Ah, the age-old dilemma for us parents in Gurugram! That shiny, fancy school across town versus the reality of the daily school bus shuffle/travel. It’s a decision that weighs heavily.
Let’s unpack this a bit.
The Allure of the Distant Dream School
We’ve all been there. With its sprawling green campus, innovative curriculum, and the promise of holistic development, that school makes our hearts flutter. It ticks all the boxes on our aspirational checklist for our little ones. And often, these gems aren’t just around the corner. They might be a good chunk of Gurugram away, beckoning us with their irresistible charm.
THE UNSEEN COST: THE DAILY GRIND OF SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL
But let’s pull back the curtain on the reality of choosing that far-off fancy school. What often gets relegated to the fine print of our decision-making is the daily school bus journey. What does this daily commute entail for our younger children, those precious early years of development?
- Lost Hours: Think about it – an hour or more each way. That’s a significant chunk of their day eaten up by travel – even if it’s an air-conditioned bus. The time that gets wasted – daily – if you carefully analyze, could be 3-4 hours/day – which could be spent practicing, playing, exploring, learning at their own pace, or simply resting.
- Early Mornings, Tired Evenings: consider going to the nearest bus stop of your fancy school and carefully observe/find out about The frantic rush to get them ready before dawn, the groggy faces on the bus, the tired yawns in the evening. Are we inadvertently trading precious sleep and family time for a school with a fancier name?
- The “Practice” of Waiting: Standing at bus stops, often in unpredictable weather, waiting… waiting… waiting…Is this the kind of “practice” and daily optimum time utilization we envision for our energetic young ones? Practice patience, perhaps, but at what cost to their enthusiasm for the day ahead?
- Missed Opportunities: Extracurricular activities, impromptu play-dates, and even a quiet evening at home become logistical nightmares when tied to the long school bus schedule. Are we developing them, limiting their development opportunities, or getting richer, more varied learning or experiences?
- The Environmental Footprint: Let’s not forget the collective impact of numerous school buses crisscrossing the city. While it might seem a small contribution individually, it adds up. Are we aligning our choices with the environmental values we hope to instill in our children?
THE CLOSER OPTION: NURTURING GROWTH & LEARNING CLOSER TO HOME
Let’s consider another school that might be closer to home. It may not have the sprawling acreage or the same level of marketing buzz. But what it might offer is:
- More Quality Time: Shorter commutes mean more time for family breakfasts, after-school cuddles, and those invaluable, spontaneous moments.
- A Gentler Pace: Less time spent in transit translates to a less rushed, more relaxed daily routine for your child.
- Community Connection: A local school often fosters a stronger sense of community, with neighborhood friendships and easier parent involvement opportunities.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Dropping off and picking up becomes less of an ordeal, opening doors for more involvement in school events and activities.
- Practice & play: is critical. Practicing what has been learnt at school cannot be overlooked, as it is also time for physical play.
- If 3-4 hours are wasted daily on bus travel, we must carefully reflect on the irreplaceable VALUABLE TIME BEING LOST – DAILY!
Choosing a school is a profoundly personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, as parents of younger children in Gurugram, it’s crucial to weigh the perceived benefits of a far-off “dream school” against the real impact of daily, lengthy school bus travel on our little ones’ well-being and development.
We are living in changing times – and old models may not be relevant in the future.
Are we prioritizing a prestigious name and impressive facilities, or are we prioritizing our child’s precious time, energy, and the quality of their learning & development in their early/younger foundational years?
In a fast-evolving world – will real learning, education & overall development – matter more than the glitzy brand of a distant school?
It’s time we shifted our perspective. Maybe the “practice” we should be focusing on is nurturing their love for learning, fostering their curiosity, and providing them with a supportive and enriching environment – and maybe, just maybe, that can only be found a little closer to home – not if so much time gets wasted daily in bus travel – daily?
It’s a new world, so we must carefully reevaluate old models as the FUTURE WILL BE DIFFERENT.
What are your thoughts, fellow Gurugram parents? Have you reflected on this key point or grappled with this key decision – so crucial in this fast-changing world?
Do share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile, enjoy developing your child at a good neighborhood school, home and outdoors.
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air, too.
Why – the Sixth Element School?
The Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – crucial for children’s development – as we nurture and prepare them for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in the school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done to instill values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right and wrong is often discussed in its many facets. Discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and community service and fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility.
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW, we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rainwater harvesting, recycling, etc.
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher, helps build self-esteem. Students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience by setting and achieving goals.
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’ School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green, airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning and nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become successful individuals and equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes to lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low-density, impactful format.
The reason why we chose the Cambridge International curriculum is that the blend of teacher-directed as well as learner-self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – whether based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon’ activities enriched’ daycare centres are unique, exclusive, compact neighborhood green campuses – where many outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) occur with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only two sections per class grade – and minimal children on campus allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high-quality, committed teachers – the backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the proper methods and practices. For example, our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with fit Kids, our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches gives our school kids a great foundational fitness start.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLLOUT IN INDIA NOW.
So, in line with some of India’s top and the best globally, we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the schoolchildren love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
