Author: aischool_wgs6r0

In August 2018, the state of Kerala witnessed unprecedented flood havoc that killed hundreds and displaced more than a million people.  As a school, we rallied to raise funds to help the relief effort and are humbled to share that through contributions from parents and the school team, we collected almost 7 lakh rupees. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of you who supported our efforts and take this opportunity to update you about how the funds are being utilised:

Representatives from the school visited Pallakad district to meet with municipality authorities in order to determine how the money could be channeled toward benefiting those in need. It was decided that the funds would be allocated to the reconstruction of homes for displaced families in Chulliyode, Pallakad.

The families included individuals working as daily wage labourers and cattle rearers – they own the land they live on but lack the means to get back on their feet without support. 

A core team of five members was formed to oversee the project. This included 2 engineers, 2 volunteers and the local Municipal Councillor, Ms. Meenakshi T S. An official agreement was signed, and the first instalment amounting to 30% of the total fund was released to begin construction work. A second and third instalment will be released upon the respective submission of progress reports (including photographs) by the contractor.  Upon completion of construction, the houses will be handed over to the beneficiaries. 

As Kerala continues on the path of recovery, we thank the AIS community once again for joining us in helping families who lost everything in the worst tragedy faced by the state in recent times. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all the people affected. 

It can be a struggle to cultivate ‘healthy’ social media habits that allow to use these v increasingly prevalent tech tools in ways that don’t hamper our wellbeing. Innumerable research studies point to the varied physical, social, emotional and psychological effects of excessive social media usage, and perhaps the best way to work around these dangers would be to quit the platforms completely. That is of course, not always feasible, considering how our screens have become our primary means of communication and staying up-to-date with the world. There are however some simple measures that you can take to make the most of technology without the extremes of dependent and addictive behaviours. 

In a 2017 TED Talk titled “Why our screens make us less happy”, psychologist Adam Alter explains how screens increasingly leech our personal time – precious hours that we could be using to pursue the things we love, building our personalities and tending to the meaningful relationships in our lives. Alter pointed to how social media (and other apps) are devoid of ‘stopping cues’ which are an inherent part of traditional media – books, magazines, newspapers all have a definitive end point or section breaks that act as cues for us to stop and do something else. Screens, on the other hand, have an endless scroll which make them highly addictive. 

Moreover, recent revelations of data privacy issues only add to the potential negative consequences of social media use. So here are five simple steps that will help you review and refresh your online presence: 

Clean up your feed 

The things we see while scrolling are continually affecting us, even if we don’t notice. If you must use social media, the least you can do is ensure that your news feeds give you happiness and positivity as opposed to negativity. Unfollow all the people, pages and accounts that are not adding any value to your life. Don’t hesitate, even if it’s someone close to you and you’re afraid of what they may think. If their posts bring you down or incite feelings of jealousy and comparison, they don’t need a space on your screen. your mental health and emotions are far more valuable than anybody’s opinions of you, so bravely make the choices that serve you best. 

Disable Notifications

Notifications are exciting but can also be an unnecessary cause of stress. They constantly demand your attention and distract you from other tasks you may be engaged in. This can invariably result in you being glued to your device even when you don’t want to. Take control of your time and turn off all social media notifications so that you only check on your accounts when you specifically want to. This will go a long way in preventing you from getting sucked into mindless scrolling every time you receive a notification of a like, comment or new post. 

Time-out 

One habit that can transform your relationship with social media is setting a specific time for it each day and sticking to the schedule, no matter what. For instance, you may decide to reserve all your online frolicking for an hour every evening. Set a timer and log off when the hour is up, no matter how interesting things may seem. The timer will act as an extraneous stop cue that will remind you to put your phone away and do something else, whether it’s playing a sport, getting chores done, or meeting up with friends in real life. If you face problems with self-control and find that the timer is not a strong enough cue, there are tons of apps and browser extensions that you can use to limit your time on social media. Some popular ones include Offtime, Flipd, StayFocusd and Work Mode.

