Innovation must be cultivated from young age

How is your school integrating tech in classroom learning?

In today's education landscape, technology is no longer optional-it's essential. At our school, we have seamlessly integrated technology into classroom learning to make it more interactive, inclusive and engaging. Smart classrooms, digital learning platforms, virtual labs and AI-based assessment tools allow students to learn at their own pace and style. Our teachers are continuously up skilled to use EdTech effectively, ensuring technology becomes a tool for empowerment rather than distraction.

What are the cultural and extracurricular highpoints of your school in the past year?

This past year has been a celebration of creativity, passion and teamwork. Our students shone at inter-school cultural festivals, clinching accolades in dance, music, theatre and art competitions. The school hosted its annual cultural fest, a true reflection of diversity and talent. In the sports arena, our athletes brought home medals from the district and state-level tournaments. Additionally, student-led clubs in debate, entrepreneurship, coding and photography flourished, fostering leadership and collaboration beyond the classroom.

Innovation has become an important part of the school curriculum. How have you incorporated it?

We strongly believe that innovation must be cultivated from a young age. Our curriculum includes dedicated time for problem-solving, critical thinking and project-based learning. The introduction of a makerspace, robotics lab and regular hackathons has encouraged students to tinker, experiment and ideate. Through collaborations with industry experts and innovation cells, we provide students with real-world challenges to solve-nurturing a culture of inquiry and innovation.

What is your long-term vision for transforming education?

My vision is to create a learning environment that is student-centred, values-driven and future-ready. Education must move beyond textbooks to foster creativity, empathy and global citizenship. We aim to integrate sustainability, digital literacy and life skills into the curriculum while ensuring academic excellence. Ultimately, our goal is to prepare students not just for exams, but for life-equipping them to thrive in an unpredictable world with confidence and integrity.

What skills are important for students in this tech-driven age and what steps has your school taken to instil these?

In this digital age, adaptability, digital literacy, communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence are the key. To build these competencies, we have introduced coding from an early age, promoted interdisciplinary learning, and emphasised teamwork through group projects and leadership activities. Public speaking workshops, life skills training and mentorship programmes help students become well-rounded individuals who can communicate effectively and think critically.

Have any mental health measures been taken to ensure the holistic growth of students?

Absolutely. We place the highest importance on the emotional well-being of our students. Our school has a dedicated counselling department that conducts regular mental health workshops, one-on-one sessions and awareness campaigns. Teachers are trained to be empathetic listeners and early responders. We have also integrated mindfulness and yoga into the daily routine to promote balance, reduce stress and support overall mental wellness.

The writer is Principal, MCM DAV School, Baghani, Nurpur