Our Schools

Shanthi Sivaram / July 21, 2020 Posted by : editor

COVID-19 is a pandemic that changed the world in many ways. Especially in education.

What started as a small outbreak in China in December 2019 ended up into a full-fledged epidemic in India and the world by March. By March 11 the school year had to be cut short, and early onset summer break was declared.

Lockdowns were declared across the country and for us, and the expected summer holidays became dull moments just sitting at home. The social distancing norms snatched away from our playtime too. Around this time, we were looking for other ways to keep ourselves engaged, and our parents were very flustered, keeping us occupied and yet keeping us away from the TV.

And interestingly, as luck would have it, my School Ekya JPN, started “Community Connect” by the end-March. It was a lot of fun to get back in touch and relate to my schoolmates. There were online sessions for dance, visual arts, origami and even baking, to name a few. These things were a lot of fun, and we connected to these classes over Zoom sessions. I faced quite a bit of initial hiccups in terms of connectivity on understanding Zoom. But within weeks, my siblings and I became proficient in handling zoom based sessions.

When the school year started for me on May 26, I was all too excited. My parents salvaged an old laptop, created a desk, and got an internet connection. They created a login account and password on Windows, which was exciting. For the first time, I did not need to share my parents’ computer.

In the first week, it was all super fun as we got to know our teachers and other classmates. Interacting entirely online was weird. Without months of haircut, I was probably looking like Malinga, but then on seeing my friends realised they were no less messy. Surprisingly, I started liking my own long hair. And my teachers did not enforce a haircut and they would have done it if it were real school.

The first week was also slightly chaotic. Each of us were trying to talk over each other, and it was very noisy. However, our class teacher had encouraged us to draw social contracts online, and we had set ground rules for the class. Simple things like being on mute and unmute it only when we talk, or raising the hand on the Zoom session, or logging on with the video, and logging in on time were some of the key new areas we drew our social contract.

It was also fun because our teachers are immensely helpful and understanding. Some of us would be logged out multiple times because of flaky internet connections, and the teacher would add us back into the class, or our friends would invite us.

Saturdays were also fun, we had a breakfast club, where we all had breakfast together at 10:00 in the morning. My mom made some delicious dosas, and I was proudly munching them with chutney and podi. How I wish there was a magical way through which I could share it with my friends over Zoom!

My first experience with late submission was unfortunate learning. The online collage competition, I did not see the time of submission, and when I tried to submit that night, I realised that the submission window closed at 2:59 p.m. I could not submit my beautiful poster, but then I learnt a lesson. To be more prompt and be watchful of date and submission times. A lesson well learnt.

It is almost 2 months of online classes, and the journey has been interesting. There are many good things I find while moving to online learning, and there are a few areas where I miss school.

  1. Online education is very efficient because we can take screenshots of some slides that our teacher shows us and save them, ready to use any time.
  2. Unlike regular school, If I miss points or my notes are incomplete, I do not have to ask anyone else, or go through the tedious process of asking the teacher, getting her permission, asking who the teacher recommended, getting their permission, having a debate on when I should give it back or photocopy it, then finally write the notes! Huh.Though my parents do not agree that this is a good practice and want me to be attentive.
  3. I also seem to have extra time each day compared to regular school since I don’t need to rush each morning or get stuck in traffic jams while coming back.
  4. I also like the fact that I can eat whenever I am hungry, and my mom can always whip up something hot.
  5. There are some who say that it is harmful to the eyes and too much screen time is bad, but then our parents are good judges. My parents pull me off my laptop after school.
  6. One really annoying problem with online education is network problems, and since my siblings and I all login at the same time, the network is at times slow, and I switch off the video, and that is a cool trick that I learnt. But, sadly, we aren’t allowed to do that.
  7. I also think that it will be cool that I can look on to the highlights on Schoology when I feel sick on a day.
  8. I love that on Zoom Chats, we can share all the slides that the teachers send… and to be honest, we do get carried away.

Overall, online learning is fun for now, and I really enjoy it. And at the same time, I also miss the physical school and am looking forward to getting back to going to school to meet all my teachers.

By

Krish Rajesh Iyengar 

Grade VI C, Ekya JP Nagar

 

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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

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PoetsOfEkya: Beyond Compare By Urja Srivastava 

Life would be easy, isn't it?  If only we had a delete button! And just a crop and edit, And each moment would be perfect! But, I ask you, What's the fun in perfection? No moment would be as precious, If there was no 'worse time' for comparison! Sounds ridiculous, you might say, But in reality, you wouldn't know the right way, If from the path, You never strayed. You can choose to believe, Or brush it off as you might, But in the end, you will figure, All along I was right. By Urja Srivastava  Grade 10  Ekya JP Nagar

#ParentWorkshop: Islands of Love: Coping During Quarantine

With the city going into its most recent lockdown, our ever-curious children are now feeling the impact of prolonged quarantine.  They have been remarkable in their adaptability, be it online classes or not being able to meet their friends as often as before.
Our Wellbeing Team consists of counselors Ms. Anushree, Ms. Priya, and Ms. Anika. They conducted workshops to support the parent community by sharing some strategies through "Islands of love: Coping during quarantine" to help improve the morale and mental well being of our student family.
The sessions were in 3 parts - addressing our Pre-primary and Primary parents, followed by Middle school, and lastly our parents from Senior school. Parents were given insight on what to expect for each age group, along with signs to look out for.  As the title implies - the aim of the session was to create safe spaces or islands of love at a time that was full of uncertainty. The importance of communicating with our children, using love languages to let them know they are cherished and wanted was addressed.
A.S.K - Acknowledge fears, feelings, and worries, hold Space for thoughts and worries - irrespective of positive or negative and Keep calm - our children model our behavior - strategies were shared on how to handle the many changes that are being handled by the students and caregivers. The session concluded by emphasizing on the importance of our children's mental and physical wellbeing and the availability of the counselors to help with the same

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