Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Tier II - St. John's International Residential School

History

St. John's School under the stewardship of its founder Rt. Rev. Dr. G. RAJAKUMAR came into existence barely 33 years ago in the city of Chennai (then Madras) in the locality of Mylapore (Mandavelli) known for the intellectual crowd. The School which had started with 45 students in the year 1968 has now grown into St. John's Group of Schools with more than 10,000 students and 500 academic faculty and more then 1000 non-teaching staff.This School, the proud offshoot of St. John's Group was dedicated to the nation in July 1993 in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee Year of St. John's banner. The school, which started functioning since July 1993, has now grown in all spheres of educational endeavour and today it stands as a prominent landmark in the educational map of India.Today it has students from all the States of India and also from all over the world - like Srilanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Ghana, Gulf Countries, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Angola, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Bhutan and Nepal.

Location

St. John's International Residential School is located on the outskirts of Chennai, one of the oldest and most modest metropolitan cities of India. Located in tranquil surrounding and spread over an area of 24 acres the campus is accessible by all modes of transport from any part of the country. The Campus is right on the CHENNAI - BANGALORE NATIONAL HIGHWAY No. 4, Via. Poonamallee at St. John's Nagar, Palanjur Village, ( Opp. to Queens Land Amusement Park ) on the bank of Chemparambakkam lake. It is only 60 minutes drive away from the Central Railway Station and Domestic & International Terminals of the CHENNAI AIRPORT.

Curriculum

The School is affiliated to CBSE.

Admissions

Parents / Guardians seeking admission for their ward(s) should obtain the Application Form and Prospectus for Registration against payment of Rs. 250 by Cash at the School Office. They can also be obtained by post sending Rs. 300/- (Inland), Rs.500 (Air Mail) by M.O/DD drawn in favour of "Saint John's Educational Trust, Chennai." The set of Application & Prospectus are issued and are available only at the School Administration OfficeST. JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLSt. John's Nagar, Palanjur Village, Nazarathpet Post, Near Poonamallee, Chennai - 602 103. South India.Tel: 044 - 26810795, 26811795, 26811403, 26811404, 26811546, 26811547Fax: 044 - 26811794 E.Mail: admissions@sjirsindia.com , enquiries@sjirsindia.com, registrar@sjirsindia.comWebsite: Also at www.sjirsindia.com, www.sjirs.com.
Completed Application Form will be registered with the Registration Fee of Rs.5,000/- by Cash or DD drawn in favour of "Saint John's Educational Trust, payable at Chennai.with other documents / enclosures as detailed under the heading registration for admission under section 5 of the prospectus. The set of documents should reach the School Office at the above address within 20 days from the date of receiving the application. (Application submitted beyond the stipulated date will remain invalid and a fresh application should be taken for registration).

Website
http://www.sjirsindia.com/admissions/index.asp

Tier II - The School - Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI)

The School, Chennai
Named simply ‘The School' by Krishnamurti, this institution is now 25 years old. It is situated in Adyar, on the grounds of the Theosophical Society. Its setting, with many old trees, a young banyan tree, a pond, an old building, and open spaces, is simple and beautiful.
The school has about 350 students and about 35 teachers. It admits children in the kindergarten after the age of three-and-a-half years. The kindergarten school day is from 8.20 a.m. to 12 noon. The junior school comprising the Classes I to IV functions in the mixed-age group mode, and offers an opportunity for students to learn in an atmosphere of minimum peer compulsions. The junior school day extends from 8.20 a.m. to 2.45 p.m., and includes a variety of activities and learning opportunities. The middle school, comprising Classes V to VIII, focuses on experiential learning.

The middle school day is from 8.20 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Students are exposed to social studies and sciences in addition to language and mathematics. These are years when students start visiting the school farm situated in Kilapakkam village near Thirukazikundram, and spend from two days to a week, living together and sharing work such as cooking and cleaning.

