The curriculum for our primary division — Classes I through III — is designed specifically for students of this age group. As children progress from nursery to primary school, we focus on the educational foundations on which they can expand throughout their academic life. The curriculum is finely balanced between scholastic and co-scholastic activities, with a comprehensive syllabus. It covers languages, mathematics, and science, with enrichment activities and other unique types of learning interspersed within. Art, music, pottery, and games are all part of the Sri Kumaran Children's Academy curriculum. Rather than the typical lecture style, the teaching method employs a learner-centred approach that promotes logical reasoning and critical thinking. The emphasis is on increasing the learners' cognitive, social, emotional, and metacognitive skills, thus addressing the four major areas of learning. The curriculum seeks to educate children holistically. Math learning is skill-based, with students gaining quantitative, computational, and spatial abilities. Languages include all aspects of communication, reading and understanding, and written expression. The Environmental Science (EVS) curriculum sharpens abilities such as observation, drawing inferences, teamwork, and project work. Hands-on activities and a multi-sensory approach to learning are used to build these skills.
English is our medium of instruction. The languages taught in primary school are English, Kannada and Hindi.
Kannada is given special attention, as mandated by the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, which requires schools in Karnataka to teach Kannada as either the first or second language from Class I to X.
Kannada is introduced in Class I, and Hindi is introduced from Class II onwards.
Primary students also learn Kannada and Hindi. The broad spectrum of language teaching includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Through tasks and exercises, important sub-skills such as spelling and vocabulary, comprehension, and creative writing are honed. Syntax and semantics are inextricably linked to the process of learning a language. Learning Hindi and Kannada is generally accomplished by listening and speaking, with children gradually exposed to letter and word identification through audio-visual teaching aids and role-playing. Students in Class III learn to read, comprehend, and write with ease, utilising proper grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
We do not believe in putting young children through formal examinations. Our assessments are conducted throughout the school year. This not only relieves stress on pupils, but also pulls them away from the practice of rote learning immediately before exams. Year-long assessments are an important aspect of the educational system because they assist educators identify areas for development and improve the teaching-learning experience in the classroom. Cognitive abilities are evaluated from basic knowledge to application level, with the goal of developing higher-order thinking. The primary school uses formative assessments (FA) and skill-based assessments (SA) to conduct a continuous and comprehensive evaluation. Every month, formal written evaluations are completed using worksheets, and skill-based assessments are completed using observation, project work, hands-on activities, and role-playing to determine whether the learning objectives have been met.
The primary section of our library houses over 6,000 books that appeal to the needs of every type of reader. We hold weekly library classes for the primary section in order to instil the habit of reading in even our youngest children. Students can borrow books beginning in Class I, and each child (IV and up) can borrow two to four volumes. Our competent library staff selects books with great care and constantly upgrades the stock to keep up with the times. They even engage knowledgeable pupils to learn about the latest trends. Our library has books in the following genres: fiction, nonfiction, languages, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, physical education, philosophy, education, psychology, and religion. As information resources, we also have dictionaries, encyclopaedias, journals, periodicals, newspapers, and numerous magazines. The Library is divided into two levels, with the reference section on the ground floor. Students from Classes I to XII are excitedly lapping up the wares on the nicely arranged shelves all around on the first floor, which has a very convenient seating arrangement. The library's goal is undoubtedly to include non-readers in its fold.
The Sri Kumaran Group of Institutions was one of the first to use Quality Circle Time (QCT) in elementary schools in order to boost students' overall development. Jenny Mosely, an educator, created it to assist youngsters build self-esteem, empathy, compassion, and self-confidence. This is a much-anticipated session that comes every two weeks. Class teachers choose a theme based on socio-emotional skills and interact with the students. This could have something to do with their classes, school, or something else. Each student sits in a circle and has the opportunity to speak about whatever they like. To ensure a seamless, joyful, and participatory session, a well-structured strategy is created ahead of time. Through games and enjoyable activities, teachers plant the seeds of qualities such as faith, trust, and honesty. While playing and interacting with their teacher and classmates, children gain essential life skills. This game teaches youngsters that their ideas and opinions are valuable, as well as fostering listening skills, patience, and helping the child in relating to others in the classroom.
