Our middle school curriculum is designed to build on what students learned in elementary school while also introducing new subjects and more complex concepts in order to prepare students for high school. English is taught as a first language, with Kannada as a second language, and Sanskrit/Hindi as a third language. The core subjects of Mathematics, Science, and Social Science are taught using a handpicked set of books that assist students to improve their mathematical skills, aptitude, and scientific approach. We strongly oppose rote learning because it limits pupils' critical thinking and creativity. As a result, students are encouraged to jot down points that will help them improve their comprehension and writing skills.
The curriculum is tailored after careful planning and consideration by subject coordinators. They use a variety of pedagogical methods to ensure that each student learns the meaning of each concept rather than simply memorising it.This helps build strong academic foundations for the students to build upon. The curriculum guarantees that students' core skills, such as understanding, analysis, and application, are improved. We use hands-on learning approaches to connect classroom learning to the real world. Our curriculum is inclusive of the needs of different types of learners.
Science, Mathematics, and Social Science are core subjects, and learning of these subjects is integrated with subject-specific methodologies such as experimentation, working models, and particle aspects. Math is made familiar with real-life examples and the application of concepts in real-life situations. A combination of audio, video, still images, animation, and timelines are used to bring social science closer to the child's immediate environment. The curriculum is supplemented by computer instruction, painting, yoga, and other co-curricular activities.
Language learning attempts to improve critical language skills such as spoken language, vocabulary development, grammar, and creative writing. These language aspects are accomplished through child-friendly activities such as role-playing, assembly and class speeches, group discussion, debate, and quizzes. It has numerous advantages, including improved academic performance, cognitive growth, and a more positive attitude toward different languages and cultures. Language learning is therefore required for students to perform well in the modern world.
As per the education department's guidelines, we moved to the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation format from the academic year 2013-14 as an alternative to the formal Final Examination System. This helps children learn in a more integrated manner, retaining concepts better and avoiding rote learning. This form of assessment system helps children perform better in higher studies.
Through our assessments, we seek to identify and confirm the knowledge and competencies gained by students during the academic year. To achieve that, we have Formative Assessments (tests at regular intervals) and Summative Assessments (end-of-term assessments) twice a year. Activities and projects, along with paper-pen tests, are conducted throughout the academic year. This helps teachers know about the learning gaps and apply remedies throughout the year.
The library is one of the areas in the school that students and teachers both like to visit. We have a library stocked with books of different genres. Library classes are held once a week, and book fairs are organised periodically to inculcate the habit of reading among our students. Reading books not only increases their knowledge; it enhances their vocabulary, reading and comprehending skills and also makes them more inquisitive and imaginative. Our library is a storehouse of information as we also stock up on different newspapers, magazines, and journals. We also have books that help students with reference work.
In collaboration with Arpitha Associates, we run a life skills programme from Class IV called EQUBE. EQUBE is an acronym for Enabling Evolutionary Excellence and is designed to meet the needs of children during their formative years. Trained specialists advise students in personality development and help to produce emotionally robust, stable, and socially effective individuals. Approximately 20 to 22 40-minute sessions are held for students each academic year. These programmes help students develop personal values, the ability to make deliberate, wise choices, and have a clear vision for their personal lives.
Computer science has made remarkable advances and is constantly developing. Our Information and Communications Technology module seeks to educate students on the most recent technological advancements. With appropriate themes, the programme includes popular software packages such as MS Office, LOGO, Microworlds, Ulead Gif Animator, QBASIC, Inkscape, Scratch, GIMP, and HTML. This ensures that you are familiar with both programming theory and graphic design effects. Students work on technology to submit academic assignments on a regular basis. The computer curriculum is methodical and helps students improve their thinking and organisational skills. As students progress through the grades, they gradually assimilate and apply concepts learned in lower grades.
In today’s world, children are more dependent on technology than ever before, not only for their studies but also for leisure. To break that monotony, the school has introduced hobby classes for students to nurture and pursue their interests. The classes are conducted by trained external professionals in various fields. Students can choose from chess, aerobics, music, crafts, karate, and pottery. Each hobby class offered by the school helps develop the cognitive and physical skills of our students. Classes IV to VII have hobby classes once a week for 80 minutes, or two consecutive periods, during the last two periods of the day.