Environmental studies is taught as an additional subject in Class VII.
The senior Classes, IX and X, prepare the students for the ICSE syllabus. It requires students to do projects in every subject. A special programme for Class XI distinguishes our senior secondary classes. Apart from a wide choice of traditional subjects, music, art and environmental sciences are available for students. Student entry into Class XI is subject to rigorous interview and test. The school offers special educational opportunities for select students after school on an individual and special basis.

Address:

The Principal, The School-KFI, Damodar Gardens, Besant Avenue, Adyar, Chennai – 600 020, India. Tel: (044) 24915845. e-mail : mailto:alcyone@satyam.net.inwebsite: http://www.theschoolkfi.org/

Admission

There is an written test and Interview conducuted for the Parents to understand whether their Philosophy fits to KFI environment.

It is definitely a good school but if your expectations need to match with what they provide. What I understand from other parents is that, the change will be visible over a period of time and you as a parent need to have patience and right understanding of the teaching methods.

Tier I - The Hindu Senior Secondary School

It's website is fantastic and talks about everything.
http://www.hinduhighschool.com/index.htm

It celebrated it's 150 Years of their existence very recently. It talks about the deep roots it has in the city. During my discussions with several parents of the School and the other schools, they rated this school as a very good school and expressed their satisfaction on the overall education their children are getting at the school.

Tier I - SBOA Higher Secondary School

History

"Educate and Illuminate" is the motto of the The State Bank of India Officer's Association Educational Trust. Started in the mid 1980's, SBOA is one of the best schools in Tamil Nadu producing state ranks year after year. The school is also known for its large strength, sending in almost 400 students for the 10th board and more than 750 students for 12th board exams every year.

It aims at providing comprehensive education to develop the character and personality of each pupil. The school was established for the benefit of the bank officer's children and to cater to the student's need for a school with matriculation syllabus.

There are three SBOA schools in Chennai

SBOA School and Junior College - School Road, Anna Nagar, affiliated to CBSE
SBOA Matriculation and Higher Secondary School - Anna Nagar Western Extension, affiliated to Matriculation and Tamil Nadu State Board
SBOA Model Higher Secondary School - School Road, Anna Nagar, affiliated to Tamil Nadu State Board


Curriculum

Higher Secondary Courses offered :

Group I : Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry & Biology.
Group II : Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry & Computer Science
Group III : Physics, Chemistry, Botany & Zoology
Group IV : Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Computer Science
Academic Programme: Matriculation and Higher Secondary syllabus.

Facilities

The school has one of the best and largest infrastructure, for a school, in the city of Chennai. There is one Main Building for students of class 6-12. There is another building for classes 1-6, which is the largest block of the school. There is one Rotunda like structure for kindergarten children which is air-conditioned. The school also has a hostel facility for boys.
The school has an outdoor auditorium and one indoor auditorium (Indira Gandhi Auditorium). A theatre hall is under construction.
The school also boasts two basketball courts and a football ground (non-grass).

Activities

SBOA Schools give equal emphasis on academics and personality development. The students have access to a wide range of activities in clubs such as:1. Bharat Scouts and Guides2. Road Safety Patrol3. National Cadet Corps4. Junior Red Cross etc.Activities throughout the year are organized under the various houses - each student is part of a house named after the major Tamil kingdoms: Cheran, Cholan, Pandian, Pallavan

Features of the School


1.Free Coaching class for low achievers
2.Brain Storm Sessions for high achievers
3.Seminars & Guest Lectures
4.Night Study
5.Multimedia Labs
6.Computer Science labs
7.Junior Science Laboratory
8.Language laboratory

Monday, June 4, 2007

Tier I - Chettinad Vidyashram

Chettinad Vidyashram school combines the virtues of a temple of art/culture. It is a dedicated educational institution that blends discipline with freedom. The school is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi.

Aim/Goals

The school strives to tie up with the past in art, tradition and culture in all its purity and variety. The school aims to lead the younger generation into the future through methodical dissemination of scientific knowledge.

