Curriculum
Good Earth is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi and so prepares students for ICSE (Class X) & ISC (Class XII) Examinations. The curriculum of the school, however, is kept flexible enough to meet the ever changing needs of the child. While English is the medium of instruction, Hindi and Tamil are also taught. Besides the basic subjects, the curriculum includes creative arts such as – classical music, western music, pottery, carpentry, dance, art, craft and yoga. As the intention is to develop the whole child, and not cultivate parts of him, the curriculum is so planned that equal importance is given to academics, to creative arts and sports as well. The school ensures a high standard of academics. Personal attention to the academic growth of a student at his/her pace is possible as the teacher pupil ratio is optimal.
The emphasis is not on memory and rote learning, but on questioning, enquiry and investigation. The development of a scientific temper, capacity for independent study and exploration are encouraged. Learning is made joyful from the early years as importance is given to discovery and sharing. The approach throughout provides ample space and time for integrated learning. At the same time, students are helped to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to make the transition to college smooth. A learner no doubt has to pay attention to academic excellence. But just being academically sound is not adequate. The variety combined with holisticity gives students the essential ingredient of leisure in life. Finally they leave school with complete fitness to face challenges ahead
Kindergarten…
In the kindergarten, the awakening of the senses, training in listening and looking, learning to make friends, enjoying stories and play, creative expression in arts and crafts take precedence over the formal learning of reading and writing. Kindergarten to class II follows a theme based learning rather than subject based learning. Exams have no central role whatsoever at these levels.
The CAP Program…
The staff of Good Earth has over the years developed a program called the Continuous Assessment Program (the CAP program) for classes up to VIII. A systematic assessment is kept of a student’s progress in studies without recourse to the pressure of formal examination. However, each skill is honed in such a way through various activities that are designed by the teachers for each lesson for all the subjects. Therefore by the time a student reaches Class IX, he/she is equipped to face the formal examination pattern. Students are graded on their performance with regular worksheets and assignments and there is no formal test or exam of any kind. Field trips and excursions are an integral part of the academic programme.
ICSE and ISC…
Classes IX through XII follow the regular ICSE and ISC syllabus. Once the term begins, tests are conducted on a regular basis in cycles covering all the subjects learnt by the students. Once one cycle is over, the next one begins immediately and therefore there are tests every week throughout the year. Although this seems hectic, it is worth noting that every Cycle Test consists of very limited portions and the test itself is only about half an hour long, hence it keeps the children in touch with their academics at all times. At the end of every term a full fledged exam is conducted.
The Role of a Parent…
At Good Earth we believe that parents are partners in learning. We look forward to parental support in whatever we undertake, whether it is an orientation meeting, a class project or a festival being organized at school. We also welcome parents to volunteer their services and expertise in the areas they are qualified and equipped. Parent – Teacher conferences are arranged periodically (October and April) which help involve parents as essential participants in the process of the child’s learning.