Don’t feed the trolls

It can be tempting to get into arguments and comment feuds with people online. Whether it’s over a social/political issue, celebrities, fashion, movies, or anything at all, debating wth strangers online or defending your own views lead absolutely nowhere except perhaps, an increase in blood pressure!  There is no dearth to trolls who spread hate online, or even to people who simply spread negativity, but none of them are worth losing your peace of mind over. Feel free to use the unfollow and block features across social media platforms to ensure that you never feed into the drama that gets you down! 

Have a life! 

 Lastly and most importantly, focus on living your real life! Devote more of your energy into meaningful relationships and activities that don’t require screens. Organise meet-ups with friends and loved ones, spend time in nature, work on being the best version of yourself. And of course, remember that you don’t need to share any of it on social media! Enjoy experiences without the pressure of wanting to share them with your followers. And even if you absolutely must post about your awesome life, try not to do it in real time at least. You can always post later (during your stipulated scroll time of the day) 

Above all, remember that social media was intended to be a tool – something helpful and uplifting – so if it’s bringing you down and sucking up your time instead of making life easier and more enjoyable, recognise that there’s a  problem and take action to fix it. 

“Don’t let your online presence be greater than your real life presence.”

Heading off on some family adventures this summer vacation? We’ve got you covered with some simple ideas that will help make your holiday all the more fun, rejuvenating and memorable! 

Plan Right 

It may sound cliched but the ultimate key to a truly restful and happy holiday is some detailed planning beforehand. Set aside specific time to pack all your essentials and use a list to ensure you do not forget anything. Include all family members in the process so that you don’t end up on a paradise island only to realise someone forgot to pack their swimsuit!  Using a packing list will also help you pack lighter which will leave you more space to bring back some special knick knacks from your travels. 

Make sure all your transportation, accommodation and tour bookings are in order and carry all your important documents together in one folder or bag for easy access. Remember to carry photocopies of passports and tickets just in case of loss of the originals. 

Leverage Technology 

If you’re the more modern traveler and only carry soft copies of tickets and booking vouchers, be sure to leverage technology the right way and store scans of important documents in your email as well as internal storage of your phone or tablet. Load up your devices with your preferred entertainment, especially if you have young children who can easily feel restless on long flights, trains or road trips. Don’t forget to carry your earphones! 

A pro tip is  load your device with white noise audio (sounds of waves, rain, etc.) that can promote peaceful sleep at night, particularly for children. White noise drowns out other sounds that could potentially disturb them, so give this a try if your kids have trouble falling asleep in unfamiliar places.

Bring a few comforts from home 

Allow young children to bring along a few home comforts such as a stuffed toy, reading books, or a portable music player. Additionally, carry along a small activity pack with items such as coloring pencils and books, card games, board games, hand held electronic games, puzzles etc. This will come in handy during long travel times when boredom and restlessness kick in. 

Go a step further in ensuring comfort by packing along small presents such as a toy or puzzle and/or treats such as some beloved chocolate to reward children for good behavior.

If you or your children ever need particular medication or special products, stock up on them before leaving for the trip. Take along a few snacks of your preference as they will come in handy when you’re tired and hungry in the air or at foreign locations. Do not assume that you will be able to stop and buy snacks along the way as airports especially can be expensive and have a limited selection of healthy options.

Vlog It! 

Video is a powerful medium to capture all the best moments of life and vlogging your way through your vacation can be a wonderful way to revisit it whenever you want to. Record footage of interesting activities you witness or engage in, the scenery you admire, and most importantly, your thoughts and feelings each day of the trip! 

Consider giving your children a journal and a cheap digital camera to record their own memories in their own ways. Pictures can be put into a scrapbook after you return, providing a lasting keepsake of your wonderful experiences together.

If your children are writing a journal, encourage them to draw and list things they see, eat and experience. Go a step further by buying a cheap postcard from each destination to jot down the best memories. 

It’s important to remember, however, not to go overboard and let the lure of capturing photos and video take away the enjoyment of the travel. Be sure to keep your cameras away at times and simply relish some moments fully. Such experiences will be far more valuable than any photograph or video you can shoot. Remember that the best travel experiences are the ones where you cherish each day and truly enjoy yourselves! Travel is supposed to be fun so make it just that! 

