Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 20: When the Presidency Group of Institutions (PGI) established the Presidency School in Mangaluru (PSMNG) in 2001, they hoped that their cosmopolitan approach of coupling innovation with education would create a new breed of qualitative students who not only excel holistically but are well-prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century. Sixteen years later, PSMNG has evolved to become Mangaluru’s premier institutions and their vision seems to be taking shape with students excelling in different fields be it academics, sports or extra-curricular.
The school which prepares students from Kindergarten to Class XII (CBSE) takes great pride in its distinctive character to provide world-class education, in a learning environment that is innovative, challenging and enterprising. Strong emphasis is placed on discipline and on developing an attitude associated with responsible citizenship.
The school strives to make education child-friendly, by using novel methodologies to promote learning with an activity oriented curriculum, designed to meet international standards. Children are groomed to embrace a global perspective and are imparted with knowledge combined with values.
The School Campus
Presidency School, Mangaluru, initially started at Bikarnakatta has now moved to its own state-of-the-art campus at Kelarai. The new campus situated on a hillside, is spread over 12 acres, in a picturesque locale. The new campus has an academic block, a sports block for indoor games like chess, table tennis, carom, sports field for cricket, football, hockey, basketball, a skating rink, a tennis court, a running track and a swimming pool.
In addition, extracurricular activities like music, dance and various activity clubs have also been incorporated in the curriculum to promote and encourage the inherent talents in the students.
Kindergarten
The first few years set the tone for the entire academic life of later years. Keeping this in mind, the kindergarten section in Presidency School is the most vibrant and activity-centred. Utmost care has gone into the experiential learning curriculum designed exclusively for the little ones. Classrooms are furnished with customized furniture, bright visuals, display boards and an array of nursery equipment.
The child is gently led in the direction of an interactive learning process with a thematic integrated approach. The warmth and supportive atmosphere of home is replicated here. A child’s natural curiosity and joy in exploring its environment, is given full rein in the Play-Way Methodology.
The institution guarantees caring and qualified staff, proportionate teacher children ratio, safe and clean facilities.
To enhance learning, the kindergarten has a complete schedule of activities and works in partnership with peer groups, faculty and parents. Age - appropriate strategies, bulletin board displays, role play, storytelling, puppetry are some interesting methods used to make learning a fun experience.
The Elementary Section
Working on the principle that learning is exploring, experimenting and responding, the elementary section (grades I to IV) follow the thematic inter-disciplinary approach
The curriculum encourages children to explore their interests, as they move gradually from the familiar to the unknown. Scope is given for creativity and self expression, social skills of adaptability and team work.
The curriculum addresses the uniqueness of each child and provides exposure beyond the academic. Role-play, dance, music, field trips, sports and a range of hobby interests add new dimensions to the growth of the child.
All members of staff participate in continuous in-service training by experienced trainers, and take part in curriculum design and implementation, assessment strategies and classroom management as well.
Middle School
The Middle School (grades V – VII), challenges learners with the broader curriculum, to lay the foundation for the High School academic program. Study skills are honed, concepts taught are thoroughly grounded, and resourcefulness and commitment to work are encouraged, while group work and interacting with classmates cater to growing social awareness.
Induction into the House system helps to inculcate loyalty and team spirit. The spectrum of extracurricular activities gives scope for talents to surface in dramatics, music, art, dance, games and sports. Each student’s talents are channelized through a range of hobby clubs. Field trips and excursions are organised.
Tests and examinations are now a part of the assessment methodology, parents are kept appraised of the child’s academic progress and they are encouraged to interact with teachers.
Focus on all-round development
Presidency is committed to the holistic development of children through challenging co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which are an important part of total education.
Students are exposed to a wide range of activities such as music, arts, theatre, community services and excursions. These activities play an important role in developing social skills, values, a spirit of co-operation and above all regional and national consciousness.
Sports and games in the curriculum has been an important objective for a healthy and balanced growth of the students, and they are encouraged to participle in a wide range of indoor and outdoor games at the school. Participation in inter-school competitions is a regular feature.
Presidency proposes to initiate a scheme to promote cricket and basketball. The scheme is a long-term plan to promote cricket and basketball amongst the youth. Reputed coaches will train the children in their chosen sport or game.
Boarding home with exclusive blocks for boys and girls
Presidency School is a residential-cum-day school where boarding homes will play a key role in overall development of children staying away from their homes/cities/countries.
There are two separate boarding houses for boys and girls. Each floor of a boarding house accommodates 30 boarders on twin or three-sharing basis in spacious, well-ventilated rooms. Each child will be under the guidance and individual supervision of qualified, skilled, teaching/ residential staff taking care of his/her emotional well being. The boarding houses will provide modern amenities with comfort and recreation, where children will be able to use their leisure productively.
Two separate kitchens provide vegetarian and non-vegetarian food for the boarders. Studies are imparted through `Daily preps’ where learning will be through enquiry, along with the normal procedures of task completions.
There will be a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities like sports, music, drama, varied forms of arts, extempore speeches/debates, talent nights, cultural trips and visits to places of interest and historical importance. To hone their intellectual talents and sharpen their grasp, expression/application skills, several competitions and other adventurous/challenging activities are planned in the calendar.
Faculty
Keeping in mind the criteria that the success of educational reforms depends on the qualitative imparting of education; creative, competent and professionally qualified teachers are recruited based on their respective knowledge and experience in their subject fields. The teachers, working as a closely - knit community, have promoted a work culture of the highest professional standards.
The staff members are provided with a supportive and congenial work atmosphere. Periodic workshops and orientation programmes under the aegis of the Staff Development Programme help in updating the staff with the latest methodologies of classroom teaching.
Facilities
Canteen - The school has a clean canteen that aims at providing nutritious food focusing on a growing child’s dietary needs.
Uniform and book store – This is a one shop stop for parents who need to purchase anything their child needs for the school curriculum.
Infirmary – Health of a child, especially care when the child is sick is always a priority. A full time matron is available to take care of the students suffering from mild ailments and even attend emergencies.
Transport - Good transport facilities help students commute safely and comfortably to school and back. A wide network of bus routes will cover all major areas, in and around Mangalore city.
About Presidency Group of Institutions
The Presidency Group of Institutions (PGI), Bangalore, founded in 1976, comprises of four schools affiliated to CBSE, three school affiliated to ICSE and two colleges affiliated to the Pre-University Board and the Bangalore University. Presidency Schools are progressive, futuristic institutions. Offering education from the Kindergarten to the Post Graduate level (Pure Sciences, Commerce and Management); the Group is one of the preferred institutions in Bangalore.