Ways in which schools can contribute to holistic development of students

Rohan Parikh

The National Education Policy of 2020 stated the purpose of the education system in India as — ‘to develop good human beings capable of rational thought and action, possessing compassion and empathy, courage and resilience, scientific temper and creative imagination, with sound ethical moorings and values’.

 Schooling must, therefore, contribute and work actively towards the holistic development of students. This includes not only their academic performance but extends to their social-emotional well-being, health and fitness, creative expression and opportunities to be conscious and compassionate citizens who positively affect the communities they inhabit.

 So how can schools contribute to their students’ holistic development?

 Most schools already lay great emphasis on students’ academic learning and prioritise good scores in competitive exams. While this is important, it is often a narrow view. In addition to teaching for examinations, schools can focus on content that is relevant in the contemporary world and interesting for students. For example, students can learn how to code not just by writing it in their notebooks but by practicing on computers. Or learners can be given opportunities to explore current issues such as climate change by studying the most current developments and technologies rather than dated ideas and interventions. And, classrooms can be spaces where students ask questions that are of interest and importance to them and be encouraged to find answers along with their teachers and peers.

 Students’ success with their learning and in their futures is greatly affected by their social and emotional well being. Thus, schools can invest in actively teaching students content and strategies for their social-emotional development. This can include skills like goal-setting, managing emotions, collaborating effectively and time management – all skills that take young children as well as adults a long way!

 Holistic programmes are focused on giving students outlets to explore and foster their creativity. And this is no longer just a 30 minute art class! Instead, it can include other forms like dance, music and theater in addition to art. Schools can create very rich cultural communities within their schools by having students study rich and intentional art and creativity programs. An especially exciting opportunity would be enabling students to study the art forms of the indigenious communities surrounding their schools! Importantly, such programs require to be given as much importance as academic subjects and sufficient time so that students can meaningfully learn their creative form.

 Similarly, holistic programmes lay great emphasis on physical health and fitness. While this includes achieving excellence in multiple different individual and team sports for students who are successful and inclined as we already see in many schools, it should extend to much more. Physical education should aim to be a valuable space for all students, where they learn the information and skills required to take care of their bodies. This means studying nutrition and biology in a way that is relatable and understandable for students and also taking up sport, movement or yoga for the purpose of physical wellbeing.

 Finally, as highlighted by our National Education Policy 2020, schools must also aim to equip students to become individuals who positively affect the communities that they engage with and inhabit. This means, creating spaces for the exploration of issues of local, national and global importance and then time and guidance to find, pilot, implement and reflect on solutions, no matter how big or small the solutions may be. Encouraging students to take such initiative and nurturing the inspiration to create positive change can foster a life-long spirit of giving back, gratitude and compassion and may even fuel innovation!

 At the heart of holistic programmes is also connectedness across what students learn. For instance, they may learn scientific concepts in their art class by looking at properties of paint and other art materials or they may encounter opportunities to deeply understand concepts of economics and history come to life in their literature classes or their sports teams might become examples for collaboration and resilience that were learnt in their social emotional learning classes.

 Overall, holistic programmes prepare students for the real world and to lead fruitful and balanced lives of happiness and meaning. This can only be achieved if students in school are taught not just to value marks but their mental and physical health, art, culture and sport and if they aim to be peaceful, constructive and positive participants in the societies they inhabit.

 The writer is Managing Director of The Green Acres Academy – Schools by The Acres Foundation