We belong to Xavier's Bettiah

courtesy: Sanjeev sir

Feast of St. Ignatious of Loyola (1491-1556
courtesy: Sanjeev sir

We are hardly bothered about the result. The result is a momentary thing that initiates other course of events. We are what we are because of the steps we took to get the result.

Given a chance to design Indian Education systemIf, and only if, it were in my control, I'd bring about the following changes -

Children upto the age of 6 would only develop motor ability, skills and speech, identify numbers and letters, and play. School hours would be less. I hate to see my 6 year old cousin trying to mug up english lessons without actually following or understanding the text, only to score well in exams.

After this age, basic numeracy and sentence formation would be taught which would be the foundation of further studies. This would take another 2-3 years to iron out the inabilities.

At the age of 10, children would be introduced to basic knowledge of science and humanities - how the human body works, lightening, conversion of compounds, formation of the solar system, history of India, concept of democracy and fine arts. Such information would be taught with slides to help the children develop an image of such events.

Keeping an idea about the current Geo-political situation of the world would be mandatory. Explaining the working of NASA, ISRO, Parliamentary affairs, the system of election in a democracy, UNO et al.

Tests would be taken to judge the understanding of the students - no rote learning.

After the understanding of basic subjects, for say 4 years, children would be allowed to study whichever discipline they wish. It would be mandatory for them to form clubs of their discipline of study where they could pool in money and take trips to enhance their knowledge. For instance, a physics club could have a chance to visit BARC or ISRO; the polity club could visit the Houses of Parliament; history students could visit Fatehpur Sikri; students of the entrepreneurship club could make a trip to the Amul factory in Anand; the dance club could visit the Khairagarh University to learn more about the classical dance form, and so on.

Some vocational training would be provided too.
Students would be allowed to switch their discipline in 2 years, if they wish.

Tests would be taken every 3 months, not as a form of competition, but to judge how much the student has been understanding the subject. It would be important for a student to submit his/her reports and achievements in the discipline.

This is my idea of how schools should work. Indian schools have been mentoring students in an assembly-line pattern. A school should help a child grow, not through rote, but by developing understanding and skills.

We all have fallen prey to the mechanised form of schooling in our country where almost everyone is becoming an engineer, then aims to study management and then tries to become a civil servant. Adding on to this mess are coaching centres where lakhs of students enroll themselves. We have succumbed our desires and talents to schooling. I hope our kids get to chase their dreams and not the societal norms.

Human minds are supposed to be imaginative, where every mind thinks differently. But, welcome to India, where millions of people have the same dream - to become an engineer and then work as a Manager in a foreign pharmaceutical company.

Niharika Banerjee

Obtaining marks may or may not be important for your future, but congratulations to those who did well.
We & your parents are proud of you.

Congratulations Class 12 Students !!!
How was the result ?

http://www.stxaviersbth.com/

St. Xaviers Higher Secondry School, Bettiah St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School, Bettiah is a secondary catholic school, founded in 1998 and managed by the members of the Society of Jesus, (Jesuit fathers) a group of men dedicated to God’s greater glory through the service of humanity.

Happy children's day :)

First day orientation day program held on 06-08-2013.