#TeacherBlogger: A field trip to the barn By Sheba Lal Bhatia, Teaching Staff, Ekya school, ITPL
Our Schools
What is better than giving a reality to the childhood rhyme ‘Old McDonald had a farm’ and making children feel and feed the farm animals?
What is better than touching our roots most skillfully?
The students of Ekya ITPL put these selves in the farmer’s shoes and encountered the natural world around them.
Students gained empathy towards the animals by petting and adoring them on their laps and shoulders. They also learned how to feed them with pure love. They know about various fishes and how eagerly the fish fry( a stage when they start feeding themselves) has their food. They understood how a fry grows to a fingerling.
They investigated caterpillars and learned how compost can boost the soil nutrient and how a seed can be planted into a plant.
Indeed, it was remarkable to see the little children’s enthusiasm and how they meticulously observed every detail.
Sheba Lal Bhatia
Ekya ITPL, Grade 3 Teacher
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Ekya / July 26, 2024
Guide to Conquer the IPMAT Entrance Exam
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.
Ekya / May 08, 2024
15 English Language Mistakes That You Should Avoid
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
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?
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.#StudentBlogger: Outbound Trip to Hampi By Siri Sharma, Grade 7B, Ekya School, JP Nagar
Introduction to Hampi:
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a cultural and architectural heritage site built over 200 years ago. Hampi is known for its sprawling landscape of massive formations of rocks and boulders. Though the city is mostly in ruins, it is still beautiful. How Hampi has evolved is astonishing to watch, and we have a chance to visit it.
Departure: At 9:30 PM, 26th December, Monday, 2022, All the students participating in this trip were reported at Ekya School BTM Campus. All the students from all five campuses were divided into two buses. After sorting, We left for Hampi from Bengaluru around 10:00 PM after saying goodbye to our parents. We were excited and didn't get that much sleep initially, so we decided to listen and sing songs! It lasted only a few minutes because it was past all our bedtimes, so we started dozing off.
The Trip (Day 1): We reached Hampi at around 4:30 AM, but the hotel was in a famous village-like city in Hampi known as Hospet. By the time we got to the hotel, it was already 5:AM. We were all set up in contemporary rooms to freshen up for the day and put in permanent rooms the following night. We had about 3 hours to freshen up before exploring this historical city! The hotel we stayed at was known as "Krishna Palace". It was quite a popular 3.5-star hotel in Hampi, but it was beautiful, especially the glass elevators!
After freshening up, we went down to the lobby for breakfast! We had the classic Idli Sambar and Vada (SOOOO GOOOOD). After our sumptuous breakfast, we set off to tour Hampi! Once we got on the bus, A local guide from Hampi explained the day's itinerary and the speciality of the monument of the great heritage and historical site, Hampi. We learned that over 1,600 monuments had been discovered in Hampi, but there are still billions of things that we have yet to find out about this Ancient Place that once belonged to one of the most significant kingdoms in history. Once we reached our destination, we got off the bus to see the most beautiful and enormous sculptures we had ever seen! Well, for me, at least. It was a sculpture of Lord Narsimha, and it was made out of just one single stone!
This is known as "Badavalinga". It is famous for being the second biggest Linga in Southern India! Our tour guide also explained how strong most of the architecture was….
Theorangy type of bricks you see on the top have lasted from the reign of the great king "Krishna Deva Raya" way back to the Vijayanagara Kingdom! After that, we went up this hill, and even though it looked small, it showed us great views! Here we took many photos, and the guide explained more about Hampi.
From then on, we went to a vast and famous temple known as the "Virupaksha Temple." Here we saw and prayed to many gods, and most importantly, we saw "The Pinhole Camera" Somewhere towards the back of the temple is a tiny hole in the wall which serves as a pinhole and reflects an inverted image of the gopuram on the inside wall. There is not much light inside this tiny room-like space, so it is visible quite clearly as the only bright light coming in is from that little hole.
After all those views, we were tired, but there was more to see! So, after a short break, we stopped at a local condiments shop when all of the students thought the fantastic view of Hampi was over; there was more! Next, we went to a famous temple known as "Vittala Temple", which we all thought was just another average temple, but we were wrong! This temple was famous for the great "Stone Chariot ". One of Hampi's major attractions!
Here we learned about the "Music Pillars" when you tap them; it makes a distinct sound. When mixed sounds like beats and music! We stayed here and rested briefly to see the views; it was time to return to the hotel for lunch! But we had to walk from Vittala Temple to the bus stop, which felt like hours in the hot sun but was just 10 minutes. But it was worth it seeing and meeting the local people! After a scrumptious lunch, we rested because next up was…. A SCAVENGER HUNT. We went to this Place known as "Queens Bath "which soo big and spacious! Our guide told us that this was where King Krishnadeva Raya held big ceremonies and festival celebrations. And the site had many secrets we didn't know, but the guide did, so we were put into groups and scavenger hunts to find them!
This is the Queens Bath
Here we discovered so many astonishing secrets like the underground shelter and elephant entrance, and there were soo many exceptional carvings of different images all around the Place, which we had to find, with hidden gates too! How cool is that?
