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Ekya / April 28, 2018 Posted by : administrator

On our first edition of Parents of Ekya, we host Mr. Rajesh Soundararajan, parent of Krish of Grade 3 from Ekya School JP Nagar. Bang in the middle of the family’s summer travels when we got in touch with him, it was fitting for Mr. Rajesh to share with us his recommendations on how parents can make summer holidays productive for their children.

“We are nearly a month into our summer holidays. Before we know, it will be June and our children would be back to school. This routine happens each year without fail and yet many parents struggle to successfully engage their children during this time.

Children, on the other hand, are excited and are looking forward to this vacation the entire year. They are a bundle of energy, too much energy in case they are younger, for parents to handle. For working parents and homemakers alike, summer holiday translates to one thing – their immaculately planned daily routines going haywire. In fact, like some would say, this is that time of the year to be working on a double-shift, engaging the kids during the normal school hours and after.

Summer holidays mean different things to different people. For some, it would be time to go back to their hometowns, for others it is time to set out for their annual vacation. Yet for others, there are dozens of summer camps and they would enroll their child in one or many of those to keep them occupied.

And before you know it, the holidays have ended.

What do we do as parents? What do we want from our child during this period? What does the child want to learn? How can we gainfully engage them during this vacation? Should we even plan a summer vacation?

Such questions can open a lot of opportunities for us parents and our children. Here are a couple of ways you can go about deciding what to do:

  1. Start with your goal and work backwards.
  2. Pick an opportunity and run with it.
  3. Play it by the ear and just go without a plan.

If you chose #3, you may stop reading here. 🙂

One of the best ways to start is to have strongly defined goals and work towards them. On the other hand, if you do not know exactly what you want to do yet, keep a look-out for exciting opportunities, evaluate them, and go for the one that looks most interesting and useful.

Planning before the holidays begin

One of the best investments of time, well before the summer holidays begin, is to plan. The plan is to identify what we would want our children to learn, do or experience during holidays.

Write down your larger goal (*s)

One of the first things you should do is write down what you want out of these vacations, on a piece of paper. It might be one or a mix of multiple of this.

I want to create experiences for my child (and myself) like ……

I want to ensure that he/she catches up / moves to the next level on … sports activity, or music or….

I want him/her to get physically fit….

Or, I want our family and my child to use this time to engage with cousins, relatives, or grandparents.

Once the larger goals are written down, it is time to define finer details, exploring requirements and planning the route ahead.

Draw a schedule

Unlike school days, where a timetable is chalked up by the school, the summer-break schedule rests completely in the hands of the parents. Start by breaking the schedule up into weekly or daily or hourly objectives.

Based on what parent and child’s mutual interest are, you should be able to draw an eight-week timetable. I call it a timetable because it can be planned meticulously like the one in school. With a well-planned timetable and activities to do every day, it is highly possible that the summer-break will whisk away in a jiffy, leaving both the parent and children to ask, “Where did all the holidays go?“.

Summarise your experiences daily, weekly

Make your children responsible for their learnings and experiences and have them to share these often. A simple question like what they have learnt or enjoyed at the end of each day or the week is important as it helps in giving them a sense of progress or achievement.

At our home (we have three kids), on every weekend, we would sit and discuss how we are doing on our holidays and what we had done for the week. We would excitedly look forward to the next week’s plan and again share that experience that same week. I find that such engagements not only serve as a wonderful opportunity to bond with children but also bring them a sense of continuity and purpose.

Creating experiences

In case you want your child and you to share experiences of culture and travel, then it is important you plan what experiences and what culture are you going to seek during the break.

To quote a personal experience, in 2017 we went on a 49-day road trip, driving 10,000 km across North and West India. We travelled high altitudes of 12000 feet, along the border with Pakistan, sledged on the snow in Kashmir, experienced the heat of Rajasthan, stayed on a houseboat, a tent overlooking the Himalayas, a few homestays, and resorts. And when we were in the car for 200 odd hours, we played many games of wordplay, games and had extempore speeches. We never imagined that we could do this, but since we had already written down our goals, we could experience the rich cultures and places that India has to offer.Towards the end of this summer-break, we had planned a relaxed road trip to Bhutan and North East and here we are in 2018, looking forward to another exciting trip on the unchartered waters of the North East!

