"There’s a way to do it better. Find it."-Thomas Edison.
In the senior years, intellectual development gathers pace and students are guided towards a deeper and wider understanding of subjects. This is also a phase of rapid growth in self-awareness and greater engagement with the world. Students are encouraged to make choices based on interest, and take greater responsibility for their learning and growth. They are also provided manifold opportunities to express and explore their uniqueness through art, music, dance, sports, public speaking, writing, and assume leadership roles.The over-arching focus however, is preparing students for academic success in the Board Exams in classes X and XII. Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment Patterns are aligned to CBSE guidelines and student learning is optimized through remedial and enhancement classes and individualized teaching.All these efforts are integrated with a strong thrust on building 21st century skills of critical thinking, communication skills and collaboration skills so that our students are well equipped with the right attitudes and attributes to help them succeed in the world after they leave the portals of the school.
Best Practices
“An ounce of practice is generally worth more than a ton of theory.”
― Ernst F. Schumacher
ACADEMIC RIGOUR: HONING COGNITIVE CALIBRES
The school emphasizes academic excellence for secondary students, aligning with NEP 2020 and CBSE standards. It integrates Activity Based Learning, Competency Based Education, and Experiential Learning, fostering creative and critical thinking. Supplementary activities lead to success in competitions and Olympiads. Scholarships like the Academica Programme offer the American International Certificate of Secondary Education (AICSE) alongside the secondary school certificate, enhancing global opportunities. Collaborations with PACE-IIT and Medical prepare students for both curriculum and competitive exams. Regular monitoring and tailored support, including enhancement and remediation classes, aid student progress. Parental involvement starts with an Orientation Session and includes quarterly Parent-Teacher Meetings. Teachers engage in professional development workshops and peer mentoring for continuous improvement. They attend workshops to upgrade subject knowledge and teaching skills, while peer mentoring shares best practices. The school consistently achieves excellent results in class X and XII Board exams, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
BEYOND BOOKS: EXPLORING EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
At Delhi Public School Sushant Lok, the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) has become a hallmark of our commitment to fostering innovation and hands-on learning. The school has been recognized multiple times as the 'ATL School of the Month' by the Government of India, highlighting our dedication to experiential education. Senior students engage in diverse educational trips, workshops, and exhibitions, enhancing collaboration and the real-world application of knowledge. Through avenues like the CBSE Skill Expo, internships, and talk show interviews, students gain holistic exposure. The ATL nurtures a scientific temperament, with students excelling at CBSE National Science Exhibitions and securing grants under the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK. This experiential approach cultivates problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, shaping future STEM innovators and leaders.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Students are provided with opportunities to develop life skills and leadership qualities from an early age. However, it is during the senior years that a structured program for identifying, nurturing, and training students for leadership roles gains momentum. The most exceptional students often secure a position in the school's Student Council. Selection for the Student Council is not only a matter of honour but also an enviable opportunity to practice and absorb leadership skills. Student leaders undergo formal leadership training conducted by well-known experts in the field. They actively contribute to upholding the school's ethos of discipline and pride. Student leadership is also evident in the activities of student-led organizations such as the Computer Club, nCrypt, and the school's vibrant Model United Nations Club, DPSSL-MUN. These clubs organize inter-school summits annually, created and managed truly by the students, for the students, and by the students.
Regular opportunities to meet and listen to influential personalities from diverse fields further inspire young students and help them gain perspective on the world and their potential role in it.
CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING
The question of "What after School?" becomes increasingly pressing for students entering the senior classes. It's a pivotal inquiry with seldom an easy answer, often stemming from a lack of self-awareness and unfamiliarity with available opportunities. Addressing this challenge, the school implements a comprehensive Career Counselling program, spearheaded by domain experts. Starting from grade IX, this initiative guides students in exploring their interests and aptitudes, facilitating well-informed decisions about secondary-level subjects and post-school courses aligned with their career aspirations. The program extends to organizing regular information sessions on university admissions, both within India and abroad. Parental involvement is integral to these counselling sessions, recognizing the collaborative effort required in making one of the most significant decisions in a student's academic journey.
INDUSTRY INTERFACE
Beyond offering information about post-school career options, the school extends a unique opportunity to students through the World of Work program. This initiative involves placing students in internship positions within prominent MNCs, businesses, hospitals, media houses, and NGOs, allowing them to experience their chosen industry firsthand. This hands-on interface provides invaluable exposure and insights into the professional realm, aiding students in developing a nuanced understanding of their career preferences. This experiential learning approach fosters informed decision-making, empowering students to make well-grounded choices as they navigate their post-school endeavours.