The school seeks :

(a) To develop in its students, an intellectual curiosity, an eagerness for continued learning and ability to use their knowledge for creative purposes.
(b) To help the students to discover their potential and channelise them to form an integrated personality.
(c) To mould children of character convinced of moral principles and courageous in action. In addition to the instruction of the three 'R's the school is concerned with three 'C's of real education-culture, creativity and comradeship. The school is desirous of developing a new technique in education, a method of drawing out the latent talents of the child through environmental study, creative activity, love, beauty and happiness in the school and through the utmost co-operation of teachers and parents.

Alumni

The Alumni Club was inaugurated in 2000. It has taken off in a promising way with about 157 alumni joining the association.

Admission

Admission to all classes are given only on merit basis. An entrance test is conducted in English, Maths and II Language for all students seeking admission. The meritorious ones are admitted.

Website : http://www.cvs.ac.in/cvs/index.htm

Tier II - Sishya School, Adayar

HISTORY

Sishya is a premier institution providing quality education in Chennai. Founded by K I Thomas, it began as a nursery-cum-preparatory school in January 1972.
In 1974, the council for Indian School Certificate Examination, granted the school affiliation, thereby enabling it to present its first batch of students for the ICSE examination the following year. In 1986, the second part of ICSE was added.The KIT Thomas Educational Society, an irrevocable Trust now owns and controls the management of the school.

In 1975, the school was shifted to a five acre premises in Ramalayam Annexe.A new block constructed in 1984, now houses the Senior School and the Laboratories. In 1989, the Junior School cum auditorium block was constructed.In 1991, the pre-school complex for classes LKG, UKG and Std I was inaugurated. These cottages built in a novel architectural style are set in sylvan surroundings with a kiddies playground. It has been named the Grace Cherian Memorial ITC Pre-school block. In 1994 the playground was completely re-laid and resurfaced and converted to facilitate athletics and games even in the rainy season.
In 1998 the Thangam Thomas Memorial building was inaugurated. It houses a state of the art library and Art Department, classrooms for the stds XI and XII, an additional staff room and an audio-visual room. The school has been continuously upgrading and introducing new facilities without significantly increasing student strength.Sishya has always sought to achieve total development of each pupil, with emphasis on learning and co-curricular activities. In order to ensure that each child receives his fair share of individual attention, the enrolment in each class is limited to 35.

The quality of education imparted is indicated by the achievements of former students of Sishya many of whom have already excelled themselves in many fields.



Admission



The child must be 3 years old on December 31st of the year prior to that for which admission is sought for.Parents may register for admission in advance. It is advisable to do so as soon as the child is born, in view of the small numbers admitted. Children and parents meet the admission committee in October.Admission forms for the XI class (+one) are available in April. Subject groups available are given in the curriculum section. First priority is given to Sishya school students. Students from other schools may be admitted depending on vacancy and performance.
Admissions are done in May and the term commences in June for class XI.
Admission for other classes depend on vacancy and are done from January to May if seats are available.
Foreign students for the senior classes (IX and above) should contact the school well in advance regarding eligibility and other criteria and to complete necessary formalities.
Fees at present are as follows. Additional charges for games, library, computer studies, school magazine, art exist. These fees may be increased without notice from time to time.


Fees would be approx. between 10 - 15 thousands...


Curriculum


The school is affiliated to the Indian Council for Secondary Education. Students appear for the Board Examinations for the X (ICSE) and XII (ICSE) annually in March. The latter has been recognised as equivalent to the A levels in UK from 1998. The school year commences in January and consists of three terms viz. January - April, June - September, September - December. Second languages offered are Tamil and Hindi. Foreign students may take their own language if permitted by the Council. Arrangements for this must be done on their own. Plus Two Groups :
Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Computer Science. Choose any four ; English compulsory.
Economics, Accounts, Commerce, Business Maths, Computer Science, Arts. Choose any four ; English compulsory. SUPW - classes for 11 and 12 cooking, handicrafts, visits to old age home and school for handicapped.

