This is the age where the child is like a sponge, ready to absorb anything and everything. This is where the child develops the love of learning. It is very critical to impart adequate and accurate information to the child. Academics are very important and are done systematically.

We follow the method of programmed learning, invented by Dr. Sudheer Phatak in 1988 and successfully used by thousands of students in various schools. In this method, matter to be taught during each period for each subject, throughout the year, is planned in advance by a group of experienced teachers and worksheets are prepared for each class. The material includes introduction to a topic, pictures, maps and diagrams to better understand the concept. It also includes enough practice material on the topic. The emphasis is on motivating a child to discover things for himself and thus understand a concept. Comparisons with known situations and artificial scenarios for predictions from the theory help to do so. Learning thus becomes a pleasure as it reduces the burden of memorising. With planned teaching, each and every topic is given proper time and taught to perfection. There is no last minute rush to complete the portion before an examination. No topic is left unattended.

The two hours in the morning are for intense studying. As the children are not given any homework, they have to do all their studying in the school. This is the time they do it. They are given laminated sheets with the answers which they can write over and over and learn. The difficult concepts taught the previous week are revised again. The difficulties are answered. Spellings, tables, reinforcement – it is all done in these two hours. The children also get into the habit of studying regularly and not leaving everything for the last minute – a habit which we all know will help tremendously as they step out as young adults.

All new teaching stops at least two to three weeks before the exams. In fact examinations are not stressful at all. There are three preliminary tests conducted after teaching stops. These tests have the same pattern as the exam paper. This gives the kids a warning in case they aren’t prepared. They also get in to the mood. They understand the technique of solving the paper, finishing it in the given time, reducing errors that they make in haste and the performance at the real test at the end, where it counts, is good. These tests are conducted well in advance and so it helps. We can find out if a certain topic is still not understood well, remedial teaching can be done again. It all happens in time, before it is too late to do anything about it.

The teachers are also available on every Saturday during the school week to talk to the parents. No appointment is required. You can bring your child’s file, discuss your concerns with the teacher and together we try to find a solution to the problem.

Computers are used extensively in the school but in a different way. Emphasis

is not so much on the computer learning but using computers to learn the school curriculum. We have developed special software, which allows a child to learn at his own pace, explore and correct himself. Response from students in a classroom is always collective and hence only general doubts can be cleared. With one to one interaction on a computer, a child can spend more time on a topic until he (or rather the teacher, through the program) feels comfortable about his progress. This software, not available anywhere, is a special highlight of our education.

Music, drawing and craft are also part of the curriculum. The material for these is also provided by the school. Children are trained for the government drawing exams, they learn different techniques in craft like origami, collage, papier-mâché, embroidery etc. Special traditional and decorative craft items are made at the appropriate seasons as well. They also learn many different songs in English, Marathi and Hindi.