At Sharada Mandir School, Kadamba, lessons spill beyond textbooks. Here, children find their voices on intercoms, sculpt from clay and read music like pros — an evolving canvas of education where academics goes hand-in-hand with creativity, confidence-building, emotional growth and learning life skills.
At Sharada Mandir School, Kadamba, holistic education isn’t just a philosophy — it’s a practice woven into every aspect of student life, where academics converge seamlessly with creativity, confidence-building, and emotional growth.
From early lessons in public speaking to hands-on artistic expression, the school has a reputation for creating an environment where academics and extracurricular activities complement each other seamlessly.
Led by Principal Auria Fernandes, the school takes a forward-thinking approach, balancing structured academic programmes with initiatives that encourage creativity, confidence and wellness. With the introduction of modules like music notation reading, gymnastics and plans for an astronomy lab, Sharada Mandir, Kadamba, continues to evolve in step with modern educational trends, guided by the framework of India’s National Education Policy (NEP).
“Academics remain our core focus and we ensure it is never compromised,” says Fernandes, underscoring the importance of meticulous planning. “Our academic programme is structured to meet all curricular goals while integrating opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.”
From English elocutions and intercom assemblies to weekly class presentations, students are encouraged to step beyond the confines of the classroom. This systematic exposure builds confidence, improves public speaking skills and fosters a culture of self-expression. Even the youngest learners are not left behind — three, four and five-year-olds are gently introduced to public speaking with their teachers’ support, ensuring they gain confidence early on.
The NEP has been a catalyst for many of the school’s recent initiatives. Fernandes highlights that teacher training workshops played a crucial role in aligning the school’s vision with NEP goals, emphasising a balance between academics and nurturing talents in art, music and other creative pursuits.
The music programme is a standout, introducing students in Class 1 to the keyboard and later to the guitar by Class 5. This year, a new dimension was added with music notation reading, enabling the school choir to sing by reading notes. Similarly, a gymnastics programme has been launched, with plans underway to introduce robotics and an astronomy lab to further expand learning opportunities.
“Our vision is always forward-looking,” says Fernandes. This vision also manifests in the school’s sculpture club, where students recently began creating a sculpture of goddess Saraswati, underscoring the emphasis on artistic creativity.
Integral to the school’s philosophy is a robust counselling department that addresses students’ emotional and developmental needs. From puberty education and imparting good touch/bad touch awareness for younger children to collaborative problem-solving workshops, the counselling team ensures holistic well-being.
Counsellor Heidi Pereira explains, “The class teacher knows the students best and helps us identify specific needs. Sometimes, I observe students in settings like the classroom or playground to better understand their behaviour.” This hands-on approach extends to conflict resolution among younger students, fostering direct communication and stronger bonds.
As the school charts new territory with initiatives like robotics and astronomy, Fernandes remains unwavering in her belief in holistic education. “We are constantly evolving, embracing new ideas, and creating opportunities for our students to shine in every field,” she concludes.
