The concept of hostel life is not new in the Indian education system; it has been there since the Vedic ages. We all know about ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila or Indian gurukuls where students used to stay with their Gurus and embark on an academic journey, both spiritually and physically. International schools with hostels are similar to Indian gurukuls except for the modern touch; recycled gift in new packet!

The mention of hostel life evokes in many the image of distasteful food, uncomfortable beds, and gruesome wardens; thanks misconceptions people have acquired, but the real picture is much different. In a hostel, you get to make some of the best memories and find some of the best people of your life. However, if you compare hostel life with a home, that will not be just a comparison for, both are unique in their ways. While at home you get the warmth of your family, in hostel one learns to be self-reliant and feel unconditional bond of friendship.

Character traits kids acquire from hostel life

If you are planning to admit your kid to any international school with a hostel, here are some etiquettes your kid will imbibe in for life:

• Learn to be Self-reliant and Disciplined – There is a certain ruleset of a hostel, one must wake up on time and do their chores themselves and follow a disciplined life. This makes your kid take up his responsibility from a young age inculcating self-reliance as a habit throughout entire life. Besides they gets to learn values like orderliness, punctuality as a result of following a disciplined life. In short, it makes your kids a better human being.
• A Holistic approach towards life – In a hostel, a kid co-inhabits with other kids from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and ethnicity. It will develop in your kid a liberal mind-set and a holistic approach towards life: the real essence of education.
• Excellent Academic record – Boarding provide kids with excellent educational facilities and a constructive study environment without any distraction. Furthermore, your kid will co-study with friends of the same age group which makes learning exciting, improving his/her academic records tremendously.

Facilities provided by International School with Hostel

Residential schools offer every kind of facility that is required for overall development of a student. For example, Jain International Residential school provides its resident students the best in class facilities for their overall cultural, moral, and academic development.

Here are some of the facilities that your kid will be entitled at Jain International Residential School (JIRS):

• Supportive Academic Infrastructure – A residential school provides the necessary facilities to its students so that they can remain updated with all the latest technologies and happenings around the world. JIRS supports its students with all the necessary infrastructural facilities like good digital classrooms, adequate support for physical activities, and an interactive learning environment. With a carefully set routine, the school is committed to shaping the young minds with empathy so that they grow to be better humans in the future.
• Extra-Curricular Engagement - “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is rightly said; for if there is focus on studies only and no room for play or nurturing other hobbies, the all-around growth of a child will be hampered. Hence at JIRS, the routine is made keeping in mind that the students have time for playing or taking rest and nurture any personal interest if they have. Furthermore, the boarding facility of the school is equipped with all the necessary mediums of entertainment as well, so that students can spend some lazy time interacting among themselves.
• Secured and Habitable boarding facility – At JIRS every arrangement has been made to ensure the safety and security of the boarding students. There are separate dormitories for boys and girls. The boarding facility also has Cafeteria where students can buy snacks and savories once a week. The rooms of the boarding facility are air-conditioned and well ventilated and can accommodate three students comfortably. The boarders are segregated based on their age and curriculum and their compatibility. The hostel of this international boarding school is guarded round the clock by CCTV cameras and guards to ensure optimum safety for your kid.

Quoting renowned architect Arne Jacobson
“Besides, I think when one has been through a boarding school, especially then. You have some resistance because it was both fine comradeship and fairly hard training.”

Hostel Life of International Boarding Schools truly builds a positive approach in the student. Though sometimes students feel stiff and homesick, but it shapes a young mind to face every challenge in their future life.

Of all the decisions you take on behalf of your kid the most preliminary one of choosing the best school for your kid is perhaps the toughest. With a plethora of educational institutions around and new ones adding each day choosing the right school for your kid can surely be a challenge.

We all know that Indian education has a typical western inclination, probably because of the deep-rooted British influence. Though the central governing body NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) monitors pedagogies and curriculums of Indian educational institutions running by providing technical and monetary support; it still has to encounter many challenges.