Tier II - Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School

HISTORY:

Vidya Mandir was founded on 3rd February, 1956 by the Mylapore Ladies Club members, headed by their President, Subbalakshmi Ammal, a renowned social worker. Subbaraya Aiyar a leading advocate and philanthropist, enabled the school to reach greater heights. Padmini Chari, the first correspondent, put in her efforts to build a very strong foundation for the school. Motto Saha Viryam Karavavahai, in Sanskrit means, "Let us together perform great acts that require strength". It also means that there is strength in togetherness. Vision Vidya Mandir has a vision to help create individuals who can contribute to positive changes in their environment and lives. In this ever changing and fast-paced World,

TEACHING

have a set of core values.
have the confidence to face the world
believe in one's own ability and to achieve the maximum of one's talent.

ManagementThe school is managed by a managing committee and an executive committee which closely monitors the activities and progress of the school. The managing committee is headed by Viji Santhanam. Educational StreamVidya Mandir is affiliated to the CBSE. The students appear for the regular AISSE (Std X) and the AISSCE (Std XII).

The school offers Maths, Physics, Chemistry with Biology or Computer science in the Science stream in the +2 stage and Business Studies, Accountancy and Economics with Maths or Sociology in the Commerce stream.

School Toppers

In the 2000 CBSE exams Mahesh Kumar topped with 477/500 in class 12 and Aparna Sundar topped with 482/500 in class 10.

Admissions and Fee Structure

Admissions to the LKG take place in January . Vacancies in the other classes are filled in April - May on the basis of performance in the entrance tests.
Fee structure is available on demand.

Tier II - Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School

HISTORY

The Oriental Cultural Education Society, a subsidiary unit of the Vyasa Bharata Kaladi Sadas Samajam, founded Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School in 1970 This is a registered body founded by His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. At the instance and the blessings of His Holiness, some of the enlightened citizens of Chennai registered the Indian Educational Society in 1971.The primary aim of this institution was to start a good educational institution to impart education to children on national lines and in consonance with the time spirit, synthesising the feature of the ancient systems with the progressive trends of modern times.Recognising the impressive objectives of the Indian Educational Society and its fruitful functioning, His Holiness arranged the transfer of Sri Sankara School to the management of the Indian Educational Society. Sri Sankara School has grown into a Senior Secondary School and it owns a spacious campus in Adyar.It is a co-educational institution and has been affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi.

The school has been producing cent percent result in the board examinations consecutively for the past nineteen years.The unique feature of Sri Sankara School is that it symbolises the ideals of education expressed in and through moral and spiritual values, discipline and character, appreciation of their cultural heritage and cultivation of genuine devotion to God, respect to Guru, Parents and Elders.

Sanskrit, the repository of School's culture is given a special status in this school. As a pioneering institution it helps in the propagation of Sanskrit and conducts special sloka classes for the children.



Admission

Admission is made on the basis of merit. An entrance test is conducted and qualifying students will be admitted into the classes for which they are found fit. They are required to produce the birth certificates or any proof of age of the student at the time of admission.The admission forms would be available by the end of January.
For admissions to LKG, a child should have completed 3 years as on June 2001.Interviews would be conducted in the month of March and there would be an entrance test for classes I to XII.
The registration form can be obtained form the school on payment of Rs 150/-



Curriculum



Scheme of StudiesMedium of Instruction - English
LKG - English, number work and gamesUKG - English, number work, art, games andenvironmental science
I and II Stds.1. English2.Hindi or Tamil
II, IV and V Stds. 1.English2.Sanskrit3.Hindi or Tamil
VI, VII, VIII Stds. 1.English2.Hindi (Lower Hindi or Higher Hindi)3.Sanskrit or Tamil
IX and X Stds.1.English2.Hindi or Sanskrit or Tamil
Other subjects offered are as follows:Mathematics, science, social studies, work experience, health and physical education and value education, according to the scheme of Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi

Arts: drawing, painting, music, dance and drama co-curricular activities: public activities, literary activities, cubs and bulbuls, scout and guide.Work experience: electrical gadgets, their servicing and maintenance, sewing and needlework.Club activities: Club activities form a part of the curriculum from VI std onwards.Computer awareness: To promote computer education and training, their school offers computer awareness courses as part of their education from class IV onwards.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

TOP CBSE Schools in Chennai

In Chennai the education is given higher importance and the CBSE results from Chennai always speak of the prominance. It has always been a difficult judgement for me to choose Matriculation or CBSE. But if you are clear about it, then below are some of the top Schools focussed on CBSE in Chennai. Please let me know if I have missed any good School and I will do the preliminary analysis and add to this list.
==========================================
BEST SCHOOLS - CBSE - Chennai
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SBOA Higher Secondary School(State Bank of India Officer's Association), AnnaNagar - There are three schools in Chennai, one in Annanagar is affiliated to CBSE and the other two are affiliated to Tamilnadu State Board.

