Ajitesh Tyal – a class nine student walks in my office one early morning with the day’s newspaper, folded to quarter its size, in his hand. He wanted to make sure that I see and read-only that part of the news that he wanted me to, without any distraction on the page. He was delighted of course to share with me that his (and mine) school has been given high ranks. It was a perfect occasion for me to have a tête-à-tête with him. I knew for sure Ajitesh is a witty, articulate and well-informed child. I knew also that I’ll be able to get some very good lessons out of this unplanned, informal, by the way, kind of conversation. I asked Ajitesh what makes the school a great place. Here is what he said:-
1. Student Visibility
Ajitesh maintains that students’ visibility in the Interschool circuits, makes the school competitive and respected. He clarifies that winning trophies is not the point. School’s emphasis on providing opportunities, creating platforms and encouraging students to network with their peers outside the school, changes the way, a school is looked at. It also reflects on the ethos of the school.
2. Each child matters
It is not about only a few, he says. Each child matters. “Each drop contributes to making the ocean”, the metaphor he uses. Schools cannot afford to ignore the vast majority of the students and yet strive to be a great place. Every child is unique and that should be encouraged.
3. Space to grow
This one surprised me, coming from someone who is all of 13. His suggestion; schools should not be a pressure cooker places. Instead, children should be given space and opportunity to grow, think critically and be treated respectfully. Sure Mr. Ajitesh, point well taken!
4. How do you carry yourself
Children, their conduct, how they carry themselves, soft skills they exhibit, is noticed by all. The first question that comes around is which school you come from? How a child behaves in a social set up, how she articulates her thoughts, her poise and grace have great bearing on the experiences they have in their schools.
Thank you Ajitesh, you made my day!!
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