The traditional education system in India suffers from problems like lack of competent staff, red –tape, lack of political will, infrastructural shortcomings, and a lot more. However, as we are gradually evolving as an aspirational country wanting to contribute to every sector of the global economy, the question arises, are our schools competent enough to prepare our children for these aspirations?

According to legendary educators, education is successful, if it makes a child rational, and enhances their thinking abilities. Education is successful if the pupils grow to become empathetic and well-informed global citizens. However, unfortunately, the stereotype exam-centric, chalk and talk curriculum of the existing Indian education system lacks the dispositions necessary to laying the foundation of a strong career base for students suitable for their talents.

The Emergence of International Schools

Owing to the drawbacks of the existing model of education, an alternate education system was much needed. There was a need to focus on the inborn talents of children rather than his numbers on the exam sheet. The result was the emergence of private educational institutions. Over the past two decades owing to the rapid urbanization of India, there is a surge in the demand for private education among the growing middle class which explains why they are so popular in our country.

In the last 15 years, there has been 10 times growth in the number of International Schools in India says a survey by Research Gate. Although Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the most established program adopted by the International Schools across India. Some of them either integrate the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in their curriculum and Pedagogy. Currently, there are approximately seven hundred International Schools in India that offer international education up to the middle and high school levels.

Benefits of studying in International Schools

Undoubtedly, getting an education in International Schools is much more advantageous because it implements a curriculum that prepares students to fit in the modern labour market and be responsible global citizens. Here are some added benefits of International Schools you must look into:

• Curriculum set at par with global standards – As the term, ‘International School’ clearly represents education that is offered in line with foreign education. Many schools combine elements of more than one system so that students can be prepared to be more suitable for the global labour market.
  
  For example, the comprehensive International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered by Jain International Residential Schools (JIRS) is not only focused on academic and other social skills of the students but rather also focuses on personality development of students by shaping their approach towards integrity, liberty of thought and sense of discipline. 

• Scope of learning Foreign Language – As already said International Schools introduce students to foreign culture providing them ample scope to learn foreign languages apart from vernacular language and English. Like in JIRS the students enrolled under IGCSE Program from Grade 8 to 10, and 9 to10 have a scope to learn three languages.
  
  This naturally brings spontaneity in the learning process that nurtures the inquisitive nature of children. Every language has its valuable aura that broadens young minds so that they can adapt even in unfavourable conditions and be successful in life.

• Special attention to students – One of the major drawbacks of the existing educational system in India is the lower student-teacher ratio. But the picture is quite different in International Schools, where the student-teacher ratio remains high on average. Hence students communicate more with teachers and learn new concepts easily due to more intensive care by the teachers. The aim of this program is not to mug the textbooks, rather learn more real-life applicable concepts from the teacher.

• Global opportunities for higher grade students – The programs of International Schools are globally accredited, so getting your kid admitted to these schools will open to him a whole world of opportunities. Many regional certificates might not be accepted by foreign universities, but, a student from International Schools has much fewer chances of rejection on the contrary. The unique grading system is highly accepted by institutions wold wide providing them an extensive opportunity for higher studies and scholarships. 

With such benefits would you not be interested in providing your kid a better future? With highly refined education systems, international standards, exposure to multiple languages and cultures your child will naturally have a competitive advantage over other students from the contemporary curriculum. JIRS is a Bangalore-based International Residential School reputed for providing the best academic and student life.

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Chenraj Roychand, JIRS while follows deep-rooted tradition on one hand, also adopts modern learning practices at the same time. Providing best-in-class academic facilities, the institution is committed to preparing students to adapt themselves to the dynamic world and attain commendable achievements in life.

To know how JRIS can help your kid grow into futuristic global citizen, get in touch with us today!

What is Digital Education?
Digital education is the innovative incorporation of modern technology and digital tools to assist the progress of teaching and learning. It is also known as Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL), digital learning, or e-learning. Digital education is the way forward to seeking education through the means of technology and digital devices.