Check Your Ego with Your Bags 

Traveling with family can be stressful at times but remember that attitude is everything: no matter how much you plan and prepare, things can and will go wrong. Just go with the flow and everything will work out great. Treat your trip like one big adventure and any mishaps simply become small obstacles for you to overcome. Accept the possibility of hinderances such as delayed flights, lost luggage, illness, and homesickness. If unforeseen events happen, stay positive. Your children will learn important life lessons from watching you on this trip.

All parents dread the public tantrum that a child can throw but remember to deal with it calmly. Remember that there are probably other parents who have been in similar sitations and can empathise with you. Moreover, if you find yourself losing your cool with children, stop to remember what you were like as a small child or teenager, and how you liked to travel and be treated and the things you enjoyed doing.

Most importantly, travel with an open mind. We travel abroad to experience different cultures, environments, and ways of thinking. Don’t shut yourself and your kids off to experiencing all there is to offer. If you all travel with an open mind you can have a much more enriching experience. There are times and moments when other cultures will shock you. Don’t judge them. When this happens, just sit back and say to your kids …“Isn’t that interesting?”

Whenever possible, give children the autonomy to choose a few small souvenirs from the places you visit so they can have their own keepsakes from the trip. 

Stay safe and have a wonderful time this summer! 

As the temperature soars, so does our impact on the Earth and it’s resources, what with increased power and water consumption. Electricity bills can run high to meet air conditioning and refrigeration needs and this exerts a greater strain on the environment, particularly in the long run. 

Scientists have confirmed increasing global temperatures and climate change will orchestrate devastating impact on the planet in the coming years. If we want to secure a healthy and sustainable future for our children, it’s imperative for each one of us to take ownership of the problem and commit to making changes. Remember, even seemingly small measures do in fact add up and make a difference in the long run. So this summer, in honour of Earth Day (April 22nd), let’s show some love to the planet and try these environmentally responsible ways of staying cool, now and in the future: 

Eat cooling foods and stay hydrated

The best and easiest way to stay cool is by eating delicious summery foods that help cool down your body naturally. Buy fresh local produce that is in season and opt for more salads, raw dishes, and no cook recipes. This will also reduce heat in the kitchen! Raw foods like cucumber and watermelon, as well as herbs like mint have an inherent cooling nature. Juice them up into delicious green smoothies that replenish your body with fluids to keep you hydrated and vitalised through the energy-sapping summer months.

Remember to drink plenty of water to ensure perspiration which will help keep your core body temperature down. Ultra-hydrating drinks include water, herbal teas and natural juices. Coconut water is especially good to replenish electrolytes. 

While keeping hydrated, remember to be extra cautious to not waste water though. It is an increasingly precious resource, so make sure to use any “leftover water”  to give to your pets or plants or any other suitable uses you can think of. 

Dress wisely

Clothing can play a big role in how hot or cold you feel. Wearing white  and other light colors will help you keep away the heat, as will  breathable fabrics like cotton.  Avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon and spandex, and opt for free-flowing, pastel linens in the summer months. Also opt for cotton bedding and avoid higher thread count sheets as they tend to be much warmer than lower than those with lower thread counts. 

Try this age-old natural trick 

People living in the Sahara desert cover their necks with scarves not only to guard themselves against the sun, but also because the neck contains vital pulse points. With temperatures crossing 45 degrees centigrade, Ahmedabad is not too far from desert conditions! 

Pulse points are areas on the body where you can feel your pulse because your blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin. Because they are so close, you can cool off your blood and body temperature by getting the area in contact with cool water.

Pulse points include your neck, wrists, ankles, inside of the knees and elbows, inner thighs, temples and forehead Keeping these areas cool through the use of wet handkerchiefs, ice cubes, or water can bring down your body temperature and relay the cool sensation to the rest of your body too. So go ahead and give this age-old trick a try to beat the summer heat. 