Here are some good starting points from the Internet

Happy holidays!”

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Ekya / July 26, 2024

Guide to Conquer the IPMAT Entrance Exam

The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a significant stepping stone for undergraduate aspirants aiming to carve a niche in the business management realm. Initiated by IIM Indore and now adopted by several other IIMs, IPMAT serves as a gateway for young students to enter prestigious management institutes directly after high school. At Ekya Schools, we recognise the importance of early preparation for such competitive exams. We partnered with an esteemed institution like Career Launcher to provide our senior students with top-notch entrance exam coaching. This strategic collaboration ensures that our students are well-equipped not only to face the IPMAT but also to excel in it.

Understanding IPMAT and the Integrated Program in Management (IPM)

The Integrated Program in Management (IPM) serves as a prominent pathway into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for students immediately after completing their 12th grade. Originally pioneered by IIM Indore, this forward-thinking initiative has since been embraced by four additional IIMs—Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya, and Jammu. The IPM merges a Bachelor's Degree in Management with an MBA into a single five-year program, although it allows students the flexibility to exit after the first three years with just an undergraduate degree. Given its wide-reaching appeal across various educational backgrounds and its high esteem within the professional community, management continues to be a top career choice for many aspiring students. The IPM's inclusive, stream-neutral approach makes it an attractive option for those keen to delve into the world of management. To secure admission into these programs, aspiring candidates must successfully clear one of three entrance exams: IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT. Each of these exams is designed to meet the specific admission requirements of the respective IIMs.   At Ekya Schools, we believe in going beyond textbook learning to guide our students toward fulfilling careers that align with their passions and interests. Our College and Career Guidance provides a closer look at how we offer personalised guidance and strategic planning to help students navigate their future academic and career paths effectively.

IPMAT Eligibility Criteria - Gearing Up For Success

To be eligible for the IPMAT entrance test, you will need to meet specific age and academic qualifications requirements. The age limit is typically 20 years for the General and NC-OBC categories, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates. In terms of education, you must have passed your Class 10 and 12 board exams (or equivalent) in 2023, and  2024, or be appearing for them in 2025. While the minimum percentage requirement might be confirmed closer to the exam date, it's wise to start preparing early in your senior school years to ensure you meet any potential benchmarks and have ample time to refine your skills for the IPMAT. By beginning early, you can develop a strong foundation in areas like quantitative and verbal abilities, giving you a competitive edge come exam day. 

Exam Format and Syllabus

As we progress from discussing eligibility criteria, our focus shifts to the core components of the IPMAT: its exam format and syllabus. Mastery of these elements is crucial for developing an effective preparation plan and excelling in this rigorous test. The IPMAT is structured as a computer-based test (CBT) and is divided into three key sections, which include: IPMAT Selection Process  Navigating through the IPMAT selection process is crucial for candidates aiming to secure a place in the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). This multi-stage process not only tests your academic prowess but also your ability to perform under pressure and showcase your personality traits during interviews. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the selection stages from the initial aptitude test to the final admission offer, emphasising the necessity of achieving high scores and excelling at the personal interview. 

IPMAT Selection Process Overview

The selection process for IPMAT typically involves the following steps: Step 1: Online Application Submission Candidates must first meet the basic eligibility criteria and then submit their applications through the institute's official website. Step 2: Aptitude Test Eligible candidates are invited to take the IPMAT, which includes sections on Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability to assess mathematical and language skills. Step 3:  Score Validation Post-exam, an eligibility check is conducted to ensure candidates have scored positively in all sections of the test. Step 4: Conducting Personal Assessments Candidates who pass the eligibility check proceed to the Personal Assessment round, which may include a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI). This stage evaluates the candidates' communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the program. Step 5: Final Selection The final step involves the creation of a merit list based on a Composite Score, which considers performances in both the Aptitude Test and the Personal Assessment.

Key Points to Note:

  • The IPMAT Indore scores are accepted at various important institutions including IIM Ranchi, IIFT, and NALSAR University of Law.
  • Candidates need to achieve positive raw scores and meet the minimum mark requirements in each of the three sections of the aptitude test to be considered for the personal interview stage.
  • The final merit list is prepared based on the composite score, which considers the candidate's performance across all stages of the selection process.

