi International School, Dwarka, Sector 23, our philosophy and mission are centred on excellence in education and the holistic development of our students, encapsulated in our motto of ‘creating global heads with hearts’. We aim to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of every student, fostering a lifelong love for learning within a supportive and inclusive community. Our core values of respect, integrity, curiosity, and resilience are woven into every aspect of our school environment.

Our mission statement outlines our goals and objectives, which include:

• Providing a comprehensive and balanced education that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.
• Encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Promoting social responsibility, ethical behaviour, and global awareness.
• Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and individual differences.

To achieve these goals, we have implemented several key strategies:

• Curriculum Design: We employ ‘Active Learning Strategies’ to make learning engaging and immersive, empowering students to take charge of their own education. Techniques such as ‘Know, Want-to-know, and Learned’ (KWL), Round Robin, Snowballing, Jigsaw, group discussions, and exit slips facilitate active participation and deeper understanding. Our inter-subject curriculum integrates topics across various subjects, enhancing the interconnectedness of knowledge. For instance, a project-based learning module might explore a historical event through literature, science, and art.
• Fostering a Safe and Supportive Environment: The safety, well-being, and dignity of every community member are paramount. We cultivate a respectful and inclusive atmosphere where diversity is celebrated. Group projects, peer tutoring, and collaborative problem-solving tasks are encouraged to build teamwork and communication skills, ensuring that every individual feels valued and secure.
• Promoting Continuous Improvement: We embrace a culture of continuous improvement, seeking feedback from all stakeholders to refine our programs and processes. Support classes help bridge learning gaps, respecting each child’s unique learning pace. Additionally, continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers ensures they are equipped to meet the diverse needs of our students.
• Working in Partnership with Parents and Guardians: Recognizing the crucial role of parents and guardians, we actively involve them in their child’s educational journey, welcoming their collaboration and feedback. This partnership creates a family-like environment where celebrations and achievements are shared together.
• Embracing Ethical and Responsible Behavior: Integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct are fundamental values we uphold. We instil these principles in our students and model them through our own actions.
• Contributing to the Community: We encourage our students to make a positive impact on society through service-learning initiatives and community partnerships. This commitment fosters a sense of responsibility and civic duty.

Through these comprehensive strategies, we ensure that our philosophy and mission are deeply embedded in the school environment, providing a holistic education that prepares students to navigate and excel in the complexities of contemporary society.

Q. Can you discuss the importance of STEM/STEAM education at your school and how it is being implemented?

Mr. Anand Kumar, founder of Super 30, conducting a session on Mathematics Tips and Tricks.

At Delhi International School, Dwarka, Sector 23 (DIS-23), we believe that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and STEAM (adding Art to STEM) education are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. They prepare students for future careers, enhance critical thinking, foster creativity, and ensure students are equipped with skills essential for the 21st century.

Integrated Curriculum: We implement an integrated curriculum through thematic units or projects that require students to apply knowledge from multiple disciplines. For example, recently, our grade VIII students designed and built a model of a sustainable city. This project involved understanding environmental science, engineering principles, mathematical calculations, technological tools for design, and artistic skills for aesthetics.

STEM/STEAM Programmes: We offer a variety of STEM/STEAM programmes and learning opportunities through various clubs such as Robotics, Coding, and Science fairs. We also organize visits, excursions, TED talks, and art workshops. For instance, Padmashree Anand Kumar, founder of Super 30, conducted a session on Mathematics Tips and Tricks, sharing anecdotes and effective strategies for excelling in Math.

Internships for Students: We collaborate with universities, colleges, and institutions to provide real-world experiences and mentorship for our students. For example, our students in grades XI and XII participated in an internship at Fortis Hospital, where they gained a deeper understanding of healthcare processes.

By integrating these initiatives into our curriculum, we ensure that our students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and experiences that prepare them for future challenges.

Q. How do you prioritize and support student well-being and mental health in the school?

A ‘Talk Over Tea’ session in progress.

At DIS-23, we prioritize student well-being and mental health by providing a safe and secure environment where children can learn in a nontoxic and encouraging atmosphere. All staff members are dedicated to ensuring the mental well-being and health of our students.

To support this, we conduct regular sessions on mental well-being and stress management not only for the students but also for the staff. Our school follows a philosophy of listening to and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders, thereby fostering a positive and supportive environment. For example, we hold “Talk over Tea” sessions, which serve as open forums for parents and teachers to discuss matters and collectively find solutions that benefit our students. This collaborative approach ensures a positive, stress-free environment because we understand that health matters.

Q. What strategies does your school employ to ensure effective career counselling for students, helping them make informed decisions about their futures?

Students attend an internship session.

At DIS-23, we employ a range of strategies to ensure effective career counselling for our students, helping them make informed decisions about their futures. We organize internships and job shadowing on a regular basis to provide our students with real-life experiences. Recently, our students had the opportunity to intern with Fortis Hospital in Noida, gaining a better understanding of the healthcare field. Additionally, we host regular workshops and seminars where professionals from various industries are invited to give TED talks about their careers. These sessions provide students with valuable insights into different professions and the skills required for each.

Career fairs are another regular feature at DIS-23. These events bring representatives from universities, vocational schools, and various industries to our school, allowing students to gather information, ask questions, and explore different educational and career options in one place.

Q. What values are essential for creating a positive and inclusive school culture, and how do you foster a sense of community among students, parents, and staff?

Students attend a counselling session.

Creating a positive and inclusive school culture hinges on several core values and strategic actions. At DIS-23, we emphasize mutual respect among students, staff, and parents, promoting empathy, equity, and inclusion. We foster a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback from all stakeholders and using it to enhance our programs, services, and processes.

To address individual learning needs, we provide support classes that bridge learning gaps, respecting that each child learns at their own pace. We also encourage continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers, enhancing their skills to better cater to our learners’ needs.

Teamwork and collaboration are vital to our progressive school environment. We uphold the belief that “where a team works, dream works,” reflected in our strong Parent-Teacher Association. By celebrating festivals and achievements together, we reinforce a sense of community and belonging, making DIS-23 a cohesive and supportive family.

Q. How do you envision the school’s future initiatives for the holistic development of students?

A ‘Talk Over Tea’ session in progress.

Envisioning future initiatives for the holistic development of students involves creating a balanced approach that integrates academic excellence, social-emotional learning (SEL), physical well-being, and ethical development. We will continue implementing structured SEL curriculums that teach skills like empathy, resilience, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

Our focus will remain on promoting mental and physical well-being alongside imparting digital literacy and other essential 21st-century skills. We plan to tailor educational plans, actively seek and accept feedback, and continually improve our practices, adhering to the principle of “making our best better each day.” This approach will guide the future initiatives of DIS-23.

The staff and students with Mr. Anand Kumar, Founder of Super 30.