Recognizing the value of general knowledge, the school has collaborated with Grey Matters Private Limited on the Global Awareness Program (GAP) programme. GAP is India's first specialised general knowledge initiative for both instructors and students. The programme, which runs for 10 months in the academic year, strives to increase, improve, and sustain knowledge of global happenings and current events on a monthly basis. Students particularly like the GAP classes, which provide them with a plethora of knowledge and information. GAP is being implemented in our school for Classes IV to VII, with one hour dedicated every two weeks for varied activities and discussions. Every student receives a student copy of the Gaptopedia at the beginning of the month. To create awareness and interest in quizzing, the school uses the GAP content to have inter-class quizzes twice a year.
Mindspark is a self-learning computer programme that helps children improve their math skills. The interactive interface ensures that the student is actively studying rather than passively listening to someone or viewing ready-made solutions. Students in Classes IV and V have two sessions per week to practise the mathematical concepts learned in class. This programme assists individual students in identifying their own strengths and limitations, as well as tracking their progress toward development. Students enhance their conceptual clarity and procedural fluency overall. This is accomplished through the use of customised modules, based on the course calendar for the academic year, which are accessible through the online portal. Furthermore, learning happens at one's own pace, and no student feels threatened or intimidated by peer pressure, which is the main idea behind the establishment of this club. It provides teachers with a comprehensive view of each child's level of understanding of the concepts covered in class. The teacher can also devise techniques and strategies to address problems based on the areas of difficulty, typical errors made by students, and individual obstacles each child encounters. Students receive sparkies for their accomplishments and are guided if they require help.
ASSET questions are highly regarded for their capacity to stimulate children's thinking and expose them to a fresh and novel way to assess their grasp of major concepts taught in the school curriculum. The ASSET Question-A-Day (AQAD) is a collection of thought-provoking questions designed to get pupils used to answering skill-based questions on a regular basis. The school receives questions on various courses and topics for Classes III through IX. The questions are posted on the bulletin board, and the pupils receive clarification from the appropriate teachers about these questions.
The school conducts reasoning tests for middle school students to explain to them and make them understand the importance of critical thinking. It helps them identify the core skills associated with critical thinking. The tests are tailored to help students learn the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning.
Swimming is an activity that not only helps the physical wellness of students but also has a calming effect on the mind. The school facilitates swimming classes for students in Classes IV and V to foster the holistic wellness of the students. Students are taken to the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre once a week for their swimming classes, where they are trained by certified experts. The school takes several precautionary steps to ensure the safety of the students.
Weekly yoga classes are aimed at fostering harmony in the bodies and minds of our students. The ancient practice of yoga benefits our students in multiple ways, such as improved bodily flexibility, cognitive growth, focus and calmness of the mind. A trained yoga instructor conducts these classes.
Sports are an integral part of our curriculum and seek to inculcate a sense of sporting spirit among our students. These classes help students enhance their sports skills. They also help to identify students who are naturally gifted in athletics so that they can further nurture them. The school is well-equipped with multi-sporting facilities, which include basketball, volleyball, throwball, football, badminton, and cricket, providing the students with the opportunity to pursue a game or sport that they like.
Sri Kumaran Children's Home SSLC Section has a yearly literary fest, Kalakshari, to provide students a platform to exhibit their skills and abilities. Teachers encourage each and every student to participate in various activities such as creative writing, debating, elocution, quizzing, fireless cooking, face painting, miming, dancing, mono acting, and rangoli. It is an event that students look forward to and enjoy. It is a means for them to not only showcase their talents, but also to learn teamwork, planning, and enterprising skills.
