Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 11: Manipal School, conducted a two-day bagless skill education programme on January 6 and 7 aligning with the CBSE's innovative educational initiatives. The initiative, designed for middle school students, aimed to foster vocational skills through practical learning experiences. Participants engaged in diverse workshops, including block printing, mask making, herbal heritage, financial literacy and marketing, embroidery, rockets and satellites, and jewellery making. The sessions were facilitated by both school teachers and seasoned professionals, who offered expert guidance and valuable insights to enrich the students' learning experience.
Financial literacy and marketing: The session aimed to equip middle school students with a foundational understanding of financial and marketing concepts, preparing them for real-world scenarios. Renowned experts, Dr Swapna Shetty and Deeksha Rao from A J Institute of Management for MBA, delivered interactive lectures to enhance the learning experience. They discussed key topics, including the differences between goods and services, the concept of marketing philosophies, and the role of exchange and competition in marketing. Students participated in dynamic activities such as poster-making, role-play, and quizzes, which reinforced concepts like customer needs, wants, and desires, and the distinction between marketing and selling. The session emphasized experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with real-life examples and creatively apply their knowledge.
Embroidery workshop sparks creativity: The session focused on teaching basic stitches, including chain, running, back, French knot, stem, split, and cross stitches. Students applied their newfound skills to create unique designs on fabric, experimenting with vibrant colour combinations and stitch patterns. This hands-on activity fostered creativity and helped students develop fine motor skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of embroidery.
Igniting young minds rockets and satellites: The interactive session offered students a thrilling journey into the world of space exploration. It began with students learning about satellites, their types, and functions, supported by a live demonstration of a working satellite model. Students then showcased their creativity by building satellite models using paper and cardboard and designing posters that captured the essence of satellite technology. Team-based activities encouraged collaboration as students explored the principles of aerodynamics through paper glider experiments.
The excitement peaked during the rocket propulsion segment, where students built and launched water rockets, experiencing Newton's third law in action. A competitive launch added a layer of fun while reinforcing key scientific concepts. The programme concluded with an innovative activity where students designed a safe landing system. This hands-on workshop combined science, creativity, and teamwork, leaving students inspired and eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of space.
Herbal heritage cultivating wisdom and wellness: The day began with students exploring the rich world of herbs. They listened to fascinating stories about various herbs and debated the merits of allopathy versus ayurveda, sparking lively discussions. Hands-on activities included creating informative herb charts by labelling medicinal, aromatic, culinary, and therapeutic herbs in sealed bags. Students also watched videos highlighting the medicinal values of these natural treasures. A field trip added excitement as students identified herbs in their natural environment and participated in a fun, on-the-go quiz about their properties. Back at school, they planted these herbs in the botanical garden, pledging to nurture them and contribute to a greener environment. The workshop concluded with an engaging session led by Ashwini Shetty, a renowned herbal healer, who taught students to prepare herbal recipes such as brahmi lemon juice, ragi tamarind ganji, and millet laddoos. The session instilled a deeper appreciation for herbal heritage and its role in promoting wellness.
Exploring traditions mask-making art: During the mask-making skill education programme students were introduced to the cultural significance of masks, especially in tribal traditions. The session began with an interactive presentation on the importance of masks and how facial expressions are replicated in mask designs. A fun game, ‘Fun with faces,’ helped students connect expressions to artistic creations. Ujwal D, a professional artist from Malemar, Mangaluru, associated with NINASAM and owner of the KALABI Art Institute, conducted an inspiring mask-making session. He shared his expertise with students, guiding them in creating unique masks while discussing the art's cultural relevance.
Students learned to design basic shapes like circles, ovals, and triangles, which form the foundation of mask-making. Guided activities included crafting simple masks such as a woman’s mask (ellipse-shaped), a man’s mask (triangular-shaped), and the traditional Botta Bommalu mask. The session was filled with hands-on creativity as students learned to make specific designs like the Paldi Fagli mask (oval-shaped) and a tiger mask (circular-shaped). Each activity emphasized precision and creativity, helping students bring their unique masks to life.
Art in every impression: Block printing and dyeing - During the skill education program students focused on block printing and fabric dyeing, where students explored the science behind dyes and techniques like tie-dye. They experimented with tie-dye and block printing, crafting their own unique designs on fabric using carved wooden blocks. A field trip to the Talapady Weavers Co-Operative Society in Kinnigoli gave students a chance to observe skilled weavers at work and understand the traditional processes of dyeing and weaving. The workshop allowed students to appreciate the art of textile crafting while gaining practical experience in creating their own designs. The session concluded with students showcasing their creations, deepening their understanding of the cultural and scientific elements of fabric dyeing and block printing.
Crafting elegance: Jewellery making - During this exciting jewellery-making skill programme, led by Roopa K, a skilled handmade jewellery artist, the students crafted beautiful silk thread chains, earrings, bead necklaces, anklets, and bracelets while learning the intricacies of design and assembly. Under Roopa’s expert guidance, the students learned various techniques of threading, knotting, and beadwork, gaining hands-on experience in jewellery design. The workshop not only enhanced their crafting skills but also sparked creativity in designing wearable art. The session concluded with students proudly showcasing their unique jewellery creations, appreciating the artistry involved in making these intricate pieces.
For three consecutive years, Manipal school, Mangaluru has been committed to the CBSE directive of skill education, ensuring that students not only excel in their academic pursuits but also gain valuable skills for their future. These skill-based sessions have enabled students to explore their creativity, build teamwork, and develop critical thinking while honing practical skills. This comprehensive approach encourages students to become well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the challenges of both the academic and professional worlds. Manipal School continues to strive for the all-around growth of every student, making them capable, confident, and competent in all aspects of life.