-RK Pandey, Principal, Delhi Public School, Gandhi Nagar, Agra
Life is dynamic and ever-changing and the only way ahead once we embark on the journey of life is to embrace the process of evolution and growth. In this journey, the role of education and learning is non-negotiable. Education is not a static but a dynamic process which moulds the child according to changing situations and times, directing them towards progress. In this regard, schools and educational institutions play an invaluable role in the lives of the learners.
There was a time when schools were regarded as revered temples of learning. However, with technological advancement, the fabric of school education and learning has undergone a vast transformation. There are a plethora of schools grooming students in every part of the country. However, it is only a school with a vision that can build a safe, respectful and nurturing environment focused on maximising each child’s sense of wellbeing and acquisition of learning and life skills.
Delhi Public School, Agra began its remarkable journey in 2002 with a vision ‘to mould the next global citizens’ through a balanced blend of traditional values and modernism. The journey that had started at the turn of the millennium is well accelerated. The school is committed to the motto of ‘Service Before Self’. Nestled in the historical city of the Taj, with environment friendly and modern architecture and infrastructure, this iconic institution believes that education is the greatest tool for imbibing universal values and acquiring the habits of curiosity, reflection, mental flexibility, independence, and self-discipline.
There is a constant endeavour to make the young minds understand and develop concern and respect towards the environment. Concrete effort is made with a strong belief that our students must achieve personal success thereby becoming responsible and productive citizens. Hence, ‘Learning to grow together in a holistic manner and eventually be able to live together’ is a vital objective and an essential part of the ethos of DPS Agra. With virtual classroom as the new normal, invariably, technology enhanced education is the call of the day, which has been adopted successfully by our school.
Splendid Infrastructure
Centrally air-conditioned – In view of the intense heat in Agra, the school management has installed air conditioners throughout the school.
Eco-friendly campus – Solar panels are installed to harness the solar energy and to make the environment eco-friendly.
CCTV network – The safety and security of the students has always been high on the priority list for DPS Agra and hence we have a massive network of CCTV cameras throughout the school campus.
Overview of academics at DPS, Agra
Smart Class: Our classrooms are equipped with projector screens/white electronic boards and LCD screens with intelligent processors, wireless mouse and keyboards to offer a complete end-to-end technology integration model for enhancing the sharing and learning process. Smart class is a comprehensive solution designed to assist teachers in meeting with their day-to-day classroom challenges and enhancing students’ academic performance with simple, practical and meaningful use of technology and instant access to relevant instructor led multimedia content. The instruction materials are mapped exactly with the specific curriculum guidelines for use in class. Furthermore, each student is given an answering remote known as a sensor with a unique answering code to facilitate the learning process. After a lesson is learnt and in order to know the learning outcome, a number of questions appearing on the LCD screen, are required to be answered by the pupil by pressing the appropriate button on the remote. The scores achieved by the student individually viz a viz the whole class then are generated automatically for further assessments.
Enhancement classes: With the objective of drawing out the best in the students and helping them achieve the desired academic benchmark, the school conducts Enhancement classes in mainstream subjects within school hours in the zero period and after school hours too.
Concept Clarity Session (CCS) was introduced with the aim to assess teachers’ teaching and students’ learning in the class. It helps students reinforce the concepts introduced to them in the classroom. CCS is conducted for every topic taught in class and as the name suggests, these sessions go an extra mile to provide feedback to the students about their understanding of concepts taught in class.
Flip Classroom Technique is structured around the idea that lecture or direct instruction is not the best use of class time. It is a progressive approach adopted to add new dimensions to classroom teaching and encourage higher order thinking. The best way to learn a subject is to teach it so the students and teachers reverse their roles in the classroom wherein students are given topics to prepare and present in a real classroom scenario. By explaining concepts, designing questions and answering queries of fellow learners, the students gain a deeper level of understanding and more comprehensive ideas about the subjects.
APS – Assessment of Pre-requisite Skills play an important role in the classroom learning process at DPS. It was introduced in the Online classes during Covid to assess past and present knowledge along with BRIDGE manuals designed to bridge the gaps in the learning process owing to two years of online schooling.
