Thursday, September 30, 2010

International Schools in Gurgaon - the New penchant for NRI's and MNC employees!

Is it just academics? Or is it the International Module the school follows? What Pathways believes in is the overall development of the child. There is some research to support children's involvement in learning a foreign language, participating in athletics, and studying music-including research that points to the positive effect on children's academic achievement. Nowadays parents are more inclined towards this very development structure growing in a child's mind and hence the preferences are the International Schools.

Pathways World School has always been a model institution for the overall development of a child soaring high in academics, extra curricular activities and sports. The Horse Riding Team in the School has won 32 Medals!! The school has a Wi-Fi enabled campus that guarantees a 24/7 learning environment for the child. Pathways also flaunts six playgrounds and an Olympic-sized football field.

These days Parents are not just looking for a child's improvement solely in the field of education, they realize the necessity for a wholesome development of the child as well. International Schools in Gurgaon like Pathways World School is the answer.

Nursery Admissions are open on the Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali campuses.


Visit http://www.pathways.in/ for more info on the school.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Nursery Admissions 2010-2011 Scenario - why choose Gurgaon??



Nursery Admission – Why is it such an important aspect in a child’s life??

In today’s world the personality and overall development of a child depends on the school where he/she enrols in and this process starts from nursery it self.

Schooling is an important aspect of a child’s life. Increasingly in today’s world the personality and overall development of a child depends upon which school he/she enrolls in. And as parents, we always want to give the best opportunities for our children. We not only want our children to understand and imbibe the various facets of education, but would also want them to grow up as great human beings. Thus there is a need for recognizing the right school for our children which takes care of wholesome development and goes beyond just giving them an ordinary education. And it all starts by choosing the right school for our children.

Gurgaon Nursery Admissions 2010-2011

This year the process started first in Gurgaon, which not only is an extension of Delhi in terms of lifestyle but also has a sizeable population of people who were earlier residents of Delhi or are employed in Gurgaon. The nursery admission process in Gurgaon is not regulated like Delhi and still follows the old system of parent and child interviews with no common schedule for admission dates.

Over the past few years many good schools have come up in Gurgaon and they are the first choice schools for all the parents. Parents have to start preparing their child and themselves for the interviews and tests well in advance. Parents needed to be prepared about various questions on parenting that are asked by the schools as well as get their kids to showcase their problem solving abilities and talents in front of the school representatives in order to be on the wanted list of most of the good schools. In this way both the school authorities and the parents have an idea about each other.The role of a good school is very big in Gurgaon as it opens up your child to face the first test of his life on which his next 14 years are going to be dependent upon.

Along with that we released a question bank for parents for the interviews and this ensured that parents knew what could be expected from them and they were well prepared in advance.With no regulation and guidelines regarding Nursery Admissions in Gurgaon, every school had different criteria and method of selecting parents, which did become a matter of debate amongst the parents who want some kind of guidelines to be made on the lines of Nursery Admission system in Delhi.

Hopefully, we should see something like that happening in the future. Gurgaon nursery admission process got over by October end with most parents getting over this first hurdle for their child’s future. Some parents who could not get through the school of their choice, finally opted for the schools they got shortlisted with an aim of trying again next year in the school of their choice.

Delhi Nursery Admissions 2010-2011

Hardly any time had passed since the nursery admissions process in Gurgaon got wrapped up, many schools in Delhi started issuing advertisements and notices about the start of Nursery Admissions process.

Delhi can also be called the test bed of Nursery Admission reforms in India, due to ever changing process in the past few years as a result of various litigations and introduction of new guidelines by the Directorate of Education. It all started with the banning of child interviews and was followed up by reducing the age of admission from 4+ to 3+ for nursery admissions in Delhi. Ever since then, every year is a new experience and an adventure for parents. Having faced the horror of nursery admissions ourselves, which had led to the formation of NurseryAdmissions.Com in 2007 December, we had been bracing up for this year’s mission admission along with parents.

This led to creation of a Parents Charter, with demand of various reforms by the parents that was presented to various decision makers linked with the process this year. The “Parents Charter” had its impact and this led to announcement of a ” Common Admission Schedule” for nursery admissions in Delhi. The schools were asked to start and wrap up the process of admission application formalities within the period of 15th December 2009 to 15th January 2010, with the results to be declared on 1st Febraury 2010 by all schools. All parents were happy with this new guideline, which will save them the horrors of submitting fees in one school and then waiting for refunds later on when thier child’s name got shortlisted in a school of thier choice later on.