CREATIVE HORIZONS: CHANNELING PASSIONS
Fostering creativity in students is crucial for enhancing problem-solving skills, fostering innovation, and preparing them for success in today's world. Delhi Public School, Sushant Lok, cultivates a supportive environment that values diverse ideas and encourages risk-taking, empowering students to embrace their creativity and develop confidence. Through art, music, and writing, students participate in various Clubs and House activities, like the Mask and Indradhanush clubs for dramatic performances, and Notes and Beatz for music. Creative pursuits include photography to gather fresh perspectives. The school emphasizes language skills through Book Fairs, Reading Contests, and Blogs. Students have excelled in National and International competitions, earning recognition such as Young Authors by BriBooks and medals in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, highlighting the success of these efforts.
PHYSICAL MASTERY: SPORTS AND EDUCATION
In sports, the school places a strong emphasis on character building and life lessons through its Sports Hub, fostering sportsmanship and holistic development. The Thunderbirds sports club promotes diverse game participation, offering specialized coaching by NIS-certified coaches. Regular physical education classes during the CBSE Fit India School Week engage students in exciting activities, nurturing both interest and skills.
The school hosts the annual Inter-school Maharaj Hari Singh Football Tournament, showcasing its unwavering commitment to sports, with opportunities for competition at inter-DPS, inter-school, district, state, and national levels, including significant achievements at SGFI tournaments. Inclusivity is a priority, as evidenced by special learners' participation in the North West District Special Olympics. Among the standout programs are the Football Training Programme in collaboration with LaLiga Football School and the Basketball Training Programme in collaboration with the NBA Basketball School. Both programs are designed for students from Grades I to XII, led by UEFA pro-licensed coaches from Spain and international experts, and NBA-certified trainers, respectively. These initiatives aim to provide world-class training in football and basketball, instilling values that extend beyond the game and inspiring students to excel in all aspects of life. The school’s sports infrastructure is equipped for both indoor and outdoor activities, with specialized coaching available before and after school hours, nurturing national and state-level players in chess, swimming, archery, lawn tennis, and taekwondo. Through these efforts, the school ensures that students develop into well-rounded individuals ready to face challenges and succeed, both on the field and in life.
CLUBS
To expand the learning horizons of our students, we have established thirteen clubs in the senior wing of the school. Active learning is fundamental in making education relevant and meaningful. The school is dedicated to student empowerment and engagement, ensuring their involvement in joyful ways and providing a diverse array of opportunities for learning at various levels. This additional, joyful journey in learning encourages students to cultivate a different perspective on life, allowing them to showcase and refine their talents. Club activities play a crucial role in helping students foster a sense of unity and collaboration towards common goals. By providing a platform for students to meet, interact, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, clubs not only contribute to shaping their interests and hobbies but also aid in the development of leadership and social skills. This holistic approach to education ensures that students are well-rounded individuals prepared for various aspects of life.
HOLISTIC HEALTH: SOCIO-EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Focused on life skills essential for academic, career, and personal success, the school promotes compassion, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility. We prioritize socio-emotional wellness for holistic student development. Initiatives like Ek Mutthi Anaj, tree plantation drives, and activities emphasizing consumer rights exhibit the school's commitment to nurturing responsible citizens. Addressing the requirement of mental and emotional well-being, the school conducts workshops on stress management and productivity. A dedicated team of SEN Educators and Counsellors lead in Behavioural Counselling and Inclusive Education. Tailored workshops on Adolescence challenges for the senior school contribute to student development. The school has been honored with an award during the CBSE National Adolescent Leadership Summit.
LIFE SKILLS EMPOWERMENT: CHARTING SUCCESS
The school prioritizes life skills within its comprehensive educational framework, equipping students with the tools for facing challenges and making informed choices. Leadership, empathy, communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are seamlessly woven into club and house activities. Emphasis on compassion and social responsibility is evident through initiatives supporting the needy, promoting sustainable practices. Collaborative events such as tours, gallery walks, and Inter-school competitions foster teamwork and dedication across diverse disciplines. Platforms like the Ted-Ed Student Talks Program - My Big Day provide opportunities for students to refine their communication skills while presenting their thoughts seamlessly. Starting early, the school systematically identifies and nurtures leadership qualities, reaching a pinnacle in the senior years with the formation of the Student Council. Rigorous leadership training from experts’ shapes student leaders dedicated to upholding the school ethos. Student-led initiatives like nCrypt and DPSSLMUN exemplify leadership within the Computer Club and Model United Nations, contributing to personal growth, academic success, and readiness for future careers.