Preparation Strategies For IPMAT

Cracking the IPMAT is a challenge, but the rewards are immense. It's the gateway to a prestigious management program, and the right preparation can make the difference between success and disappointment. This section lays out a roadmap for your journey, helping you attend the exam with confidence and achieve your goals.
  • Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Begin by familiarising yourself with the detailed structure and syllabus of the IPMAT. Understanding the weightage of different sections and types of questions will help you allocate your study time effectively.
  • Create a Structured Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all topics systematically. Divide your time between learning new concepts, practising questions, and revising. Stick to your schedule diligently to ensure consistent progress.
  • Focus on Fundamentals: Strong foundational knowledge, especially in quantitative and verbal sections, is crucial. Ensure you have a firm grasp of basic concepts before moving on to more complex problems.
  • Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in IPMAT. Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam’s format and timing. This will also help identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Enhance Time Management Skills: Time management can make or break your exam performance. Practice completing sections within the allotted time to improve your speed and accuracy. Learn to prioritise questions based on your strengths.
  • Work on Verbal and Written Communication: For the verbal ability section and any subsequent interviews or written tests, enhance your reading, speaking, and writing skills. Regular reading and practising essay writing can be very beneficial.
  • Seek Guidance When Needed: If you find certain areas particularly challenging, consider seeking help from teachers, or mentors, or joining a coaching institute. Sometimes, external guidance can provide new perspectives and strategies that streamline your preparation.
  • Stay Informed and Updated: Keep yourself updated with any changes in the exam pattern or dates and regularly check the official website for any announcements.
  • Maintain Physical and Mental Health: Lastly, balanced preparation includes taking care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep will help you maintain peak performance during your preparation journey.
By following these strategies, candidates can approach the IPMAT with confidence and a clear plan, positioning themselves for the best possible outcome. Successfully preparing for the IPMAT involves a structured approach, focusing on understanding the specifics of the exam, practising diligently, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. When you go through this academic journey, remember that each component of your preparation—from mastering the basics to refining time management skills—plays a crucial role in shaping your performance. It is essential to assess and adapt your strategies regularly to ensure they meet your evolving needs. Also, do not underestimate the importance of physical and mental well-being; a healthy body and mind are just as critical as sharp intellectual abilities in achieving exam success. Stay committed, stay informed, and pursue your preparation with clarity and purpose. With determination and the right approach, you are well on your way to excelling in the IPMAT and advancing towards your educational and career goals.

Ekya / May 08, 2024

15 English Language Mistakes That You Should Avoid

Although English is a funny language, it has become a global language. It is one of the highest-speaking languages in the world. And to effectively communicate in English is crucial in today’s time. For students, parents, and professionals alike, speaking English confidently and correctly is a necessary skill.  However, speaking in English can be tough, especially for beginners. It takes confidence and knowledge to put sentences together and express your ideas in a language that might not feel comfortable yet. Even as you get better, there are still some common errors in the English language that can sneak into your speech. Most of them aren't a big deal, but sometimes they can cause misunderstandings.  As one of the best CBSE Schools in Bangalore, we’ve identified fifteen common English language mistakes and give you tips on how to fix them, so your next conversation can go more smoothly. 

Not Speaking Enough

One common mistake is not speaking English enough. Many students feel shy to speak English at first, but speaking is one of the best ways to improve your command over the language. Imagine a cricket player who only watches others play but never picks up a bat themselves. They would never get better. The same goes for English. So, don't be afraid to use your voice. Talk with friends, ask questions to teachers in English, or even practice speaking to yourself. The more you speak, the better you'll get. 

Translating from Your Native Language

A common error in the English language many students make is trying to directly translate their thoughts from their native language into English. This is a problem because translations are rarely exact and it takes longer for your brain to do the work. Even if your English is basic, don't worry. Use the expressions and phrases you have learned. Practice using new expressions so they become a part of your regular vocabulary.. 

Emphasizing The Wrong Syllable

Another tricky English language error is emphasizing the wrong syllable. It's like singing a song out of tune. For example, "import" is pronounced as "im-PORT" not "IM-port." Another one is "address" which is pronounced as "a-DRESS" not "AD-dress." These little changes in emphasis can change the meaning of words and make it hard for others to understand.  To improve this, listen carefully to your teachers and make note of how they say the word. The best ICSE schools in Bangalore prioritize proper syllable emphasis in spoken and written English, incorporating it into the grammar lessons. Additionally, you can watch English movies, sitcoms, or cartoons to mimic how they emphasize the syllable. 

