Enriched learning in a scenic setting

Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) was founded by Dr. P. C. Thomas in February 1977 in Ooty, a prominent hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Excerpts from an interview:

Tell us about the major changes in India's education scenario since the time you started GSIS in 1977.
There are no major changes in education in India after we started the school in 1977. The only development is that there are now more schools following the international curriculum since the last 20 years.
There is a lot to be done in the higher education sector in India - both in the school and higher education levels. Though many commissions were appointed after Independence, most of the recommendations of these commissions have not been enforced. The Kothari Commission, the last one, has made a strong statement: "The destiny of India will be decided in the classrooms of the country."

What are your plans for the next decade for GSIS? Do you plan to open campuses in other places across India?
We have no plans to open any campus anywhere. The aim is to run a very unique school. In the next decade more facilities will be added to the existing campus. In due course from July 2020 the school will be only from grade IV to XII with more students following the international curriculum.

Are there NRI students studying at your institute?
There are many NRI students, especially from the Gulf. Students from over 40 countries are studying in the school, mostly the children of NRIs from different parts of the world. There are many students of foreign origin from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, etc.
 
Do you participate in education shows in Dubai and other parts of the world?
No, we do not participate in education shows in Dubai or other parts of the world. Instead, our team visits Dubai every year to meet old students, existing parents and prospective parents, who are interested in admitting their children in the future.

What were the reasons for starting the finishing school and how has it shaped up since its establishment?
The finishing school was started 12 years ago only because there were no such fully residential schools in India. Now our school is ranked as one of the best finishing schools in the world.

Please highlight the major achievements of GSFS.
The major achievements of GSFS are many. It's fully residential and the training covers all aspects of personality development, which girls require as they grow up. Students get an opportunity to have academic programmes as part of the curriculum.

Are female students from the Gulf keen to pursue higher education at GSFS?
Many female students come from various Gulf countries. The course we follow has helped them to pursue higher studies elsewhere. Other finishing schools in the US and other countries are department-based, which means that they conduct training programmes to become airhostesses, models or work in hotel management. The curriculum of GSFS covers a wide range of subjects and practical training. Students also get certificates including Business English, NIFT-TEA, DELF, etc.
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The Good Shepherd International School is located in an idyllic setting in Ooty and is spread over a campus of 180 acres amidst hills and fields, fine weather and a natural, pollution-free atmosphere. In rendering holistic learning, delivered by highly qualified, professional staff within an outstanding infrastructure, GSIS continues a grand tradition of 41 successful years and prepares to move dynamically into the future. GSIS boasts of the best infrastructure in classrooms, labs and libraries.
A career counselling and guidance centre has been introduced to serve as an eye-opener to the various career opportunities available to the youth at different stages of academic life. Senior students are trained for competitive exams like SAT, TOEFL and IELTS through special coaching programmes. They have the option to appear for TOEFL / SAT examinations, which are the pre-requisites for admission to American universities.
GSIS offers state-of-the-art infrastructure that includes an athletic stadium, two football stadiums, 12 basketball courts, four volleyball courts, 10 tennis courts and two hockey fields. There is also an indoor sports complex.
Good Shepherd Finishing School

The Good Shepherd Finishing School is ranked amongst the finest in the world. It is a fully residential school in a secure and safe campus. The school's motto is: 'Give us a girl and take back a lady'. "The maxim of the school is substantiated by the updated curriculum that helps shy and socially awkward girls of today turn into elegant and poised ladies of tomorrow," says a spokesperson.
The curriculum has a fine blend of modules ranging from Personality Development, English language enhancement, Home Management, Protocol, Social Graces and Etiquettes, Image Makeover, Make up and Beauty Enhancement, Fashion Design, Food/ Beverage Production and Services, Music (Trinity Guildhall Certificate), Sports and Games, Event Management, Career Planning and Management.
There are also a variety of external workshops on Time Management, Ball Room Dance, workshops on skin care, hair care, power dressing, grooming essentials, mountaineering and camping.