Unplug & take advantage of public spaces 

This summer, why not make a personal commitment to unplug more and reconnect with family and friends. Declare your independence from technology and you’ll subsequently save on electricity costs of constantly charging multiple gadgets. Instead of scrolling through social media every morning, take advantage of the sunlight and practice some yoga or exercise before the heat settles in for the day. Early morning sunlight is also the safest way to get your daily Vitamin D intake without exposing yourself to the harsher rays during the rest of the day.  Think of ways to better enjoy nature despite the weather such as weekend hiking trips, evening walks or swimming sessions. Invite your family to join you to make it quality family time! Needless to say, stay safe in the sun using cotton scarves, hats or umbrellas, along with sunscreen lotion.

If you absolutely must cool off in an air-conditioned environment, then choose a public spaces such as malls, libraries, and cafes.  These public spaces cool many people down at one time, which is less harmful to the environment than individual families using multiple air conditioners in their own homes.

It’s the same concept as carpooling, which is an excellent alternative to driving your own private vehicle to work everyday. Pooled cab services are also a great option for commuting to work. Even though it may not seem like much, the long-term effects of these green practices are considerable.

Most importantly, remember to switch off lights and electrical appliances whenever they’re not required! 

Make friends with plants 

If you prefer staying indoors, liven up your space with indoor plants which act as living air purifiers and help fight indoor air pollution – an issue which is often worse than most of us realise. Plants have also been known to enhance mood and serve as beautiful decor elements. 

If you have a garden, backyard or porch, plant some native species to provide a habitat for beautiful butterflies and birds. You could also grow some fresh fruits and vegetables which will be safer and tastier than store-bought ones. Many simple D-I-Y gardening tutorials are available on the internet so make the most of the resources you have on hand!

 

 

Exams have been around for centuries, and consequently, so have study strategies and advice. But much of the conventional wisdom about how we learn is actually being disproved by latest research. As education evolves faster than it ever has before, the way that students learn has got to change too. While memorising facts and working through piles of notes may still be necessary to ‘pass’ or score high marks, it is in fact creative thinking and a deeper understanding of concepts that will play a critical role in ensuring lasting long-term success and growth. So here are some tips that every 21st century learner can adopt to make the process of preparing for examinations not only more effective but also more pleasant and less stressful.  

Mindset is everything

Before attempting to ‘hit the books’, let’s make an essential mindset shift. In their book The Mindful Way to Study, Jake and Roddy Gibbs point out that a lot of the phrases we use to describe studying are pretty violent, such as the one used at the start of this paragraph and others like “nail the test,” or “hammer it into our heads”. With the imagery those words bring to mind, it’s no wonder that studying doesn’t sound particularly appealing. Instead of viewing learning as a battle — you vs. the material — view it as a relationship. It’s you and the material. The Gibbs’ describe learning as a dance — the dancer engages with the music. A ballroom dance is an act of cooperation, not fighting. Learning is a joint venture, not a hostile takeover.

Next, let’s get our intent sorted. Why are you learning? Is it to get an A? To get admitted to your dream university? While grades and money are important, if they are your sole intention for learning something, you won’t enjoy it as much, and you probably won’t learn as much.

In a famous study, two groups of children were allowed to play with an assortment of toys. One group was simply allowed to play with whatever toys they wanted. The other group was given the same instruction, but was also paid to play with the toys. Results showed that kids who were paid to play enjoyed the experience much less than the other group. The intrinsic joy of any activity is inherently reduced when we attach an extrinsic reward to it. Focussing on the results of an activity instead of the process makes performance suffer. So when it’s time study, engage in the process of learning itself rather than the quest to achieve good grades or admission to college.  

Pace Yourself, Brace Yourself

Before you sit down to study, spend a few minutes focusing on your breath, calming your mind, and cultivating your attention.Studies show that practicing mindfulness enhances our focus and concentration. Set yourself a timer for about 20 or 25 minutes, and each time that you find yourself distracted, try to notice when it has happened as early as you can. Then take a few more breaths and come back to your work. Remember that distractions are inevitable, so there is no need to become frustrated or impatient. As you practice mindfulness, you will have fewer distractions.