This did took many schools by surprise, who had started the admissions process well before 15th December and many had to change thier schedules based on the directive from the DOE. The actual process started post December 15th 2009 in all schools in Delhi and every school came out with its forms and 100 points admission criteria on different dates. Parents were seen doing research for the schools they desire and the schools they had good chance of getting short listed based on the points criteria, which is made up of Distance, Sibling, Alumni, Transfer Cases, Girl Child, Professional and Educational qualification of parents ( in some schools ).

Pathways World School pitched in by sending regular email about all important nursery admission dates in Delhi along with tips and guidance. Initially, all Delhi parents were happily discussing in the forums about various schools with a feeling that nursery admissions this year would be free of any trouble. But as we say, “History Repeats Itself” and so it did. Like past few years in Delhi, this year too parents were in for a shock as many schools started flouting the norms set by DOE by declaring results early, not being transparent in allocation of points and asking for donation for securing the seats, with some schools reportedly not issuing any receipt for the same.

This has led to DOE website getting a flurry of complaints, some of which have been acted upon while some are still in process. The icing on the cake being late announcement by the Delhi Government asking schools to remove the Parental qualification criteria for granting admissions. This has led to major hue and cry amongst the parents community since many schools changed their criteria well after the form submission has closed. Parents who had short listed schools based on the earlier criteria suddenly found themselves in no man’s land and praying for luck.

The first list’s came out on 1st February 2010 and there is a mix of joy and disappointment amongst the parents community depending upon the respective results. As of now, the last minute changes have left many parents bitter and they are trying to take up this issue with the media and a few have decided to take legal course. In one of the case, the court has asked the parent to approach DOE first. Many parents have been left in lurch with their names not appearing in any of the school’s they had applied to. That too after applying in more than 15 schools.

Now they are banking their hopes on the 2nd Lists, which would be announced by various schools later this month.

Why This Problem in Delhi ?

The population of Delhi has grown significantly in the past years. Along with it the economic standard has also improved all over Delhi. Parents are well educated and they want the best schools for their kids, which provide wholesome development for the child. They just don’t want a school, they want a complete environment which prepares their child for the world as it would be 14 years from now. We personally believe in the same philosophy and want a school that fits into this criteria. We want our child to face the world with full confidence once he passes out from the school. He should not just be knowledgeable about the conventional education subjects, but should be able to excel in any field of his choice.

With more and more parents being able to afford quality education, there is still a lack of such schools in Delhi. This leads to this problem of competition for the few seats in the few good schools. This year one school had recieved 4000 applications for approx 100 seats, which implies that chances of securing admission to a good school in Delhi is 1: 40. A lot needs to be done to tackle this issue. More and more schools need to come up in different neighbourhoods, which should be at par with the schools that parents currently seek. Old schools need to upgrade and change their educational methodologies and goals to meet up to parents expectations in the coming years, else we would see this problem increasing even further.

Pathways World School

Pathways World School in Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali is open to year-long admissions for the session of 2011-2012. Pathways is a truly international school with all modern amenities like fully air-conditioned classrooms, an advanced international curriculum and a set of highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Pathways World School Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali invites applications for admission from nursery to graduation. The school imparts practical methods of Montessori to implant values of self discipline and cultural awareness.

Go to http://www.pathways.in/ for more info on the school.

For admission procedure visit http://pathways.in/gurgaon/admission-procedure.asp?over=Admission

Friday, September 24, 2010

What is the International Baccalaureate System Pathways World School follow?

IB is the abbreviation for International Baccalaureate. Schools recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and offering the IB curriculum are known as IB World Schools.

Currently, there are 70 IB World Schools in India offering one or more of the three IB programmes. 19 schools offer the Primary Years Programme , 7 schools offer the Middle Years Programme and 66 schools offer the Diploma Programme. The first school was authorized in 1976.

IB is an internationally-recognised school system made up of three educational programmes:

i. PYP: The Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten to Class 5).

ii. MYP: The Middle Years Programme (Class 6 to Class 10).

iii. DP: The Diploma Programme (Class 11 to Class 12).

What are the subjects in PYP?

Subjects in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) are:

1. Language

2. Social Studies

3. Mathematics

4. Science and Technology

5. Arts

6. Personal, Social and Physical education

What are the subjects in MYP?

Subjects in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) are:

1. 1st Language

2. 2nd Language

3. Humanities (History and Geography)

4. Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)

5. Mathematics (Number, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics)

6. Arts (Visual Arts and Performing Arts)

7. Physical Education

8. Technology (Computers)

What are the subjects in DP?

DP students choose one subject from each of the following six ‘Subject Groups’:

Group 1: First Language (English)

Group 2: Second Language (French, Hindi, etc).

Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History, Economics, Business and Management, etc).

Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems).

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science.

Group 6: Electives (either Visual Arts or a second subject from Groups 3, 4 or 5).

In addition, all DP students must study a two-year course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK); work to produce an Extended Essay (EE); and engage in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).

What are TOK, EE and CAS?

Theory of Knowledge is an essay of 1,200-1,600 words written on a given title (from a choice of ten), followed by a ten-minute presentation of the essay by the DP student in class.

Extended Essay is an original independent research leading a DP student to produce a comprehensible written piece of 3,500-4,000 words in any chosen subject and title.

Under Creative, Action and Service, each DP student must complete at least 150 hours spread out over one-and-a-half years, engaging in some form of Creativity, participating in sport or other physical Action, and doing social Service.

Pathways World School is one of the best International Schools in India. Visit the site for more details: http://pathways.in/

Monday, September 20, 2010

Admissions open at International Schools in Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali (Pathways World School)


Pathways World School in Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali is open to admissions for the session of 2011-2012. Pathways is a truly international school with all modern amenities like fully air-conditioned classrooms, an advanced international curriculum and a set of highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Pathways World School Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali invites applications for admission from nursery to graduation. The school imparts practical methods of Montessori to implant values of self discipline and cultural awareness.

What is an International School??

An International School in India is limply defined as a school that promotes and upholds international education in India. This is done by either by adopting an international curriculum or by following a national curriculum different from that of a country the school is situated in. These international schools are situated mainly to cater the students who are not from the host country such as the children of the staff of foreign embassies, international businesses, missions etc. A lot of local a students attend these international schools as well.

Why go International??

· First, we have to realize the fact that most international schools like The Pathways World School follow internationally-recognized curriculum. These models of education is accepted in most of the continents worldwide and evens the process of getting into international colleges giving the kid an extra edge.

· International Schools have students from different nationality and different sometimes even the faculties are from across the world. Therefore the students are exposed to different cultures and lifestyles. This kind of global exposure is hardly existing in regular schools.

· International Schools emphasize more on extra curricular activities thus exposing a child for an all-round development. Hence a child acquires confidence, also learning the values of competitiveness.

· Finally, international Schools is the foundation of the child’s bright future. Growing and learning in an international school boosts the child’s competitive advantage in his future.

What does Pathways offer??

Pathways World School offers an international curriculum which is not only stimulating and relevant to the 21st Century but also tried, tested and accepted for entrance to universities all over the world, including those of India, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The school has obtained accreditation from the PYP, the International Baccalaureate Organisation of Geneva and Cardiff (UK) to offer its Diploma Programme and from the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Pathways is a Certified centre for the SAT and TOEFEL Examination.

Go to http://www.pathways.in/ for more info on the school.

For admission procedure visit http://pathways.in/gurgaon/admission-procedure.asp?over=Admission

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Admissions at Pathways World School Gurgaon, Noida & Aravali – why are we still conducting interviews

Yesterday there was an article on Times of India informing Delhi/NCR residents that most of the prominent schools like Delhi Public School have decided to shun interviews and took up the process of lucky draw instead to fill up the Nursery admissions this year. School Authorities claim that this very move will not only relieve the parents from a tiring and strenuous admission process but the kids would be spared from the pressure as well. DPS persists that this process of admission proceedings was done due to the huge pile of applications this year.

Needless to say this move created a spur among the parents and all of them has a mixed response about it. For some it is a matter of great relief as it won’t include the rigorous process of interviews and written tests, some believe it is far from being rational. A parent strongly believes that certain kids are smarter than others and she fears that her kid could be the one out of the lucky draw….which will be a hard to manage task for her as her elder child is already a student of DPS. On the other hand another parent is convinced it’s a great relief from the grinding that parents and the child goes through during the admission process.

We at Pathways are still following the time-tested method of interviews with parents and first-come-first-serve basis. We believe that this age-old process is no bad news for talented kids. Every child walking into the school should have a fair chance like the others and they should be given an equal opportunity to explicate their talents. There should be a window of interaction among the parents and the school administration so that they know where they are putting their kids into.

The interviews conducted in Pathways is made as pleasant and non nerve-racking as possible. The whole point of the interview is to find out what the student knows, understands and enjoys. The interview is normally conducted by Head of Admissions, School Director, the respective Principal, Head of Pastoral Care and Residence Co-ordinator (if applicable).

