‘We organize workshops and counselling sessions for both students and parents, developing a collaborative approach to balancing academics and extracurricular pursuits.’

- Insights on School Education from Mrs. Archana Shrivastava, Principal, East Point School, Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi

by Subeditor1

Understanding the importance of fostering socio-emotional learning (SEL) alongside academic and extracurricular pursuits is crucial for holistic student development. In this interview with Mrs. Archana Shrivastava, Principal, East Point School, Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi, we explore how SEL integrates essential skills like managing emotions, self-awareness, and empathy into the school’s educational framework. Mrs. Shrivastava discusses initiatives such as community programs, specialized training sessions, and inclusive curriculum design aimed at nurturing emotionally intelligent and socially competent individuals. Additionally, she emphasizes the role of extracurricular activities, parent collaboration, and alumni engagement in ensuring a balanced and enriching educational experience for students. Let’s dive in!

East Point School, Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi.

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

Socio-emotional learning (SEL) involves developing essential skills such as managing emotions, self-awareness, and fostering logical and rational thinking among students. These skills are crucial as they help create emotional well-being and social competence, forming the foundation for young learners’ overall development. SEL also includes self-management, decision-making, and building positive relationships. At our school, these practices are integrated through a variety of initiatives. For example, we conduct community awareness programs that involve both students and teachers, promoting a sense of social responsibility and empathy.

Additionally, we hold specialized training sessions led by expert trainers to equip our students and teachers with necessary socio-emotional skills. We also arrange sessions for underprivileged students, ensuring that SEL benefits are accessible to all, and promoting inclusivity. Our well-crafted curriculum incorporates activities specifically designed to promote these socio-emotional skills, ensuring a holistic educational approach. Through these initiatives, we aim to nurture emotionally intelligent and socially competent individuals.

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

Extracurricular activities, now termed co-curricular activities, are integral to developing socio-emotional skills among students. At East Point School, students gain exposure through various inter-school events, field trips, excursions, and nature walks. Engaging in designing tools and equipment for the underprivileged fosters empathy and social responsibility. Sports activities play a significant role in teaching students collaboration, teamwork, and respect for each other. Art and craft activities lead to self-expression, allowing students to explore and communicate their emotions creatively.

The ATL (Atal Tinkering Lab) activities promote critical thinking and innovation, encouraging students to think outside the box. Inclusive education, another key component, promotes equality and empathy, ensuring that all students feel valued and understood. Since these activities are embedded in the curriculum, students can balance academics and co-curricular engagements seamlessly. This integration ensures that socio-emotional learning is a continuous and natural part of their education.

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

At our school, we prioritize offering students a wide range of opportunities while maintaining a balance between academics and co-curricular activities. To achieve this, we provide flexible schedules that designate specific periods for activities and academic study. For instance, students have designated activity periods alongside their academic time to ensure neither is neglected.  We also offer input classes and additional support beyond school hours for students participating in various competitions. This helps them prepare thoroughly without compromising their academic performance. Parent involvement is crucial in supporting students.

We organize workshops and counselling sessions for both students and parents, fostering a collaborative approach to balancing academics and extracurricular pursuits. Innovative policies such as Bagless Day, Thursday Special, 100 Days, and Fun-Friday create additional opportunities for students to engage in activities. These initiatives ensure that students can explore and participate in various activities, thus striking a fine balance between academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.

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

At our school, we recognize parents as pivotal stakeholders in nurturing the holistic development of students. We actively collaborate with parents through various initiatives that emphasize the importance of both academics and socio-emotional skills:

  • Parent Connect Programmes: We invite parents as resource persons to interact with students based on their expertise. This interaction not only enriches students’ learning but also fosters a deeper understanding of real-world applications of academic knowledge.
  • Parent-Teacher Association (PTA): Our PTA engages parents in organizing various activities such as Quest papers to assess learning outcomes, carnivals for students’ enjoyment, and friendly matches that promote skills like compassion and collaboration among students, staff, and parents.
  • Support for Economically Weaker Sections: Parents actively contribute by providing additional study materials and supporting economically weaker students. They also organize distributions of medicines and food items to underprivileged individuals and patients, fostering empathy and social responsibility among students.
  • Staff Appreciation: Parents organize musical evenings for the staff, recognizing their efforts and fostering a positive school culture that values both academic and emotional well-being.
  • Scholarships and Awards: Parents contribute to the distribution of scholarships and awards to students who excel not only in academics but also in co-curricular activities. This recognition encourages students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their development.

