Continuing from where we left off in our earlier blog of the series, The Right School, I would like to talk about my discussion with the honourable Ms.Geeta Karunakaran, the Principal, PGGS, New Delhi.
Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“Me: Why do you think this school is different from other schools in New Delhi & NCR?
Geeta: It is different because I am heading it! We strive towards ‘’Excellence’’.
Her two-liner answer was enough to leave me spellbound with the charm of her personality. She is a leader, that is pretty evident from what she says.
Me: Where do you see PGGS in 10 years down the line?
Geeta: Well, PGGS is a new school and I don’t claim that it is the best school in the city yet. But what I can assure my students is that we provide them with the best of the opportunities to grow in an environment – both intellectually and emotionally. We empower our students to develop their self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence. We prepare them to step into global society with dignity, honour and integrity. We believe in giving our students strong values that help them face challenges in life. I acknowledge that we have a long way to go but with dedication and determination, we are sure to reach the top.
Me: What Teaching methodologies are followed in the school?
Geeta: From interactive teaching methods to a healthy teacher-student relationship, we work to make studies as effortless as possible. Besides the usual procedural teaching, we regularly upgrade and update our teaching tools and techniques. Periodic training and workshops are also undertaken to continue teachers’ education. We believe in Experimental learning that helps children share, analyse and express their ideas freely. From academics to dance, theatre, music and a variety of sports, we focus on developing both, the mental and the physical abilities of a student.
Me: What is the school’s approach to improving the performance of non-performing students?
Geeta: Every child is important to the school. If a student is not able to perform for any reason, we do have performance improvement plans wherein the child is given individual attention in the area he or she is underperforming. We coordinate with the parents and work together to understand the pain areas of the student and help him/her improve their performance.
Me: How frequently is the school introducing new classes?
Geeta: Well, we plan to introduce a class every year and foresee to extend till Class XII in next couple of years.
Me: How much weightage your curriculum gives to ‘Sports’ in the development of the child?
Well, I should have been careful before asking this. I had no idea that she has been an excellent and active sports person in her school days but I wish I knew that before.
Geeta: We believe that children should be encouraged to participate in sports from early on. PGGS thus offers the opportunity to participate in a range of indoor & outdoor sports activities. We are here to build Olympians. My target is not Interschool or National. In order to be different, you need to do something different and that’s what PGGS strives to do while grooming its students.
Other schools allow students to skip their sports practice session for a day or two if there is an exam the next day but we follow the reverse strategy. In PGGS, if you miss your practice session, you won’t be allowed to appear in exams.
So, this is the importance we give to sports and this will not affect studies even because when a particular thing is in a routine, students get used to it. They take it in their stride and then they are not affected by anything that is coming their way. All they concentrate upon is their target. Thus, my aim is to make them more focused.“
I must admit that she inspired me in ways more than one. She has a clear vision and is truly motivating. I am sure that a school with a mentor like her, the staff, amenities and curriculum like PGGS can definitely bring out the best in your child and help him develop into a fine, complete and responsible human being.
Though I love the school in which I studied, I wish PGGS was there in our times too! Well, my school days are gone, but you should definitely not let your child miss the opportunity to get an education here.
Click on the link to know more about Paul George Global School – https://goo.gl/Ul6CSP or make the time to head to the school. You can also call at their Toll-Free Number- 1800 212 3340 and take a School Tour -you will be amazed at what they have to offer! I can guarantee that this lovely school is what every parent and child dream of!