These are the carvings! The beautiful view.
Elephant entrance The area of the queen's bath was a wonderful and wide open space! We were all exhausted after taking all those photos and discovering secrets, so when we returned to the hotel on the bus, we were treated to sweet snacks! When we returned to the hotel, we had a fantastic dinner and an early night's sleep, so we had loads of energy for the next day!
Day 2:
On the second day, we all woke up around 5:30 or 6:00 AM, got ready, and ate breakfast. The mornings in Hampi were so peaceful.
After breakfast, we got our daily essentials and set out on our buses. The first thing on the agenda was to visit the birthplace of "Lord Hanuman", Anjanadri Hills; once we reached the site place, the guide told us it would be boiling, and we would get tired along the way as we had to climb up a tremendous amount of stairs. So, we got our water bottles filled, and we were off towards the hike!
We had to climb 420 steps to get to the viewpoint! Sounds easy, but it was not; since the stairs were naturally made by weathering out of stones, each stone was a different size, which made it more challenging. But after a lot of hard work and many small stops in the middle, we finally made it to the viewpoint! And, oh, it was worth it. After that, we climbed the stairs, which was much more manageable! Once we returned to the shelter, It was time for the tractor ride! This was so exciting! There were five tractors which took each of the schools for lunch! But not any lunch…..
Hampi Traditional Food!!! The tractor was terrific! It was a wide-open car that allowed us to feel the fresh breeze and relax while enjoying the sight of Hampi. During the tractor ride, we saw the famous "Tungabhadra River"!
The rays of the sun hitting the crystal clear fresh water, plus the reflection of the sky? At this point, everyone was in awe; who wouldn't be? On the bank of the Tungabhadra river was where half of King Krishnadeva Raya's palace was located! Once we reached the campsite, we all ate the scrumptious traditional food of Hampi!
After lunch, we went to this beautiful Place where the local women made handicraftsoutof raw banana leaves! It was a calm environment, and we learnt how to make many different types of crafts. After an hour, we were surprised with a Ramayana Play and a Magic show! Many local actors put on costumes; there was music and action! There was also a man who had bought many props and did a magic show which put us in awe~It was fantastic, and we all enjoyed it!
And the guide had told us that the area where the play was going on was where RamaPlaceed Valiover a billion centuries ago!
Arrival: It was time to return after our wonderful trip to Hampi. We returned to the hotel, freshened up, packed our bags and set off to Bangalore at 8:00 PM. We reached Bangalore at 4:30 AM. Our parents arrived to pick us up, and we all returned home!
My Thoughts: The trip was AMAZING AND WONDERFUL! I have no words! Hampi is a beautiful place with loads of history that we are still yet to discover! It shows us the magnificenceofolden times, leaving my classmates and friends in complete awe as it did to me! Seriously, You should visit Hampi. I am grateful to Ekya School JP Nagar for allowing me to see it with my close friends, classmates and teachers! Thank You!
- Siri Sharma 7B EJPN
A Look At Ekya Schools’ Green Infrastructure Designs: Facilitating Learning & Student Engagement
“Is your child reluctant to wake up for school in the morning?” “Is he/she disinterested in attending classes?” “Do you wonder why?”
It is widely understood that a child's learning curve can be greatly influenced by their curriculum, pedagogy and the personalities of educators. However, it could also be argued that issues in the school environment may contribute to a lack of interest. A child spends/Children spend around 4-6 hours of his/their day at school - effectively making it their ‘home away from home’. Child development researchers have highlighted the importance of school infrastructure for student engagement, learning and overall health, both physical and mental. The results of a 2017 National Achievement Survey for grades III, V and VIII indicated that there may be an association between poor school infrastructure and low motivation when it comes to learning. Studies showed that students attending schools with lower standards had an inclination towards lower academic performance than those who had access to stimulating classrooms and facilities. Ultimately, it is clear that appropriate school infrastructure plays an important role in enabling students to grow holistically.How Ekya Schools Uniquely Designed Campuses Ensure Student Well-being?
- Sprawling Campuses
- Spacious, , well-ventilated, and strategically built classrooms
- Smart boards and technical tools for digital learning
- Child-friendly furniture & panoramic windows throughout the building
- Large amphitheatres, auditoriums, conference rooms, and meeting rooms to accommodate a varying number of visitors
- Open spaces that allow free movement of students
- Outdoor areas with lush greenery, sand pit, and beautiful decorations
- Playground and indoor courts for a wide range of sports activities
- Temperature-controlled, all-weather swimming pools
- Well-stocked, spacious, fully furnished and child-friendly areas dedicated to specific activities (e.g. scientific experimentation, digital design, reading & creative writing, school assemblies, performing & visual arts, sports, cultural performances, etc.)
- Resource rooms, staff rooms, placement & counselling rooms, etc.
- Green Spaces
- Adequate Light & Ventilation
- Stimulating Learning Spaces
- Award-winning Pedagogies Connecting Conceptual Knowledge With The Real World
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