Don Bosco Matriculation School, Egmore - http://www.donboscochennai.org/home/home.php

DAV Senior Secondary School, Liyods Road, Gopalapuram -

Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School, PSBB Schools, Nungambakkam, T Nagar, KK Nagar

Chettinad Vidyashram, RA Puram - http://www.cvs.ac.in/cvs/index.htm

The Hindu Senior Secondary School, Triplicane, Chennai - http://www.hinduhighschool.com/index.htm

St. John's English School, Besant Nagar

St. John's International Residential School, Mandaveli

Good Shepherd Convent, Nungambakkam

Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adayar

Tier - I, PADMA SESHADRI BALA BHAVAN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

Padma Seshadree Bala Bhavan (PSBB) is ranked as one of the best in the country with about 7,000 students. Three-and-a-half decades since the school was founded, PSBB school has been recognised as a centre of academic excellence.
It has two branches.The school at Nungambakkam is known as the Main School, with an annexe at Thirumalai Road, which has more than 2,500 students.The branch school at K K Nagar is housed in a sprawling 5-acre campus and boasts of 4,500 students on its rolls. PSBB is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi.
Nearly 40% of the students gain entry into the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technologies) and another 20% into other premier institutes besides many who are pursuing higher education or occupying influential positions abroad.
The focus is more on the learning process than on information or inert content. Continuous assessment, through year long cycle tests, is yet another unique feature of the Junior Curriculum.

History

Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School (PSBB) was founded in 1958 by a group of enterprising house wives. The school was started in a thatched shed, with 13 students and a staff of three. The school was christened Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan in honor of the deceased wife of a lawyer who helped in the cause.In 1959, within a year of its beginning, it moved to its present location in Lake Area, Nungambakkam. The residents of Nungambakkam realised the potential of the school and the student enrolment shot up. The first batch of students to take the Class X Board exams were in 1967-68.

Curriculum


Secondary Department -

Upto class X
1. English
2. Language - Hindi / Tamil /Sanskrit
3. Mathematics 4. a. Physics b. Chemistry c. Life Science
5. a. History and Civics / Economics b. Geography
6. Health and Physical Education
7. Art Education
8. Work Experience

Junior College Department (+2 Course)
1. Core course : English
2. Group A : Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Computer Science / ...................Sanskrit Core.
Group B : Mathematics / Sanskrit Core, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Group C : Mathematics / Sanskrit Core, Economics, Business Studies, ...................Accountancy.
3. General Studies and Value Education
4. Work Experience
5. Physical and Health Education



Contact

PSBB Schools11 and 12, Thirumalai Road, T Nagar Chennai - 600 017 11, Alagirisami Salai, K K Nagar Chennai - 600 078 E-mail: pearl@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in

Saturday, June 2, 2007

What makes a Good School

What makes a Good School .....

The answer differs depending on the age of the children and also based on what as the parents you want the pupil to focus on. Simply put, Good School is what provides good education and Good education depends on how you percieve it as a parent. Good education starts from the parents. I am undermining the fact that a Good School provides the environment for any student to excel in their Studies and Conduct.

Evaluating a school : Some of the points I picked up from an article provide a good list of parameters in evaluating a School.

