“The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a crisis the likes of which we have not witnessed before. At Purv International School, we believe ‘We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges’. So we have taken this challenge as an opportunity to transform the traditional teaching-learning process into an innovative and hi-tech virtual learning programme. Keeping with our motto ‘Persevere, Illumine, Succeed’ we have been delivering an uninterrupted learning experience to students while adding a new edge to their growth.”

  – Subrata Chattopadhyay, director and founder-principal of the CBSE affiliated Purv International School, Durgapur (West Bengal).

Sited amidst salubrious surroundings a stone’s throw away from Durgapur — the steel city of West Bengal — the CBSE affiliated Purv International School (PIS) offers day boarding as well as boarding facilities.

A pioneer in adopting IT-enabled learning, PIS was the first school in Durgapur to switch to online learning in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak and subsequent nationwide lockdown.

With  a large majority of PIS students being children of coal miners residing in neighbouring villages, it was challenging to get them quickly on board the online learning platform. However, PIS’ committed teachers and IT staff reached out to each parent with guidance and counselling and were successful in preparing their wards for the world of virtual learning. 

Overview of PIS’ virtual learning initiative

• Homework and assignments submitted through mail to ensure timely correction by the teachers.
• Digital records of each class for future revisions.
• Students right from class I through XII are offered training on aerobics, craft work and yoga on weekends.
• Positive utilisation of students’ affinity towards mobile and the internet through online classes

Teacher orientation

Teachers were provided guidance and training on using e-learning platforms, screen sharing, creating assignments and PowerPoint presentations, conducting online assessments, schedule set-up, among others.

Robust IT infrastructure

The school website has been updated with software links from where the students can download the Zoom App and Adobe DC in their phone, laptop or desktop and log into the online classes, do their homework and access the study material.

“It is heartening to see that despite the initial challenges, our virtual learning programme has clocked in 90 percent student attendance and achieved parent satisfaction rate of 90 percent. We are thankful to our students and all the parents who have contributed to the success of this revolutionary initiative,” says Chattopadhyay.  

Parents Voices

“My child is learning very fast indeed. Thank you for the initiative.” – Parent of Jeet Gorai, Class X A.

“My daughter is in love with her studies. She is enjoying and is busy with her classes and studies. She is utilizing the time to the most. Thank you for the online initiative” – Parent of Kumari Anshika, Class VI A.