We studied Tall Tales this month in Language and Literature. We learnt, first and foremost, about the elements of a story. All stories have six basic elements: characters, setting, plot, genre, theme and point of view. We became more “KNOWLEDGEABLE” and developed our “LANGUAGE” ATL skill. This month has helped us understand the way stories work and how their chronology is organized. My reflection is that these sessions have been immersive and have made us understand stories in a deeper way.
This month in Language and Literature, we evaluated and reflected upon the Short Story Podcast. Once we started with the new topic of poetry, we were introduced to Ballads and analyzed two poems-
We compared and contrasted these Romantic ballads and figured out their Quatrain structure, Rhyme Scheme and literary devices used within them.
We then began exploring Pop Ballads to familiarize students with modern adaptations of the classical Ballad genre.
In Hindi, we had spoken about a few pictures related to health and fitness. After our concept on the topic was clear, we had our Formative Assessment which helped us to evaluate our work. We were assessed based on our listening, writing, communication and reading skills. Then, to showcase our learning in a creative manner, we created a poster on health awareness where we included many colorful illustrations, and a meaningful slogan in hindi.
In I&S, after our formative assessment on Gender Inequality, we started with the topic of ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Our first discussion was on Deforestation. In the first session, we watched a few videos on the causes, impacts and solutions of deforestation. We also conducted a debate where some students were against deforestation and while some people supported it. Ma’am provided us with 2-3 case studies on deforestation in Brazil. We answered questions based on the case studies and the video we had watched.
The next discussion was on Pollution. In the first session we were divided into groups and had to research about the different types of pollution like, Air, Water, Land, Noise and Light and were instructed to present our findings on it. Later on, the students had a task to create a poster on the different types of pollution and were graded on it.
This month, we mostly focused on Joints. We learnt about hinge, pivot, ball and socket, and gliding. We had done activities like creating 3D models of the joints, creating mind maps on joints, and first aid for fractures related to joints. We also ventured into the medical conditions related to bones & joints, followed by finding causes, symptoms and preventive measures for each condition. For developing our research skills, we got different real life scenarios where we use our joints to create movement and were provided with some open ended questions to research on. We created individual presentations based on any one scenario of our choice to demonstrate our understanding.
This was followed by an online session with Dr. Raghav Goyal, Orthopedic Surgeon at Goyal Hospital in Jaipur, in which he talked about the different ways to maintain joint health and how our lifestyle choices impact our health. We were recently introduced to the Muscular system. In the first session, we watched a video on how our muscular system works and made detailed notes and a few diagrams. We also were able to categorize different types of muscles based on their appearance, movement, control and location. The different movements like contraction and relaxation were also discussed.
In math, we began with decimal arithmetic, that is, performing number operations on decimal numbers. We also learned about the order of operations, called BODMAS or BEDMAS (Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction). We have developed the ‘KNOWLEDGEABLE’ skill, as math is a fact-based subject that helps us develop our critical thinking skills. This subject has been difficult at times, but altogether it’s been informative. I have faced some challenges in math, but I overcame them due to a video resource shared by Sir.
During this month, in mathematics, we finished the topic of Ratio and Proportion and gained clarity on the topic to a level where we were ready for the Formative Assessment. We completed many assignments in practice sessions. We have now moved on to a new unit, Probability. Probability will help us a lot when it comes to making decisions and predictions. To understand how to practically implement probability, we had done an assignment where we had to sort the possible outcomes for a certain event. We had watched a video to further our understanding of probability. In the coming sessions, we will be getting more assignments to keep gaining more clarity of the concept.
These past few weeks, we mostly focused on the physical fitness tests. We have completed different Health and Skill related standardized tests like the Harvard step test for cardiovascular endurance, the sit and reach test for flexibility, push-ups and sit-ups for muscular strength, plank hold for muscular endurance, alternate hand-wall toss test for hand-eye coordination, shuttle run for agility, 60 meter sprint for speed, etc to check our initial fitness level. We also participated in Sports day try-outs for different games, like football, archery, table tennis, badminton and basketball across all grades.
