Amongst all the education boards that oversee Indian schools, ICSE is well-known for its dedication to producing well-rounded, holistic persons who can contribute to society. Schools that are affiliated to the ICSE curriculum have a significant role to play in fostering a culture of academic excellence that equally values extracurricular activities. With this all-encompassing approach, students will be better prepared to face the problems of the future by having a solid foundation in a variety of areas.
Within this thriving educational ethos, Insight Academy stands out as an exemplary institution dedicated to delivering quality education. Recently awarded the title of “Outstanding ICSE School of the Year 2023 – Solid Academic Foundations,” Insight Academy has proven its commitment to laying robust educational groundwork. Founded by visionary educationists, the academy places profound emphasis on the essence of “Quality Education for All,” ensuring that this motto translates into every facet of its educational endeavors.
Dedication Beyond the Classroom
Apart from offering a holistic educational approach, Insight Academy boasts of a team of devoted and enthusiastic faculty members who play a pivotal role in crafting a positive and enriching educational journey. Their influence extends beyond academic achievements, leaving a lasting impact on students’ personal growth, motivation, and their overall attitude toward learning.
The Star Educator Award this year was bagged by the esteemed Principal – May Ruth D’souza, which indeed is another feather in Insight Academy’s cap. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication, leadership, and the positive impact she has had on the educational community. Being an inclusive school, Insight Academy is dedicated to providing equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or differences. It strives to provide individualized support to meet the diverse needs of students. The inclusion of special children in all activities, allowing them to compete equally with neurotypical students, is a powerful and commendable practice.
On the academic front, Insight Academy has always taken pride in saying that it has achieved 100% results every year and 2023 was no exception. “We have 25 out of the 91 students scoring more than 90 % in the ICSE Council Exam” shared – the Founder-Principal May Ruth D’souza.
Innovation in Education
Insight Academy acknowledges the importance of implementing progressive teaching methodologies, reflecting a forward-thinking stance that extends beyond conventional instructional approaches. The institution has embraced innovative learning methods, showcasing a readiness to explore and adopt novel and effective strategies for enriching student learning experiences. One notable initiative involves the integration of multi-sensory experiential learning, a method that engages multiple senses in the learning process, thereby deepening students’ comprehension and retention of information.
At Insight Academy, physical and skill-based activities are integrated into various educational levels, exemplified by the introduction of “No Bag Day.” This inventive and forward-looking initiative recognizes education as a multifaceted process extending beyond traditional textbooks. It underscores the significance of incorporating activities, play, and experiential learning into the educational journey, providing a refreshing departure from conventional classroom routines and creating a more relaxed and enjoyable learning environment.
Renowned for its commitment to innovative practices, Insight Academy prides itself on its use of intelligent whiteboards in every classroom, facilitating dynamic and engaging presentations that incorporate multimedia elements like videos, images, and interactive diagrams. This approach caters to diverse learning styles and creates a child-centric environment in the teaching-learning process.
A noteworthy achievement for Insight Academy is the establishment of a fully equipped Robotics lab. Integrating robotics into the curriculum yields numerous benefits, offering students hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Beyond enhancing technical skills, the incorporation of robotics fosters critical soft skills essential for success in the 21st century, aligning with evolving workforce demands and equipping students with the tools necessary for future success.
Fostering Global Impact Through Civic Engagement and Community Initiatives
Insight Academy’s participation in securing the Guinness World Record for ‘Most people sanitizing their hands simultaneously,’ organized by BGS Hospital, stands out as a remarkable achievement that transcends the record itself. It emphasizes a dedication to community health, collaborative efforts with external partners, and a positive influence at both the local and global levels.
A laudable initiative from Insight Academy is the establishment of an Interact Club. Aligned with Rotary International, the Interact Club provides an excellent platform for students to actively engage in community service, cultivate leadership skills, and contribute to fostering a positive change in the society.
The academy’s inaugural campaign, “Ondu Mushti Daana” (A Fistful of Grains), was aimed at encouraging students to donate a small quantity of grains to the needy, symbolizing a noble and compassionate gesture. This act of giving, even in modest amounts, holds the potential to make a meaningful impact on society, instilling in children a sense of compassion, solidarity, and support for those less fortunate.
Integral to Insight Academy’s ethos is its active involvement in CMCA (Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness). This program is designed to promote civic awareness and values among children, nurturing a sense of responsibility and active citizenship from an early age. Students are encouraged to critically analyze issues, consider diverse perspectives, and propose solutions to civic challenges. The academy firmly believes that grooming students to be active and engaged citizens holds greater significance than achieving traditional academic success.
In the Days to Come
In summary, when inquiring about Insight Academy’s future goals, the Founder-Principal expressed a commitment to adopting innovative assessment methods beyond traditional testing. This involves exploring alternative approaches such as project-based assessments and competency-based evaluations to effectively measure student progress. Furthermore, the school aims to prepare students for the swiftly changing workforce by integrating career readiness programs, internships, and industry partnerships into their educational offerings.
During the discussion with Ms. D’Souza, insights were gained into the school’s initiative to implement a 360-degree feedback system for teachers. This system is envisioned to offer a comprehensive and multi-perspective approach to performance evaluation. In contrast to conventional assessments that typically rely on feedback from a single source, such as the Principal, a 360-degree feedback system gathers input from various stakeholders engaged in the teaching and learning environment. Ms. D’Souza emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive and non-threatening environment to ensure that teachers feel at ease while receiving feedback from multiple sources.
