Empowering students to achieve academic brilliance, develop emotional intelligence

Education involves a right balance of academic and co-curricular activities. How is your institution providing this balance to students?

Balancing academic and co-curricular activities is crucial for fostering holistic development in students. At St Soldier International Convent School, we strike this balance by prioritising strong academic programmes by offering a structured curriculum that challenges students. Teachers ensure that the students grasp the core concepts, and assessments help measure progress. Co-curricular activities are conducted round the clock from nurseries to Class XII, including sports, music, drama, clubs, debate teams, volunteer opportunities, and leadership training. They help students build teamwork, creativity, time management, and social skills and foremost is that these activities compliment academic learning. We organise workshops and seminars that focus on skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and career readiness. CBPS are held for the teachers to update and upgrade their teaching learning strategies. These are often integrated into the academic schedule, ensuring that students remain engaged while also learning practical skills. Teachers and administrators usually encourage students to engage in co-curricular activities and create an environment where these activities are seen as complementary to academic growth. We host dedicated wellness programmes, helping students balance the demands of both academics and co-curricular activities. Mental health workshops, time management counselling, and stress management activities are often part of the curriculum. Theme-wise calendar is being prepared so that all classes go in coordination.

What are the assessment practices used in your school?

We use a variety of assessment practices to ensure they evaluate students’ knowledge, skills, and development in a comprehensive and meaningful way. The key assessment practices used in our school are formative assessment, summative assessment, peer and self-assessment, continuous assessment, and holistic assessment. Diagnostic feedback is provided to the parents. We adopt these practices to create a balanced, supportive, and comprehensive evaluation system that helps students succeed academically and personally.

Sports and co-curricular activities for students.

Our school calendar is prepared keeping month-wise activities — be it inter-class, inter-school and national competitions — in mind. Every year our school hosts one or the other CBSE tournament. For the last 10-15 years we have been hosting CBSE Table Tennis Championship. In 2023 we hosted North Zone II Skating Championship wherein we hosted about 3,454 students from Chandigarh, Mohali, Haryana, HP and J&K. Our students have made a mark at the state and national levels in skating, martial arts, swimming, volleyball, basketball, table tennis and athletics. We also promote sports by giving scholarships to the sports stars and also some concession in the fee. Weekly assemblies are held and month-wise co-curricular activities are conducted. Inter-School Lit Fest, Tech Fests and Robo Fests are the annual features. Class-wise stage shows are held in November and December. All the festivals are celebrated.

NEP-2020 has laid special emphasis on vocational skills and entrepreneurships. How is your school providing these two through curriculum?

NEP 2020 focusses on vocational education. We have beauty & wellness, AI, Hind music, IP and information technology trainers. We are also going to introduce PAT and FMM for the students of Class VI onwards.

What is the motto of your school and how are students being trained to follow it?

The motto, ‘Sarbat ka Bhala’ means ‘Welfare of All’. It is a powerful and inclusive concept, deeply rooted in the ethos of humanity and collective well-being. It promotes the idea of universal good, focusing on the welfare of everyone, regardless of background, status, or differences. In schools, this motto is as part of their educational philosophy. Students are encouraged to follow it in several ways. By incorporating the motto ‘Sarbat ka Bhala’ into both the curriculum and school culture, students are nurtured into becoming individuals who not only excel academically but also contribute positively to society. The overarching goal is to create compassionate, responsible, and empathetic individuals who understand that their well-being is intertwined with the well-being of others.

What measures has the school taken to help students cope with stress and to develop their EQ?

Our school recognises the importance of not only academic development but also emotional well-being. Developing Emotional Quotient (EQ) and managing stress effectively are crucial for students’ overall success and mental health. Some common measures taken by our school team to help students cope with stress and develop their emotional intelligence are school counsellors, confidential support, peer counselling programmes, Buddy system, daily mindfulness sessions, yoga classes, EQ curriculum, regular workshops, time management, sports and physical activity, arts and creative expression, encouraging growth mind-set, teacher-student relationships, encouraging expression, parent-teachers meet, open lines of communication with parents, structured break time, teaching self-care, promoting healthy lifestyle, gratitude journals, and positive affirmations.

As the head of this institution, what is your vision and how are you making it a reality?

My vision statement is empowering students to achieve academic brilliance, develop emotional intelligence, and become compassionate global citizens who contribute positively to society. As the Principal of St Soldier International Convent School, my focus is to inspire and empower students to become not just successful learners, but also compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society. By fostering a strong academic environment, promoting emotional intelligence, and emphasising the importance of character and social responsibility, we will cultivate a generation of students who are prepared for success both in their personal lives and in the global community.