In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, integrating technology and developing critical thinking is crucial. To gain insights into these critical areas, we are pleased to present an interview with Ms. Aprajita Ralli, Principal, Secondary School, Sreenidhi International School, Hyderabad. Ms. Ralli shares insights on how the school prepares students for future careers and the importance of innovative educational practices.
Q. How does your school integrate AI and technology into its curriculum to enhance the learning experience for students? What is the importance of this?
Sreenidhi International School is deeply committed to engaging students and teachers in integrating AI and technology into its curriculum, significantly enhancing the learning experience. Personalized educational content tailored to individual learning styles improves engagement and outcomes. The school employs learning analytics through tools like Google Classroom to monitor performance and make data-driven decisions. Virtual and augmented reality technologies, such as Google Expeditions and Labster, create immersive learning environments. The head of the Design department trains teachers to develop AI-related skills while coding and robotics programs using Scratch, Tynker, and LEGO Mindstorms foster early computational thinking. AI-powered assessment systems like Gradescope and Turnitin streamline grading and feedback.
These integrations prepare students for a technology-driven future, making learning interactive and engaging, improving outcomes through personalized approaches, and developing essential 21st-century skills. Examples include AI-powered math tutors and flipped classrooms using Khan Academy. This academic year, we move into our own Makerspace with 3D printers and other technology tools.
We are associated with teacher and student training workshops with T Works, a Telangana state initiative. Our teachers are getting Apple-trained, and we have opted to become an Apple school, with parents onboarded in this process. Our teaching is closely aligned with the school’s definition of high-quality learning, which enables all students to be engaged and challenged, to gain access to the curriculum, and to succeed in their learning. Our strong social media presence keeps us connected through technological means.
Q. Can you discuss the importance of STEM education at your school and how it is being implemented to prepare students for future careers?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at Sreenidhi International School is vital for preparing students for future careers in a technology-driven world, especially since most of our students aspire to enter these fields. We prioritize STEM through hands-on learning in science, such as science fairs, coding and robotics programs, and project-based learning to ensure students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills. Our students participate in STEM competitions, and since 2016, a contingent has attended the prestigious NUS (National University of Singapore) SISC science camp.
We also have our own Sreenidhi Science and Technology University, where students collaborate with industry experts. The use of AI and technology platforms further enhances learning.
Q. How does your school prepare students for future job readiness, considering the rapidly changing job market and technological advancements?
At Sreenidhi International School, preparing students for future careers is crucial. Our programs align with International Baccalaureate (IB) standards, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education and future careers. We implement STEM through hands-on learning experiences such as 3D printing projects, environmental science initiatives, and tech integration in classrooms. This comprehensive approach equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in a rapidly evolving world.
A prime example is our Spark Program, which emphasises empowerment and innovation. This program allows students to explore projects they are passionate about, providing a platform for real-world applications. During our Spark exhibition, students showcased their projects, which included:
- Health and Well-being
- Futuristic Technology and Robotics
- Nutrition
- Automation
- Sports
- Architecture
- Sustainable Fashion
- Arcade Games
- Bake Sales, and more
These projects demonstrate how our students dedicate time to pursuits that expand their learning and prepare them for future challenges and opportunities. Our Head of the Design Department aptly states, “Watching them grow, innovate, and challenge the status quo is what makes teaching at Sreenidhi an absolute privilege!” Leading my team and the students under the able guidance of our dynamic HoS is my honour and pride.
Q. What initiatives or programs does your school offer to encourage students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the future workforce?
At Sreenidhi School, the practice of teaching and learning is designed to encourage and enable critical thinking in students, in line with the IB’s vision and mission. We aim to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Teachers regularly provide students with thought-provoking questions and scenarios related to current events, social issues, or academic concepts. Students are encouraged to ask their own questions, explore different perspectives, and seek evidence to support their ideas. They actively share their ideas and lead events like the MUN or the annual Fiesta, which are completely student-led.