Pronouncing Sounds That Aren’t There

Pronouncing sounds that aren't there is a common mistake in English. It happens when we add extra sounds to words. For example, saying "aks" instead of "ask". To avoid this, we need to pronounce words correctly and not add any extra or unnecessary sounds.

Overuse of “Will” for Future

This is one of the most common English grammar mistakes. A lot of students rely too much on the word “will” when composing future sentences. While it may seem like the easiest option, using the more versatile structure of "going to + base form" is actually more appropriate in many situations.  "Will" is best suited for promises, spontaneous decisions, predictions, and future actions beyond the speaker's control. However, when discussing plans for the future, it is more accurate to use "going to". For instance, instead of saying "Tomorrow I will go to the bank," it is correct to say "Tomorrow I am going to the bank."

Adding Unnecessary Words and Missing Necessary Words

Another common English Grammar mistakes that students often make are adding unnecessary words or leaving out necessary ones. These errors can make sentences sound confusing or change their meaning completely. For example, saying "I am agree with you" is incorrect because the verb "agree" doesn't need the helping verb "am" before it.  On the other hand, forgetting a necessary word can also lead to problems. For instance, saying "I looking for a bus to the city center" is incorrect because the word "am" is missing. When talking about something happening right now, we use the Present Continuous tense by adding "am," "is," or "are" before the verb, along with the suffix "-ing." So, a correct version of the sentence would be "I am looking for a bus to the city center." Remember, it's important to use the correct words and structure so that your meaning is clear. 

Saying Incorrect Negative Sentences

Students often make mistakes when forming negative sentences. For instance, saying “I no like pizza" instead of "I don't like pizza." In the Present Simple, to create a negative sentence, we need to use "don't" or "doesn't" before the verb.  It's also important to remember that after "he," "she," or "it," we should use "doesn't" and remove the "-s" ending from the verb. For example, instead of saying "He's not wanting to go," the correct phrasing is "He doesn't want to go." 
  • Using the Wrong Word Order in Questions 
Using the incorrect word order in questions is another common English language mistake. For instance, asking "What you are doing now?" instead of the correct form, "What are you doing now?".  Remember word order is crucial in the English language. In questions, following this pattern is necessary: question word (what) + auxiliary verb (are) + subject (you) + verb (doing) + complement, time, place (now).  Top schools in Bangalore, like Ekya Schools, emphasize the importance of students asking questions in English and providing corrections when necessary. 

Not Using Adverbs

Many beginners don’t use adverbs in their speech. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They add more details to a sentence and make it more interesting. For example, instead of saying "he ran fast," we can say "he ran quickly." Adverbs help us paint a clearer picture of what is happening. So don't forget to use adverbs in your speech to make it livelier and more descriptive.

 Missing Comma in a Compound Sentence

Not using commas or pauses in a sentence while talking or writing can lead to confusion. It becomes difficult to distinguish between different thoughts or ideas, making the overall communication less clear. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but."  For example, instead of saying "I went to the store and I bought some apples," we should say "I went to the store, and bought some apples." By using a comma, we can indicate the pause between the two independent clauses. This helps our listeners understand our thoughts and ideas more effectively. So, don't forget to include commas in compound sentences when you're speaking or even writing. 

Faulty sentence structure

Faulty sentence structure is a common English language error that arises when a sentence is not properly constructed. This can make the sentence difficult to read and understand. An example of this error is using too many commas, which can make a sentence disjointed and confusing. Another example is failing to use proper subject-verb agreement, which can make a sentence grammatically incorrect. To avoid this error, it's important to practice constructing sentences with clarity and precision. 

Lack of pronoun

A common error in English is forgetting to use pronouns. Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition. For example, instead of saying "John went to the store," just say "He went to the store." Remember to use pronouns like he, she, it, they, we, etc. 

Unnecessary Shift in Verb Tense

It occurs when there is an inconsistent change in verb tense within a sentence, paragraph, or passage. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the writing. To avoid this error, you should ensure that you maintain a consistent verb tense, making sure that all verbs match in past, present, or future tense. 

nnecessary or Missing Apostrophe 

An unnecessary or Missing Apostrophe is another common error. For example, "it's" is a contraction of "it is" and should not be used to show possession. Instead, "its" without an apostrophe indicates possession. Missing apostrophes result in incorrect pluralization, such as "apple's" instead of "apples".  