A Brief Overview:

Digital transformation of the country is underway and digital evolution of the economy and society is possible only through digital education. The concept of digital learning is not new and has existed in various forms for many years now, but when the COVID-19 pandemic suspended face-to-face teaching its significance increased manifold. Most educational institutions are adopting digital education as a solution while traditional classroom setup takes a back seat for some time due to the currently prevailing pandemic. Digital education is being seen as an alternative to the traditional education process of chalk and talk.

The emergence of the internet and ever-evolving technology has made learning interactive, engaging, motivating, and handy. Education is not anymore limited to textbooks and classrooms; it has become an amalgamation of technology, innovative learning, and digital content. The internet has become far more affordable and accessible and this shall lead to a greater confluence of digital and traditional teaching methods. The government is actively involved in taking essential steps to come forward with policies that will boost the digital education market in India. The efforts are being made to uplift the standard of digital infrastructure pan India to help facilitate the utilization of innovative educational tools. In near future, digital education like all other sectors will witness noticeable amendments in the way educational institutions function. A plethora of possibilities emerging out of digital education shall empower the education system of the country.

Advantages of the Digital Education System:

Individualized Learning Experience: A major drawback of the traditional education system is that many students experience a lack of interest when they are not able to catch up with the rest of the class. The contemporary digital format allows teachers to customize the study material based on an individual’s learning speed and ability. The impact of educational programs is uplifting with the digitalization of the education system.

Students become Smarter: When exposed to new learning tools and technology students develop effective self-directed learning skills. The digital education system enables students to analyze what they need to know to be able to search and utilize online resources. It plays a significant role in magnifying their efficiency, learning ability, and productivity.
Unlimited Information: The world of the internet is vast and loaded with information, most of which is freely accessible. The emergence of digital education has made it possible for students to explore and use this treasure of knowledge. Earlier, students would rely on limited sources of information, but now thanks to the growing popularity of the digital education system, unavailability of the required information is no longer a barrier in seeking knowledge.

Smart Classrooms: The chalk and talk method is now a thing of the past, and teachers are making use of more tech-savvy methods to help students understand that learning can be innovative and fun. The modern-day classrooms are equipped with a TV or a projector which makes it is easy to shift from a regular classroom session to an interactive digital session. This can make students pay more attention as they are extensively acquainted with the digital world.

Digitally Updated: In a world that is ever-evolving in terms of technology, practices and information can easily become outdated, as there is always something new transpiring. Equipping students with updated information and other subject-related topics is no longer a matter of choice, but a mandatory process. Students spend most of their time on their phones and laptops, so they must be sound technology-wise.

High Engagement Learning: The traditional education system provides limited scope for engagement as its forces at work include limited factors like textbooks, an instructor, and hand-written notes, whereas the digitized education system offers a wide range of choices to learn from. The unlimited availability of resources makes every session extremely innovative and engaging. The interactive and game-based learning sessions gain higher engagement from students.

Ease of Sharing: The traditional education system would heavily rely on students maintaining thick notebooks of hand-written notes containing information provided by teachers in the classroom or acquired through extensive research in the library, but the modern digital education system changes everything. Now preserving and sharing information is just a click away which saves students a lot of time and physical labor.

Accountability in Students: The digital education system incorporates real-time evaluation and system-generated performance reports which increases the transparency of assessment. It enables students to analyze their performance and come up with required solutions on their own. The digital education system brings students out of their shells and makes them independent thinkers who know what to study, when to study and how to study. They no longer remain dependent on their teachers and parents to spoon-feed them with information.

To change not only what we learn, but also how we learn is the need of the hour. The involvement of digital platforms, the virtual world, augmented reality, online libraries, and webinars are the new chalk and board of our education system while search engines have become the new library.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognized curriculum that dates back to the 1960s. The widespread and well-balanced program requires students to study courses across all disciplines over the span of two years. The program is gaining popularity in the country and one can easily find IB accredited schools in every city of India. The two-year pre-university program is the best alternative to high school programs offered in India and carries a lot of weight when it comes to bagging a seat in reputed colleges and universities across the globe.