For the complete admission procedure read further:

1.Complete to the online Application For Admission
download in PDF format

2.Mail in the following additional materials:


Non-refundable Prospectus and Registration Fee

INR 6000 (resident Indians)
INR 7200 (NRI’s & Expats)

Signed and dated Application Signature Form
download in PDF format

Signed
download in PDF format
The Enrollment Contract is non-binding until your student has been offered acceptance and we have received the required non-refundable admission fee. This occurs at a later date. (Both parents/guardians must sign and date. Students applying to Grades 6-12 must sign and date).

Student Form (for students applying for Grades 6 – 12)
download in PDF format

Copies of past scholastic record of at least two years previous to this application

Subject Selection Form – Cambridge IGCSE - grades 9 – 10 (Applied For)
download in PDF format

Subject Selection Form – IB Diploma - grades 11 - 12 (Applied For)
download in PDF format

Transport Request Form (for Day Boarders opting to use school transport)
download in PDF format

Health Form
download in PDF format

  • 6 Passport size photographs of the student with name written behind each
  • 1 Passport size photograph of each parent with name and relationship written behind both
  • Copy of student’s valid passport and visa, if other than Indian
  • Copy of student’s birth certificate
  • Copy of proof of residence (in absence of passport or if it is different than the one in passport)
  • Copy of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card or POI (Person of Indian Origin) card


Mail the above to:
Pathways School, Baliawas (Admissions Office)
Corporate Office: 2, Sainik Farms,
C-1 Lane,
New Delhi - 110 062
India










Monday, September 13, 2010

Nursery School Admissions 2011-2012 in Delhi Gurgaon Noida NCR

Nursery Admissions are now open for the session 2011 – 2012 for Pathways World School in Gurgaon, Noida and Aravali. Pathways World school was set up in 2003 and since then it has been known for providing an education that enables its students to fulfil their potential- be it social, intellectual, academic, sporting or cultural. In a recent study Pahways has been ranked as 10th in the Top 10 International Schools in India.

Pathways has approximately 2000 students from Pre Nursery to Grade 12, offers the flexibility of day, weekly and termly boarding options. Pathways graduates are prepared for entry to degree courses in first-class universities in India, the USA, and the UK and all over the world.

How is Pathways World School Different from other International Schools?
  • Pathways provides an extensive range of activities which enables the students to find exactly the thing they can excel at. So in this way the children recognizes their worth as an individual and gain self- esteem and self-confidence which is so much essential in today’s world.
  • Pathways recognizes that in this rapidly-changing world only a few students follow a single career path for the rest of their adult lives. To cope with these career changes they will need flexibility of mind and the intellectual curiosity to continue learning well into adulthood. Pathways makes sure the students gets exactly the same.
  • Pathways adopts a variety of teaching models in order to produce students who can think critically, synthesize and transform, experiment and create. In simple words Pathways equips their students for the 21st Century.
  • Pathways is much more than an orderly environment unlike other schools. From the day the student has entered the school, he/she is made to realize that they must take responsibility to their own actions. In this way the student learns self-discipline which is so much better than imposed-discipline.
  • While Pathways draws much of its inspiration from international models, it also embraces the Indian perspective. The school tries to give to the students not only an understanding of their own, or host country, but also a valuing of its peoples and its cultural diversity and a willingness to do something for it. Pathways makes sure that the student appreciates India's immense richness and variety of natural resources, as well as a commitment to their protection and preservation for future generations.
Admission Procedure:

To complete the application process, please follow the steps outlined below. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Admissions Office at +91 98186 66677 or +91 98186 66688.

1. Complete to the online Application For Admission
download in PDF format

2. Mail in the following additional materials:
Non-refundable Prospectus and Registration Fee
  • INR 6000 (resident Indians)
  • INR 7200 (NRI’s & Expats)
Signed and dated Application Signature Form
download in PDF format

Signed
download in PDF format

The Enrollment Contract is non-binding until your student has been offered acceptance and we have received the required non-refundable admission fee. This occurs at a later date. (Both parents/guardians must sign and date. Students applying to Grades 6-12 must sign and date).

Student Form (for students applying for Grades 6 – 12)
download in PDF format

Copies of past scholastic record of at least two years previous to this application

Transport Request Form (for Day Boarders opting to use school transport)
download in PDF format

Health Form
download in PDF format

6 Passport size photographs of the student with name written behind each

1 Passport size photograph of each parent with name and relationship written behind both

Copy of student’s valid passport and visa, if other than Indian

Copy of student’s birth certificate

Copy of proof of residence (in absence of passport or if it is different than the one in passport)

Copy of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card or POI (Person of Indian Origin) card

Mail the above to:
Pathways World School (Admissions Office)
Corporate Office: 2, Sainik Farms, C-1 Lane,
New Delhi - 110 062 India
website: http://www.pathways.in