A special assembly is a gathering of several classes to participate in a group activity that is usually instructive and is an important part of the curriculum. It has the potential to foster and sustain a positive school culture by emphasising interpersonal intelligence. Special Assemblies are organised to commemorate national and international holidays such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Kannada Rajyotsava, and International Yoga Day. The goal is to raise awareness among our students about the significance of these special days while also instilling values, culture, and a feeling of team spirit within them. Children are given the opportunity to show off their hidden talents through singing, dancing, theatre, and public speaking.
For pupils, bulletin boards appeal to the visual side of learning. At the Kumarans, we believe that displaying students' work on bulletin boards fosters a sense of pride, ownership, and motivation to continue creating work that is worthy of attention.
Annual Day at the school is a time of celebration that becomes an intrinsic element of learning and developing strong cultural beliefs. Every other year in November, our school holds a School Day with a specific theme. Every student takes part in the grand celebrations, which include acts such as singing, dancing, and theatre. It is not only a day for our children to showcase their abilities; it is also a testimonial to the effort put in by the instructors who work tirelessly to put on the show. The day is made especially memorable when parents and students' families congregate to watch their children perform. It is a day when the entire school community comes together.
The school is committed to providing all students with a comprehensive learning experience, we organise a theme-based cover page design competition for Classes I through X each year to foster students' creativity and artistic talents. Students contribute collages, pencil sketches, colour sketches, paintings, and drawings to the competition. The best artworks are featured as cover page designs in the notebooks and workbooks that pupils use in the coming school year.
Every year, the Student Editorial Entity of Kumarans (SEEK) publishes the school magazine called "Gnanamanthanam” at the end of every academic year. Students from all classes are encouraged to submit original works of art and creative writing, such as poetry, stories, and reports that are featured in the magazine. Articles in the magazine also detail all of the activities that have taken place at the school that year. SEEK team members collaborate closely with faculty members to produce an exciting edition every year. The students strive to put up their best efforts and make extensive use of digital tools to publish the magazine that all Kumaranites enjoy reading.
To supplement classroom learning, the school organises field trips, excursions, and treks for all classes. Primary school students are taken on one-day tours to nearby locations, while middle and high school students are taken on slightly longer trips to resorts, places of adventure, or scenic beauty. The school organises a longer trip for the graduating class of Class X students so that they can make special memories with their classmates as they prepare to leave school.
Art fosters imagination and creative thinking. It offers visual, tactile, and sensory experiences, as well as a unique way of comprehending and responding to the world around us. Our students are trained under the supervision of our expert artists in once-a-week classes.
Seva Day is observed in memory of Smt. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, the beloved mother and former Director of the school. On October 1st, the anniversary of her death, our students volunteer to clean their classrooms, corridors, and other school areas. This teaches the children to be compassionate towards others, it helps in fosterering dignity for all individuals and also promotes human relation. The activities are carried out to honour our beloved mother's belief, 'Service to Ohers is Service to God'. The school works hard to instil these values in its students.
The school arranges for several external examinations so that our students can gain first-hand experience of competitive exams. These tests aid in the development of children's intellects and the refinement of their application skills. Unlike other tests, the International Assessments for Indian Schools (IAIS) do not put a premium on test scores. It gives students the opportunity to showcase their abilities. The tests cover a wide range of skills in English, Mathematics, Science, and Computer skills. IAIS diagnostic reports are intended to assist students in planning and modifying their learning strategies. Educational Initiatives administers the Assessment of Scholastic Skills through Educational Testing (ASSET) to students across the country. It is a diagnostic test designed to assist students in improving their academic performance. ASSET analyses a student's understanding of concepts and provides detailed feedback to help them improve. Thus, ASSET enables each student to determine early on whether they truly understand a concept, allowing for immediate action. Students frequently have conceptual gaps that grow as they progress, and by the time they reach higher classes, they have developed a "phobia" of the subject. Spell Bee International is a non-profit educational organisation that has transformed the way English is taught. They have created a one-of-a-kind learning model called the Strategic Language Enhancement Programme to teach English. Spell Bee International prepares students not only for exams, but also for academic and professional success. This exam is given in 15 rounds throughout the academic year and introduces contestants to reading, comprehension, crossword puzzles, idioms, phrases, and presenting an argument. This exam also prepares students for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT. It motivates some of them to write scholarly articles and books.