Our well-equipped math lab is perfect for students to learn math concepts through hands-on activities. The concept of the math lab was introduced to provide opportunities to students to showcase their mathematical abilities. Challenging activities help young learners visualise, manipulate, and appreciate each and every concept, and retain them better.
Young children, especially those in the primary age bracket, always learn better when they explore topics in real life rather than reading about them in books. Because children are naturally curious and like exploring their surroundings, a variety of activities are held not just in the classroom but also outside. As a result, practical, hands-on activities are the greatest way to learn science. Concepts are learned by experience rather than instruction. Nature walks, which stimulate multi-sensory learning, teach children about plants, insects, birds, and animals. Festivals are celebrated rather than theoretically explained.
Shloka chanting is an ancient practice that is greatly beneficial for the developing mind. It improves focus, concentration, memory and also helps to calm the mind. We have introduced this traditional practice to not only keep our students grounded in traditional values, but also to remind them each day of their cultural roots.
Even the youngest of our students benefit from the regular mindfulness sessions that bring calm and encourage the students to sit still with their thoughts and emotions. Our mindfulness sessions are meant to tap the inner consciousness of the children and facilitators alike. The act of sitting still brings stability and strength to the minds, in turn helping children learn better in the classroom. It also regulates their emotions and helps them better cope with problems that come their way.
Every week, students of Class III are escorted to our sister school's state-of-the-art swimming facility in Mallasandra for an hour to enhance familiarity with water and to learn how to stay safe in the pool. They practice floating and master the fundamentals of freestyle swimming.
Chess puts your strategy and precision skills to the test. A trained coach provides regular training to children in Classes II and III. This enhances the children's memory and their problem-solving skills. Our chess players consistently outperform their peers in other areas as well.
Every month, students participate in four sessions to improve their fitness in which they play an outdoor game of their choice. We also follow a curriculum that helps to increase their speed, endurance, strength, agility, flexibility, and stamina. These sessions provide comprehensive training and an assessment of every child's physical health. The advantages are:
We have included nature walks as part of our school programmes to expose young students to their surroundings through hands-on experiences. The school and its surroundings are home to a rich array of flora and fauna, which the pupils become acquainted with on these excursions. It promotes learning while also providing entertainment outside of the classroom. Mr. Madhusudan Shukla, a nature enthusiast, works with EVS instructors to encourage learning through observation on nature walks.
Yoga is an integral part of the curriculum at the Kumarans, in keeping with our aim of providing holistic development for our students. The ancient practice is not only good for the body, but also for the mind. Teaching yoga to children as young as in primary classes ingrains the practice in their lives, creating a scope for them to carry this on in their future. Flexibility, posture and strength are enhanced with this regular practice while also teaching them how to manage stress to have a peaceful state of mind.
The annual literary fest is essentially a wonderful platform for students to showcase their talents. Events and competitions include writing, debating, fine arts and visual arts. All our students are encouraged to participate in these events. It seeks to foster overall grooming and growth of our students while also teaching them teamwork and healthy competition.
Special assemblies are held in order to highlight the significance of various holidays and festivals on our calendar, such as World Environment Day, International Yoga Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, and Kannada Rajyostava. Selected students collaborate with teachers to create skits, speeches, mime performances, group songs, and group dances based on the event's theme. Students are encouraged to participate because it instils a strong sense of belonging within them. Such events also teach students about our rich history and heritage.
Held once in two years in November, the school day is a mega event that gives all our students something to look forward to. It is a large-scale cultural programme put together through tremendous effort by the teachers and feverish practice by students. Varied teams, diverse talents, extensive planning goes into this one important day where each child comes under the spotlight and forgets their inhibitions. It is also a special day since parents and families of our students are invited to watch their wards perform on stage.
Every year, a competition is held to choose a visual artwork that will be printed on the cover page of all of our stationery. Children are excited to submit their collages, sketches, and paintings, as well as a slogan. When students see their work displayed on the cover page of school notebooks and diaries, they are thrilled and encouraged.
Gnanamanthanam is a collection of original works of art and creative writing contributions by students and faculty. Every child is encouraged to work hard and make the most of this opportunity. The magazine also covers all of the academic year's activities and events.