Poorly Integrated Quotation

Lastly, poorly Integrated Quotation is a common English grammar mistake. It happens when a quote is not smoothly integrated into a sentence.  For example, "She said, 'I like pizza.' instead of 'She said that she likes pizza.' To fix it, we need to integrate the quote correctly into the sentence. 

It is okay to make mistakes while learning. However, the key is to learn from those mistakes and continuously improve. Learning English may be challenging, but the rewards it brings are immeasurable. By being mindful of grammar mistakes and actively working to avoid them, you can enhance your fluency and communication skills.  So, embrace the learning journey, avoid common English language mistakes, and watch yourself grow more confident and fluent in English.  For exceptional mastery over English , consider Ekya Schools, one the best CBSE schools in Bangalore. Call 080-49609096 for more information about admissions.     

Ekya / May 07, 2024

What Is IGCSE And Is It the Right Choice for My Child?

Every parent wants their child to have the best education, you are no different. However, when finding the right school for your child, you are often presented with a plethora of options. One such option that has grown in popularity in recent years is the IGCSE Schools in Bangalore. It is a globally recognized board and its curriculum is designed to foster holistic growth among students.  As one of the top IGCSE schools in Bangalore, we will explain what IGCSE is and help you decide if IGCSE schools are suitable for your child.

What is IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally recognized board created by the University of Cambridge in England. It caters to 14–16 year olds (usually grades 9-10) and prepares them for further university studies worldwide. IGCSE courses offer a rich curriculum that tailors to individual strengths and nurtures the skills and competencies of students. Here are some of the benefits of IGCSE schools for your child.

Student-Centric Approach

The IGCSE curriculum is student-centric and fosters creativity. Teachers and students contribute equally to the class, making it an enriching experience. Learning is practical, allowing students to understand concepts better through real-life applications. IGCSE schools encourage students to ask questions, share ideas, and learn collaboratively with their peers. This approach nurtures logical and creative thinking skills in students. 

Preparing for the Universities

One of the major advantages of joining IGCSE schools is that the students here are well-prepared for further studies. This is made possible by the extensive knowledge and benefits that come from a globally standardized education. The students are encouraged to become independent thinkers and learners which is crucial for university studies. IGCSE schools focus on understanding and grasping the concepts rather than just memorizing. These are the traits most universities look for in a student. 

A Community Worldwide

The IGCSE program brings together students from all over the world in a global community. Children learn how to be inclusive and empathetic towards different people and cultures. This helps them develop a broad perspective. The program also allows each child to become a part of a diverse and comprehensive global community.

Inquiry-Based Learning

IGCSE courses foster curiosity in students by emphasizing real-life experiences, exploration, and expression. This encourages children to ask questions and research answers, helping them gain a better understanding of their communities and the world around them.

Rigorous Assessments

Top IGCSE schools in Bangalore such as Ekya Schools offer a rich experience for students with thought-provoking assessments. These include a variety of modes such as oral, written, coursework, and practical assessments. These assessments offer questions of different difficulty levels, enabling students to challenge themselves and discover their strengths and weaknesses. By instilling confidence and boosting morale, the IGCSE curriculum empowers students to plan their future educational journeys. 

Choice of Subjects that Cater to Different Abilities

The IGCSE subjects are designed to meet the needs of different students. With over 70 subjects to choose from, including 30 languages, schools can offer a combination that suits each student. Students must select at least 5 subjects, which include: 
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities and Social Science
  • Languages
  • Creative, Technical, and Vocational Subjects Students also have a wide range of 30 languages to choose from, including their mother tongue.

Recognized by Universities Across the World

The IGCSE is the most recognized examination qualification across the world. Students with these qualifications are accepted into several countries like the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. Many universities acknowledge and accept the IGCSE curriculum as part of their entrance criteria. The IGCSE opens up opportunities for further vocational education and serves as a strong foundation for employment. Students with IGCSE backgrounds have the necessary abilities that employers value in potential employees.