These initiatives underscore our commitment to partnering with parents in ensuring students’ overall growth, reinforcing the importance of academic achievement alongside socio-emotional skills for their future success.

Q. Do you feel a 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?

At our school, we strongly believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel not only academically but also in extracurricular activities and socio-emotional learning. Here’s how we ensure these aspects are integrated effectively into students’ overall development:

  • Academics: Strong academic foundations are fundamental for students’ future career opportunities and intellectual growth. We employ Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. For instance, our science classes might involve designing experiments or our language arts classes could include creative writing projects that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Participation in sports, arts, clubs, and other extracurricular activities plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, teamwork, leadership, and physical health among students. For example, our sports programs not only teach athletic skills but also instil values like discipline and resilience through competitive events and team-building exercises. Similarly, art integration across the curriculum encourages self-expression and appreciation for diverse forms of creativity.
  • Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL): Social-emotional learning is integral to helping students manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. We integrate SEL into our curriculum through dedicated time for guided counselling and advisory programs. These sessions focus on self-awareness, empathy, conflict resolution, and stress management, preparing students to navigate challenges both academically and personally.

Integration Strategies:

  • Project-Based Learning: Students collaborate on projects that require research, critical thinking, and presentation skills, integrating academic subjects with practical applications.
  • Art Integration: Visual and performing arts are integrated into subjects like history, science, and literature to enhance understanding and creative expression.
  • Separate Time for Activities: We allocate specific periods during the school week for extracurricular activities, ensuring students have balanced opportunities for both academic study and personal growth.
  • Guided Counseling & Advisory Programs: Trained counsellors and advisors conduct sessions that address socio-emotional skills development, providing students with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and develop positive relationships.
  • Teacher Training: Continuous professional development programs for teachers ensure they are equipped to integrate SEL principles into their teaching practices effectively.
  • Parent Interaction: We foster a strong partnership with parents through regular interactions and workshops that highlight the importance of a balanced education. Parent-teacher conferences and open houses provide opportunities for collaborative discussions on students’ progress and development.

By embracing a holistic approach that emphasizes academics, extracurricular activities, and socio-emotional learning, we empower our students to excel academically while also developing the skills and qualities needed for success in their personal and professional lives.

Q. What specific initiatives or programs does your School have in place to maintain connections with its alumni community and foster ongoing engagement and support?

Building and maintaining strong connections with our alumni community is integral to fostering a supportive school environment and enhancing opportunities for current students. Here are the initiatives and programs we have implemented at our school:

Established Alumni Network: We have established a robust network that keeps our alumni connected with the school community. This network serves as a platform for alumni to stay updated with school events, achievements, and opportunities for engagement.

Initiatives and Programs:

  • Career Fairs & Exhibitions: Our school organizes annual career fairs and exhibitions where alumni are invited to participate in panel discussions, talk shows, and networking sessions. Alumni share their career journeys, and insights into different industries, and offer guidance to current students about career paths and opportunities.
  • Annual Reunion: We host an annual reunion event exclusively for our alumni, providing an opportunity for them to reconnect with classmates, teachers, and administrators. These events foster a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie while celebrating achievements and milestones.
  • School Newsletters: Our school newsletters regularly feature updates on the accomplishments and success stories of our alumni. This not only highlights their achievements but also inspires current students by showcasing the diverse paths and accomplishments of former classmates.
  • Industry-Based Expert Training: Alumni who have excelled in their respective fields often return to our school to conduct specialized workshops, training sessions, and guest lectures. These sessions provide valuable industry insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities for current students, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.

Impact and Benefits: Maintaining strong connections with our alumni community enriches the educational experience at our school in several ways:

  • Inspiration and Role Models: Alumni success stories serve as powerful inspirations for current students, motivating them to pursue their goals ambitiously.
  • Career Guidance: Through alumni interactions, students gain practical insights into various career paths and industries, helping them make informed decisions about their future endeavours.
  • Network and Support: Alumni often become mentors and supporters, offering guidance, internships, and job opportunities to current students, thereby strengthening the professional network of our school community.

By nurturing and leveraging our alumni relationships through these initiatives, we ensure ongoing engagement, support, and a lasting legacy of excellence for our school community.

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