Our guiding principle has always been to foster a genuine love for learning, not just for performance but for the profound joy of discovery. To learn, not to appease, but to contribute. For in true contribution lies the happiness of all, and in learning, the empowerment of the individual"

- Vandana Arora, Principal, Nahar International School

Starting from grade 9, NIS puts significant emphasis on university readiness. By grade 11, the school is a hub of university fairs, with representatives from international and renowned Indian institutions like Ashoka, Jindal and Krea offering insights into their own application processes. Sessions focus on critical aspects such as the UK's UCAS personal statement and common applications. Furthermore, masterclasses, such as introductory law sessions, offer a window into potential career paths, enabling students to craft compelling personal growth stories.

- Theresa Joseph, Career Counsellor

Nahar International School prioritises holistic education, empowering students with global community projects and real-world initiatives. Through hands-on experiences, mentor-guided projects, and emphasis on real-world applications, the institution shapes globally-aware, empathetic future leaders.

Within the artfully designed walls of Nahar International School (NIS), the rhythm of learning transcends conventional boundaries. Expansive, sunlit atriums hum with the collaborative energy of students brainstorming on innovative projects, while state-of-the-art classrooms boast the latest in educational technology, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. There's an unmistakable undercurrent of global awareness; from international literature selections in the library to the diverse tapestry of cultural festivities celebrated with fervour. Interactive boards display student-led initiatives, from environmental campaigns to outreach programs, showcasing their commitment to global issues and local community needs alike. Seminar halls frequently resonate with the voices of international guest speakers, further enriching the students' perspective.

Programmes shaping future leaders

Nahar International School’s curriculum goes beyond the boundaries of traditional subjects, offering a rich offering of programmes tailored to broaden students' perspectives and deepen their understanding of the complex world around them. Every component is deliberately designed to ignite curiosity, foster responsibility, and nurture the emergence of global trailblazers.

"At Nahar School, every student arrives with a heart full of joy and a mind ripe with curiosity. From the moment they step into their successful matriculation, the air is thick with boundless energy and the thrill of exploration. Our guiding principle has always been to foster a genuine love for learning, not just for performance but for the profound joy of discovery. To learn, not to appease, but to contribute. For in true contribution lies the happiness of all, and in learning, the empowerment of the individual," states Vandana Arora, Principal, Nahar International School.

Incidentally, under Arora’s leadership, Nahar International School has garnered various awards, including being ranked 1st in India for 'Individual Attention to Students.' Arora’s learner-centric approach has also been featured in prominent educational magazines, not least because the myriad initiatives championed by students serve as more than just extracurricular activities. They're transformative experiences, guiding students from being passive learners to proactive change-makers. Through these endeavours, they don't just accumulate knowledge; they apply it in real-world contexts, evolving into compassionate global citizens poised to address the challenges of our time.

Transforming learning into action

Every academic year at Nahar International School is a testament to the school's commitment to action-oriented learning. Students spearhead initiatives that have an impact both inside the school and in the larger community.

At Nahar International, we offer two systems. From Nursery to Grade 10, we adhere to the Cambridge curriculum. When students reach Grade 11, they have the option of either pursuing the academically inclined A levels or opting for the holistic International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme. While the A levels focus primarily on academics, the IB includes community service, personal development, and well-being.

“Cambridge students participate in the IAYP programme, often leading awareness initiatives in rural settings. A highlight from our past was the adoption of a village in Wada, Maharashtra, by the school,” says Arora. “Such activities aren’t exclusive to senior students; even Grade 8 to 10 students actively participate. The range of their contributions span from cleanliness drives and promoting basic hygiene to teaching elementary English. Through hands-on workshops, our students also emphasise the ecological importance of local rivers and the need for sustainable practices”.

A foundational belief at our institution is that students should not only be responsible for their personal growth but also contribute meaningfully to the community. “During the 2022-2023 year, our students visited Auroville where they experienced organic farming firsthand. From sowing seeds to bricklaying for a new amphitheatre, the emphasis was on hands-on learning. These experiential outings also included sports activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, while fostering an understanding of marine pollution at the same time,” says Theresa Joseph, NIS's advancement officer and career counsellor. “Another commendable initiative was our students’ engagement with the elderly community; our students not only read to them but took the time to simply listen, understanding the value of companionship. Additionally, our students worked with underprivileged children, teaching them subjects like mathematics and also helping our school attendants, the 'didis', to improve their English,” she adds.

