As parents, we’re constantly bombarded with images of state-of-the-art classrooms, sprawling playgrounds, big imposing campuses, and cutting-edge tech when we search for the “perfect” school for our little ones.
We envision our children thriving in these pristine environments, their potential unlocked by the sheer brilliance of the facilities. But in the whirlwind of gleaming brochures and virtual tours, are we overlooking the most crucial element – the teacher?
Let’s be honest; those colorful beanbag chairs and interactive whiteboards are undeniably appealing. They speak of modernity and progress, promising a stimulating learning experience.
Let us reflect on this carefully from the time we were in school. More than our campus – what we really recall fondly is a teacher who emotionally connected with us, inspired us, unlocked learning & was emphatic to our challenges, and guided us to the right paths. The campus how so ever fancy – now means so little today.
So, can beautifully designed spaces alone nurture a child’s curiosity, ignite their passion for learning, and instill the essential social-emotional skills they need to navigate the world?
THE ANSWER, UNEQUIVOCALLY, IS NO.
The Power of Human Connection
While infrastructure creates the setting, it’s the teacher who orchestrates the learning experience. A passionate, dedicated, and empathetic educator is the true architect of a child’s early development.
They are the ones who:
- Build meaningful relationships: Young children learn best when they feel emotionally safe and secure. A caring teacher creates a nurturing environment where children feel valued and understood.
- Spark curiosity and ignite imagination: A great teacher doesn’t just deliver information; they cultivate a love for learning by engaging thoughtfully with each child, fostering exploration and critical thinking.
- Tailor learning to individual needs: Each child is unique, with their learning style and pace, and often their questions/doubts. A skilled teacher recognizes these differences and adapts their approach to ensure every child thrives/improves steadily.
- Foster social-emotional growth: the younger foundational years are critical – and are a crucial period for developing social skills, empathy, and resilience. A teacher’s guidance plays a vital role in shaping the base & a child’s emotional intelligence.
- Provide personalized feedback and encouragement: They recognize the small wins and encourage the children to face their challenges, increasing the self-esteem of the child and the child’s ability to continue to ask questions, especially on the “why” and get greater and greater clarity.
BEYOND THE SHINY FACADE
Let us reflect on our childhood. What do we remember most about our school years? Was it the fancy computer lab, or was it the teacher who believed in you, who saw your potential, regardless of how we fared in some of our tests, even when some others didn’t?
It’s the human connection, the warmth, and the guidance that leave a lasting impact. A teacher’s ability to create a safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environment is, by far – more valuable than any physical resource & school infrastructure.
Asking the Right Questions
So, as you embark on the school-hunting journey, shift your focus. Instead of being dazzled by the infrastructure, ask these crucial questions:
- What is the teacher-student ratio? Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention.
- What is the total number of sections in each grade? Lesser sections are manageable. Big schools can be operationally complicated and often overwhelming for children. Small is beautiful.
- What are the teachers’ qualifications and experience? Look for teachers with a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- What is the school’s teaching philosophy? Does it align with your values and your child’s learning style?
- How does the school support social-emotional development? Are there programs in place to foster empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution?
- Can I observe a classroom in action? This will give you a first-hand glimpse into the teacher’s interaction with the children.
CONCLUSION!
While a well-equipped school can enhance the learning experience, it’s the teachers who truly make a difference. A great teacher can transform even the most basic classroom into a magical place of discovery and growth.
Ultimately, the mark of a good school isn’t the gleaming infrastructure; it’s the warmth, dedication, and expertise of its teachers. Invest in your child’s future by prioritizing the human element – the individuals who will shape their minds and hearts.
Look for a school with great teachers – and if your child is already in one with such staff – treasure it and thank the school every day!
Let’s start a conversation:
SO WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE QUESTION?
- Please share your views in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile, enjoy developing your child at a good neighborhood school with good teachers.
By the way, 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?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – so crucial for children’s development – as we nurture and get them ready 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 discussed in its many facets, often debating environmental issues, volunteering for community activities and clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, 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. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience.
- 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?
As the Sixth Element, 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 not only successful individuals but 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
Are you keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself 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 centers are unique, exclusive, compact neighborhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) take place 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 very 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, using the proper methods and practices. As an 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 CATALYZING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCH-MARKED 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 globally the very best, 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 is available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, and grade 1 in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