The IBDP curriculum requires students to take up courses in six diverse areas, and these areas include two languages, a social sciences subject, a science subject, and mathematics; for the sixth subject, students can choose either an arts subject or a second subject from the subject groups mentioned. In addition to these six subjects, the course content includes the following:

• Extended Essay: Includes an essay of around 4,000 words that students are to write based on their independent and extensive research work.
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): The course content of TOK focuses on critical thinking and epistemology.
• Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): Includes a wide range of extracurricular activities like arts, sports, community services, cultural programs, etc.

The benefits of studying in IBDP schools are as follows:

The All-Inclusive Course Content: The students pursuing IBDP are required to take up courses from six different subject groups that include languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics. The program structure offers a wide range of knowledge and learning.

Higher Chances of Acceptance: The universities and colleges across the globe prefer students with IB diplomas over students belonging to other educational boards. The uniformity and practical approach of the course structure at a global level make it extremely appealing for institutions offering higher education.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Instead of focusing on one particular area, the course structure allows students to become learned in different areas. Designed, keeping in mind the holistic development of students, the course allows every child to explore various academic and non-academic areas; it doesn’t restrict a child to one particular stream.

Global Mindset: In the current day and age, when the world is becoming global in every sense and boundaries exist only on maps, an individual requires to develop a global and liberal perspective. The international schools in India offering International Baccalaureate Diploma Program provide students an environment where they learn, understand, and appreciate different cultures, perceptions, values, and traditions.

Freedom of Choice: Though constrained in subject groups, the program lets you choose what you want to study. It allows you to design your course structure, keeping in mind your areas of interest and plans. The permutations and combinations of courses are solely yours to decide. The IBDP schools allow you to form a customized syllabus for yourself which is liberating in the true sense.

Research and Intelligence: The core aspects of Extended Essay and TOK under the IBDP enable students to produce research and reasoning-based assignments. The students learn to observe things and draw a conclusion using critical thinking. The program helps students become sound in academics by polishing their research skills, critical thinking, practical approach, and intelligence.

Focus on Extracurricular Activities: The CAS offers students experience and action-based learning. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests through various projects, clubs, community services, sports, and other co-curricular activities. Through extracurricular activities, the program helps students become an adult with leadership and decision-making qualities inculcated through the right exposure.

About JIRS :
Jain International Residential School (JIRS) is one of the best IB schools in Bangalore. The IBDP offered at JIRS checks all the parameters of the program in terms of global uniformity and standards, making it a perfect institution for the holistic development of young minds.

Sports have been an integral part of the world culture dating back as far as ancient civilizations. The most eminent example of sports culture and society, the Olympic Games are more than 3,000 years old. Sports have always had an extraordinary impact on society, culture, economy, and every other facet of a nation. For those engaged in sports, sports are the epitome of diligence, hard work, and dedication. The popularity of sports culture can be determined by the fan base football and cricket enjoy worldwide. Sports help people maintain the best of their physical, mental and psychological health. Owing to the widespread popularity of the internet and television, people consume sports on a massive scale. The celebrity status of top sportspersons validates the importance associated with sporting events.

Sports and academic life

Schools and colleges are the setups where young minds spend a significant amount of their time. During these formative years, the focus should be on the overall development of a child. Sports, education, and health share an elemental link, and together they contribute significantly to the holistic development of a child. Every school and college has sports as part of their curriculum, as they understand the significance of physical health and activities. We live in times where sports are not seen just as a hobby but a way to achieve a healthy body and mind, making them an essential part of education. Now education is not anymore solely limited to academics; sports have become an integral part of it.