‘Next Level Classes’: Preparation for Competitive Examinations
The school provides effective training through professional experts, which helps to provide valuable, detailed and diagnostic analysis with time-to-time evaluation for excelling in competitive examinations. To prepare the students for the challenging path, we take a small step trying to help them prepare for the various competitive exams and CUET. We have started preparatory classes for CLAT, CA CPT (Chartered Accountant Common Proficiency Test), CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), TOEFL, IELTS and Creative Aptitude Test for NIFT, NATA & NID.
Project Based Learning (PBL)
The projects cover varied fields like Marketing, Finance, Investments, E-Commerce, Health, Globalization, the city of Agra, Science and Digital Marketing. It provides an excellent opportunity for deeper engagement, research and involvement with the learning content. The most striking feature of the PBL is the collaboration between students of different streams, thus providing a heterogeneous environment for sharing of knowledge and ideas.
Anubhuti: An Edutainment Programme is another excellent opportunity given to students to conduct research on varied themes like inspiring personalities, national and international events, festivals and the like. Students use the medium of theatre and art to showcase the themes. Anubhuti is a reflection of the experiences of the students starting from inception to the final presentation on stage. It proves to be an effective tool for assessing team work, collaboration, research and individual skills of the students.
DHYANA: Meditative learning
Music has been used extensively as a therapy since times immemorial. Music is used while practicing yoga, during meditation sessions, and even to treat the ailing patients. Music has transformational power. We introduced a novel drive, Dhyana, to help our students to concentrate while writing using the power of music. This drive involved 40 minutes of focused writing session that encouraged mindful and diligent concentration. A soft and soothing instrumental music in the background helped the students to fuel their consciousness and harness their wandering minds.
Quill Club
The school encourages budding writers through a special training course conducted by the renowned professional writer Hemant Kumar. Till date five books namely ‘Internal Reflections’, ‘Off the Beaten Path’, ‘Golden Rain’, ‘The Ascent’, and ‘Fireflies – stories that glow’ have been published featuring the creative and fanciful expressions of our students.
Bolstering scientific temper
At DPS, Agra, we nurture young minds and provide adequate opportunities of exploration and application of knowledge through our various club activities. Our academic clubs dedicated to varied aspects of learning and exploration cater to the curiosity of the children through hands on learning. For example, our Science & Environment Club provides a platform for children to showcase their unique skills at nature conservation through creating best out of waste, garbage segregation, compost making, creating own kitchen gardens and so on. Our Science Club plays a significant role in taking the learning of science way beyond books and classrooms. Children are encouraged to analyse daily life events and situations and the reasons behind the same. The children present their learning through peer interactions and exhibitions. Having a scientific temper has its roots in our ancient traditions as well. Breaking the myths behind many social practices and studying the science behind such practices through family interactions or a healthy debate with the grandparents facilitates a greater learning experience.
National Cadet Corps (NCC)
The aim of introducing the NCC in DPS Agra is to develop discipline, character, brotherhood, the spirit of adventure and ideals of selfless service amongst children. Not only these, it also aims to enlighten leadership qualities among the youth. The NCC also provides an environment conducive to motivating our young students to join the armed forces.
Career Guidance Sessions
The school organizes Career Counseling Session, Lakshya to acquaint the students with their occupational choices. The Career Counseling sessions help identify the hidden potential of the students and equip them to face the competitive world that lies beyond the realm of school life.
Public Examination
The school gives various opportunities and trains the students to participate in various Olympiads held at National and International levels. The school also guides the students to prepare for National Standard Examination in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Special classes for National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) are arranged by the school in-house for scholarly students free of cost. Moreover, the school also inspires the students and provides opportunities and every possible aid and guidance to prepare and take other standard examinations of reputed organizations across the globe.
Bridging the education gap
The school has initiated the education of underprivileged sections of the society since 2002 in the form of ‘Shiksha Kendra’ and joined hands with them to ensure the availability of education to all.
Delhi Public School, Agra is synonymous with excellence in education and holistic student development. Rooted in tradition and futuristic in vision, we aim at nurturing ideal global citizens who are equipped with the right knowledge, skills and attitude for the new world order. Value-based education, innovative techniques and state-of-the-art technology have helped us secure our post-pandemic future.
