‘Grade system harming the top 10 per cent’

Tell us about your present and past assignments,and your experience with the education system. We would also love to know about your experiences both as a teacher and an administrator

I started my career as a physics PG assistant in Tamil Nadu,after which I joined Somerville School in New Delhi as a PGT teacher in the same subject. I joined Faith Academy as a physics lecturer in 1992,and was appointed the school’s principal about six years ago.

I love physics and enjoy teaching the subject greatly,right from the atomic level to the cosmic level. Physics teaches us to appreciate God’s creation. In fact,I still teach the subject to Class XII students in the school. I really enjoy mingling with the children.

As an administrator I am exhilarated to lead a committed team of staff and vivacious children.

What do you think of the education system and the changes it has been undergoing in the last few years?

A lot of changes have taken place in the past few years. Computer technology has advanced and e-education has become the norm. I feel very happy about the new things,but feel there’s still something missing in the current education system. When I used to be a student,our teachers would take us out,ask us to collect pebbles,show us Nature and its beauty,and teach mathematics and science in an interesting manner. Everything now is available virtually. Therefore,I feel that schools today shouldn’t just concentrate on computer-centred education,but also lay emphasis on the human touch. That’s more important than technology.

What do you think of the new comprehensive analysis scheme of education?

I find the system very useful. Majority of the students have taken to it very well. Exam stress has reduced among children,and day-to-day assessments have helped them build a healthy outlook towards learning. But this system of grading hasn’t been very beneficial to a small group of students — the top 10 per cent.

And though,they are a small group,I feel they shouldn’t be neglected. For this,a certain freedom can be given to schools to conduct their own exams apart from the Boards or CBSE can conduct an exam of its own. This group shouldn’t be neglected because they are the nation builders of the future.

I also feel that this system has not been well received by our teachers. Many teachers are finding it really difficult to cope with the new system.

If the teachers are not happy,learning in the classroom will be hampered. So,I think we need to think about ways of keeping our teachers happy and motivated in this new system.

What do you make of this relatively new concept of ‘not failing students’ in schools?

I do not completely favour this concept because it dilutes the system. Children are bound to be lackadaisical in their approach,knowing that they will pass even if they don’t work hard. The examination system may be lenient,favourable towards children but,at the same time,if a child fails to do well,he shouldn’t be promoted. There has to be a certain criteria,else everyone will be the same,and that can be pretty demotivating for the hardworking students. Children should be serious about their studies and should know there will be consequences for not working hard.

What do you think of Delhi University’s four-year undergraduate degree programme?

I think if the course has good content,that’s great. But if it is just a dilution of the old system,then it will not bring about much change. In fact,I think students will end up wasting a year if the content is not up to the mark.

Tell us a bit about challenges students face today

Because of all the technology at their disposal,I feel they have become mentally weak. So,they may possess a lot of knowledge,but when it comes to strength of mind,I find it lacking. We need to address this,not just at the school level but at the parental level too. Competition is alarming and the pressure to perform has increased greatly. Student-teacher ratio has significantly gone up and it’s impossible for teachers to pay individual attention to a student these days. It’s important to address this issue at the primary level itself. We have to make our children stronger by imparting good moral education. Then only,children will be equipped to face the world.

What sets Faith Academy apart from other schools in the Capital?

At Faith Academy,we inculcate in our children a strong respect for the Lord and the country,and lay very strong emphasis on moral values. It’s something that’s instilled in every student from primary classes. The academy seeks to educate children so that they may grow in knowledge and wisdom,live in humility and integrity,and serve God and mankind with joy and sincerity.

Vere-foster handwriting is another unique feature of our academy. Once during an interview a judge of the Delhi High Court told one of our former students,“Your handwriting is more beautiful than print!”

Every day after school hours,we conduct coaching classes with free meals for economically weaker children (Anand Vatika). We also conduct coaching classes for poor children of nearby government schools (Faith Child Development Centre). We teach life skills to poor women in the neighbourhood (Faith Mahila Pragati Kendra). At Faith Academy apart from emphasis on excellence in academic,co-curricular and extra-curricular activities,we sow the seeds of patriotism in children.