“If education at the root means leisure, why there is a structure to it, especially the school education? Why there are scheduled academic years with scheduled syllabus, with scheduled classes, with scheduled evaluations/exams, and with scheduled results/marks/grades? Why can't child simply be in the school for say 10-13 years, explore, experiment, understand, learn, play, enjoy, have fun? It seems to me that fun and play is important in learning. If we remove all the regimentation of structure, the learning and education will be much more interesting and effective”.
Activity based learning:
Learning through activity is the most effective way of learning. Activity involves the child psychologically and physically. Since learning by doing involves most of the sensory organs learning becomes more real, meaningful, purposeful and natural.
Understanding life:
Leading a meaningful life and thereby understanding it seems to be essential. Thoughtful and sensitive teachers live with children and also people leading meaningful lives and interesting lives will interact and live with children. The life style at school shall give insights and perspectives to life.
Learning from society:
Children would be exposed to various activities including the society around them. The nature of observation and exploration inculcated in the school shall help the child to learn from society around him/her.
Living close to nature:
The hills, the forest, the fields with crops, the birds, the trees, the open space, the clear sky, etc. exposed to the child helps the child in appreciating beauty, silence, peace and harmony.
Access to technology:
All the technology needed for the child to learn effectively will be available and given access to use in close observation of the faculty.
Learning life skills:
All the skills needed to lead a comfortable and independent life are taught and put to practice, so that it becomes a habit or it becomes part of their life, inseparable.
Study skills:
Study skills will be inculcated in the children to make them independent learners. Then they can enjoy the comfort of studying at their own pace. The adults will only guide them.
Exchange programme:
We have access to several schools, with which we can associate, interact, live with for several days and learn.
Infrastructure:
All basic, comfortable infrastructure amidst nature will be provided.
Faculty:
Those interested in alternate education with clear understanding of the challenges to face will be living with the children and learning together all the time with attention. For every 6 students there will be a teacher to enable personal attention.
Food:
Nutritious food, of children’s choice will be provided. Only vegetarian food will be served. Food habits will be closely observed and guided.
Academics:
At an appropriate level the child is prepared for the board of their choice.
Flexible Programme:
The inmates are free to change or design a programme, democratically, to suit the immediate needs.
Co-curricular Activities:
Activities such as field trips, project works, seminars, discussions, debates, quiz, creative writing, etc. are part of the curriculum.
Extra-curricular Activities:
Activities such as drawing and painting, clay modeling, wood craft, paper craft, needle craft, music, dance, gardening, drama, yoga, games and sports, SUPW, etc. help prepare an individual to a comfortable and meaningful life.
Inquiry:
Self inquiry is integral part of the curriculum, which helps the individual understand the nature of thought and emotions in relationship with the inmates.
Location:
The living school is situated in the lap of nature, close to Rishi Valley(2km), at the foot hills of Horsley Hills. It is 18 km from Madanapalle. Equidistant from Bangalore and Thirupati(150km).
“There is no need to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” J.Krishnamurti