Studies show that mindfulness practice helps us manage performance-related anxiety. We all feel anxious at times, and of course, some level of nervous system activation is required to be motivated to do well, But people who practice mindfulness feel less anxiety before the event, and recover more quickly afterwards. Being level-headed during exam season allows you to focus as you work.If you do find yourself stressing out in the middle of an exam, take a moment and stop working. Look up from the test — take a deep breath. Take 5 breaths if you need to. This practice of returning to the present moment through deep breathing will activate your body’s calming response. You’ll be able to think more rationally. Remind yourself that an exam is not the same as a wild animal charging at you, even though your body may be reacting to it that way!

Mix the New with the Old 

As the way we learn changes and new technologies come to our aid, it’s useful to change study strategies. For instance, you may use an iPad to keep notes or watch a YouTube video to better understand a concept, but it’s essential to remember that some old-school strategies are timeless and. Two key ones you should definitely still use are flashcards and quizzing yourself. Try bleeding the old ways with whatever new ones suit you and remember to inculcate a mindfulness practice to strengthen attention and filter out distractions. Good luck! 

Coming up this Saturday, February 3rd 2018, is the PYP Exhibition, a grand culmination of the educational journey of our seventh graders. 

The Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate is a world-leading curriculum that emphasises inquiry and encourages students to become active and compassionate lifelong learners and responsible citizens of the world. 

Drawing on research and best practices from around the world, an IB education offers an engaging and challenging framework for all children. With a focus on the overall growth of the child, this curriculum addresses academic needs along with social, physical, emotional and cultural development. The foundation of the PYP is a commitment to guided inquiry: when students ask questions and become self-directed, their learning is stimulating and relevant. 

The Primary Years program culminates in an Exhibition which is a reflection and celebration of every child’s learning journey. 

“The final exhibition is the result of a ten-week-long intensive period during which students apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to engage in in-depth critical inquiry about an issue that they are motivated to address,” says Ms Shivangi Panchal, the Head of Primary Years at AIS. 

“Students work in groups to define a central idea that they would like to explore, as well as the lines of inquiry they will use to study the selected idea,” adds Ms Sheryl Shah who teaches the seventh grade. “Throughout the exhibition unit, students apply the skills and attitudes they have acquired over the course of their PYP journey to really take ownership of their learning and celebrate their knowledge,” she says. 

The exhibition process begins with some self assessment and journaling through which students identify the profiles and attitudes that they have each developed. They also explore the value of these qualities and what difference they potentially make to the world.

The IB learner profiles and attitudes are a set of traits that underpin and inspire the curriculum. These include being an inquirer, risk-taker, communicator, thinker, among others. 

Students proceed to seek inspiration from local and global role models who have made a positive contribution to the world. For instance, students watched a video about Pakistani artiste and activist Muniba Mazari.

Culminating this initial preparatory phase, students participated in a solemn oath ceremony wherein they collectively pledged to work with responsibility and commitment throughout the exhibition.

Following the oath ceremony, students undertook a critical evaluation of the media through a thinking routine called ‘Generate-Sort-Connect’. 

In order to understand the role media plays in bringing about a change in society, students discussed the different forms of media and the varied positive and the negative aspects they have on the community. 

This engagement paved the way to determining what issues students wanted to work on. Guided by their teachers, seventh graders this year have chosen to explore the themes of human rights, girl education, deforestation, child labour, poverty, racial discrimination, child abuse, animal abuse, and water pollution.

Each group conducted an in-depth study of an individual or organisation working on their selected issue to better understand the complexities involved. For instance, one group visited Saath, an organisation working to eliminate child labour. 

After identifying specific concerns within their chosen theme, student groups formulated action plans to make a real-world contribution to the issues they had chosen. These included targeted, measurable initiatives such as collecting clothes and other donations for those in need and organising a pet walk to raise awareness about animal rights. 

Through such a systematic learning endeavour, not only do children realise and utilise their own agency to make a difference, but they also acquire a deeper sensitivity and responsibility toward the local and global communities they inhabit. 

