​From good to great: Building exceptional primary schools and educational institutions in India
Building exceptional primary schools and educational institutions in India is not just about providing basic education, but about creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. In a country with a population of over 1.3 billion, the demand for quality education has never been higher. Parents are seeking schools that not only focus on academic excellence but also foster personal growth, cultural awareness, physical activities, and a wholesome developmental approach.
The number of educational institutions is growing but it is quite evident that a very few of them impart quality education owing to the lack of highly trained professionals and adequate infrastructure.
The number of educational institutions is growing but it is quite evident that a very few of them impart quality education owing to the lack of highly trained professionals and adequate infrastructure.
Most schools are established on 3 primary pillars, namely, the school infrastructure, teachers, and the curriculum. The curriculum plays a significant role in the education of children and adopting a curriculum that is not only academically rigorous but also aligns with the needs of today is essential. Primary schools and elementary educational institutions can prepare students for success in an ever-evolving global landscape by creating a strong partnership between teachers, students, and parents. Ease of communication, regular feedback, and collaboration are key to creating an educational ecosystem that supports each child's unique journey.
We, at Atelier ARBO, are exploring a few strategies that can help primary schools and educational institutions in India to go from good to great.
We, at Atelier ARBO, are exploring a few strategies that can help primary schools and educational institutions in India to go from good to great.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EXCEPTIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Exceptional schools invest in continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating their teaching methods, curriculum, and infrastructure. They also have a strong emphasis on building a positive school culture that promotes respect, empathy, and inclusivity. To become exceptional, primary schools and educational institutions need to focus on the following aspects:
The planned curriculum needs to encourage experiential learning, project-based assignments, and collaborative activities that promote active engagement and deep understanding. Teachers need to be trained to be facilitators and mentors, guiding students towards self-directed learning and exploration.
2. CLASSROOM AND THE OVERALL SCHOOL DESIGN: A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPWhenever the word ‘School’ is said, the image of a rectilinear classroom with 30 to 40 students sitting on benches and facing a single teacher standing at one end of the space comes to our mind. Classrooms have become the most primary and crucial platform for imparting education for many decades now. A linear, typical model of planning, where multiple classrooms are placed besides each other in rows and are separated by a common narrow corridor, can be seen in almost all the schools of this country. But, to achieve exceptional primary school designs, breaking the linearity and rigidity of these typical classroom spaces into more open, free, and collaborative zones, is significantly necessary.
New teaching methods of focusing on the holistic growth of the students are slowly evolving in the education sector, and hence the architectural interpretation of these learning spaces also needs to improvise and upgrade to cope up with the new teaching strategies.
Classrooms can evolve into ‘Learning Studios,’ which are spaces having different zones like a breakout area, an activity area, and a learning area. Such individual Learning Studios can then combine into a ‘Learning Suite.’ A Learning Suite can comprise of two learning studios joined together by a moveable wall or mobile furniture, so as to encourage the concept of ‘team teaching,’ where the teachers of the individual studios can teach all the students together.
Such an arrangement of learning studios is suitable for both, individual sessions and combined lectures, with a simple moveable wall making the space multi-functional. Each learning studio can spill over into its own open, outdoor space to create informal learning spaces for students. (Refer to the book, ‘The Language of School Design’ written by Ar. Prakash Nair and Ar. Randall Fielding for more information on this).
Deriving from our personal and professional experience, we have realized the importance of creating low-rise, holistically-planned schools as opposed to high-rise intimidating institutions. Breaking down a large campus into small, self-contained learning communities connected to each other by a unifying element like learning streets offering varied activities to the students, can create a well-rounded learning arena.
An extremely thoughtful and well-researched approach in designing conducive and positive institutional spaces is paramount to enhance the educational experience of students, forming a strong foundation for their exceptional success in the global landscape.
3. ENGAGING AND SELF-EXPLORATION FOR STUDENTS: EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Exceptional schools recognize the importance of extracurricular activities in fostering holistic development. They provide a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents outside the confines of the classroom. Whether it's sports, arts, music, or community service, these activities help students develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.
Moreover, schools need to actively involve students in decision-making processes, giving them a voice and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. Student councils, clubs, and forums provide platforms for students to express their opinions, organize events, and contribute to the school community.
4. BUILDING A STRONG COLLABORATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
Alternative schools understand the importance of involving parents and the wider community in the education process. They can encourage fluid lines of communication, parental involvement, and provide opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child's education. Regular parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and seminars help bridge the gap between home and school.
Furthermore, schools need to collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to enrich the educational experience. These partnerships can provide students with real-world connections, internships, and exposure to diverse perspectives and career opportunities.
- EFFECTS OF CURRICULUM AND TEACHING METHODS
The planned curriculum needs to encourage experiential learning, project-based assignments, and collaborative activities that promote active engagement and deep understanding. Teachers need to be trained to be facilitators and mentors, guiding students towards self-directed learning and exploration.
2. CLASSROOM AND THE OVERALL SCHOOL DESIGN: A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPWhenever the word ‘School’ is said, the image of a rectilinear classroom with 30 to 40 students sitting on benches and facing a single teacher standing at one end of the space comes to our mind. Classrooms have become the most primary and crucial platform for imparting education for many decades now. A linear, typical model of planning, where multiple classrooms are placed besides each other in rows and are separated by a common narrow corridor, can be seen in almost all the schools of this country. But, to achieve exceptional primary school designs, breaking the linearity and rigidity of these typical classroom spaces into more open, free, and collaborative zones, is significantly necessary.