In conclusion, choosing the best school for your child can be a daunting task considering the number of options today. However, if you think a strong syllabus and robust curriculum are best for your child, IGCSE schools are the way to go. To find the best IGCSE schools near Bannerghatta Road, look no further than Ekya Schools in JP Nagar. Our goal is to give students a well-rounded education that nurtures critical thinking, and creativity along with academic excellence.Join us and allow your child to delve into the stimulating realm of IGCSE subjects, nurturing their personal growth and development along the way.. We're here to shape future leaders with an inclusive and inspiring learning environment.      
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Work Exposure Programme at Ekya Schools – Key Education Foundation

We are a couple of weeks into the Work Exposure Program (WEP) at Ekya Schools and sister institution CMR National Public School. Our team sat down with Ms. Sripriya S from Grade 10 of Ekya School ITPL, to discuss her experience so far with the internship and how her summer has been unfolding with her time at the WEP. Why did you opt for our Work Exposure Program? What was going on your mind while applying? I was excited at the prospect of using my summer break to learn something new. When the programme was announced in class, I saw it as an opportunity to gain real-world experience over the usual classroom learning. At the internship, we are on our own, being responsible and accountable, while learning from the individuals we are working with. To apply, each of us had to submit our resumes. At 15 years of age, I don’t think anyone of us had one. I had mine ready after three hours of figuring out what could go in it. The questions that followed the submission were fun; all personality based, which really helped me understand who I was as a person. I was impressed with the list of companies we could apply to; each company had a particular skill set they were looking for. Some profiles required us to code; a couple of them were onsite jobs while a few worked on empathy and service. Where are you interning currently? I am interning at Key Education Foundation. Their objective is simple – they want to aid low budget schools with early childhood education. This is through textbooks, supplies, resource materials – they help however they can. On our first day, we learned that early education is when a child’s learning ability is cemented and in a lot of such schools, the quality of education is below par. My friends and I also got to know that a lot of the children at such schools come from rural and underprivileged communities. In most cases, they are from families with abusive parents and sole breadwinners who don’t participate in their child’s learning once he/she is back home from school, this being at an age when the child needs the parent’s attention to learn better. With KEF, we are currently identifying ways through which parents can reinforce what their children are studying at school. This way learning isn’t just restricted to a school setting but also at their homes. How has your first couple of weeks been? Take us through your experience. I got to meet interesting people from the time I got here, each one of them driven towards the objective of improving the education provided for these children. In our first week, we visited Nirmala Vidhyalaya, a small school that could easily be mistaken for a modest household, tucked away inside Koramangala, sandwiched by a slum community. Having been divided into groups, we were assigned classes to observe and be part of. Deepthi and I got to sit with the nursery class of 33 students, cramped at the back of a small room. We noticed how the class was run and how the lessons were being taught.  The teacher kept switching between four regional languages to ensure that her children were listening to her. We recollected this and some other observations when we had our reflection sessions with our fellow interns and KEF members. During these open discussions, everybody shares their takeaway from the day’s work, also affirming each other’s efforts. Over the next few days, we got to interact with the children, organizing several activities, like those at summer camp. From playing musical chairs and solving puzzles to learning rhymes, the children were overjoyed to have us over, their energy and enthusiasm contagious! We distributed papers and asked the children to draw their dreams out. One kid drew a cow on the field and said he’d own the cow to get free milk. Another drew a big cake and said he would buy the cake and eat it after he finished school. A few of them even drew concrete houses, telling us that they wanted to own one. We were incredibly touched.
They were such a friendly bunch. I enjoyed every minute of it. I wanted to keep teaching them. I felt like they were my class. We learnt their names, what their parents do for a living, where they live. They gave us feedback and told us what they wanted to play the next day. It was a heart-warming experience.
What do you look forward to in the coming weeks at the Internship? Our team of interns is currently working on ideas that can help facilitate quality early education at such schools and communities. We are looking at themes, chalking out concepts, curating videos and resource materials. Our key focus will be on 5 elements - Concepts, Content, Costs, Time and Language - our efforts will be 'language-less' so that parents from different language-speaking communities can consume our content. I will be working on simple short videos that will assist parents to involve their children in fun activities at home, those that will reinforce what they learn in school – number games, alphabet recall, colour identification and like.
For example, we designed a missing-number activity for the kids with ice-cream sticks and clips. They have to match the missing number with the corresponding clip. Parents can organize such activities at home, with spoons or any other material available. This awareness is missing and we intend to address it.
The next couple of weeks will be exciting as we will be visiting a video studio to learn about editing, lighting and more. Bidding goodbye to the little ones at the school wasn’t easy but we got to experience how learning takes place in their environment. I can’t wait to make these videos for them and their parents and make learning fun
Sripriya is one of the 8 children from Ekya Schools and CMR National Public School who is interning at the Key Education Foundation through our Work Exposure Programme.
         

