Our Schools

Shanthi Sivaram / June 29, 2019 Posted by : editor

Amidst getting accustomed to new classrooms, classmates and books, students of Ekya School JP Nagar also had field trips, competitions, and events planned for them. At the outset of a new school year, field trips and events such as Pot A Plant, Poetry Recitation, Pot Painting, Fireless Cooking gives a good opportunity for the students to socialize and bond with their classmates and also display their creativity and talents. Sharing a few pictures and information on the events at Ekya School JP Nagar in the week.

Pot A Plant

Planting and watching seeds grow is a wonderful experience for children. A seed is like magic, a seemingly lifeless thing, that can grow into a living plant. Growing seeds is a very inspirational activity for children. Seed germination is a very important experiment as it helps them to learn about the origin of fruits and vegetables.

Montessori children had a great time and hands-on experience on sowing seeds in small pots and give life to a plant. The enthusiastic tiny tots gathered around with their seeds. The children put their learning to practice by potting methi seeds carefully and thereby supporting the ” Go Green” initiative.

Competitions – Poetry Recitation, Pot Painting, Fireless Cooking

Students had a wonderful start of this week with the various competitions for the students. Grades 1 to 4 were busy with the Poetry Recitation, Grades 5 to 7 had Pot Painting whereas Grade 8 – 10 had Fireless Cooking

Competitions play a major role in motivating students to perform and excel and offer a lot more reward than just the winning prize. Competitions offer a chance for participants to gain substantial experience, showcase skills, analyze and evaluate outcomes and uncover personal inhibitions.

Field Trip – A Visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art

It is definitely an unusual experience to be around the art related to the Renaissance period of Europe. Our Grade 8 students had an outbound trip to the National Gallery of Modern Art which is situated in a serene ambience dotted with magnificent trees, fountains and a mirror pool, a gallery. This place is heaven to art connoisseurs to quietly devour the tranquility of art. The students got a perspective about Renaissance art, artists and the techniques artists used during that time. They got an opportunity to interact with Ms. Rekha, Assistant Curator at NGMA who helped the students with the tour of the gallery, explaining the details of various art forms.

A Talk by Ms. Aarthi

To transform the Monday blues to cheers we had a motivational talk by Ms. Aarthi on patience and its correlation with success. Ms. Aarthi gave a whole new view on the ideas of success and failure. How a tiny bit of patience and faith on our part can make a huge difference. This talk was enlightening and got everyone inspired and ready to face anything on our path to success. She used beautiful imagery such as; How a bamboo tree hardly grows an inch for the first four years. On the fifth year, it miraculously shoots up high into the sky. This is very much similar to our lives. We might find success later in life. That doesn’t mean that all the efforts before was a waste. The little bamboo tree was growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond. Had the tree not developed a strong foundation, it would not have sustained its life as it grew. Children were made to learn the value of persistence and hard work.

More Stories From Ekya:

Explore more

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.

Shanthi Sivaram / April 02, 2024

The Eye of the Storm

In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.

And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy

Grade 8C

Leave a Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Teen Brain Condition – By Ms. Sindhu Roy

Here is the latest blog from our 'Parent Blogger' series, our endeavor to encourage parents to be active participants of the Ekya Community by sharing their expertise, interests, and experiences on our blogs. As a parent blogger from Ekya School, ITPL, Ms. Sindhu Roy has shared with us this blog on 'Teen Brain Condition' discussing the absurd behavior of teenagers and logical reasons behind it. Enjoy this interesting read.

