‘We create individuals who forge their own future’

She is a Doctorate in Human Resources with 15 years of experience. She started her career as a lecturer in Accountancy for Bachelor of Commerce. She has worked with NES International School,RIMS International School and Garodia International School for IGSC and A levels. She is also into teacher training (soft skills) at IES Patkar School and Swami Vivekananda School,Dombivali.

She has been a part of training sessions including Exam Officer Training for Cambridge International Examinations in 2005,Training for Accounting for IGCSE at Mallya Aditi International School,Bangalore,in 2005 and Training for Business Studies for IGCSE at Dhirubhai Ambani International School,Mumbai,in 2007.

She is author of various publications for IGCSE for Economics and Business studies and has published an article on ‘Lead Banks and Financial Inclusion — Challenges and Strategies’ in New Horizons in Social Science Research by All India Social Science Research Association,Mumbai,in 2011.

What was the purpose behind the establishment of an International School at Kolegaon,Dombivali?

Having been residents of Dombivali for a few decades now,we have closely watched the evolving education spectrum here. In interactions with parents and students,we understood that there was an urgent need for an international school in its true sense. We have been associated with Cambridge Education for the past few years and appreciate its benefits and the difference it can make to students’ personalities and their preparedness to take on the challenges of the future that are increasingly becoming global in nature. We are committed to delivering those benefits to the students of the city that brought us up.

What is the vision of Ira Global School?

Our vision is to enable the creation of a caring,supportive and stimulating learning environment of the highest quality where learners of all abilities and backgrounds develop to their fullest potential and into well-rounded global citizens.

What is the mission of Ira Global School?

“To create happy and fulfilled young individuals,who can forge their own future with creativity,independence and confidence and change the world for the better,by preparing them for living with pride in a global community and being passionate about celebrating our diversity and richness of various faiths and cultures”.

What facilities have you planned for students?

Keeping the overall development of students in mind,Ira Global School was instituted at Kolegaon,Dombivali in clean and serene surroundings away from the din of the city and at a reasonable distance from the residential areas. It is spread over two acres and consists of a newly constructed modern 30,000 sq ft building with adequate space for playground for cricket,football,basketball and volleyball and a swimming pool,spacious AC classrooms with latest teaching and learning aids,state-of-the-art laboratories for science,computers,maths and language,well-equipped libraries,activity rooms designed to enhance to enhance their learning through creative tasks,a multipurpose modern auditorium,a medical room and a cafeteria that serves vegetarian food designed by nutritionists.

Why Cambridge IGCSE pattern of education?

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum prescribed by University of Cambridge International Examination (CIE),UK. Cambridge prescribes strict pre-conditions in terms of facilities offered to students to gain registration. This has been fulfilled by the school. The curriculum facilitates seamless progress of students from formative years to their tertiary education. The well-designed curriculum encourages students to be active learners who explore,understand and participate in the world around them. Through exposure to a wide variety of disciplines,both cognitive and non-cognitive,students are prepared for a balanced life outside school. They are guided through research and activity-led projects and theme-based educational trips to inspire and motivate them. All students are taught French from Grade 1.

What are the assessment methods planned to be adopted?

Every child is special for Ira Global School. Hence,we have planned the progress of each child by tracking his performance on a continual basis and targets are set for their improvement. Evaluation is done every month in a transparent and structured manner by trained teachers who understand the needs of students and who have the capacity to evaluate and nurture the child’s learning abilities. This is possible by establishing a strong teacher-parent-student network. The school follows a no-homework policy. Parents’ support is gained for research projects as the child gets older. The school follows an open communication policy where parents can visit teachers any time but with prior appointment to seek information and advice about their ward’s progress. Extra Edge Programmes (EEPs) consisting of individual and group support have been organised for students with additional needs. The school is committed in understanding and addressing Special Education Needs (SEN) of children who require special education or interpersonal support. With support from our team of psychologists and special educators,the school will closely work with teachers and parents to identify special needs as early as possible. If required,the school may provide additional support for a specific needs assessment and ongoing educational services.

What role does Value Education play in the growth of students?

Moral values play an important role in the development of our students. Our institution is pledged in instilling moral values in each student. Moral values are practised and taught and respected by teachers and students. We have a special period on Value Education. Students are nurtured in a gurukul environment where respect for faculty,parents,elders,honesty,integrity,politeness and humility are instilled in them to make them respectable citizens. Visits to old age homes helps them appreciate the woes of the aged and develops a feeling of love and affection for the aged. They go out of their way to help them at all times. Students feel one with nature when they visit villages and rustic areas. They understand the need for improvement in living conditions in those areas. The ability to accept mistakes and fight injustice,respect for Mother Nature,kindness towards others and the flora and fauna that surround us,and conservation of resources are also the lessons learnt by students.

How will extra-curricular activities help in overall development of your students?

The school emphasises growth,learning and development through physical activity. Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of activities and participate in inter-house as well as inter-school competitions. Facilities for sports like athletics,cricket,football,volleyball,basketball,carrom,swimming,table-tennis,badminton etc. are available to students with competent coaches to nurture their physical activities and inculcate a sporting attitude among them. They learn to be competent individuals with a sense of teamwork to achieve success. Leadership skills are honed in students and the focus is on their health and fitness. Students are given an opportunity to enhance their skills in performing arts and creative interests. They are encouraged to participate in speech and drama,debates,declamation,quizzes and elocution. Singing and playing musical instruments with trained teachers helps them develop an ear for music. Moreover,we have trained teachers for dance. Fine arts like drawing,calligraphy,painting,cookery,clay modeling and photography are available to students. Gardening has been introduced with the specific purpose of bringing students closer to nature and to inculcate love for plants and creatures around us.

What is your take on the Right to Education Act?

The RTE Act is a step in the right direction and we welcome it. To implement the Act in its true sense and spirit is key to its success. Much has to be done to ensure that the right segment gains from this Act and a lot in terms of infrastructure,good teachers,facilities for students and sufficient funds to be allotted. Transparency in expenditure of funds will ensure that the benefits are passed to the needy students. Help from the corporate world will ensure that proper facilities are created.

Are the new RTO norms being adhered to and what steps have been taken to ensure student safety?

RTO norms have been strictly adhered to and the planned routes are accompanied by our employees. Buses have been provided with First Aid kits. As teachers will be travelling with students,they will ensure that children reach school and their homes safely. We will be plying our own buses and names of the drivers,attendants and the school co-ordinators will be shared with each parent. Any deviation from the set routes and norms will invite stringent measures and action against those reponsible.

How do you see Ira Global School in the next five years?

I wish to see Ira Global School as one of the best in Dombivali,Kalyan and the surrounding areas,most sought after by students and parents for its international standards of education,excellent modern facilities and techniques of education to provide opportunities to students to build upon their strengths with the help of trained and efficient faculty who understand their needs and aspirations and lead them to success to shine like brilliant stars.