OUR MOTIVATION
The Venkata Subba Reddy Trust wanted to address the dearth of schools in the hamlets surrounding Reddivaripalle.
In 2008, in Reddivaripalle and the surrounding hamlets, there were approximately 500-600 children of school going age (3yrs up to 17yrs). They had a number of schools to choose from, none that was within walking distance of less than 4 km; the local government school at Reddivaripalle was run in a small, neglected one-room building where approximately seven to ten children came to learn the basics from one teacher.
It was under these circumstances that the idea of VSR Montessori School first germinated. We also wanted to ensure that the school was not merely a ‘school’, but one that lived up to our aspirations
OUR ASPIRATIONS
Ensure
- the natural environment forms a key part of student life
- students get ample opportunity to play and learn new sports/games
- the child stays connected to local culture and values
- safety of children
- socio-emotional
- physical
- health
- nutrition
- synergy between life outside and within school
- local knowledge integrated into the curriculum
- parents and community members become key players in the school
- school seeks to understand
- economic constraints of families
- challenges in the community
- day-to-day life/lifestyle
- teachers stay up-to-date on teaching practices
In practice, how does the school live up to its aspirations?
- students are learning to respect the natural world through regular ‘nature walks’ in the campus
- focus on play and co-curricular activities – daily games period, art and clay work twice a week)
- understand the community better –
- involve the community in the school (gardeners, potters, teachers)
- keep regular parent-teacher meetings
- teachers are constantly engaged in discussions with students to create a culture of respect and responsibility in the school;
- teachers are keenly aware of ensuring a safe physical space for children
- the school addresses nutritional needs by providing daily porridge and talking to parents about healthy food habits.