The changing dynamics of sports culture in India

A good sports culture is an index to measure a nation’s growth and progress. The medals and trophies earned by players at globally recognized sporting events bring glory and honor to the country. India has an ancient and rich culture of traditional sports. During the pre-independence period, sports culture in India could not bloom due to the challenges related to economic and social reforms, but later the country borrowed modern sports like cricket, badminton, tennis, volleyball, etc. from the outside. Over time sports earned the interest of people. The popularity and respect of individuals associated with sports kept on rising. People went on to even claim cricket as a religion in India. India was no longer taking baby steps at this point and managed to win significant world tournaments of sports. The 1983 Cricket World Cup won by India’s national cricket team became a historic event for the country. India, as a country, produced sportspersons who went on to become masters and world champions of sports they were associated with.

Opportunities in sports

There is a broad spectrum of professional opportunities that sports as an industry offers. In addition to a sportsperson, one can become a trainer, sports coach, athletic director, marketing and promotion coordinator, PR, physical therapist, sports and fitness nutritionist, sports journalist, sports announcer, sports agent, umpire, referee, sports photographer, a sports lawyer, etc. There are professional courses and dedicated educational institutions to serve the individuals aspiring to make a career in the sports industry.

The role of the Indian Government

The Indian Government recognized the importance of sports and formed the National Sports Policy in 1984, aiming to make sports and physical education an essential part of the academic curriculum. The revised National Sports Policy, 2011, advocates the importance of sports and physical education in developing better individuals, enhancing productivity, and bringing social harmony. Through the initiative ‘Khelo India Youth Games’ under the ‘Khelo India’ program, the government aims to support the development of sports culture at the grassroots level. Also, there are National Sports Awards dedicated to acknowledging the contribution and efforts of sportspersons. The popular awards are Arjuna Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.

The role of a school

A child needs to engage in sports as it offers holistic development and positive personality traits. A school is a place that helps children discover their interests, inclination, and strengths. Thus, it becomes vital to choose a school that offers good sports infrastructure and encourages students to engage in sports. The teachers also play a significant role in helping kids identifying their favorite sports and then mastering them. Through sports, a school inculcates qualities such as leadership, dispute management, team-building, healthy competition, and discipline in the students.

Sports Education is a significant part of the curriculum offered at JIRS. Considered as one of the best international sports schools in India, JIRS strongly believes that academic success and sports together form a strong foundation that helps students become talented and smart individuals. The expert faculty and seasoned sports trainer at JIRS have created a flexible school environment and support system for providing exceptional sports training and education.

“Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence.” - George F. Will

Parents want their children to receive the best education and upbringing. Many parents send their children to a residential school for them to acquire holistic education that includes academics, sports, discipline, and many other aspects. The popularity of this format of education has resulted in the emergence of countless boarding schools in India.

In India, the concept of residential schools isn't something new. It dates back centuries. Back in those days, students would reside in a gurukul setup where teachers would impart knowledge about academics, war training, political tactics, and physical training. The modern-day residential schools draw inspiration from the traditional gurukul system but follow a contemporary approach. Co-educational residential schools offering a CBSE curriculum enjoy the maximum popularity among parents as they provide holistic development and a uniform approach towards studies.

Once parents are sure that they want to send their child to a residential school, the next step is to find the right school to ensure that their child receives the best education and a suitable environment. Here are some of the points that parents must consider while choosing a boarding school for their child:

Identify Schools: At this stage, you must explore any and every school that catches your eye. Conduct thorough research by going through each school’s website and reading what other parents and students have to say about the school. The easy way to go about it is to get organized by making a list of these schools.

Narrow Your Options: This is the most time-consuming part of the whole process. Since you are looking for a co-educational school that offers a CBSE curriculum, you must identify such schools from your cumulative list. The school must deliver on your expectations and requirements. At this point, you must consider the interests and opinions of your child. Allow your child to help you narrow down your options. Choose what’s best for your child and suits your requirements as this step is all about personalization.

