Academics

The background of these children has played an important role in creating the Academic program. Most of the children come from homes where the role of the parents is largely diminished. In fact, violence and lack of love is characteristic of their lives in the communities, leaving them with many mental traumas and scars that lead to learning difficulties. They fend for themselves at a very early age. Their minds have been shaped by a scarcity mentality, driven by the instinct to survive. This makes them agile and very un-inhibited. Lack of proper nutrition and healthcare leads to sub-normal growth and in many cases health issues that will haunt them for many years. For most, the slum is their world and anything beyond just does not exist.

So we have created a program that helps these children bridge the weaknesses and build on their strengths. The starting point of this new journey is the motto that they can related to - Love, Explore and Excel.

We have adopted the ICSE curriculum, which is the best available in the country. This is delivered in English. The environment at the Centre, where this education is imparted, is one of energy and high spirits. So the Centres are painted blue and green signifying the sky and earth. Each of our Centres have paintings done by the children on the walls as well as their handprints done to represent a tree. This creates a sense of belonging among each other and towards the Centre.

The Academic program is built around the learning of concepts through understanding. Any attempt to teach by rote would mean drop-outs. So we make learning in class fun and experiential. Everything is delivered interestingly. Our biggest competition is life on the streets, which can be very interesting for these children. So instead of coercion, we engage the children and make them want to come to school rather than spend time on the streets or in the slum.

At the heart of the Academic Program are the Teachers. They, more than anyone else in Parikrma, wield the most influence on how a child is shaped. The class teacher is totally conversant with each child's background including family details and learning difficulties. The teacher even keeps a behavioural diary of each child, thus ensuring that all hurdles to learning well in the classroom are addressed.

Communicating well in English is crucial if our children have to have equal access to the best opportunities. So we have developed a unique program where we are able to provide the rudiments of the language in 3 months. Everyone in school is encouraged to speak only in English, even those children who are new. This emphasis and the children's innate ability to learn languages at an early age have proven to be extremely successful.

We have also launched the English First at Parikrma program. Our aim very simply is to be the best schools for learning the English language.

Co-curricular Activities

Our co curricular program is thoughtfully planned taking into consideration the deprived and impoverished background that our children come from and their lack of exposure and opportunity to fun, play and experiential learning. At Parikrma, co-curricular activities go hand in hand with our academic program and our educational philosophy. In fact all our co-curricular activities are well integrated into the academic program. It is one of the most important arcs in completing the Circle of Life.

Right from when the child enters Parikrma we expose them to art and crafts, sports, music, drama, field trips, nature walks, swimming etc. We also offer film appreciation, photography, rock climbing etc. to our older children. Our curriculum is planned and time tabled in such a way that all children get the maximum exposure to as many activities possible. We identify their talents and skills by the time they are in middle school and give them the opportunity to excel in their chosen field.

At all times we try and keep the children's imagination and creativity alive and they are given the freedom to explore and express themselves, be it in music, drama, after viewing movies or even on the sports field. The curriculum also develops the child's personality, multiple intelligences, self-esteem, physical fitness, discipline and aesthetic sense.

Teacher Enrichment

Teachers are at the core in the delivery of our education. And it is with them that starts the transformation of education. Most of our teachers come with prior experience, especially from mainstream schools. And they come with many a baggage - such rote learning method from text books and lack of understanding of relationships with students. All this is addressed through a rigorous 10 day program just before the new academic year begins.

After that we have several training programs through out the year that hone and sharpen their teaching skills, supplement their knowledge, focus on classroom management and help them look inwards in an effort to build strong relationships with the children.