A Taste of Public Speaking for Grade 5 — Class Talk on “My Favourite Scientist and His/Her Invention”

The students of Grade 5 were ready to show their talent in public speaking. For this, we had the class talk activity lined up for them. In connection with the current Science Unit, the topic given to them was “My favourite Scientist and His/Her Invention.”

This activity was conducted across all the sections. Kids were pretty impressive as they came up with a variety of scientists and also their inventions. They also threw some light on the reasons why they were their favourite scientists.

This activity did help many to learn about the different inventions of the past. To some students, it was an opportunity to show their public speaking talent; for others, it was time to overcome the fear of public speaking.

A Field Trip to the Birla Science Museum for Grade 5 Students

The 5th Grade students of Oakridge got the opportunity to make a visit to the Birla Science Museum. This trip was made keeping in mind the current Unit “Science Today.” Students were exposed to many scientific ideas and concepts which enabled them to relate to concepts in their Science Unit. From mechanical items to space concepts and the technology used to understand fossil fuels — all were very exciting to them. All in all, a great learning experience as kids noted down the various things they saw in the Museum.

Grade 5 Cricket League Competition — Game 2

The match was between Oak Riders and Oak Blasters. In the first batting, Oak Blasters scored 32 runs from 5 overs. In the second batting, Oak Riders scored 34 runs from 4.4 overs. Oak Riders won the match by 5 wickets.

Hearty Congratulations!! 

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ — Counseling Unit Makes an Anti-bullying Wall

An Anti-bullying wall was set by the student advisors Pooja Raj Kumar and Kavya Kaza of the Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit. The “Anti-bullying wall” acts as a message board with information regarding the various daily activities.

Two Drop-boxes have also been put up next to the “Anti-bullying wall”. The purpose of one of these Drop-boxes “See it, Stop it, Report it” is for the students to report incidents of bullying that have happened to them or any incidents of bullying that they have witnessed. The students were assured of complete confidentiality with only the student advisors having access to the Drop-box.

The other Drop-box “Safe School Best Idea” is for ideas from students and teachers alike regarding how to make the school a bully-free zone. The Drop-boxes provide the students with a safe medium through which they can share their experiences instead of bottling up their feelings.

The Counseling Unit also mobilized an Anti-bullying squad, which is a part of the Anti-bullying alliance headed by Dr. Shakila Naidu. The purpose of the Anti-bullying squad is to get the students in the process of reducing incidents of bullying. In order to be in the squad, the students are required to fill up a registration form, following which the students are filtered and selected for the squad. The registration form requires the children to answer questions related to “Why they want to be in the squad?” and “What action will they take if they witness cases of bullying?” 

The squad has up to 300 students from the Junior School and 100 students from the Senior School. The Anti-bullying squad was created with the vision that involving the students will result in proactive action on the part of the students in reducing incidents of bullying. It will also give the students confidence that bullying will not go unnoticed.

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ — Anti-bullying Rally

The Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit held an Anti-bullying Rally with the help of the students from Grade 6. The purpose of any rally is to draw as much attention to the cause as possible. The students wearing sashes and holding placards with Anti-bullying slogans on them walked around the school yelling slogans such as “Take a stand, lend a hand” and “Say no to bullying.” In order to draw everyone’s attention to the Rally, they made use of tambourines.

To ensure that none of the classes get disturbed due to the Rally, it was held at 3:00 PM (the time the students leave school). The time at which the Rally was held ensured the attention of the teachers, students, and parents. The Rally complemented the other Anti-bullying activities well. It was a fun activity for the students as well as the audience. The list of the selected students for the Anti-bullying squad was also put up on the same day. 

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ — Awareness Sessions and Competition for Grades 5 and 6

Awareness Sessions on bullying were held for Grades 5 and 6. The focus of these sessions was on cyber safety and different types of cyber bullying such as bullying through email, social networking sites, mobile phones, etc. The sessions also emphasized how to use technology carefully, safely, and in a way which does not exploit the students.

Anonymity that is provided to us by the Internet is a double-edged sword. The importance of keeping password safe and how to make a safe password was explained to the students. It was also explained that they should not talk to strangers online even if it is a one-time situation.  The consequences and steps to stop cyber bullying were also iterated upon. The students were asked to report incidents of bullying to a trusted adult in all the cases and to “NEVER IGNORE” bullying even in cases where it is your closest friend. School and police laws against cyber bullying were also explained to the students.

A poster-making competition was also held for Grades 5 and 6. The students were required to make posters that promote the message of Anti-bullying in groups of 6. Students came up with visually powerful posters. The competition provided the students with a way to use their creative channels to further strengthen the message of Anti-bullying. 

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ — Assembly for Grades 4, 5, and 6

The Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit conducted the morning Assembly for the 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade students.  The Assembly started with a Thought for the Day by Advaitika of 6th Grade. The students were then shown a video made by the Counseling Unit on the adverse consequences of bullying on the victims. The video emphasized the psychological effects of bullying — on the victim’s self-esteem and confidence. The video also brought to light social isolation that takes place as a result of bullying, be it self-inflicted isolation or imposed isolation.

Dr. Shakila Naidu addressed the students regarding the issue of bullying and its adverse consequences, and emphasized the importance of being an active bystander. Dr. Shakila Naidu also introduced the students to the “Anti-bullying wall” that acts as a message board with information regarding the various daily activities.

Two Drop-boxes have also been put up next to the “Anti-bullying wall”. The purpose of one of these Drop-boxes “See it, Stop it, Report it” is for the students to report incidents of bullying that have happened to them or any incidents of bullying that they have witnessed. The students were assured of complete confidentiality with only the student advisors having access to the Drop-box.