The Sri Kumaran Group of Institutions believes in sustainable living, and inculcates this among students. One of the ways in which we take care of our surroundings is by generating less waste and segregating what we do generate. School staff and students are well trained in waste segregation, in the hope that they will carry this forward in their personal lives as well. Colour-coded waste bins are placed across the school campus for collecting different kinds of waste. Students are constantly reminded to follow the practice. We compost biodegradable waste generated at school to use as manure in our gardens.
The school has a partnership with Woody Adventures, a leading provider of adventure tourist services. Our students embark on chaperoned camping trips that allow them to feel at one with nature and experience and explore nature at its most raw and interesting.
Field trips are an excellent approach to teach through hands-on experiences. Real-life experiences at historical monuments and significant sites can help youngsters learn about subjects such as art, history, and geography. To provide these learning opportunities, the school organises annual field trips. Students engage in engaging activities while learning new ideas. They develop social skills through interactions with their teachers and peers outside of the classroom. Visits to the planetarium and the Banerghatta National Park were amongst our previous field excursions.
The school has a thriving kitchen garden, which is managed by students with the assistance of the school gardener. Gardening is a fun way to learn about plants.
Art programmes involve more than just learning a talent for pupils as young as primary school. It enhances children's hand-eye coordination, resilience, and fine motor skills. Art and craft sessions are held twice a week in the primary section, where students learn freestyle art, origami, and refine their creative talents. Strokes, drawing, and the use of various mediums are all taught to children by qualified art teachers.
Every week, primary school children are taken to an aesthetically designed place where they explore the joys of putting clay on their fingers. Their tactile senses are strengthened when they have the opportunity to express and shape their imagination, which helps them become better learners. They learn about the many procedures involved in creating with clay. Pottery helps children hone their creative skills while also improving their fine-motor skills.
Students can enter a new world through storytelling sessions. These sessions are held once a week for Class I students. These lessons help them expand their vocabulary, develop their concentration and listening skills, and ignite their imagination. It teaches children to express their feelings and thoughts through words.
Music is an essential component of our curriculum. Children are exposed to a variety of musical styles, including semi-classical songs, vachanas, patriotic songs, and devotional compositions by great poets. We've partnered with SaPa, a musical programme of the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts, to provide music classes to our students. Their goal of making music accessible to all in order to create a happier society is completely consistent with the ethos of our institution. Once a week, a SaPa music instructor visits Classes I-V for an exciting session.
Late Smt. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, affectionately known as Mother, was a staunch supporter of certain beliefs that the Sri Kumaran Group of Institutes continues to uphold to this day. She believed that helping those in need was the same as serving God. To honour Mother's death anniversary, the school observes Seva Day on October 1st. Through numerous activities, students highlight the dignity of labour and express appreciation and gratitude to the school's non-teaching staff. Through these activities, they also learn empathy and the virtue of caring for others.
Our institute believes in reducing waste by donating used uniforms, shoes, and stationery to orphanages. The school collects items from students for donation at the end of every academic year.
Sports day is a annual celebration in which primary school students experience house pride while cheering on their seniors in a variety of races and sports. This event teaches our pupils about healthy competition, sporting spirit, and teamwork.
School exhibitions such as the language exhibition and science exhibition allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of various subjects. Parents and guardians are an integral feature of these events, cheering on their children as they work hard to put on the presentations. Children exhibit models and conduct games based on important and current issues.
Smt. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, former Director of the Sri Kumaran Group of Institutions and affectionately known as "Mother," was the driving factor behind the construction of Sadhanam, the resource room for children with learning difficulties. Our institution was one of the first in Bangalore to have a resource room. It is now a learning centre for children with learning disabilities that is staffed by special education teachers. Children with learning difficulties are accepted to the resource room based on teacher input and an informal screening by the resource room's special educators. Before their children receive assistance from the resource room, parents are consulted.
Meetings between parents and teachers are crucial for the growth of every student. It helps teachers and parents discuss the child’s progress and focus on areas of improvement. The school holds regular parent-teacher meetings to keep parents updated about their child’s academic progress.
A team of dedicated counsellors at the Kumaran’s provide a comfortable space for our children to discuss their problems. Students can approach the counsellor on their own or be referred by a teacher. The counsellors also hold group sessions to improve the overall mental and emotional wellbeing of our students.