Principal, G D Goenka World School
Neeta Bali, Principal, G D Goenka World School, believes every student must get exposure in a boarding school as it stands them in good stead in the future. The independence it inculcates and the support the wards receive in terms of academic work is a big advantage with boarding schools, she tell Elets News Network
Who needs a residential school the most?
The students whose parents are in corporate or other transferable jobs. Alternatively, some parents make a conscious choice to send the children to boarding schools to inculcate a sense of independence in them.
How does the boarding school enhance students’ performance?
As a boarding school, it is our onus and responsibility to enhance the performance of our boarders, who are completely under our care. Special academic support is arranged with our own trained and qualified staff every day for two hours and intensive academic re-reinforcement happens under the supervision of the Principal, academic co-ordinater, boarding and pastoral staff.
On what parameters does one judge a residential school?
Quality of teaching, learning and support-academic, emotional and psychological-provided to boarders; the infrastructure of boarding and boarding facilities, nutritional care, quality of pastoral staff and boarding regimen; opportunities for growth in academic and co-scholastic areas and inculcation of values like independence and community living.
Does the accreditation to international education board ensure higher admission to some residential schools?
Yes, to some extent. Though people largely look at quality of hostels, infra- structure and pastoral care.
With your experience in managing operations in residential schools, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages for kids being sent to such schools?With your experience in managing operations in residential schools, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages for kids being sent to such schools?
A major advantage is that students have access to excellent facilities after school hours too – the independence it inculcates and the support they receive in terms of academic work, particularly if parents are not hands-on with their learning. I personally feel every student must get exposure in a boarding school it stands them in good stead in future.
How far does psychological counselling play a role in integrating the children with boarding schools?
It is imperative to have a counsellor for students who have problems of adjustment, home sickness, emotional hangovers from their homes and behavioural issues. It is the counsellor who provides support and sometimes becomes an interface between students and teachers. Constant talking and listening builds empathy and trust.
What is the teacher-student ratio in your school? Do you also hunt for global talent like recruiting teachers from other countries?
Our ratio is ideal – with 1:15/20 in primary, and 1:25 in other classes. Yes, we do recruit staff from outside and as and when possible, we exchange resources with schools in other countries. At the moment, I am in a school in Scot- land to look at some of their best prac tices and collaborate. Our Staff attends trainings by IBO and University of Cam- bridge regularly in addition to in-house trainings.
