Indian schools have ‘better system’

by NADEEM BADSHAH

UK CAN FOLLOW THE DOON’S EXAMPLE

SCHOOLS in England can learn from India on how to nurture talented kids and keep them motivated, it has been claimed.

Channel 4’s recent show, Indian Summer School, saw five under-achieving kids from the UK attend The Doon School in Uttarakhand to turn their lives around.

Doon, known as the Indian Eton, has a 100 per cent ex­am pass rate and is aiming to transform the teenagers.

And some parents believe teachers in Britain should look to schools in south Asia on how to improve.

Minesh Doshi is the father of child prodigy Rahul, who won Channel 4 show Child Genius last year.

He told Eastern Eye: “It is more set up to how Indian par­ents work with their kids, the future, what you put in is what you get out, emphasis on kids knowing what the benefits are.

“It is a better system as the results speak for themselves. Here you see teachers having to sort out the unruly kids, rather than focusing on the ones that want to work. In India they don’t tolerate it.

“Rahul goes to a grammar school; there is an emphasis on the kids rather than the teachers forcing you. Keeping up with your peers, they are tested frequently, keeping that competitive ethos going.”

Doshi, from London, added that one area where UK schools are strong is focusing on extra-curricular activities to balance with homework.

He said: “Here, there is a socialising aspect rather than just nurturing the educational side. Extra-curricular stuff like sports, public speaking, technology, but still trying to excel in them all.

“In India it’s all about the results. At Rahul’s school you do at least four extra-curricular activities and fit it in with the work.”

Dr Meera Tiwari is reader in International Development at the University of East London.

She believes there are many similarities between the top independent schools in India and the institutions in the UK such as Harrow School and Westminster School, where tui­tion fees are up to £12,500 per term.

She told Eastern Eye: “Both nudge the students to realise their potential in whichever domain it may be located – sports, writing, oration, scholarly pursuit in science, economics and other social science subjects, drama, music and many others.

“The other commonality is the robust foundation of self-confidence the students acquire in both contexts.

“The very best of private academic institutions in both countries create an environment where the majority of students are nurtured into a competitive spirit instead of being pushed and stressed into achievements.

“Needless to say, the fee structure makes it impossible for children from low to middle income families to seek entry albeit there are a few bursary supported places.”

She added: “The similarities perhaps become thin where the societal cultural norms drive the pedagogical practice and life skills.

“Even within the very liberated environment of the Doon School in the documentary, conforming to rules set by the school is paramount – be it in the dress code, the academic work, daily routine or interaction with teachers and adults.

“While the English schools instill an overall respect for others, rules are far more relaxed in all domains.”

Doon was started in 1935 and its former pupils include Rajiv Gandhi, the ex-prime minister of India, and Olympic gold medalist in shooting Abhinav Bindra.

The headmaster is Briton Matthew Raggett, who went to school in Swindon in Wiltshire. He said: “I was taught at a comprehensive school.

“The teaching was fine but many of the students were distracted by what else was going on in their lives. My hope is that the experience of these working class kids from the UK will be magical and transform their success.”

Shrey Nagalia, assistant housemaster at Doon, added: “No Indian parent takes their education for granted. No Indian parent lets their children take education for granted.”