Field Trip to Kathalaya
Our Schools
Stories play a vital role in the growth and development of children. The stories they hear and the characters they get to know can become like friends. Who doesn’t remember the wonderful stories that we heard from our grandparents when we were young?
Our Montessori field trip today to Kathalaya was an enriching experience for the kids as they got to hear 2 beautiful stories from renowned story teller Mrs.Geeta Ramanujam and her team. The children were mesmerized by the beautiful facial expression and voice modulation of the story tellers listening attentively with pin drop silence. They were transported to the enchanting world of stories for full one hour.
The children clapped and cheered at the end of the session and were seen sharing the absolute fun they had!
Explore more
Shanthi Sivaram / May 06, 2024
A Guide For Exploring Investment Opportunities for Students
Invest in Your Future with Diverse Kinds Of Investments
High-Yield Savings Account
A high-yield savings account is a viable option for those who prioritise safety and liquidity. These accounts offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, helping students earn passive income on their savings. Moreover, the peace of mind and accessibility make it an attractive choice for building a solid financial foundation.Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are considered the most conservative type of investment—ideal for students seeking stable and guaranteed returns. By depositing money with a bank or financial institution for a fixed period, students can earn a predetermined interest rate on their investment. Fixed deposits offer capital preservation and are free from market volatility, making them suitable for risk-averse individuals. However, students should be mindful of inflation risk, as the real rate of return may be affected over time. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Certificates of deposit are similar to fixed deposits but are typically offered by selected banks and financial institutions authorised by the RBI. By depositing money for a specified term, students can earn a fixed interest rate on their investment. They offer security and predictability, making them an attractive option for students looking to safeguard their funds while earning a steady income. However, early withdrawal penalties may apply if students need access to their funds before the maturity date.Mutual Funds
They are a fantastic option for students dipping their toes into the investment pool. They will allow you to put money in different kinds of investments (equities, bonds, money market instruments, securities, etc.) managed by financial experts. The best part? You can start with small amounts and watch your money grow over time.Stocks
They are exciting and rewarding tools for learners, who wish to pursue commerce in the future. By purchasing shares of a company, students become partial owners and have the potential to earn dividends and capital gains. However, investing in stocks also comes with risks, as the market can be volatile and unpredictable. It's essential that students do in depth research and seek guidance from mentors before diving into stock trading.Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS)
They are a unique combination of insurance and investment for learners seeking long-term financial growth and protection. With ULIPs, a part of the premium is allocated towards life insurance coverage, while the remaining funds are invested in various asset classes such as stocks and bonds. Students can customise their ULIPs based on their risk tolerance and investment goals, making it a flexible option for wealth accumulation.Bonds
They are debt securities issued by governments, corporations, or municipalities to raise capital. By investing in bonds, students lend money to the issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount upon maturity. Bonds are considered safer than stocks, making them suitable for students looking for stable and predictable returns.Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, allowing students to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of assets with a single investment. Similar to mutual funds, ETFs offer professional management and diversification, but with the added benefit of intraday trading and lower expense ratios. Students can choose from a wide range of ETFs covering various sectors, regions, and investment strategies, making it a versatile option for building a well-balanced investment portfolio. So, this was a quick crash course in student-friendly investments. By learning about different investment options, asset allocation, and risk management strategies at an early age, you can grow their wealth over time and achieve their financial goals. Remember, the key to financial success lies in education and action. So, seize the opportunity and embark on your journey to financial freedom today! Ready to empower your child's future? Explore Ekya Schools, one of the top ICSE schools in Bangalore, today and discover how our curriculum promotes skill development alongside academic excellence.Shanthi Sivaram / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Shanthi Sivaram / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Pre-Primary Students at Ekya BTM Layout celebrate Diwali
On 23 October 2019, the students of Pre Primary experienced the joy and excitement of Diwali during school hours by decorating clay diyas. Students explored various art techniques and colours by using glitter, paint, shimmer and shine to artistically and creatively decorate their clay diyas. It was truly a moment of happiness for all students to see their creations come to life.
Further to make the celebration special on 25 October 2019, Students came dressed in vibrant traditional Indian ethnic wear. This day of liveliness was not only entertaining but also informative, as students watched a puppet show by Ms. Pavana and Ms. Rushitha depicting the story of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. They understood the importance and magnificence of Diwali. They watched animated stories of this pleasant festival and also sang rhymes of crackers and spreading merriment which was music to one’s ears. Students cherished the festivity celebrations and went back home with their decorated diyas.Learning Chemistry at Ekya Schools
Chemistry is often referred to as the central science as it is one branch of Science which connects to all other branches. It can provide answers to any questions related to all that is ‘matter’ and even what is not ‘matter’. From cooking in the kitchen to the science of building good roads, the invention of plastic, construction of buildings and manufacturing of rockets, knowledge of chemistry is required everywhere.
It is this aspect of Chemistry that is brought forth by the Ekya Chemistry program. We make the teaching-learning process more meaningful and impactful, with students experiencing the journey from ‘what they are learning’ to ‘why they are learning’.
Our aim at Ekya is to make Chemistry a subject that children can understand, appreciate and apply. The main focus of the Chemistry program at Ekya is to:
- Make Chemistry relevant beyond the classrooms (What gives colours to fireworks?)
- Develop the confidence to question, assess and make scientifically sound decisions (Is it wise to replace all the plastic bags with paper and cloth bags?)
- To develop leaders with capabilities to analyse, reason, strategize and collaborate to find solutions to real life problems. (Can a material as strong and light as plastic and as easily biodegradable as paper be built?)
- Instill the habit of self-learning and making the students responsible and self-reliant
Middle School Chemistry focuses on the following:
- Design and conduct fair tests, to help students identify and control variables and understand why these processes matters.
- Help students build a foundation of reasoning skills, which are applicable across many disciplines.
- Provide multiple opportunities to develop models and investigate properties of matter at the particle level.
- Provide opportunities to understand cause and effect relationships to identify, test, and explain chemical changes. Students investigate the principles of solubility, density and matter and identify substances based on their unique characteristics.
- Provide design challenges that teaches students about the application of chemical changes in real life. Students arrive at the understanding about the criteria and constraints for their design challenges.
- The young minds are ignited with the spark of curiosity in the beginning of the topic which sets the rhythm for the rest of the learning process.
- The concepts are explored and experienced through discussions, hands on activities, skits, experiments, research projects, data analysis and much more.
- Evidence based questioning, discussions, arguments and reflections are encouraged. (Debates on topics like Is biodegradable waste harmless to us? What about the methane it adds to the atmosphere?)
- Students get first-hand experience of the real life applications of Chemistry through lab projects, design challenges and field trips.
- Students are updated with the latest developments in the field of Chemistry ( So, what is happening in the field of Nanoscience now? And why should we study that? )
- Children are able to evaluate their progress and understanding through multiple ways of assessments that cater to the individual strengths of different students.
On the journey to achieve our goals at Ekya, chemicals are used as magical objects that bring the concepts alive. Chemical formulae and equations are transformed into a language that every child understands and automatically rely on when dealing with the subject. The content heavy textbooks are transformed into a resource, and the student’s understanding is used as a tool to develop new ideas and innovations.
Our children don’t just study Chemistry but actually work, learn and innovate with Chemistry. This lays the foundation for not just the chemists that will stand out in future employment scenario but also for chemists who will be instrumental in developing solutions to pressing issues of the future. 
Leave a reply