In India, the traditional career paths of doctors, engineers, CA and education in various arts subjects – led Careers have long dominated the aspirations of parents & most children.
However, the landscape is shifting.
Sports, once viewed as a hobby and/or a fitness-enhancing practice, is now visibly emerging as a viable and lucrative career option.
Are Times changing?
- Growing Recognition: Indian athletes & sportsmen/women are increasingly making waves on the global stage. From cricket and badminton to boxing and shooting, our sportspersons bring medals home and inspire a new generation.
- Government Support: Governments 9 both at the centre and most states) are now actively promoting sports through initiatives like Khelo India, providing scholarships and improving infrastructure and training facilities. This increased support creates a more conducive environment for young athletes to thrive.
- Private Sector Involvement: Private leagues and sponsorships are flourishing, offering lucrative contracts and endorsements to top sports students & athletes. This professionalization of sports is making it an attractive career choice for many.
- Shifting Mindset: Parents and society are gradually embracing the idea of sports as a respectable and rewarding profession.
Why Consider Sports for Your Child?
If your child is showing a significant interest in sports given some of these points i,t maybe worth dear parent, to review our embedded views on sports as a career in these evolving times…because :
- Holistic Development: Sports instill valuable life skills like discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. These qualities are crucial for success in any field.
- Physical and Mental Well-being: Regular physical activity promotes physical and mental health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving cognitive function.
- Global Opportunities: Sports offer a platform for international exposure and cultural exchange & sometimes help in college admissions – both in India and abroad.
- Financial Independence: Top athletes can earn significant income through prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships – top sportsmen/women are stars today!
However, it’s essential to be realistic:
- High Competition: The world of professional sports is fiercely competitive. Only a tiny percentage of athletes reach the pinnacle of success.
- Physical Demands: Sports can be physically demanding and may carry the risk of injuries.
- Financial Uncertainty: A professional athlete’s career can be short-lived due to injuries or declining performance.
- Need for a Strong Support System: A strong support system, including dedicated coaches, nutritionists, and mental health professionals, is crucial for an athlete’s success.
How to Choose the right sport(s) for your child?
Selecting the right sport for your child and your school’s role.
Together, we need to consider their:
- Interests and Passions: Encourage them to explore various sports and find what excites them.
- Physical Attributes: Some sports may suit certain body types and physical abilities better.
- Personality: Some sports require individual brilliance, while others emphasize teamwork and cooperation. Choose wisely.
What can Parents do to support their child’s interest in SPORTS?
- Encourage Participation: Encourage your child to explore various sports and find what they enjoy.
- Prioritize Holistic Development: Focus on overall development, including academics, social skills, and emotional well-being.
- Provide Support: Offer unwavering support and encouragement throughout their sporting journey.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with experienced coaches and sports professionals for guidance and mentorship.
PICTURE ABOVE IS – FROM THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL CAMPUS
Here’s an ET article to review as well
Given increasing automation & the rapid emergence of AI in our society …our view is that sports as a career should now not be discouraged, dear parent.
We hope this helps, dear parent!
Do you have any comments on this subject or suggestions/specific thoughts or questions about your child’s interests in sports?
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Meanwhile, enjoy developing your child at 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?
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), up-cycling, 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 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 tremendous foundational fitness start.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools are key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and our 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.
CONCLUSION:
While sports may not be the traditional path, it’s undoubtedly a viable and rewarding career option for many. By providing the right support and guidance, and by carefully considering factors like your child’s interests and abilities, parents can help them explore their sporting potential and achieve their dreams on and off the field.
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 enrolment 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