As a result of the unit, students become better learners in all areas and often find ways to enjoy and be more successful in areas that were previously viewed without enthusiasm. The highly-complex results require students to observe and analyse information from multiple perspectives, to see the big picture of teaching and learning, to apply their learning across a wide range of situations, and to change their mindset and behaviours over time. By the end of the PYP, students grow significantly as independent learners, and are able to plan and execute complex projects.

“Our students have worked hard and poured in their hearts and souls into this landmark event. We’re looking forward to present it to parents and the rest of the school community,” shares Ms Shivangi Panchal, the Head of Primary Years. 

We take this opportunity to wish the seventh graders and their teachers all the best for the big event! After all, as American author and anthropologist Margaret Mead wisely said: 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect upon improvements we would like to make in our lives and to set some goals and aspirations for the next twelve months. While these goals and ambitions can be as big and momentous as you would like them to be, it is often simple little changes that can go a long way toward making us happier and healthier. Keeping this in mind, here are eight  words from foreign languages which you may or may not have heard of but would certainly benefit from incorporating in your life in 2018:

Hygge 

Pronounced as ‘Hooga’, this danish word has been gaining a lot of popularity in wellness and lifestyle circles. 

Though there are many ways to describe hygge, it broadly refers to the Danish ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, that is the love of friends and family, graciousness, contentment, positive feelings, pleasant smells, the simple comforts and warmth of home, you get the picture! 

Hygge is intrinsic to the Danish lifestyle, but this feeling of well-being, so deeply satisfying and cozy, is something we all experience, each in our own way. However, it’s also a feeling that’s very easy to lose sight of in the busyness of modern life. So this year, why not make it a priority to experience some hygge everyday? Make an effort to slow down and have a more mindful morning or evening or both – devote some time to unwinding, catching up with your loved ones, and disconnecting from the greater world. Light some scented candles, enjoy a cup of your favourite beverage or dig into a good book to indulge in some health-boosting hygge every single day. 

Mudita 

Mudita is a word from Sanskrit and Pali that has no counterpart in English. It means sympathetic or unselfish joy, or joy in the good fortune of others. In the age of social media it can be so easy to constantly compare our lives with others and be stuck in the unhelpful feelings of lack and envyInstead, Instead, why not embrace mudita – the pleasure that can be obtained from seeing other people do well. Mudita is much like the joy and satisfaction a parent gets from watching their child grow up and become successful. Make it a point to cultivate such feelings whenever you see anyone doing well and the positivity will begin to reflect in all aspects of your life. 

Depaysement 

This French word encapsulates the feeling of not being at home in a foreign or different place. It refers to the sense of adventure tinged with confusion that comes from getting a change of scene. This year, embrace the unsettling joy of depaysement by moving out of your comfort zone at every possible opportunity. Try new experiences, even those that seem daunting or frightening at first, attempt things which seem absurd or you have never done before such as striking conversation with a random stranger.  Say ‘yes’ to opportunities you would ordinarily have turned down without even thinking about it. Experiencing some depaysement can be a great way to extend your knowledge and skills so as to grow as a person. Of course, do pay attention to safety and never do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Trust your gut instincts but treat every day as an adventure. 

Flaner 

Another French word, ‘flah-nay’ means to stroll, hang around, or wander. This year, slow down your life a bit and wander around the streets of your city to perhaps see them in a new light. Instead of constantly longing for expensive trips out of town, become a tourist in your own city and rediscover your favourite spots. While having a purpose and planning every minute of our day can largely be essential to productivity, a little bit of flaner can nurture the soul and help you lead a more content life. 

 

 

Meraki 

The modern Greeks use this word to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love — when you put “something of yourself” into what you’re doing, whatever it may be. Meraki is often used to describe cooking or preparing a meal, but it can also mean arranging a room, choosing decorations, or setting an elegant table. Why not make it a resolution to do everything with a little meraki this year? Devote yourself to every task you take on, even if it is something mundane like cleaning up the house. Take pleasure in the things you do and lend your own personal touches wherever possible. It will not only make you more creative but also incite joy and appreciation in those around you. 

