The Academic Programme at Prakriya • content • age-appropriate learning • methods and processes • class size Content Prakriya Green Wisdom School is affiliated to the ICSE Board, New Delhi. The academic programme is based on the ICSE syllabus and text books. In the ICSE pattern of exams emphasis is given for concept understanding and application – only rote learning will not do. To enhance understanding of concepts, the learning programme at Prakriya is more interactive, activity based and innovative and creative processes are used. Children find such methods more enjoyable than a traditional chalk and talk method – and children learn better what they enjoy and find interesting ! The Learning Programme at Prakriya is age-appropriate The focus of learning varies with the developmental stages of the child. In particular, in the nursery classes, it is not meaningful for the child to learn in an exam and reading / writing oriented way. An excessive focus on exams takes away the joy of learning for most children at this age. Children actually learn more through play and a wealth of experiences. A gradual stepping up of tests and a formal focus on exams from the fifth standard onwards helps a child learn with more enthusiasm and interest. By the time a student reaches class 8, she /he is quite well prepared to focus on the ICSE board exams. Hence the focus of learning in the various sections of the school are as follows: Nursery School: The focus is on exposure to many practical experiences, building imagination, learning physical and social skills, learning boundaries of time, place, work and play, understanding the world around us. Along with these, children also learn basic reading and writing as well as number work. Primary School: • Skill building for the three ‘R’s – Reading, Writing and Arithmetic; • Fostering of the 4 ‘C’s : Curiosity, Creativity, Conversation and Concept understanding. • Content learning based on ICSE syllabus / text books Middle School: • Fostering Intellectual, Academic Rigour and regular study habits through homework and assignments. • Widening horizons, toughening up and becoming industrious, • unit tests and exams along with projects and assignment High School: • Exam oriented academic rigour with regular tests and prelims. • Monitoring regular home-study and progress, with feedback sessions to parents • Being realistic and seeking meaningfulness despite normative pressures. Methods and Learning Processes A blend of traditional and innovative processes and methods are used in the class room. Traditional methods include class work, home-work, work-sheets, tests and exams. Formal Exams begin from last term of class 4 onwards. In classes 1 to 4, a continuous assessment system is followed which includes worksheets and short tests, so that children gradually learn to handle exams without fear or stress. Avoidance of exams in primary classes helps to build a real interest in learning and discourages rote learning to score marks. Innovative and creative methods at Prakriya include: • Using Multiple Intelligences framework , • Designing lesson plans keeping in mind the different Learning Styles of children, • Experiential / activity & project based learning, • Mind-maps which foster children’s memory & creativity • Real life projects and assignments that foster independent thinking as well as collaborative work. Smaller class size is essential for more meaningful learning.. Smaller classes enables the teacher to give more individual attention to each child. Every child has opportunities to speak up and be included in all discussions – and these are the building blocks of confidence and self-esteem. Class size at Prakriya is limited to: 20 IN NURSERY SCHOOL 17 IN PRIMARY SCHOOL 20 IN MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL. In a smaller class, teachers relate to every child to provide: • Tracking of the child’s inputs’ ( interest, class-work, home-work, behaviour) in addition to ‘outputs’ ie. Marks, grades and other feed-back • Acceptance, warmth, need-based interaction and being firm on boundary maintenance
1.Academic Programme	The ICSE Syllabus will be followed. Primary School - In classes 1 to 4 children need basic skill building Reading, writing and arithmetic. In Prakriya, in addition there will be a focus on learning experientially, through doing, seeing, acting out and expressing. IntegrativeThematic Learning Classes and projects help
build perspective and make learning more holistic. Middle School - There will be a greater emphasis on content based learning in various subjects. Again the attempt will be to go beyond text books and build perspective and thinking skills. High School - In class 8 the children would have to choose to follow the ICSE or National Open School exam which will be a major focus in classes 8,9 and 10. See Understanding Learning Processes
	2. Physical Development Programme All children start the day with physical activity - Yoga two days a week and nature walks or team games such as basketball and volleyball on other days. Children would also be encouraged to play a variety of Indian games like kho-kho, kabbadi etc.
3. Talent Development Programme	The last 40 minutes to 1 hour of every day would be talent development time. Children can choose two disciplines to focus on Classical Dance and Kalaripayattu to be added to this group shortly) Carnatic/ Hindustani classical vocal music or Tabla, instrumental music etc. Learning opportunities in various areas would be introduced as more children join the school and depending on availability of resource persons.
4. Health & Self Awareness Programme An Ayurveda Programme would be included in the middle school to develop an attitude of taking charge of one's health and developing healthful habits. Self-awareness and personal growth would be part of the "Circle Time" conversation classes Constant beckonings would be made to eat simple healthful foods and chips and greasy snacks are not allowed.
	5. Field Visits Programme About 6 visits a year of 1 day duration to places of natural beauty, social, historical / general interest in and around Bangalore for all classes . 2 to 7 day annual excursions are organised for older children.
	6 Community Programme Joining the Prakriya community is basically an invitational process. Several meetings for discussions, dialogues and debates on various issues of importance for the children and the school facilitates this process. To be linked to neighbouring villages and schools, children and teachers visit them and periodically organise joint activities.
	Parents and others who wish to share their talents or knowledge are invited to join us for workshops etc. Making joint murals and sculptures, Kite Flying, Garba Dance and Zany Games festivals are other activities where the involvement of parents and others are welcomed in the Prakriya community.
7 Social Development / Environment Programme Looking after the local environment - class cleaning-up, vermiculture, etc for primary school children; involvement with neighbouring schools, villages, environmental concerns, any cause they are interested in for older children
8 Dreams and Goals Programme Children in their early teenage years especially need ways of exploring their dreams and aspirations. Programmes will be designed ( by the children themselves and adults) for middle and high school children to relate to role-models, explore their dreams of who they want to be. Some projects planned are- a) Project work involving repeated visits to any industry, NGO, scientific/ art / medical etc institution or mock-apprenticeships with professionals. (Parents' involvement in this programme would be valuable) b) "Earn and Learn" project where children work and earn for 5 to 10 Saturdays in a year and learn to use their earning for themselves and others.
9. Cyber-space Programme Middle and High School children can give expression to their thoughts and feelings and contribute to Prakriya's web-page as well as work on assignments through on-line learning.