Our annual sports day allows our students to demonstrate the skills they learn in sports classes. Students prepare for sports day for weeks, practising various physical training displays such as a march past accompanied by the school band, aerobics, and yoga. They compete in inter-house team events as well as individual athletic events. Participation fosters a sense of camaraderie and team spirit in students. The winners of the competitions are presented with medals and certificates. A chief guest is also usually invited to the event.
Children require praise and positive feedback in order to develop and improve their abilities. The school organises annual fairs on various subjects to provide this platform. The school hosts IT fairs, science fairs, and social fairs where students can showcase and present their talents and abilities. Children take part in them with enthusiasm, and they are rewarded with prizes for the best exhibits, which adds an extra incentive to create more interesting, innovative, and ingenious projects. The fairs are given new names each year based on the themes they follow. Children must work within the boundaries of the topics assigned to them. These fairs are opportunities to encourage children's creativity and ability to think outside the box.
It is the culmination of the hobby classes students take during the academic year. Students display their learning outcomes, and parents and families are invited to cheer them on.
The resource room, aptly named "Sadhanam," has been operating in a child-friendly environment for more than 15 years, supporting students from Classes I to VII who have learning difficulties. Teachers or parents may refer children to the resource room if they notice learning gaps. Before referring students to Sadhanam, an informal test is administered. Parents are notified before their child is placed in the resource room. Special educators assist them not only with academic work, but also with behavioural or emotional issues that are impeding their learning. They receive assistance with reading, spelling, comprehension, study skills, thinking skills, organisational skills, and behaviour management. The children attend the resource room once a day, during one of their leisure activity periods, such as art or music. The resource room strives to reach out to all children who require assistance in the aforementioned areas, with complete support, cooperation, and encouragement from their teachers and parents.
Consistent parental involvement increases the likelihood of high-quality learning in the classroom and at home. Parents are absolutely critical to their children's academic, physical, social, and moral development. As a school, we recognise the importance of frequent interactions with parents. The school sincerely believes that the parent and school must collaborate for the child's healthy and wholesome development. We also believe that regular communication between home and school is essential.
Through these interactions, we hope to establish caring relationships with parents so that they can play an important role in their children's education. We hope that by holding these meetings, we can help parents help their children learn better. Parents can reinforce the skills, knowledge, habits, and priorities that we emphasise in class by maintaining consistent communication between home and school. This is especially true when our teaching methods and approaches differ from the norm and necessitate regular parent follow-up.
It is critical that teachers be aware of their students' strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, areas of special sensitivity, and any factors at home that can affect school performance. Parents are best placed to provide this information and cooperate when requested. When students know that their parents and teachers communicate frequently, they act, behave, and perform differently. Frequent communication earns the confidence, trust, and respect of parents. With open lines of communication, feelings of uncertainty, mistrust, and alienation are unlikely to ever arise.
As humans, we need community and support. Children are no exception. While sometimes we may assume that children may remain unaffected by what happens to them or to their surroundings that is not how it is. Examples of such concerns could look like: “I wish I could do better in my exams” or “I feel lonely and very tense about going to class”.
There are various types of people who may offer suggestions and assistance, but the question is whether or not that assistance is effective. Often, seeking professional assistance for the child's mental and emotional well-being is the best option. When counselling sessions are held in the school, it alleviates some of the concerns that parents may have, such as the stigma associated with therapy, a lack of time for sessions, and coordination with school facilities in cases where problems need to be addressed by the facilitators in the school.
Counselling services at Kumarans help with academic, behavioural, and emotional difficulties, as well as networking with other professionals in case referrals for diagnosis, clinical intervention, and feedback are required. The sessions are held in the counselling room to provide students and their parents with privacy when meeting with the counsellor.
Some issues that affect everyone are addressed in class through relevant inputs and presentations, resulting in a better understanding of the issues and the ability to deal with related matters appropriately or seek help when necessary. Some of the areas of counselling and supportive services include providing support, crisis management, and developing problem-solving and decision-making skills.