Ramniwas Bajaj English High School

Nurturing tomorrow’s leaders: RBHS holistic approach to education

In today`s rapidly evolving world, the role of schools extends far beyond academic instruction. Ramniwas Bajaj English High School (RBHS) has emerged as a pioneer in holistic education, garnering attention for its innovative approach to instilling core values in students. This method creates a learning environment that nurtures not only academic excellence but also character development, preparing students to become responsible, ethical, and compassionate individuals ready to face future challenges.

Principal Florina Fernandes, the visionary leader of RBHS, explains, "Our educational philosophy is built upon five core values respect, integrity, responsibility, collaboration, and resilience. These values are not just words on a wall; they are woven into the fabric of our daily interactions and learning experiences."

At the heart of RBHS approach is the cultivation of respect. The school has implemented unique programs to foster mutual respect among students, teachers, and the wider community. "Our `Gratitude Card` program is a prime example," Ms Fernandes notes. "Students learn to value the services provided by ancillary workers at school and in the community. During field trips to places like departmental stores and bus depots, our students present these workers with handmade gratitude cards. The smiles we see in response are truly heart-warming and teach our students the power of acknowledging and respecting every individual`s contribution to society."

Integrity forms another cornerstone of the RBHS experience. The school emphasizes honesty, accountability, and ethical behaviour to help students develop strong moral character. A standout initiative is the student mentor system. "Our student council mentors serve as confidantes for their peers," explains the Principal. "They are bound by a strict code of confidentiality and are trained to handle sensitive information responsibly. This system not only provides support for students but also instils a deep sense of ethical responsibility in our mentors."

The value of responsibility is ingrained through hands-on experiences at RBHS. Students are entrusted with significant roles in school events, managing everything from directing and music to audio-visual elements, costumes, and set design. "By empowering our students with these duties, we help them understand the importance of taking ownership of their actions and contributions," says Ms Fernandes. The school also extends this lesson beyond its walls with initiatives like "Purple Yoga" for grandparents, teaching students the importance of being responsible towards older generations.

Collaboration is fostered through innovative project-based assessments. Rather than assigning the traditional "cut-copy-paste" projects, RBHS challenges students with meaningful work that demonstrates their learning and application skills. The Principal elaborates, "Our primary students might calculate discounts on bills to apply their knowledge of percentages, while secondary students set up markets inspired by the Bazaars of Hyderabad to showcase their persuasion skills. We even conduct assessments through interviews and talk shows, encouraging teamwork and effective communication."

Finally, RBHS places a strong emphasis on resilience. The school has implemented gender-specific yoga programs "Pink Yoga" for girls to address menstruation related issues and "Blue Yoga" for boys to navigate puberty. Another unique initiative is the "Pandora`s Box," which provides students with a safe outlet for expressing pent-up thoughts and emotions. "By teaching our students to persevere through challenges and adapt to change, we`re equipping them with essential life skills," Ms Fernandes affirms.

The impact of this holistic approach is evident in the well-rounded individuals graduating from RBHS. Students leave the school not just with academic knowledge, but with a strong moral compass, the ability to work effectively with others, and the resilience to overcome obstacles. As schools nationwide grapple with the challenge of balancing academic rigor with character education, RBHS stands as a beacon of innovation.

For more information

Contact:

Ramniwas Bajaj English High School

RSET Campus, S V Road,

Malad West, Mumbai 40004

Tel.: 022 45207773

Mobile: 9004444072

Email: [email protected]

Website – www.rbhs.org.in