Focus on nurturing young minds

The Deccan International School focuses on a sound ‘Early Years Programme’ to give its students an edge in attaining academic success in life, writes Jayanthi Madhukar

Early childhood development (up to five years) is a period of rapid development and a time when lifestyle and education patterns can be adapted to boost gains in health and cognitive development. Scientific research has shown that a child’s trajectory to success begins from birth, influenced by the parents’ education, home-school environment and exposure. Of great significance is the advantage the child receives in terms of quality Early Child Education (ECE). Parents and educational institutions would do well to pay greater attention on ECE if they are inclined to steer their children to the path of academic success.

In fact, experienced educators who have worked with children from early years through college concur that the earlier you give a child good education and specialised pedagogy, higher are the chances that the child will be a successful adult with better university qualifications and increased earnings.

The essence of good early education, apart from the infrastructure, is the bringing together of talented teachers and a challenging curriculum which in turn, motivates children to be engaged and enthusiastic.

Deccan International School, a co-educational school located in south Bengaluru, has focussed on high-quality Early Years Programme since 2003, the year it was founded. This year the school has partnered with Cambridge International for their newly-introduced ‘Cambridge Early Years’ programme.

ECE at Deccan International School

How does Deccan International School have an edge on ECE? In a sentence, it creates a wonderous world where students become explorers and attentive teachers are close at hand, guiding them towards learning and understanding. The school’s three-year Early Years programme has an activity-based combination of Montessori and Kindergarten pedagogy.

The curriculum content at Deccan International is split into six subject areas:

Communication, language and literacy

Speaking, listening, reading and writing are crucial to children's early development. Teachers work with children through fun activities and encourage them to engage with a wide range of texts so as to ignite a lifelong curiosity for learning.

Creative expression

Children learn to communicate their ideas and develop their imagination through art and design, music, dance and drama. Daily sessions include movement with music, art, craft and play dough, role play, show and tell, singing and recitation and so on. This brings together skills and cognitive processes from across the whole curriculum.

Mathematics

Teachers help children recognise how mathematics impacts everyday life. Through games and activities, children are introduced to mathematical language, thinking and concepts that they will need when they start their primary education.

Personal, social and emotional development

This area underpins children’s wellbeing and attainment in all other areas of their learning. It helps them develop social learning and friendships, regulates their emotional responses and responses to the needs of others. Events such as Annual Day, Grandparents Day, Sing along with Parents, Cook with Dad and so on develop self-esteem and confidence in children.

Physical development

Children develop movement skills through play, promoting positive attitudes towards exercise and laying the foundations for healthy, active lives.

Understanding the world

Natural curiosity must be encouraged. Hence, children are taught to reflect, question, explore and interact, and guided in their understanding of the world. They establish connections of their learning at school with everyday life and the world around them. Being part of programmes like the International School Award (ISA) of British Council helps better their understanding of the world around them.
Summing up, the Early Years programme creates a strong and enduring foundation in its students as they set on their academic journey.

21st Century learning

The school systematically works towards developing the much-needed 21st Century skills like critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving in their students through thoughtfully-designed and well-structured programmes. What started as a random entry four years ago to the School Enterprise Challenge (a global awards programme to teach business and life skills), has become an annual project where students of high school successfully operate and manage an innovative business. Their products range from organic vegetables to natural home cleaning and beauty products.

Music enrichment and sports contribute to building academic rigour

The school strongly believes that exposure to performing arts and visual arts coupled with a strong sporting culture has a positive impact on the learning centres of the brain, thus resulting in better academic achievement. Music enrichment at DIS offers an array of 14 different options in both Indian and Western vocals, instrumental, theatre and dance.

The school has three large playgrounds for football, athletics, volleyball, cricket and a basketball court as well. Adjoining the school campus is the Nettakallappa Centre for Sports, a three-acre sports facility. The facility offers specialised year-long programmes and summer camps in Cricket, Football, Basketball and Athletics. It is affiliated to the Karnataka State Basketball Association for Basketball. The 10-acre campus has large open spaces and green lawns where children learn and play amidst nature.

Inspiring learning environment

What makes an ideal learning environment? At the Deccan International School, the emphasis is on making the students feel welcome, supported, safe and able to thrive and grow. It provides an empowering learning environment that also nurtures empathy and inquiry in students and enables them to excel in an ever-changing world. The school takes its role in the life of a Deccanite seriously.

The campus is a reflection of that thought. It is airy and suffused with greenery. Classrooms are well-lit and have natural ventilation since they overlook the garden. The highlight, of course, is the Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre which is affiliated to the Karnataka Swimming Association. The centre, which is within the school’s campus, has Olympic-sized pools and facilities. A team of internationally-certified coaches and teachers teach students swimming not only as a sport but as an essential life-skill.

This school imparts education that gets the students ready to face the challenges of life successfully.