The other Drop-box “Safe School Best Idea” is for ideas from students and teachers alike regarding how to make the school a bully-free zone. The Drop-boxes provide the students with a safe medium through which they can share their experiences instead of bottling up their feelings. The Assembly then came to an end with the National Anthem. 

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ — Assembly for Grades 1, 2, and 3

The Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit conducted an Assembly for the students of Grades 1, 2, and 3. The Assembly started with a Prayer by Devaki and Thought for the Day by Advaitika. The Headmistress Mrs. Hema Sanjay introduced the students to the Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit. Later, Dr. Shakila Naidu introduced the students to the topic of bullying. The students were briefed about “who is a bully,” “what is bullying” and the difference between bullying and teasing was explained to the students.

The students were also shown a video that answered important questions regarding bullying such as “Is there something wrong with me?” and what to do in situations of bullying as a victim and bystander. This video also showed a different side to bullying; while most videos focus on the victim, this video also put across the “bully” side of the story — why a bully acts the way that he does. The video provided both the teachers and the students with something to think about in this respect. The Assembly then came to an end with the National Anthem. 

Oakridger Wins the First position in Hyderabad District Gymnastics Competition!!

L. Samara Satya of Grade 4B from Junior School won the First position in the Hyderabad District Gymnastics Competition in the Sub Junior Group Under 10 on February 21st held at Nishrinkala Dance Academy organized by Chaitanya Gymnastics Institute.

Kudos to Samara!!

Student’s Reflection: Let’s Eradicate Bullying!!

The Anti-bullying Assembly did an outstanding job in trying to make Oakridge a bully-free zone. The Assembly was conducted by the student counselors of our school. Ms. Shakila Naidu, our school psychologist, and Raksha Ma’am, our coordinator, were also part of the Assembly. There was also an encouraging video on Anti-bullying.

This Assembly was extremely promising and touching. We also had a session on bullying by the student advisor. I think that this initiative on Anti-bullying will do extremely well in order to eradicate bullying from Oakridge!!

Maanav Khaitan, Grade VI H

University Presentation on Ashoka University — Awareness Initiative for Students of Grade XI

A University Presentation was organized on February 11, 2014 by Ms Maneesha Gorti, College Advisor, for the students of Grade XI (CBSE and IB). The objective was to bring awareness about the emerging universities in India with a new set of course curriculum.

India is considered an educational hub with many reputed institutions, especially those offering degrees for higher education; however, this is mainly for typical careers like law, engineering, and medicine.

While alternative career options are starting to gain popularity, Ashoka University (www.ashoka.edu.in) is the one which is bringing IVY League Education to India. It offers a four-year Undergraduate Programme rooted in liberal education through a broad set of disciplines of 12 foundation courses.

Students’ Reflections:

A Representative of Ashoka University, a new liberal arts institute located in Delhi, visited Oakridge International School and presented the Grade XI students with a unique opportunity of combining the benefits of studying in India and abroad. This perspective appealed to many students and the extensive list of reputed directors, professors, and academic mentors convinced many Oakridgers that Ashoka University is an ideal place to study after completing education at Oakridge.

Payal Nagpal – Grade XI

The Representative from Ashoka University was very interactive — this caught our attention. I liked the Presentation and the Concept of the University.

Yagna Agarwal – Grade XI

Grade 3 Cricket League Competition — Game 1

Second Match was between Oak Greens and Oak Bulls. In the first batting, Oak Bulls scored 25 runs from 5 overs. In the second batting, Oak Greens scored 26 runs from 4.3 overs. Oak Greens won the match by 5 wickets.

Grade 5 Cricket League Competition — Game 2

First Match was between Oak Warriors and Oak Royals. In the first batting, Oak Warriors scored 30 runs from 5 overs. In the second batting, Oak Royals scored 32 runs from 4.2 overs. Oak Royals won the match by 6 wickets.

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ — Awareness Session and Competition for Grades 3 and 4

The Awareness Session for Grades 3 and 4 started with introductory questions: “Who is a bully?” “What is bullying?” The session explained to the children what they could do in the event of a bullying incident — as a victim or as a bystander. As the children of these Grades are older, they were able to understand the concept of bullying and its consequences better.

The psychological effects of bullying such as low self-esteem and low confidence were elaborated on and explained to the students. The importance of coming forward with the incidents of bullying was emphasized upon. The aim of this session was to make the students understand the adverse consequences of their acts of bullying and how it can be stopped.

In order to complement the Awareness Session, a slogan/rhyme making competition was held for the students of Grades 3 and 4 on the same day. The students were asked to come up with an anti-bullying rhyme or slogan. This thought-provoking activity made them think about various aspects of bullying. The impact has been so successful that even after the competition, the students came up with several excellent ideas. 

Learning Exchange of PP 1B — Around the World with Skype

Oakridge encourages young learners to learn in many different ways. Students of PP 1B shared their learning using Skype with students of Ecole Maternelle School (Early years classroom), France on 11 February. It was in connection with the on-going Unit ‘Living Things’ and they also integrated with the yearlong Unit ‘Learning through Play.’

The students exchanged rhymes, songs, and played Passing the Parcel online with students across the globe. Students took turns in sharing about Living things and Non-living things with others. The little ones were very enthusiastic and took an active role during the online conversation. It was one of the most memorable experiences for learners to connect and communicate with other students across the globe. It creates an opportunity for learners to learn from one another.