A CARE-ful CONSIDERATION

The objective of Progress Review at NiBS is to enhance the learning experiences of our children while inspiring and guiding them to do their very best.

The basic thrust of our approach is to provide detailed, timely and actionable feedback about the gaps in each child’s learning and to work together with parents and the children themselves to close those gaps in the best possible ways. In doing so, we make every effort to ensure that all aspects of a student’s learning are considered – academic, co-curricular and those relating to values, life-skills, self-awareness, peer interactions and a sound work ethic. Care is also taken to ensure that our Progress Review process is continuous in nature and takes place throughout the year, rather than being focused on just a few select occasions.

A safe, non-threatening environment

To help children learn in a safe, non-threatening environment during their years of exploration and discovery, we do not conduct any examinations till Class V. However a formatively motivated, continuous and comprehensive internal review process continues to take place. Teachers diligently conduct end of unit assessments, and maintain detailed observation records of classwork, homework and in-class participation. These sources together provide action research data for them and help ensure that student gaps in understanding are not perpetuated. Conducted as part of regular classroom routine, end of unit assessments are usually a combination of traditional pen and paper worksheets, and a variety of authentic, real-world modes such as debates, observations, displays, projects, oral questions and presentations.

Gradual introduction to exams

Formal examinations are introduced in Class VI, three years before the children graduate to Senior School. Our purpose at this level is to gently introduce children to both, summary evaluations, and the relevance of test-taking life-skills such as time-management, planning and scheduling.

In Senior School, Progress Review strictly follows the pattern prescribed by the CBSE. In academic areas, assessments are balanced between the formative and summative modes. Co-scholastic areas such as life skills, the visual and performing arts, attitudes, values and various co-curricular activities are also assessed.

Nirmal Panchayats

Progress Review Conferences or Nirmal Panchayats are organised twice a year at the end of the reporting terms in September and March. During these conferences, a constructive three-way analysis of performance between the parent, teacher and child takes place with the child’s self-evaluation and reflection of strengths and weaknesses leading the discussion. A detailed Progress Review Card containing analytical rubrics and a Portfolio Folder – ‘My VOICE, sharing deep thoughtful self-reflections by a child are also shared during the conference meetings.

In addition to the two Panchayats, individual meetings with parents are held during both the non-reporting quarters in April and December. The purpose of these is to discuss each child’s all round progress in detail and develop an individualised plan for him/her.