Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela

On July 25, 2024, Queen's Valley School celebrated Cultural Day as part of Shiksha Saptah, honoring the 4th anniversary of NEP 2020. This vibrant event highlighted the school's commitment to unity, diversity, and the holistic development of students through a range of innovative activities. The celebration featured a traditional dance performance that vividly portrayed the Mahabharat war, emphasizing themes of peace and the moral consequences of conflict. In a bid to promote environmental awareness, a nukkad natak was performed, addressing the crucial issue of water conservation with the powerful slogan, ‘जल ही जीवन है’. Students from classes IX to XII showcased their musical talents through a captivating choir rendition of ‘Price Tag,’ underscoring the role of music as a universal language that bridges cultural divides. The day also included creative activities like bookmark designing and friendship band decoration, which involved students from all grades and fostered a sense of community and collaboration. The event was a testament to NEP 2020's vision of integrating 21st-century skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, into education. Through these activities, students engaged in experiential learning, reflecting the principles of Vikaas aur Virasat, and embraced values that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Day 3 of Siksha Saptah,was celebrated on July 24,2024.The focus of the day was on sports activities, showcasing the integration of sports into the curriculum as part of the NEP 2020 initiative. This effort aims to instil lifelong fitness values among students. This approach underscores the importance of sports in education, fostering essential skills such as collaboration, self-initiative, teamwork, discipline, and responsibility among students. Beyond physical exercise, sports are recognised for their holistic benefits, promoting both physical and psychological well-being while enhancing cognitive abilities.

The primary objectives of this event were multifaceted: to raise awareness about fitness and sports, promote indigenous games, cultivate team spirit, discipline, and foster national integration. The games selected were designed not only to improve students’ physical fitness but also to nurture positive body attitudes, pride, sportsmanship, and ethical behaviour.

Various indigenous games such as ‘Atya Patya’, ‘Langadi Tang’, ‘Posham Pa’, Hoop Rolling, and ‘Rassi Kood’ were included in the schedule, adhering to guidelines set by the Ministry of Education. Physical Education teachers played a crucial role in demonstrating and explaining the significance of these games in holistic student development. Outdoor games were organised to encourage maximum participation, with proper attention given to students with special needs, ensuring an inclusive environment.

Anticipated outcomes of the sports day include a deeper understanding of traditional games, the cultivation of a strong sporting ethos, experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom, and the integration of core values such as discipline, fitness, teamwork, and unity among students.

In conclusion, Day 3 of Siksha Saptah exemplifies a commitment to holistic education through sports, aligning seamlessly with the comprehensive goals of NEP 2020 to integrate physical fitness with cognitive and emotional growth in students.

At Queen’s Valley School, a thorough session on foundational literacy and numeracy was held on July 23, 2024 (DAY-2 of SHIKSHA SAPTAH). The aim was to give educators the tools they needed to teach fundamental literacy and numeracy, to help students become more proficient readers and mathematicians through engaging and interactive activities, and to involve the parents in the educational process by promoting a collaborative environment that improves learning outcomes. Teachers, students, and parents enthusiastically participated in the event.

Students engaged in a variety of interactive learning activities, such as ‘Reading Is Fun, Jaadui Pitara, Toy Based Learning, Puppet Show’ etc., which were intended to make studying enjoyable. Teachers reported feeling confident in incorporating new play way teaching techniques into their lessons.

Parents, after attending the awareness programme, expressed appreciation for being included in the educational process and their willingness to take part in future projects. The Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Day was a huge success. The affirmative responses and quantifiable enhancements in students’ abilities highlight the significance of these programs in the field of education.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, is celebrating ‘Shiksha Saptah’ from July 22-28, 2024, marking the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Queen’s Valley School enthusiastically participated in this event, reflecting on the transformative reforms introduced by NEP 2020. On 23th July 2024, the school celebrated TLM (Teaching-Learning Material) Day, encouraging teachers and students to showcase self-created TLM and integrate them into the teaching-learning process.

The activities spanned all classes, from preparatory to secondary levels. The event featured a diverse range of educational tools: posters with slogans like ‘Save Water’, physical and digital games related to various subjects, and 3D models of historical monuments, anatomical structures and geometric shapes. Students and teachers also engaged in creating wall charts from newspapers, participating in reading club activities, and designing book jackets.

The exhibition included innovative models like a hula hoop ball to demonstrate uniform circular motion and an optical bench to demonstrate refraction. The concept of sound was explained using musical demonstrations. Students were encouraged to create their literary work in the form of stories and poems to be displayed in the school library. The use of local materials in toy-making, puzzle and story cards further enriched the learning experience, making Day-1 a memorable and educational event.

Under the CBSE's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme, Queen's Valley School conducted the activity Mera Andaman Nicobar aur Lakshadweep, Meri Delhi in July 2024 wherein students in classes III to X created scrapbooks and brochures in both Hindi and English.

Students’ work highlighted the cultural aspects of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, spanning important facts, historical landmarks, indigenous games, heritage, traditional attire, cuisines, languages, and flora and fauna. Through creative efforts, students celebrated India’s rich diversity and deepened their understanding of cultural unity.

These projects were presented and displayed at school, fostering confidence and skills at communication, research and teamwork. The bilingual approach ensured inclusivity and enhanced linguistic abilities. The initiative fulfilled the EBSB mission of celebrating India’s unity in diversity and strengthening traditional bonds across cultures.

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