Ms. Nikita Tomar Mann

Understanding the pivotal role of education in shaping future generations, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, is crucial. In this exclusive interview with Ms. Nikita Tomar Mann, Principal, Indraprastha Global School, Noida, U.P., we explore how her school tries to integrate cutting-edge educational methodologies to prepare students for contemporary challenges. She covers various topics essential for holistic student development, including STEAM education, emotional strength and confidence-building, technology integration in learning and strategies for cognitive development and emotional well-being. Ms. Mann provides insights into her school’s innovative approaches and initiatives aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped to excel in a competitive world. Let’s dive in!

1. How does your School integrate STEM/STEAM education into its curriculum to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century?

At Indraprastha Global School (IPGS), STEAM education is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. While many schools focus on STEM-based education, we recognize the importance of STEAM education, which incorporates the Arts to foster wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.

In our Middle and Senior Schools, we have established the C.R.E.A.T.E lab, a dynamic space that combines Coding, Robotics, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. This lab provides students with a flexible learning environment where they can engage in hands-on activities and develop working models to address real-world problems. For instance, students might design and program a robot to solve specific tasks or create a business plan for a tech startup, blending technical skills with creative thinking.

Additionally, our Primary Wing features the Wizard’s Maker Space, a dedicated STEAM lab that utilizes gamification and LEGO to enhance creativity and engage young minds in problem-solving activities. This space encourages students to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills through interactive puzzles and creative building projects. For example, children might work together to build a complex LEGO structure that demonstrates basic engineering principles or solve puzzles that require logical reasoning and teamwork.

What strategies does the school employ to balance cognitive development with emotional well-being in students’ holistic growth?

At IPGS, we understand that balancing cognitive development with emotional well-being is essential for the holistic growth of our students. Cognitive development is continuously facilitated through a variety of activities designed to introduce or consolidate concepts within a challenging academic schedule that considers multiple intelligences.

Our Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) program is central to this balance, focusing on developing skills such as self-regulation, managing impulsive behaviour, and practising empathy. These skills not only positively impact academic performance but also reduce negative social behaviours, creating a more harmonious learning environment.

Two practical initiatives that promote socio-emotional learning are the Buddy Bench and the Peace Table:

• The Buddy Bench provides a physical space for any student who feels in need of a friend or is feeling socially isolated. It encourages empathy among students, offering them the opportunity to acknowledge and respond to the emotions of their peers, fostering a supportive community.

• The Peace Table serves as a conflict resolution tool. Children use it as a space for personal reflection and to work out disagreements by discussing their feelings and finding a middle path. This initiative helps students develop critical conflict resolution skills, promoting a peaceful and cooperative school environment.
• Here’s how we measure success:
• Equal Emphasis on Academics and Holistic Development: Our school places equal importance on academics, sports, and co-curricular activities. While academic rigour ensures cognitive development, activities like Effective Communication Skills, Physical Fitness, Performing Arts, Clubs, and Special Assemblies enrich other dimensions of a student’s personality.
• Khel Utsav: Leading up to National Sports Day, IPGS celebrates Khel Utsav throughout August. This event includes an inter-school competition inviting neighbouring schools to participate in a variety of sports such as Skating, Basketball, Taekwondo, Yoga, Table Tennis, and Football. Participation and performance in these competitions contribute to the holistic development of our students, emphasizing physical fitness and sportsmanship.
• SPICMACAY Events: We organize classical dance and music recitals through SPICMACAY to expose students to the richness of Indian culture and heritage. These cultural activities not only nurture artistic talents but also promote cultural awareness and appreciation among students.
• Special Assemblies: Regular special assemblies are organized to ensure that every student actively participates in activities beyond academics. These assemblies provide platforms for students to showcase their talents, collaborate with peers, and develop essential presentation and leadership skills.
• Participation in International Competitions: IPGS provides opportunities for students to participate in prestigious international competitions such as the World Scholar’s Cup. Our school team’s qualification to participate in the Tournament of Champions at Yale University, USA, reflects our commitment to academic excellence and global exposure.