Students’ autonomy and agency are visible even through academic interactions. Instead of traditional lectures, Sreenidhi School incorporates a variety of active learning strategies. Students engage in case studies, group discussions, and problem-solving tasks that require them to analyze, synthesize, and apply the information they’ve learned. Students frequently present their ideas, defend their arguments, and actively listen to their peers, developing their communication skills and engaging in constructive dialogue.
Last year, we had a Shark Tank pitch led by the students running the Entrepreneurship Club, which was extremely well received by the faculty, students, parents, and experts who judged the event. This year, there is a proposal to initiate Entrepreneurship as a subject at the MYP 4 level. Keeping in view modern-day trends, we have applied for the Career-related Program and are happy to announce that the proposal has been approved, and we are a candidate school for the IBCP moving forward.
Students are challenged with complex problems and real-world issues, applying their subject knowledge to find solutions. The students study the Sustainable Development Goals from Grades 5 to 12 and engage in projects that assess their learning and problem-identifying and solving skills. They think globally and act locally, breaking down problems, identifying key issues, and developing multiple solutions employing the SDGs, thereby fostering their analytical and problem-solving abilities.
As with all IB teaching, teachers provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning process, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement. This encourages students to take an active role in their own learning and development. The curriculum at Sreenidhi School exposes students to different cultural, social, and academic perspectives, helping them recognize biases, consider alternative viewpoints, and develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Of course, teachers offer timely and constructive feedback on students’ work, encouraging them to learn from their mistakes and continuously improve their critical thinking abilities. They also provide coaching and guidance to help students reach their full potential, helping students understand the relevance and practical applications of their learning.
Guided by our Head of School, Mr. Malcolm, we regularly emphasize the importance of effort, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Students are encouraged to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to be avoided. We are all encouraged to always demonstrate a growth mindset. While we have the positive “together we can do it” approach, we also accept our falls, own our mistakes, rectify them, and move on to be the best versions of ourselves.
Q. What strategies does your school employ to ensure effective career counselling for students, helping them make informed decisions about their futures?
Sreenidhi International School ensures effective career counselling through a variety of strategies tailored to students’ individual needs. We have a comprehensive college advisory team that engages in one-on-one counselling sessions to provide personalized guidance on career paths, such as advising a student interested in medicine on courses, extracurricular activities, and job shadowing opportunities. Regular workshops and seminars, like a session on “Emerging Careers in Technology,” help students understand industry trends and required skills. University visits and college fairs expose students to higher education options, allowing them to interact with international admissions officers to learn about scholarships and application tips.
The school has also recently leveraged its alumni network for mentorship, connecting students with professionals in their fields of interest, such as finance alumni advising on internships and networking. Career assessments and aptitude tests identify students’ strengths and offer targeted advice, such as suggesting engineering or data science for those strong in analytical thinking. Internships, like journalism students working at local newspapers, provide practical experience. Comprehensive resources, including career guides and college brochures, ensure students have the necessary information to make informed decisions. This holistic approach prepares students for successful academic and professional careers.
We have had an excellent university lineup this year, with our students landing admissions at top universities like Stanford, Warwick, Ashoka, Leeds, Purdue, and more. As a NEASC/CIS accredited IB Continuum school, we cater to the needs of the market and new-age scenarios by offering the Career Program, the irregular diploma, the course program, and the High School Diploma. This allows us to differentiate students’ needs and life aspirations, enabling them to follow their passions and professional choices.
Ms. Aprajita Ralli is a Secondary School Principal with a wealth of expertise in education. As an IB Examiner, NEASC visitor, and Educational Change Leader/Trainer, she brings a dynamic approach to instructional and curriculum design. A passionate wellness coach and mentor to both students and teachers, Ms. Ralli is also a Teach SDG Ambassador and Tech Integrationist, dedicated to fostering holistic development and technological integration in education.