Work Exposure Programme at Ekya Schools – The Actors Collective

Work Exposure Programme is our summer internship initiative at Ekya and sister institution CMR National Public School, to help senior school students groom their problem-solving skills, adaptability, emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to collaborate. With the WEP drawing to a close, we sit with Rajkaushik Ramkumar of Grade 11 from Ekya School ITPL, as he shares his account from his internship at The Actors Collective. What was going on your mind while applying for the WEP? Why did you choose The Actors Collective? I was comfortable with the application process – simple and to the point; the questions asked were direct and easy to answer. What I liked about the whole thing was the choices we had with our internships; each company was well defined and had objectives that helped me while applying. Looking through the options available, I tried my luck at three programmes – The Actors Collective, Bangalore Football Club and FonePaisa. I have always had an affinity towards theatre. I love to act and was interested in spending my summer at a programme that would help me take a step towards the art. Initially, I was expecting to take a technical role at The Actors Collective, along the lines of event management. But what I had in store for the next three weeks had me completely in surprise. Take us through your experience at The Actors Collective. During the first week of our internship, the five of us got to meet Mr. Rajesh and the folks from The Actor’s Collective. We were given two objectives, one was to take five photographs that depict different moods and the other was to watch a live action play. Over the course of the week, we met to discuss the photographs that we had taken, dissecting each emotion that we managed to capture. It was an eye-opening experience for me, to understand how much goes into understanding a facial expression or an abstract photograph. We got to understand the working of The Actors Collective, their specialization in Playback Theatre and how they teach the art form at their workshops. We were introduced to basic concepts during the second week, having met with a couple of actors from the Collective at Cubbon Park to practice playback theatre with them. At the end of the session, we were briefed about the financial model and how this company of actors arranged for shows across the country.   We visited Diya Ghar, an NGO for children from underprivileged and lower-economic communities. The idea behind this visit was to understand the role of empathy, while also interacting with the children. I got to teach them the alphabet and a couple of rhymes. It was a humbling experience for me – I realized that there things that are bigger than us that we often take for granted. During our third week, we attended a workshop on playback theatre, learning more about the two forms of Playback, Conflict and Tableau. We got to practice with the actors from the Collective, getting advice, tips and critique on our expressions, posture and other techniques. Towards the end of our internship, we spent our time at the Spastic Society of Karnataka. Here we met children suffering from Down’s Syndrome and helped them with their preparation for a skit they were putting up. They didn’t let their disability hinder their excitement or the fun they had and it left a big impact on me.   Did you enjoy your time with The Actors Collective? What do you think is the key learning from this experience? This internship programme has been an experience I will never forget. I learned a form of theatre, I got to meet actors and learn from them, I understood how to pursue theatre and be part of a troupe, I met underprivileged children and those with disability, helping them, in whatever way I can. It has been a range of emotions for me, but the three key takeaways from my time with the Actors Collective are, Teamwork: I realized the importance of working together. Whether it was performing Playback or a daily task of reaching a location with the other interns, I learnt that working as a team can take anyone far in what they do. There is no right or wrong: Every decision made has its own justification. Everyone has a different view or perspective on things, which makes these decisions neither right nor wrong. There are things bigger than me:  My three weeks has taught me that I need to appreciate and be thankful for everything is good in my life and that there are always things bigger than us. I will definitely see my problems in a different light after this internship. The workshop also helped, as I can act out different elements of a situation and find out where the core problem of the situation is. In the beginning, I thought the programme would turn out to be objective, with a set of tasks to complete. It turned out to be an experience after another experience. Mr. Rajesh kept giving us ideas and things to do. The actors made sure we were comfortable and answered every question we put to them. I can’t wait to see them again, at one of their performances.
Rajkaushik is one of the 3 children from Ekya Schools and CMR National Public School who is interning at The Actors Collective through our Work Exposure Programme.

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