New teaching methods of focusing on the holistic growth of the students are slowly evolving in the education sector, and hence the architectural interpretation of these learning spaces also needs to improvise and upgrade to cope up with the new teaching strategies.
Classrooms can evolve into ‘Learning Studios,’ which are spaces having different zones like a breakout area, an activity area, and a learning area. Such individual Learning Studios can then combine into a ‘Learning Suite.’ A Learning Suite can comprise of two learning studios joined together by a moveable wall or mobile furniture, so as to encourage the concept of ‘team teaching,’ where the teachers of the individual studios can teach all the students together.
Such an arrangement of learning studios is suitable for both, individual sessions and combined lectures, with a simple moveable wall making the space multi-functional. Each learning studio can spill over into its own open, outdoor space to create informal learning spaces for students. (Refer to the book, ‘The Language of School Design’ written by Ar. Prakash Nair and Ar. Randall Fielding for more information on this).
Deriving from our personal and professional experience, we have realized the importance of creating low-rise, holistically-planned schools as opposed to high-rise intimidating institutions. Breaking down a large campus into small, self-contained learning communities connected to each other by a unifying element like learning streets offering varied activities to the students, can create a well-rounded learning arena.
An extremely thoughtful and well-researched approach in designing conducive and positive institutional spaces is paramount to enhance the educational experience of students, forming a strong foundation for their exceptional success in the global landscape.
3. ENGAGING AND SELF-EXPLORATION FOR STUDENTS: EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Exceptional schools recognize the importance of extracurricular activities in fostering holistic development. They provide a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents outside the confines of the classroom. Whether it's sports, arts, music, or community service, these activities help students develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.
Moreover, schools need to actively involve students in decision-making processes, giving them a voice and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. Student councils, clubs, and forums provide platforms for students to express their opinions, organize events, and contribute to the school community.
4. BUILDING A STRONG COLLABORATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
Alternative schools understand the importance of involving parents and the wider community in the education process. They can encourage fluid lines of communication, parental involvement, and provide opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child's education. Regular parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and seminars help bridge the gap between home and school.
Furthermore, schools need to collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to enrich the educational experience. These partnerships can provide students with real-world connections, internships, and exposure to diverse perspectives and career opportunities.
CASE STUDY OF ONE OF OUR SCHOOL PROJECTS
To understand the strategies discussed, let's explore a school project done by us:
Harmony Montessori School, Mumbai
Located in Lower Parel, Mumbai, the Harmony Montessori School is an educational institution striving to impart quality education based on the inspiring philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori. Having had the opportunity to design the interiors of this school, our design focused on creating a positive, calm, and neutral environment for the concentrated and enhanced learning of children. The school has a large common hall which further segregates into three classrooms having interesting staggering niches and pockets to captivate the curiosity of young children. While the subtle, white-toned interiors create a soothing and less distractive atmosphere, the strategic placement of indoor plantations add a tranquil quality to the space, putting the minds of children at ease. Large windows flood the space with natural light and visually connect the children with the outdoor landscape. Minimal furniture, planned as per child anthropometry, allow children to explore and choose materials independently according to their liking. Thoughtful planning and a great amount of research on how to create a welcoming space for children was done by us, which led to the creation of a holistic learning environment.
Primary schools and educational institutions in India are responsible for shaping the future leaders of the nation. By prioritizing holistic development, adopting innovative teaching methods, and fostering strong partnerships with parents and the community, these schools are preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.
The impact of creating exceptional schools goes beyond academic achievement. They nurture well-rounded individuals who are confident, compassionate, and equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the current professional world. As more primary schools and educational institutions in India strive for greatness, the future of education in the country looks promising, with students who are ready to make a positive impact on society and lead the way forward.
To understand the strategies discussed, let's explore a school project done by us:
Harmony Montessori School, Mumbai
Located in Lower Parel, Mumbai, the Harmony Montessori School is an educational institution striving to impart quality education based on the inspiring philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori. Having had the opportunity to design the interiors of this school, our design focused on creating a positive, calm, and neutral environment for the concentrated and enhanced learning of children. The school has a large common hall which further segregates into three classrooms having interesting staggering niches and pockets to captivate the curiosity of young children. While the subtle, white-toned interiors create a soothing and less distractive atmosphere, the strategic placement of indoor plantations add a tranquil quality to the space, putting the minds of children at ease. Large windows flood the space with natural light and visually connect the children with the outdoor landscape. Minimal furniture, planned as per child anthropometry, allow children to explore and choose materials independently according to their liking. Thoughtful planning and a great amount of research on how to create a welcoming space for children was done by us, which led to the creation of a holistic learning environment.
Primary schools and educational institutions in India are responsible for shaping the future leaders of the nation. By prioritizing holistic development, adopting innovative teaching methods, and fostering strong partnerships with parents and the community, these schools are preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.
The impact of creating exceptional schools goes beyond academic achievement. They nurture well-rounded individuals who are confident, compassionate, and equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the current professional world. As more primary schools and educational institutions in India strive for greatness, the future of education in the country looks promising, with students who are ready to make a positive impact on society and lead the way forward.