In PHE, the students explored the various aspects of gymnastics, specifically focusing on artistic gymnastics where they firstly had to do some research on the topic which was the theoretical part of it and then they learnt how to perform certain activities that are a part of artistic gymnastics. They learnt how to do 3 types of rolls: Forward, Backward, and Sideward. The students gradually improved their form and were able to write down the steps in their register by themselves with the help of online sources, then they were assessed on their ability of how well they could perform each roll. After the assessment the students reflected on their performance and how they could’ve done better and improved upon what they did well.
This month, we focused on creating a FUEL CELL ROCKET. We were divided into pairs for this project and had approximately 2 weeks to finish it. We had to research everything needed to assemble a rocket and learned about new things like aerodynamics, mass etc. Due to some design failures, Sir had given us another month to create a bigger and better rocket and given us some additional instructions, such as checking the weight of the materials as per the weight that the fuel cell could sustain.
In design, the students of MYP-2 worked on a project where they had to design and create a Mobile controlled light bulb using the software they learnt about last month, ‘arduino’, where they learnt how different components work together to perform a certain task. Then to test their knowledge and understanding, the students were tasked with constructing a plan on how to effectively execute the idea using their own research, knowledge and time. After doing this, they were assessed on their work which led to the final step of actually making it. The process of making the circuit was simple, but they also focused on making a lamp shade. When making the lamp shade they discussed various purposes for which a light is used and how it solves a problem or need/want of someone or something.
We have completed our formative for VA where we adapted a famous painting and made it our own . We are now making paintings for calendars which we will showcase at the Christmas Carnival. We have been tasked to make them using either complementary or analogous colours (black and white is also permitted). Through this activity, we develop the ATL skill of Creative Thinking and become independent Thinkers. This has, in my opinion, strengthened our understanding of colour theory. My reflection is that we are strengthening our thinking, entrepreneurial, and artistic abilities.
Throughout this month, in Visual Arts, we learnt about the elements of art in detail. We mainly focused on practically implementing our learnings. Thus, we also had our Formative Assessment in which we had to do 2-3 artworks in any medium. We were able to explore different mediums and were able to create a fusion between them. We also learnt a few new watercolor skills such as –
We also evaluated our formative assessment and why we took inspiration from the particular artwork.
This month we continued with our task to prepare for the puppet show. We were divided into groups of 5 people and were given different genres of stories, for example, Fables, Tall tales etc. We found stories related to our given genre and were allowed to add a twist to it or to create a story of our own. The groups are done with dividing the work and roles among their respective members and have started working on the scripts.
In performing arts, the students studied the art of shadow puppetry where they watched numerous videos on the different types of shadow puppetry, how it is a dying art and how they can put together their own play. The students worked on creating a shadow puppet show where they discussed the elements of shadow puppetry and how they can execute their own ideas through it. They constructed their first draft of shadow puppets and presented them to implement their learning and then received feedback on their performance and inputs on how to improve on their work.
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Ms. Jyothi Thyagarajan is the Director of IB Schools at Kunskapsskolan and the Head of IB Curriculum at Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon. In her role, she assists other Heads of Schools in introducing international curriculums, drawing on her extensive experience in educational leadership.
With a career spanning four decades, including 25 years in international education, Ms. Thyagarajan has held prominent leadership positions in renowned institutions such as The British School, Ardee School, and Heritage Experiential International School Gurgaon. Her journey began at Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan, where she spent 14 years before moving to The British School, New Delhi, for an 18-year tenure as Deputy Principal. She then served as the Director of Development at Ardee School, overseeing campuses across India followed by five impactful years at Heritage International Xperiential School as Senior Leader for Academics and Student Affairs.
She is a Cambridge-accredited and trained examiner for IGCSE coursework and oral examinations in English as a Second Language, as well as an IB-certified teacher for Literature and Language and Literature.
Her professional development includes participation in the Programme for Strategic Leadership in a Changing Environment at IIM-Ahmedabad and modules from the Principal’s Training Centre in London. Additionally, her certification for the inspection of CIS schools has provided her with the opportunity to study and integrate best practices from around the world into her educational framework.
Recognised for her excellence in teaching with the Indu Chowfin Award, Ms. Thyagarajan firmly believes that education should extend beyond intellectual development. She is dedicated to creating learning opportunities that empower each student to pursue personal goals aligned with their interests and passions, shaping the next generation of learners.