The Teen Brain Condition

"I saw a standup on YouTube recently which made me understand the whole ‘who-took-over-my-sweet-children’s-soul’ dilemma that I had been having since they turned teenagers. This lady describes how the very breath that came out of her nostrils would make her teen daughter irritable. She could not chew cereal in her own home without getting glared at by her daughter. The comic summed it up by saying that it was part of God’s plan to make children so difficult to manage in their adolescence that it made going away to college easier to bear. Once I stopped laughing with what I admit was some malevolence - I started thinking about the actual wiring that changes in our beautiful kids’ brains during this phase. My boy who used to make me a tea when I had a headache now remains AWOL behind his book in his room. My sweet girl who tagged along with Mom everywhere now dumps me in a flash if her BFF calls. Not to mention the way in which they develop partial paralysis the minute they enter the home. They seem to exist in a dream state where tubes of toothpaste have no caps, ties crawl behind the shoe-rack and water bottles that have gone back to meet their maker. Amen. Consequences of actions don’t seem to figure anywhere in their emotional, hyperconsciousness. Unwilling to surrender, I did some digging around with Big Brother Google, and share here with you a little bit of insight into the teen brain – yes that is a thing. The Developing Prefrontal Cortex This is the reason why most teens don’t realize the consequence of why a movie with all their friends the day before an exam is just not a good idea. The prefrontal cortex – the frontal part of the brain – matures much after puberty. In fact, it is not fully developed until the age of about 25. That’s right, you can expect a decade more of immature decisions and war of wills around choices with your teen. This can take a dangerous turn if, in the heat of the moment, even a more rational teen gets into a car driven by a drunk friend. We need to reinforce the connection between actions and consequences through constant repetition – until the teen disappears behind a slammed door of course. The Teen Brain Needs More Sleep As school pressures and projects pile up during high school – paradoxically it is during this phase that the children need the most sleep. A fact that most of us in India seem to overlook. The sleep hormone melatonin waxes and wanes later in teens – thus making it difficult for them to be up for the school bus. They are not just being lazy – who knew! Teens actually need 9-10 hours of sleep a night failing which they may fall prone to depression, anxiety, lack of attention, irritability or even in some pre-disposed cases – more severe mental ill health. The Driver of the Teen Brain – Amygdala This little part of the brain at the back develops earlier than the prefrontal cortex – and this fella is responsible for our emotions, impulses, aggressions – I can see all you teen parents making the connection already. Imagine the teen engine that is being driven mostly by an emotional, reactive type – without a cautious backseat driver who has an eye on the road. Small wonder then that most situations or challenges are met with outbursts and uncontrollable emotions, and an inability to see the big picture. Wait – now I realize why my son wept tears of genuine grief on missing the first-day first show of the latest Avengers movie. I blame his Amygdala! These insights have helped me rethink my strategy for dealing with my loving but increasingly challenging brood. Implementation is another challenge altogether. Next time – let us explore a few gems on how to deal with these Amygdala driven, prefrontal cortex deficient yet beautiful teens of ours."
A brief profile of Ms. Sindhu Roy:
Ms. Sindhu Roy is the parent of Amala Roy, Grade 8 and Siddhant Roy, Grade 9, students of Ekya School, ITPL. She is the partner at S&A Bespoke, a startup focused on content marketing, e-learning, and photography. Ms. Sindhu Roy is an expert in content creation and e-learning with 15 years of experience in the field. Her writing is based on meticulous research and personal observation.

More stories from Ekya:

Affirmations…A way of life

Ms. Roopa Roy is the parent of Ruan, student of Grade 4 at Ekya School BTM Layout. Ms. Roy is impressed by the morning ritual of 'Affirmations' at Ekya Schools and shares with us this interesting blog where she talks about how 'Affirmations' are important to inculcate a sense of being, a sense of worthiness and achievement among the children. She also emphasizes that Affirmations can be a good way to introduce children to the feeling of empathy. Read on to know how Affirmations can be a way of life.

Affirmations….A way of life

Some days are sunny, some days it rains cats and dogs, on some, it's nippy or biting cold. So also are our temperament fluctuations dancing to life’s tunes. Life is a roller coaster of surprises aplenty – wonderful, beautiful, memorable, not so memorable, nasty, devastating or life-changing. Alas! One never knows. Life ends where hope ends, or simply put life begins where hope begins. Small trickles of light in the soul that can upend dimensions, move mountains and changes destinies…what could be behind it all? Affirmations! Would you agree? A small repetitive positive nudge that can make a difference with a large impact. I was pleasantly surprised to find “Affirmation” being introduced as a morning ritual at Ekya this term. What a splendid way to begin the day! A positive outlook is probably always half the battle won. Children have their own unspoken, mind-boggling fears that can build over time. Adults have evolved with their share that they carry around as extra baggage all the time. Most of it with years of layering and seasoning. Hence to inculcate a sense of being, a sense of worthiness and achievement over small hiccups is a big step in hand holding the child to overcome. To be able to be affirmative of oneself or of other beings around is the beginning of a larger, more complex process of empathy. Globally we stand marginalized or compartmentalized over race, color, class, practice and so much more which acts as a catalyst to a small part of the brain, demotivating and doubting oneself and one’s capabilities. Ergo carving a downhill graph. The affirmation can reverse this process magically by working on our emotional intelligence. Most times it needs to come from within, at times from peers, parents or teachers, or yet at times from a soul or face unknown. It takes courage and resilience to spark that fire and keep it going. But it surely does a world of good! In her book ‘Becoming” Michelle Obama, the first Afro American First Lady of the US (2008-2016), unfurls hers journey from childhood to the completion of her tenure in office. She describes her moments of strength and weakness or doubt. A well-read woman with two Ivy League degrees, a career starts with a plum job as an attorney at one of the most prestigious law firms, a few more senior roles in civic organizations and yet affronted by doubt at various junctures of life of whether she was “good enough.” That’s how human each one of us is. What struck a chord, is her role in essaying, emphasizing and encouraging affirmation in young minds with an underlying message of “You Belong, You Matter, I think highly of You!” It is indeed brilliant to have the same technique being rendered and taught to our little ones. The universe’s language is Affirmation! Ancient texts and scriptures describe its virtues, and since our children are a reflection of us, let us begin our journey of affirmation of self, of them and those around us. Let’s take them along to believe in themselves and pass it on to generations to come.
A brief profile of Ms. Roopa Roy:
Ms. Roopa Roy, an Architect by profession is the Founder and CEO of Sthapati Kalp. She has been felicitated by the Arch Bishop of Bangalore for contribution in the field of design. The works of Ms. Roy have been published in several Pan India magazines and newspapers and she has been called to present papers on different platforms. Ms. Roopa's hobbies are painting, dancing, reading, writing and traveling. She has been a keen car rallyist, with KMSC and INRC records.
More Stories From Ekya:

Find A World Beyond Boundaries

Enquire Now