Visit the Campus: Though most of the school websites offer a virtual tour of their campus, parents should visit the campus physically. Certain things cannot be determined through online research when it comes to choosing the right school. You must visit the school and ask as many questions as you can. Visiting the campus will give you a better idea of the environment, quality of education, actual student-teacher ratio, safety, and security.

Curriculum: Getting to know the curriculum offered by the school is the most crucial step in choosing the right school. The residential schools in India provide various curriculums to choose from, but CBSE is considered one of the best. The board is recognized by the government of India. It offers an easy approach and is considered quite helpful when it comes to relocation for its uniform approach.

Infrastructure and co-curricular activities: Quality infrastructure is very important for young children to acquire overall development. Education is not merely restricted to academics. When children are involved in sports and engaged in co-curricular activities they enhance their chances of becoming a well-round adult. Thus, you must look for a school that provides the best infrastructure and amenities.

Hygiene and Cleanliness Protocols: The COVID-19 pandemic has made the school's cleanliness, disinfection, and hygiene protocols an extremely important factor to be considered. Dealing with infection outbreaks, prevention of future pandemics, and children’s health safety has become the top priority. Schools must make disinfection practices regular and focus on the need for better toilets and common areas. There should be a provision of study from home for children if they are sick.

Miscellaneous Factors: Apart from the above mentioned factors there are many other points that parents must keep in mind while making the selection; these factors include discipline, independence, social environment, quality of emotional and psychological support, safety, security, admission process, yearly expenses, food quality, fees, pastoral care, location, etc.

About Jain International Residential School (JIRS)
Jain International Residential School (JIRS) is a reputed co-educational school, under the aegis of the JGI group. JIRS is an international residential school that offers a global curriculum, innovative learning process, and holistic growth. The school aims at helping the kids explore their talents, gain knowledge, and become future leaders.

The prime purpose of education is to enlighten human minds with knowledge and knowledge is acquired in a true sense by those who are curious; the ones who ask questions. Asking questions is a crucial factor for a healthy learning process, therefore the culture of asking questions should be encouraged in schools and students should be empowered to ask questions.

Often it has been noticed that students are reluctant to ask questions due to reasons like shyness, fear of their peers, fear of appearing foolish, difficulty in forming the question, fear of being judged, etc. A student must be provided an environment to get rid of such inhibitions. A student for overall growth and development must be made to understand that no question is insignificant.

The significance of asking questions:

Confidence-booster: Raising your hand to ask a question in the classroom can be intimidating, but the more often you do it the more confident you become. Like everything else, even this trait can be mastered with practice. The constant exposure helps you develop self-perception. When you ask questions, you not only get the answers you seek but also the required self-assurance to be vulnerable. Asking questions makes you a little more confident every time you do that.

Breaks the Monotony and Increases Engagement: It is extremely boring and monotonous when the teacher is the only one speaking and the students fail to respond. The exchange of questions and answers can break the ice and make things more interesting by invoking curiosity that acts as a catalyst for a healthy learning environment.

Questions Make Room for More Questions: Every time a question is asked it leads to another question providing more ground for discussion and information-sharing. In an informative classroom setup where questions are asked curiosity never dies and the more curious you are the more, you are willing to seek answers and expand your horizons of knowledge. Thus, asking questions is directly associated with the primary goal of education, which is seeking knowledge. It helps in creating an environment where students actively participate in classroom activities.

Make Students Think, Learn and Grow: Questions add value to learning. When you ask questions, it shows your interest in the subject. Asking questions helps you develop critical abilities. Also, you must know that it’s normal to not understand something immediately after being taught or to have doubts, but what’s not right is to harbor that doubt forever or depriving yourself of knowledge just because you don’t want to ask a question. You ask questions and you ace your academic life.

Feedback to Teachers: When you ask questions, your teachers get to know where you stand or how much you have understood. When you don’t ask questions your teachers assume that you understood what was being taught unless you present your doubts and indicate otherwise.

"The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge." – Thomas Berger