The CBSE’s mission is to facilitate learning for the physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being of students. A pace-setting National Board of School Education in the country, the CBSE always aspires and endeavors to be a center of excellence for providing quality education by continuously working on the educational standards to meet the national and global needs. The Board focuses upon the following:
CBSE curriculum is designed to achieve quality benchmarks in middle school (classes VI-X) and senior secondary (classes XI & XII) programmes consistent with the national goals and replete with innovative methods to achieve academic excellence in conformity with psychological, pedagogical and social principles. CBSE offers a standardized and structured curriculum which adapts to the changing demands of society and develops future ready learners. It believes in seeking pedagogic unity, creative adoption of changing technologies, constant capacity upgradation of teachers, integrating art and sports in education, environmental concerns, and imparting a cluster of futuristic skill sets that prepare a student to become a global citizen. At the Kunskapsskolan, we believe our mission closely aligns with the CBSE philosophy of ‘Value creating Education’ thus transforming our students into responsible global citizens. CBSE spans across a network of over 22030 affiliated schools, out of which 232 schools are located in 27 foreign countries
Middle Years are the most important milestones in a student’s life. Middle-school students are working toward developing certain skills like problem-solving skills and thinking skills. They also start to participate in decision-making and organization, time management. This is a time of major social and emotional growth. Students may struggle to fit in and try to discover self-identity. At Kunskapsskolan like IB we always have students at the center of our focus. We empower every student to master the challenges of today by providing them with the opportunity.
At Kunskapsskolan we offer IB Middle Years Program (MYP), which is an inclusive curriculum offered to 11- 16-year-old students. The MYP curriculum helps the students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life. The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents.
Our middle school students participate in events beyond the classrooms like interschool events/ sports which enhances their learning and social development. All MYP students are a part of Community Projects/ Service Learning as part of MYP action. They delve deeper into the inquiry process before taking action and reflecting on the process.
Through our personalized learning and clear goal setting we endeavor to prepare our students to become responsible global citizens and the future leaders of tomorrow.
A typical day at Kunskapsskolan School is exciting and challenging. At Kunskapsskolan School, students start their day with their base group and coach. The base group session begins with listening to and observing the daily news. This is followed by guidelines from the teacher to help students create their own personal time plan which ensures optimal utilization of time to achieve students’ personal and academic goals.
During the day students attend diverse teaching learning sessions such as workshops, lectures, seminars, communication sessions and lab sessions. Each of these sessions is aimed at supporting and mentoring students. While some sessions such as the lectures, lab sessions and seminars are largely teacher directed, workshops and communication sessions are guided by the needs of the students. Workshops are sessions wherein students receive targeted help from subject teachers. The student get individual or group help on starting a course or learning skills.
The lab sessions are interactive sessions providing students opportunity to explore and apply their learning in real life situations. Communication sessions held regularly help to enhance the ability of students to express with clarity, develop listening and comprehension skills and vocabulary.
These academic sessions are interspersed with co curricular sessions such as art, music, dance and diverse sports, providing the environment for holistic development of the student.
Kunskapsskolan is a global school where students will develop in an environment that nurtures them and their uniqueness. Exposure to the varied curriculums of Kunskapsskolan schools across the continents will provide the students with an enhanced and holistic view of the world they inhabit. The subjects and concepts taught at the various grades are aligned to the CBSE curriculum.
In Kunskapsskolan, all the subjects are organized in Steps and Themes. This challenges students to stretch their boundaries, construct a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
Subjects that are required to be learnt sequentially and progressively are taught in steps. Math and languages are step subjects. The student moves from one step to the next, once he has mastered the previous requisite step. The students understanding of the concept is assessed through presentations and projects.
The thematic courses integrate subjects. EVS, Arts and Computers are theme courses and organized around projects and missions (assignments). They are solved or carried out by using and applying what the student has learned and demonstrate the ability to use logical thinking and creativity to solve problems.
At preschool the focus is on the different skills that children develop at this age group. The curriculum is theme based with emphasis on developing the language, numeracy, cognitive, socio emotional and motor skills. The learning will be fun filled, activity based and learner centered, strongly influenced by an understanding of early childhood learning.
Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon is an IBMYP School and Candidate School* for IBDP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org