Mahatma Gandhi International School Ahmedabad
Located in Mithakali, Ahmedabad, Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS) is the first authorized IB World School of Gujarat, INDIA. The school counts approximately 200 students from all socio-economic classes of the local community as well as expatriate children seeking an internationally recognized education.
Values
A Learning Environment That Promotes Effective Conflict Resolution The Mahatma Gandhi International School community is run by a democratic self-government in which the children are looked upon, and consulted as valued equals. Measures, and problems are discussed in weekly meetings. A learner elected weekly chairs these meetings, and a likewise elected secretary writes down the minutes. This meeting format enables learners and animators (teachers) to bring up, and solve problems in a non-oppressive and non-violent manner. The faith and respect given to the learners helps them build - if not rebuild “self-esteem, self-confidence, and tolerance towards others. At Mahatma Gandhi International School, children live to experience, and value the benefits of a democratic community.
Inter-Cultural and Religious Awareness & Tolerance The purpose of the project would be defeated if the student demographic consisted of only one social section. Continual human interaction across the socio-economic ladder is what creates a genuine heartfelt awareness and tolerance of others. Among the religions present at MGIS are Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism. Religious majorities and religious minorities, rich and poor, and high caste and low caste grow up together in harmony. Visitors would be hard put to try to tell them apart. Territoriality can be attributed to the fear and ignorance of others; we are helping children to overcome this.
Integrating Socio-Economically, and Physically and Mentally Challenged Children The student body of MGIS is intentionally diverse. We school many children from Ahmedabads elite families. At the same time, one fifth of our students come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds; the foundation bares the costs of these childrens education. We also integrate physically and mentally challenged children into the classroom. Diversity is our strength, and makes for a colourful, and tremendously enriching learning experience. This is the first time that an international school is reaching out to all sections of society
A Unique Pedagogy We are developing a new dynamic approach to education that lets children rediscover the joys of learning. The learning environment promotes psychosomatic stability in the learner, which ultimately leads to therapeutic balance. Our pedagogy is experiential, and utilizes the body, all five senses, space and movement as well as abstract thinking. The learning process makes optimal use of human and material resources within the learners surroundings - right down to the class seating arrangement. We also integrate new technology into the learning experience. Through our project-based approach, learning is guided not by subjects, but by obstacles and the need to overcome them. Learners construct their projects and confront problems that help them develop creative problem solving a much-needed skill in later professional life. Projects are integrated into the framework of an international education curriculum. The focus of our pedagogy is on how to learn rather than what to learn. Dynamic Pedagogy develops the learners metacognitive awareness, and lets them build their own learning strategies, and life skills.