Supriya Shinde, the school’s devoted Environmental Science teacher, adds, "Nahar International isn’t about traditional teaching. It’s a place where we cultivate thinkers and innovators. Beyond academic success, it's about inculcating values and fostering a sense of duty to bring about real change."

“Grade 11 and 12 students mentor younger peers in basic gardening, transforming our terrace into a flourishing garden,” says Shinde. “The produce grown is then used in the school's cafeteria.” She also highlights the Miyawaki forest project. “Each student participated in a plantation drive, and Grades 6 and 7 took it a notch higher, revitalising a barren hillock into a verdant space, helping them grasp the essence of nurturing and maintaining a thriving ecosystem.”

Substance and stories

At Nahar International School (NIS), the educational journey is not only about academic excellence but also a holistic preparation for life's diverse challenges. Students are sculpted to present credentials teeming with rich experiences, noteworthy skills, and captivating narratives.

Theresa Joseph, NIS's advancement officer and career counsellor, sheds light on how the school works towards its vision:

Interdisciplinary Exposure: “Beginning as early as grade 9, students delve into the process of making significant subject choices. Encouraged by the school to maintain a balance between sciences and humanities, these choices are underlined by a deft combination of life lessons and experiences. Thus, students complete grade 12 with a wealth of options ahead, regardless of any change in their initial academic inclinations,” says Joseph.

Skills Workshops: Through a partnership with CIALFO, NIS introduces students to a range of topics, backed by assessment tests. “These tests are designed to understand individual learning styles, personalities, and multiple intelligences, giving a comprehensive insight into their academic proclivities,” says Joseph, “Moreover, the workshops in creative writing give them an edge in the university application process, especially for institutions in India, the US, and the UK.”

Leadership Emphasis: Students aren't pigeonholed into strict academic streams at NIS. “Our dedication to interdisciplinary studies fosters leadership qualities, helping students steer varied projects with confidence.”

Personal Growth Narratives: “Starting from grade 9, NIS puts significant emphasis on university readiness. By grade 11, the school is a hub of university fairs, with representatives from international and renowned Indian institutions like Ashoka, Jindal, and Krea offering insights into their own application processes. Sessions focus on critical aspects such as the UK's UCAS personal statement and common applications. Furthermore, masterclasses, such as introductory law sessions, offer a window into potential career paths, enabling students to craft compelling personal growth stories,” Joseph shares.

Endorsements: A unique feature at NIS is the bouquet of exclusive masterclasses spanning diverse areas like law and design. Conducted by faculty from a leading law school, the law classes offer students a realistic peek into the profession. Activities such as these, coupled with endorsements from field experts, add weight to students' credentials.

Joseph also tells us about an often overlooked but crucial element: the alumni network. “Over the years, NIS has curated exclusive days where past students return, sharing their candid university experiences. This initiative aims to offer students a realistic view of college life, moving beyond cinematic perceptions. These alumni sessions touch on essential life skills, from cooking to punctuality, ensuring NIS graduates are not just academically equipped but also life-ready,” she shares, adding that Alumni Day sees past students reunite with their alma mater, sharing anecdotes and insights from their university experiences.

At the last alumni event, a recent NIS alumnus who now attends a prestigious university overseas, recalled, "Before I stepped into university, I had a rather hackneyed view of what awaited me. But reality soon set in. Believe me, getting into a good university from Nahar International School is the easy part; adapting to a self-reliant life is an altogether different ballgame."

She went on to add, with a twinkle in her eye, "And if there's one piece of advice I'd give all of you, it's this: Learn to cook and manage your laundry. Believe me, it's essential.”

Through these real-life tales, NIS ensures that its students are not just academically equipped, but are also prepared for the practical challenges of adult life.

NIS's ethos resonates in every nook and cranny of its establishment. Be it the spaces for deep introspection or the lively cafeterias, the message is clear: to produce not just erudite scholars but compassionate global citizens. Their students, with their discernible confidence, epitomise an education that seamlessly merges textbook knowledge with worldly wisdom, ready to make impactful global contributions.