Teacher : student ratio (total strength of school, number of teaching and non teaching staff, class size).
Quality of teachers (Qualifications, experience, levels of motivation, training and development undertaken, competency).
Academic and administrative support available to the teachers.
Access of staff to contemporary research and development and pedagogic trends.
Curriculum design (academic and co-curricular activities).
Hobbies and spare time activities.
Involvement of every student in different aspects of the curriculum.
Study tours and outings undertaken.
Academic options available to students.
Provision for remedial classes.
Non-denominational or denominational nature of school.
Organisation of the school day.
Discipline.
Separation and supervision of younger and older children.
Admission policy and procedure.
Age group is the same of different children in the entry class.
Mix of students from different backgrounds.
Student assessment system and records.
Past school results.
Attitude of the students and staff.
Grooming standards, deportment and bearing of students and staff.
General awareness and communication skills of students.
Affiliation and memberships of the school.
Infrastructure available (land, building, laboratories, play fields, library, other facilities) and its quality.
Use of technology in delivering the curriculum and in general administration.
Cleanliness and neatness of campus : maintenance of building and other facilities.
Overall atmosphere and cheer of campus life.
Landscaping, greenery, vegetation and foliage of campus - closeness with nature.
Location of school in terms of accessibility, environment, availability of community services, possibility of networking with other educational institutes / agencies.
Information on Notice Boards.
Other sources of funds.
Availability of financial assistance to students.
Information regarding alumni.
Philosophy and mission of the school.
Concern, competence, credentials and leadership of Governing body members, Principal and other key resources.
Constitution, objectives, public image of owning body (Society / Trust).
Functioning of Parent-Teacher Association and its role.
Visits by external luminaries and speakers.
Integration of school with local community.
Participation of school in competitions and tournaments.
Career and college entry of school leavers.
Transportation arrangements to and from school.
Comparative standards of other schools in the area / region /country.

Tier I - DAV, Gopalapuram

Background

Weekly magazine Outlook rates DAV, Gopalapuram the best school in Tamil Nadu. Rated the best scool in chennai by AC Neilson survey......and 3rd best in TAMIL NADU....courtesy-SunTV

Established in 1970 by The Arya Samaj (Central) Chennai, D.A.V. Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram, is managed by the Tamil Nadu Arya Samaj Educational Societies. The school is one among its seven branches in the city. Public examination results have always been good at D.A.V. In the last 11 years, as many as 232 of its students have joined the Indian Institute of Technology.

ADMISSION

The School authorities believe in the composition of classes that can efficiently managed with individual attention effictively given. The minimum age limit for admission to class L.K.G.is not less than 3 1/2 years and not more than 4 1/2 years as on June 2005. ( to be changed ). Admissions to the L.K.G. class are based on the computerised results.

FEE STRUCTURE

Class Tuition Fee (for Three Months) Special Fee (for three months)

LKG & UKG Rs. 1135 Rs. 500
I to V Rs. 1225 Rs. 575
VI to VIII Rs. 1340 Rs. 650
IX & X Rs. 1440 Rs. 800
XI & XII Rs.1600 Rs. 925

DURATION OF COURSE AND SCHEME OF STUDIES

The School has the scheme of general studies upto class X, all subjects being compulsory. The scheme of elective subjects is introduced from class XI. The subects for studies upto class X are English, Hindi/ Tamil/ Sanskrit (Sanskrit upto class X subject to sufficient number of opting for the language), Science, Mathematics and Social Science. The subjects for internal assessment for class IX and X are Art Education, Work Experience, Physical and Health Education,Art, Work Experience, Moral Education and Music are taught in primary and middle school classes.
The medium of instruction in all classes is English for non-language subjects.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Physical Education, Work Experience, Drawing, Painting, Music , Tailoring , Needle Works and Moral Education form an integral part of the school curriculum. In addition , to give ample opportunities to the children to develop leadership qualities and grow into balanced personalities, the prefatorily and the House systems have been a permanent feature. Under the House activities, competitions like debate, quiz, eassy wirting , short-story, writing, declamation, Music, painting, dance etc. are conducted. Inter- house games and athletics form an integral part of the co-curricular activities. Club activities and hobbies are encouraged and conducted regularly. NCC, Scouts and Guides form an important part of the co-curricular activities. The students are encouraged and provided with opportunity to participate in Inter-School Competitions also.
Website Address : http://www.davboysgopalapuram.com