Principal, Mussoorie International School
The responsibility of a boarding school goes way beyond normal school hours, believes Priya Peter, Principal, Mussoorie International School. In conversation with Elets News Network, she points out a boarding school has to ensure that students feel safe and confident and get a healthy and progressive environment
How does a boarding school enhance the performance of an average and below average student?
In a boarding school like MIS, personal attention is given to all the children and in addition to academics, emphasis is given on enhancing the basic life skills of students. A boarding school provides children with peer group interaction opportunities both during and after the school along with diverse leisure activities and vocational training opportunities. Since students are taught by highly qualified and exceptionally motivated teachers and are monitored 24 hours with a necessary push to ensure academic success, excellence comes naturally.
How far does psychological counselling play a role in integrating the children with boarding schools?
Residential boarding schools provide education, character-building, and therapy for teenagers with special concerns. Many of the students enrolled in these schools may have social, behavioural or emotional difficulties that require constant psychological assessment. At MIS, we heal them with the aid of medication, yoga and meditation. Psychological counseling also helps the child to adapt and adjust to their surroundings and fill them with positive energy.
Are learning methods different as compared to public schools?
The MIS has a learning environment that unfolds the true potential of every child. Education is not limited to curriculum but also lays equal emphasis on enhancing the overall personality of the children.
What are the challenges of administering a boarding school?
Boarding schools are not mere educational institutions but also home for the children who study and reside here. To that extent, the responsibility of a boarding school goes way beyond the normal school hours. As their teachers and also guardians, the administration of a boarding school has to ensure that students feel secure, safe, and confident in the premises and get a healthy and progressive environment. The children need to be comfortable; feel loved and should develop an attachment with their boarding school. Needless to say, these are the biggest challenges and schools must surmount them to ensure that children transform into fine men and women.
What are the demands placed by parents on the school?
As parents are concerned about their children, they always look out for good faculty, academic as well as all-round development of their child. They prefer a school which can prepare their child to be a responsible and successful individual.
On what parameters does one judge a residential school?
People generally judge a residential school on the basis of the merits and school rating. They also look for the proximity, quality of faculty, quality of education, broad and diverse offerings, extra curricular activities and counselling etc. in the school.
What is the unique about MIS?
An exciting and innovative curriculum, inspiring teachers along with an international mix of students makes MIS the school of choice for girls. The school stands out for not only giving wings but also keeping the children grounded by inculcating morals, ethics, values, and respect for our rich culture.
Does accreditation to the International Education Board matter?
An accreditation to international education board indicates that the school meets the standards of quality set by the accreditation organisation in terms of the faculty, curriculum, administration, financial well-being and student’s services. It symbolises that the school uses the latest pedagogical techniques and caters to children coming from the different parts of the world.
