Kids learn only when they are happy, says expert

After a seven-year hiatus, Abha Sahgal is all set to become a member of the board of directors of DPS Academy.

"I believe in a holistic approach to education," says former founder-principal of Delhi Private School (DPS), Sharjah, Abha Sahgal.
"When I took up the position of principal back in 2001, parental aspirations were very academic ... Over time, with the help of a team of teachers, we changed that outlook and mindset."
When Sahgal took over management of the school, the total strength was 180 students.
"When I left in 2008, the school's total strength had risen to 4,500 students."
Touted to be the primary reason for the success of DPS Sharjah, Sahgal left the school in 2008 to join as head of Sanskriti School, Delhi, India.
However, after a seven-year hiatus, Sahgal is all set to become a member of the board of directors of DPS Academy from the next academic year.
"Even though it is like coming back into a known environment, any new learning experience is challenging," Sahgal told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview.
Launched in 2013, the academy follows the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) syllabus and has a total strength of 430 students from KG1 to Grade 8.
Sahgal said spearheading DPS Sharjah was a "very challenging" assignment.
"But running a school is never a tiring process, it is an exciting one."
Recounting the initial days of DPS Sharjah, Sahgal said: "When we launched in 2000 ... the DPS brand was something that Indian parents were very familiar (with) ... But I started off only with 180 students."
However, for Sahgal taking up the new challenge came with its own set of challenges.
"Parents were academically inclined and I personally believe in a holistic approach to education ... They did raise concerns ... but children learn only when they are happy."
In a short while, she increased participation of children in extra-curricular activities, which automatically raised academic standards.
Sahgal insists that the school curriculum only has a certain role to play in terms of education of the child.
"It is the school that determines the future success rate of the child."
Sahgal added: "Education is going through dynamic changes across the globe and it is definitely one among the strongest pillars of every country ... Dubai is definitely undergoing a vibrant transformation in terms of education."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

Dhanusha Gokulan

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com