To be honest, I joined Ekya School, Byrathi with a lot of apprehension for the IGCSE program because of leaving my old friends, and here the class size was small so I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make new friends, etc. However, to my surprise, I’m having a lot of fun in this school right now. I enjoy all the classes and the virtual company of my friends. I couldn’t have asked for more
It’s been nearly six weeks since I started my journey in Ekya but it feels like it has only been a few days. We have the best teachers in our school. All the teachers are well trained and friendly. They guide us in the best possible way. They teach a topic and then give actual life examples or do activities to implement it in practical life scenarios. They are available all the time and guide us through one on one interactions even after school hours. Usually, Principals are strict; however, our School Principal is very friendly and caring. She keeps visiting our classes frequently to ensure we’re doing good. She also gives us college and career guidance.
Our school uses an excellent learning platform called Schoology. This resource consists of many features: an online library, discussion forums, easy access for the parents, daily school announcements, updates, and many more. It is also very easy to use. Even though I did not make many friends, I was able to make five friends. They help me with school work like home assignments, notes, and more. In only a few days, I got comfortable around them because of their kindness and friendliness.
This school offers IGCSE and ICSE board curriculum. I’m in 9th Grade and I opted for the IGCSE curriculum. Frankly, it’s by far the most interesting and challenging curriculum. It has elaborate explanations for every topic, which makes it a very effective way of learning. This curriculum focuses on skill development which should help with getting placed in good colleges and helps us create a bright and better future for ourselves. Despite the pandemic and lockdowns, Ekya has offered us many co-curricular activities, and it hasn’t even been half a year. There are clubs, competitions, poetry/story writing, and much more. I’ve tried participating in as many as I could, and I am having a lot of fun.
I have enjoyed every bit of time I spent with this school so far and I’m sure that I’ll continue to do so.
By, Neha Suresh, Grade 9 IGCSE, Ekya School, Byrathi
“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force.”
Think about the great listeners in your life and what makes them so strong at this often-overlooked skill. There is a distinct difference between listening versus hearing. When someone is telling you a story, are you listening? Or are you hearing? Are you absorbing what they have to say? Or waiting for your chance to respond?
To be successful in all walks of life, become a strong communicator and listener. Exceptional communication and listening skills are qualities that are in good leaders across the board.
If you want to make your presence felt, gone are the days of being a fly on the wall. To practice bettering your verbal communication and confidence, give yourself that extra push to raise your hand and share what you have to say during online/offline meetings. It might feel onerous at first, but it will pay off in the long run.
If you want to challenge yourself to become a better listener, form the habit of listening more intently in your everyday life.
In each conversation you have going forward, make an effort to listen not just to respond but absorb what the other person says. Take an extra couple of seconds to respond, process, and ask meaningful questions.
This habit will help you become someone that other people feel that they can trust deeply, which of course, is an essential quality of a great leader, and let others be in your august company.
“Spend at least 20 minutes daily with your parents/children: speak for five minutes and listen for 15 minutes. See what happens!”
By, Ms. Shiza Khan, Primary Academic Coordinator EITPL
MADE WITH A WARM HEART
Of all the people I know, you’re the rain to my bow
May sound cliche, but it’s true, what else can I say?
You make me beam, chuckle, and weep
But without you, this life won’t be complete
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul”, as they say, but I disagree Because it’s your sweet soul that refreshes our friendship, that, I can guarantee Sometimes we agree, sometimes we oppose
But at the end of the day, you’re my muse
So here was an ode to you, my friend, I hope you weren’t bored Because this was made with a smile and a warm heart, and you are the reason behind that mark
By, June Ghosh, Grade 11, Ekya ITPL
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