Orenda 

According to the Native American confederacy of Iroquois, Orenda is  the spiritual power inherent in people and their environment. It is the invocation of the power of human will to change the world around us. It can be viewed as the opposing force to fate or destiny. If powerful forces beyond your control are trying to force you one way, orenda is a kind of voiced summoning of personal strength to change fate. This year, stop blaming extraneous situations and instead focus on exercising orenda to build the life that you desire. It’s time take things into your own hands and make sustained changes that will help you achieve your goals. 

Ubuntu 

Ubuntu is an ethic or humanist philosophy focusing on people’s allegiances and relations with each other. Originating from the Bantu languages of South Africa, Ubuntu is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.  A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are put down, and uplifted when others succeed. 

Transform the way you connect with others in 2018 by embracing Ubuntu and recognising your role as a participant in collective humanity. Treat others with respect and do your bit to make a positive contribution to other people’s lives and the world at large.

Nunchi 

Nunchi, sometimes noonchi, is a Korean concept signifying the subtle art and ability to listen to or gauge others’ moods. Translated literally as ‘eye-measure’, nunchi can in some ways be equated to the concept of emotional intelligence or intuition. It can play a central role in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and can help you respond to others in a more compassionate way. 

This year, practice nunchi by really listening when others are speaking. Cultivate genuine interest in getting to know others which will consequently sharpen your abilities to empathise and truly understand their viewpoints. Express yourself with an open mind and give others a chance to tell their side of the story. Practicing nunchi can help you acquire better communication skills and enrich your relationships, both personal and professional. 

Have a great year ahead and may these eight words serve you well. 🙂 

Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) is a core element of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, a global high school qualification that serves as an ideal pathway to top universities and lucrative employment opportunities the world over. 

With its holistic approach, CAS is designed to strengthen and extend students’ personal and interpersonal learning in order to equip them with the skills necessary for success in the increasingly competitive 21st century. 

In order to fulfil the CAS component, students are required to undertake a collaborative project that incorporates the elements of: 

Creativity – exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.

Action – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Service – collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.

From organising and performing a dance production for a community retirement home to hosting an education fair for children  from less privileged backgrounds, there is no end to the kind of projects that students can undertake to fulfil the CAS component. 

At Ahmedabad International School, in our endeavour to cultivate international-mindedness, eleventh graders travel to Cambodia for a culturally immersive CAS experience. In Siem Reap, students engage in a range of activities, such as: 

-Painting & refurbishing local school buildings; collaborating with local children to decorate the school building (Creativity) 

Building huts out of plastic bottles filled with sand (Action)

Teaching English to local school children (Service) 

The students also get the opportunity to visit historically and culturally significant places such as renowned heritage site, Angkor Wat and other temples, the war museum, and Artisans D’Angkor – a social business creating opportunities for young people in rural areas through revival of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. 

Below is a video created by eleventh graders who were in Cambodia during October this year:

The CAS project is a lifelong learning opportunity that exposes young people to real world problems and enables them to take practical, tangible measures to address them. Here are some of the most significant ways in which this shapes young people into empowered leaders and problems solvers. 

Sensitivity, empathy & responsibility 

As the world gradually merges into a single connected community, it is increasingly important for people, nations and economies to work seamlessly together. This is where empathy – the ability to integrate others’ perspectives with one’s own – becomes a critical skill for effective leadership. 

Well-known science journalist, Daniel Goleman’s work demonstrates how empathy fuels intrinsic motivation and effective problem-solving. People who empathise well make others feel that their work is respected and worthwhile. This fosters connection and helps individuals effectively collaborate to make a difference in the world. 

Spending a week working toward positive change in a foreign country imbibes our IB students with empathy and sensitivity toward local and global communities. It helps them to practically understand their own roles within these communities and the responsibilities they have toward each other and the environment. These learnings mould them into effective leaders of tomorrow who are willing and equipped to actively participate and collaborate in sustainable projects for change. 

Critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills 

The CAS component provides students with opportunities to solve real-world problems which entail critical thinking, teamwork and leadership. Experiencing and participating in a foreign culture enables students to purposefully reflect upon their experiences, identify goals, develop strategies and determine further actions for personal and collective growth. 

IB Diploma students are compelled to think critically about the complex problems facing the world so as to come up with viable solutions. This is a key skill for success in the rapidly changing professional and global landscape of the 21st century.

Broader worldview 

The CAS component allows students the invaluable opportunity to explore new possibilities, embrace new challenges and adapt to new roles, all within the purview of high school education. Working in and experiencing the culture of a foreign country like Cambodia inspires open mindedness and enriches the perspectives of students. They understand the value and need of considering cultural influences in decision making and development initiatives. On the whole, they acquire and demonstrate the skills and sensitivity to reflect upon their efforts so as to make improvements where required and make a true and valuable contribution to every group or community they belong to. 

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We are now accepting applications to the IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11) for 2018-19. 

Restful sleep is essential to human survival, just as important as food, water and air. It is during those precious night hours that our bodies and minds refresh and rejuvenate to keep us optimally productive for the rest of the day. While the amount of sleep required varies across age groups and individual circumstances, teenagers and adults generally need between eight to ten hours each night. On an average, most people – regardless of age – are getting much less than this amount, what with increasingly busy schedules and habitual use of umpteen backlit devices such as smart phones, tablets and computers. So how can you ensure that the sleep that you DO get is deeply restful and restorative? Here are five tips worth trying, no matter what your age or circumstances: 

Make the bedroom a distraction free zone 

You’ve probably heard it before and you’ll definitely hear it again from all kinds of experts, but gadgets such as televisions, computers and smart phones significantly interfere with restful sleep. As far as possible, avoid having such devices in the bedroom altogether, but if you must, then switch them OFF at least an hour before turning in. The blue light from backlit screens delays the onset of sleep so it is essential to steer clear of screen-time just before bed. If you are disciplined enough to keep cell phones out of the bedroom, use a regular old fashioned alarm clock to wake you up! Try minimising device usage before bedtime for a couple of weeks and you will notice the difference in the quality of sleep you get. It is also important to set up a calming atmosphere in the bedroom by keeping it clean and clutter-free. Opt for light shades of paint and decor whenever possible as these soothe the mind and are conducive to rest and relaxation.

Establish a wind-down routine

A great way to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep is to allow your mind and body some time to wind down from the busyness of the day. Maybe switching off your devices for the day can mark the beginning of your wind-down routine. Some relaxing things that could be part of this routine include a warm shower, some gentle yoga or meditation, reading or journal writing, and aromatherapy with a calming essential oil or scented candle of your choice. Customise your routine according to what works best for you but try to stick to a particular sequence of events every night as this will gradually train  your brain to get into ‘sleep mode’ even before you hit the bed. 

Get in sync with natural circadian rhythms 

Our bodies are naturally attuned to sleeping and waking according to the cycles of night and day. Enhance the sleep you get by making sure your bedroom is completely dark. If needed, use dark curtains to block out external light or wear a light and comfortable eye mask. Similarly, immediately upon waking up, get as much natural light as possible. You can also turn on indoor lights to jumpstart your brain into ‘awake mode’. 

Watch your food and drink 

Food and drink taken before bedtime significantly impacts the quality of sleep. Make sure you eat at least two or three hours before bedtime to give your stomach enough time to digest the food. If you must eat right before bed, dieticians Catherine Christie and Susan Mitchell in their book Smart Cookies Don’t Get Stale recommend consuming high-carb snacks that work to make you warm and sleepy. These include cereal, fresh fruit, dried fruit, fruit juice or toast with jam. In addition, herbal teas are great aids for a good night’s sleep. Try chamomile or lavender tea to relax before turning in. 

Get professional help 

If sleep evades you no matter what you try, it’s important to see a doctor or therapist to resolve underlying physiological or psychological issues. Certain medications can interfere with sleep, as can chronic stress or worry. Long term sleep disturbances and deprivation can lead to many more serious problems so it’s important to proactively deal with any issues and establish healthy sleep patterns for a balanced and happy life.